The key issues facing the construction industry are usually budget and time constraints. We are increasingly pressured to complete projects within strict programmes whilst sticking to allocated budgets. The rise of power tools has been critical to making construction projects more efficient, quicker and less expensive. In the early ‘80s,
When it comes to doing high-access DIY work, it’s almost instinctive to reach for a ladder. A scaffold tower seems like something you’d see on a construction site or in a warehouse. So, why should you think about swapping tools? Scaffold towers can be extremely useful around the home, saving
The new LS1219 305mm Slide Compound Mitre Saw joins the family of Makita saws that benefit from the new design of the sliding motor head layout allowing it to be operated close to a wall making it ideal for bench mounted applications. The twin slide rails are set at an
War Horse, the war drama film by Steven Spielberg, and hero of Michael Morpurgo’s novel, has taken many Best Picture, golden Globe Awards and BAFTAs. It is the story of Joey, the much loved horse of young Albert Narracott who lived in south west England with his family. Joey was
The work involved in a construction site is extremely challenging and risky as the work demands exposure to various hazardous chemicals, acids, flames, heat, bricks, beams and what not. Hence, protection from these dangers is necessary in order to prevent accidents. Like how the other professions such as Doctor, Nurses,
Makita, the UK’s number one professional power tool manufacturer, has introduced two new 18V LXT 5-piece brushless kits which represent a substantial saving by comparison with individual purchases. The new DLX5042PT kit contains a combi drill, impact driver, angle grinder, rotary hammer and a handy LED flashlight and is packaged
Stax Trade Centres has underlined its position as a leading UK workwear supplier with the introduction of a new mobile showroom which is now making visits to customer premises. Mounted on a road trailer, the new showroom allows Stax to provide workwear displays to individual customers and help them select
This very useful two-piece wood chisel set from Kamasa (part number 56119) is suitable for softwood, plywood and hardwood. Designed for both detailed hand use and hammer impact, the metal striking head is integral with the chisel blade for precise work and long life. There are two chisels in the
While working on a construction site, ensuring the safety of your staff is vital to guarantee that tasks can be done efficiently and safely with as little risk as possible. A thorough health and safety policy can help identify risks, but alongside that, an effective uniform, such as from simonjersey.com,
The key issues facing the construction industry are usually budget and time constraints. We are increasingly pressured to complete projects within strict programmes whilst sticking to allocated budgets. The rise of power tools has been critical to making construction projects more efficient, quicker and less expensive. In the early ‘80s, the first battery powered tools hit the market. They were received with mixed emotions as many didn’t believe they would ever have the power to replicate cordless tools. But in recent years, cordless technology has advanced so far that most of us couldn’t see any other way to complete a job than with our trusted power tool in hand. The Power Of Volts One of the biggest advancements in power tools is the increase in voltage rating. Generally, if the voltage is higher, the tool will have more power to drive bigger bits. But bigger isn’t always better. If you work in small or confined spaces, you may benefit from a smaller voltage which will suit a smaller tool. This will be much easier and more comfortable to work with. Amp-hour Rating Our power tools have also been revolutionised by improved battery capacities. The Amp Hour (AH) specification tells us how much energy can be stored by the battery. Advancements in this technology means our cordless batteries can run for longer than ever before. Lithium-ion Batteries The creation of lithium-ion batteries has revolutionised the construction industry. Many batteries used for cordless power tools and machines are now lithium-ion and we can see why. They’re generally lighter than other types of batteries, making them easier to use. They can also store a much higher density of energy and hold their charge, so last a lot longer than traditional batteries. So, how has the development of power tools improved the construction industry? Shorter Programmes Power tools are much more efficient than traditional manual tools and make jobs much quicker to complete. This has allowed shorter project timescales to become a reality. Advance in Materials The rise of power tools has allowed the construction industry to advance massively. We can now use more ambitious materials and methods than ever before. Power drills allow us to penetrate materials that would be impossible manually. Cost Savings The rise of power tools and machinery has been hugely cost effective to the construction industry. Companies used to spend huge amounts of budget on man hours to get the job done. Now, our technological capabilities mean we can use less man-power and much quicker construction methods which massively reduces costs. There is no doubt that the rise of cordless power tools has revolutionised the construction industry. The power we now hold in our hands has made construction more efficient than ever before.
When it comes to doing high-access DIY work, it’s almost instinctive to reach for a ladder. A scaffold tower seems like something you’d see on a construction site or in a warehouse. So, why should you think about swapping tools? Scaffold towers can be extremely useful around the home, saving time and making things easier – particularly when it comes to larger DIY projects and renovations. Compared to a ladder, scaffold towers are much safer to use over long periods of time and allow you to carry more tools while you work. When is a scaffold tower a better choice? Ladders are good for quick jobs that require a lot of moving around, such as clearing gutters or hanging a few simple decorations. Scaffold towers, on the other hand, offer a stable platform from which more complex jobs can be carried out. If you anticipate working for more than 30 minutes at a time, will need two hands to effectively complete the task or expect to use multiple tools or heavy equipment, a scaffold tower is the safest way to go. Of course, it may be that the work you are doing doesn’t require the use of any high-access equipment. Cleaning windows, for example, can often be done from the inside level or with the use of high-reach poles. Where to get a scaffold tower You’re beginning to think that your safest option is to use a scaffold tower, but you don’t want to invest in a new piece of equipment that you might only use once. What are your options? Fortunately, there are companies that specialise in refurbishing second-hand scaffolding towers, offering you adequate safety without paying a premium price. One thing to be aware of though – don’t try and save money by buying a cheap tower that won’t actually be suitable for the job you’re doing. Look carefully at height, weight and surface recommendations before purchasing. Take a look at this full range of second-hand towers from Precipitous Ltd. Scaffold tower set-up The most important thing when working with a scaffolding tower is ensuring that it has been set up properly for the task at hand. This involves checking the structure is sturdy and reading through the manufacturer’s guide for use. The person responsible for building, dismantling, inspecting and working from a scaffold tower must have the appropriate training, knowledge and experience to do so. They should be familiar with what to look for when checking its stability, and have the necessary competence to understand the basic safety steps of working at height. Carry out a risk assessment Before conducting any work at height, it’s important to carry out a risk assessment to identify potential issues and the safest way of working. Although a scaffold tower is one of the more secure ways to work at height, working off the ground always carries risks. Could the work be carried out from ground level? Will people beneath your working area be safe? What is most likely to affect you while you work? This document comprehensively covers all the aspects you might not immediately consider. Safety tips for scaffold towers Here are some of the key things you must do while setting up or working from a scaffold tower: Always work from the appropriate instruction manual Carefully follow the manufacturer’s guide to setting it up Never place a tower on top of other structures or objects for additional height Ensure the scaffold tower guard rail is properly installed and secure – do not work without fall protection Avoid standing on a platform while erecting or dismantling the tower without proper protection When is a ladder the better choice? If your task isn’t going to take very long, or will require a lot of repositioning, a ladder will be much more efficient so long as it’s being used safely. Just like a scaffold tower, make sure that you’re using the right tool for the job – a roof ladder for doing roof work, for example. The fact that a ladder is more portable, lightweight and easy to store are certainly advantages, but try to use each tool for the right reasons – not just because one is less hassle.
The new LS1219 305mm Slide Compound Mitre Saw joins the family of Makita saws that benefit from the new design of the sliding motor head layout allowing it to be operated close to a wall making it ideal for bench mounted applications. The twin slide rails are set at an angle in the rigid aluminium alloy chassis frame, while the rear chassis fixing is positioned right at the rear of the saw assembly. The robust rails allow the saw head to move forward to cover the total sawing zone without the wasted movement of the motor head passing back behind the sawing zone. The new LS1219 mitre saw has a no load speed of 3,200rpm and features a bigger mitre and bevel range than its predecessor the LS1216. This new mitre saw has class leading mitre and bevel capacities – 60° L to 60° R mitre, and 48° L to 48° R bevel. A front knob enables easy bevel adjustment with easy-to-operate mitre angle lock and one-touch sliding head lock. The LS1219 benefits from DXT – Deep and Exact Cutting Technology – and the 12” blade has an impressive 72 tooth count which has been developed to dampen vibration and be super quiet to enhance the work environment. This also improves both durability and reliability of the saw blade and equipment. A lower vibrating blade produces greater cut accuracy, and also reduces wobble, giving a beautifully cut surface. The robust aluminium alloy main bed is fully machined for accuracy giving a large turning base. The rear fence has adjustable material locks and side holders to support a wide workpiece. The new LS1219 can also be connected to a dust extractor for operator safety. The electronic controls feature soft start for machine and operator safety; constant speed control; electric brake; double insulation and a laser marker system on the LS1219L model. 110v and 240v versions of this new mitre saw are available. For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com. Follow us on Twitter @MakitaUK, Facebook.com/makitauk and google.com/+makitauk. About the LS1219 305mm Slide Compound Mitre Saw Maximum 3,200rpm Maximum mitre range 60° to 60° left/right; bevel range 48° to 48° left/right Sliding arm can be operated close to a wall Laser marker version also available
War Horse, the war drama film by Steven Spielberg, and hero of Michael Morpurgo’s novel, has taken many Best Picture, golden Globe Awards and BAFTAs. It is the story of Joey, the much loved horse of young Albert Narracott who lived in south west England with his family. Joey was one of the millions of horses, mules and donkeys who served their time in World War 1. They were used for transport, communication and companionship, carrying water, food, ammunition and medical supplies to men at the front while some 200,000 pigeons carried essential messages. Of our soldiers, 886,000 men died representing 2% of the country’s entire population. Ian Murray, the renowned chainsaw sculptor, has carved many and varied subjects from timber mostly as commissioned works from individuals and organisation keen to have his breath taking works of art. As 2018 marks the 100th Centennial of the end of World War 1, and to commemorate this special occasion, Ian has been tasked to carve a life size Joey, standing at 7’3”, from solid oak, in just 70 amazing hours. Chainsaws and other high performance tools, accessories and PPE have been supplied by Makita UK, the UK’s number 1 professional power tool manufacturer, via regional distributor Morris Garden Machinery, Rhuddlan. Richard Kendrick, Royal British Legion organiser in Rhyl, N Wales, who is responsible for the Poppy Appeal, is aiming to raise £3,500 to pay for the creation of Joey. He is working with local schools and colleges to help raise these funds. “When Ian has finished creating War Horse, we plan to visit local schools and educate our children about World War 1,” says Richard. “Together we want to tell children about the war and what happened – to understand the hardships our soldiers and our horses endured.” Adds Ian Murray: “We’re hoping the children will enjoy this real-life lesson as they will be able to connect with War Horse, to see him and touch him, and we hope they will appreciate how much our servicemen and women did for us over 100 years ago.” There is also hope that local MP Chris Ruane may be successful in arranging for War Horse to visit the Palace of Westminster, the iconic home of UK parliament, and that other children around the UK will see and request a visit to their own school and to learn of our gallant forces and what they contributed to the country. Makita UK has supported the project in supplying chainsaws to Ian Murray, a keen Makita fan, for the creation of War Horse including three chainsaws, one with Easy Start and another featuring the market leading Vibration Dampening technology; a cordless LXT blower; 18v cordless grinder, file sander and die grinder, as well as accessories and PPE. “This carving of War Horse has been a bit daunting,” reports Ian, “and I had to make this creation in two bursts due to essential overseas travel in the middle of the project. But this allowed the timber time to stabilise and take on a new position while it dries out naturally adding greater dynamics to the wonderful Joey. I’m very pleased with this creation.” Jonathon Morris of Morris Garden Machinery has encouraged Ian Murray over recent years. “His sculptures show exceptional talent and we are delighted that he uses Makita saws. We are a Makita approved PDI dealer and sales have expanded tremendously in recent years. The products are excellent and, above all, reliable,” reports Mr Morris. For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com. Follow us on Twitter @MakitaUK, Facebook.com/makitauk and google.com/+makitauk
The work involved in a construction site is extremely challenging and risky as the work demands exposure to various hazardous chemicals, acids, flames, heat, bricks, beams and what not. Hence, protection from these dangers is necessary in order to prevent accidents. Like how the other professions such as Doctor, Nurses, Teachers have a prescribed dress code similarly, the workers working in a construction site should also follow their dress code in order to safeguard themselves from the dangerous chemicals and equipment. How Clothing Plays a Crucial Role in Construction Sites? The construction workers working in the construction sites wear overalls to protect themselves from the various perilous elements as mentioned above. Overalls safeguard the players from hazards such as fire or flames. The overalls are made up of flame resistant fabrics which protect the players from hot liquid spills. Safety is indeed the highest priority in the construction sites because the workers engage in risky and unsafe activities and use tools like pliers, screwdrivers, spanners for their operation. Overalls also have pockets where the workers can place their tools in it. The use of eyeglasses and masks are some of the requisites for protection and safety. Other Factors that Contribute to Working in a Construction Site Comfort is also one of the factors to be taken into consideration for the workers working in the construction sites. Keeping comfort the priority, the overalls provide the workers with many safety pockets and belts which allows the workers to work peacefully and calmly. Also, the overalls made up of Karam which keeps the workers cool and comfortable when they work in heated environments. To be Seen As the construction site workers work in challenging and risky locations, it is of utmost importance that they are seen by others in the site in case of an emergency. Hence, the overalls are designed with 500 CD/Lux reflective tape which reflects any light that shines on them making them visible at all angles even when there is poor lighting around. Different Roles Involve Different Clothing It is the work environment which determines the outfit of the workers. The most extreme environments include the nuclear power plants and research laboratories. The workers working in a nuclear power plant have to be watchful in order to protect themselves from the various dangers around as it involves high risk. The employers must make sure that the workers have the right kind of overalls suiting to their role and also ensure that they wear it every day while they are at work to prevent accidents. The construction sites should also offer counselling sessions and provide the workers with the dos and don’ts to be followed while working in a construction site. Counselling despite being industry differences works really. To quote as an example how good it works, one of the recent reports reveal as to how one of the leading online casinos in Australia named Extra Vegas proved that counselling sessions can help in preventing compulsive gambling. The casino offers its players free instant advice and tips on controlled gambling. Hence, counselling plays a key role in determining the safety of the workers in an organisation. Spreading awareness about safety and security is highly essential for the well being of both the company as well as the workers. Happy working!
Makita, the UK’s number one professional power tool manufacturer, has introduced two new 18V LXT 5-piece brushless kits which represent a substantial saving by comparison with individual purchases. The new DLX5042PT kit contains a combi drill, impact driver, angle grinder, rotary hammer and a handy LED flashlight and is packaged as the 5-piece construction kit. The Makita DHP484 combi drill will run up to 2,000rpm in high mode, 500rpm in low mode, with an impact performance of 30,000ipm in high and 7,500ipm in low modes, with a maximum torque of 54Nm with 21 settings and drill mode. This combi drill will punch a 13mm hole in masonry, and with all-metal gear box and aluminium gear housing is ideal for rugged site operations. The compact DTD153 single-speed impact driver produces 170 Nm of torque, 3,600ipm, with a no load speed up to 3,400 rpm. This model has a ¼” hex; one-touch chuck, an electric brake, variable speed control trigger, and as with all power tools in this kit, the DTD153 features a brushless motor for longer runtime, less friction and more torque. Also contained in this comprehensive kit is the DGA456 115mm angle grinder which will run up to 8,500 rpm with a maximum 6mm wheel thickness. It features Automatic Speed Control which changes the cutting speed according to the load condition. The powerful DHR242 SDS+ rotary hammer will punch a 24mm hole into concrete, 13mm in steel and 27mm in wood. It will run up to 950rpm and generates up to 4,700 blows per minute with 2.0 Joules of impact energy. The second kit is the DLX5043PT more suited to woodworking applications. This kit features the combi drill, impact driver and flashlight contained in the DLX5042PT kit together with a circular saw and jigsaw. The Makita DHS680 cordless circular saw produces 680 watts of motor power that will run the 165mm blade up to 5,000rpm without load and also features Automatic Speed Control. Maximum cutting depth at 0° is 57mm; 41mm at 45° and 37mm at 50°. A large lock-off lever fixes the cutting angle. In operation a blower function blows sawdust off the cutting line for a clear view of the blade path, and Makita recommends that a rear dust port should be connected to use a dust extraction system. The DJV182 jigsaw will run from 800 up to 3,500 strokes per minute with a 26mm stroke length giving a maximum cut in wood of 135mm, 10mm in steel and 20mm in aluminium. The rigid aluminium base bevels 0-45°, both left and right. For safety, after the trigger is released, the machine will lock automatically if the lock-on button is not pressed within 10 seconds. Both new Makita kits provide a financial saving over buying the products individually and are supplied complete with three 18V 5.0Ah Lithium-ion batteries and a twin-port fast charger. The tools are packaged in a rugged, flexible tool bag that has a shoulder strap, handgrip and very useful trolley wheels and an extendable handle for ease of transport of your tools whilst keeping them safe. For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com. Follow us on Twitter @MakitaUK, Facebook.com/makitauk and google.com/+makitauk
Stax Trade Centres has underlined its position as a leading UK workwear supplier with the introduction of a new mobile showroom which is now making visits to customer premises. Mounted on a road trailer, the new showroom allows Stax to provide workwear displays to individual customers and help them select from the large number of workwear garments which the company can provide. “The mobile showroom is a great resource for us to have at our disposal, and it reflects the breadth of our workwear offering,” explains clothing product manager Jason Ellis. “We are now using it to take Stax out to customers, saving them the inconvenience of having to leave their office or contact us to request samples. We can take a bespoke workwear display to the customer and introduce them and their staff to the many options which are available. “The trailer represents another important element of the service that we offer to our workwear customers,” adds Jason. “We use it to show how we can provide whatever type of garments and workwear are required, and to demonstrate our abilities to customise garments in terms of corporate colours and logos. Customers can also see the quality of our workwear for themselves, and that never fails to impress. The trailer increases the level of contact we have with customers and it also provides a valuable source of feedback from the people who actually wear our garments.” The Stax Trade Centre in Glasgow houses the company’s own dedicated workwear showroom and production facility. “This allows us to handle various operations such as embroidery and heat-sealing on-site. It means we can fulfil large-scale orders which require bespoke garments and still meet tight customer deadlines,” concludes Jason. The Stax branch currently provides workwear services to a wide range of businesses, ranging from small independent traders through to local councils, and major commercial organisations. Over the past 4.5 years the business has supplied 1.5m pieces of workwear including boots, gloves, knee pads, masks, eye and ear protection, polo shirts, coveralls, helmets, wellington boots and aprons. For more information or to arrange a visit, go to www.staxworkwear.co.uk
This very useful two-piece wood chisel set from Kamasa (part number 56119) is suitable for softwood, plywood and hardwood. Designed for both detailed hand use and hammer impact, the metal striking head is integral with the chisel blade for precise work and long life. There are two chisels in the set, 15 and 25mm wide, both with finely ground blades. The chisels have soft grip thermoplastic rubber handles and the shafts and bits are manufactured from strong chrome vanadium steel, hardened and tempered to HRC 56-62. Beautifully balanced, you’ll find them a pleasure to use. This chisel set is available now from your Kamasa stockist, and very good value, typically priced at just £17.52 for the set (price includes VAT). Further details from www.kamasa.co.uk
While working on a construction site, ensuring the safety of your staff is vital to guarantee that tasks can be done efficiently and safely with as little risk as possible. A thorough health and safety policy can help identify risks, but alongside that, an effective uniform, such as from simonjersey.com, can be a great way to keep your staff safe. From reducing risk of injury, to drastically improving visibility, there’s a lot an effective uniform can provide. Reducing injury risk while on-site An effective construction uniform is one of the best ways you can reduce the risk of injury to your staff while on site. A well-organised, well-managed construction site will often be safer, but there are uniform considerations that you’ll always have to make when there are staff on site. For example, hard hats and sturdy, steel-toed boots are essential for any construction worker. Debris is a frequent concern, which means that protecting the head is vital. Steel-toed boots also fulfil the same purpose if a staff member was to drop a heavy piece of equipment on their foot, for example. They also help staff keep their footing on a construction site, which may have a lot of debris and uneven ground depending on what your business is working on. Visibility and warmth are other key concerns while working on a construction site. During a shift, there can be many people moving around a busy area. Additionally, if you’re working on or near a road, then traffic may be another concern to keep in mind. A thick, padded jacket, worn underneath a bright reflective jacket can be a great combination as part of an effective construction uniform. The warmth will help staff perform tasks efficiently, while the added visibility will drastically reduce the risk of on-site accidents as other staff and the public will take more care when around you. Taking care of employees long-term Staff need to feel as though they’re taken care of it they are to feel safe when working on a construction site. By providing tough and versatile uniform pieces, you’re demonstrating to your employees that you’re doing everything you can to reduce or eliminate risk as much as you feasibly can, and keeping an eye out for their health and safety needs. Think also of the long-term effects that construction work may have on staff if proper precautions aren’t taken. For example, being around loud machinery and using loud tools too often without protection can lead to the development of permanent hearing damage. Using powerful tools like electric saws or jackhammers can lead to nerve and joint damage if the proper precautions aren’t taken. In cases such as this, you can provide ear plugs and ear-protecting headgear, which helps to reduce the noise of certain machinery. You can also provide thick protective gloves which will help maintain good blood circulation in cold temperatures, reducing the risk of vibration damage. Overall health and safety provisions Of course, an effective uniform should always be just one part of your business’s health and safety policies and procedures. While effective uniforms are vital for keeping staff safe and protected, reducing risks as much as you possibly can in other ways alongside the provision of protective uniforms and equipment can help guarantee the safety of your staff while on site. Always look for ways that risks can be reduced before you provide protective equipment of uniform pieces. It may be that you still need to provide protective equipment after you’ve taken those measures anyway, but taking both these steps will help to reduce the risk to staff much more than by just providing protective equipment. For example, when using powerful handheld machinery, consider implementing a policy that states staff must alternate who uses the machinery in short bursts, which can help protect hands from long-term damage. Consider implementing a policy that states you will replace or repair every piece of equipment a certain amount of years after initial purchase, which helps to ensure it’s in great shape and as efficient as possible for the tasks you need to do. Combining an effective uniform with thorough health and safety risk assessments and provisions will help ensure that your construction site is as safe as it can possible be for both staff and the general public.