Products & Materials : Tools & Equipment News
MILWAUKEE® Delivers New Generation of Jobsite Speaker with Bluetooth

MILWAUKEE® Delivers New Generation of Jobsite Speaker with Bluetooth®

The M18™ Bluetooth®* Jobsite Speaker delivers full range sound and job site versatility. The 9.5 cm woofer and high frequency tweeter deliver optimised sound for medium sized spaces.  AUDIO LINK allows you to play music through multiple compatible Milwaukee® devices (over 200+) creating a larger sound experience. The Speaker provides

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Trojan brings ‘True Female Fit’ to unisex safety trainers

Trojan brings ‘True Female Fit’ to unisex safety trainers  

Leading workwear and safety footwear brand TROJAN has launched its most inclusive range of safety shoes to date, including unisex work trainers that offer ‘true female fit’.  The new TROJAN footwear range, available exclusively from Arco, has been designed in a modern style, reflecting the growing shift in consumer preferences

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Sunbelt Rentals invests in Trime site X-SOLAR SECURITY towers

Sunbelt Rentals invests in Trime site X-SOLAR SECURITY towers

Sunbelt Rentals, the UK’s largest rental equipment provider, has invested in an additional eleven X-SOLAR SECURITY towers. This latest acquisition will strengthen their existing stock of CCTV and security equipment available for Sunbelt Rentals’ customers to hire. The X-SOLAR SECURITY towers are manufactured and supplied by the lighting tower specialist,

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Snickers Workwear’s Energising New Technical Midlayers

Snickers Workwear’s Energising New Technical Midlayers

Perfect Workwear – for less than perfect days. Snickers Workwear’s new range of lightweight Mid-layers are a Fusion of style and performance – built for active work in the Autumn. Crafted for full flexibility on site and optimal comfort and built for active work, they’re fully flexible and can be

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Hire Association Europe (HAE) could help construction industry recover over £2.7m* in stolen equipment this year with announcement of new crime reporting portal

Hire Association Europe (HAE) could help construction industry recover over £2.7m* in stolen equipment this year with announcement of new crime reporting portal

Hire Association Europe & Event Hire Association (HAE EHA) has announced that it is developing a new Theft & Fraud Reporting Portal as it calls for vigilance ahead of the August Bank Holiday, a time typically rife with criminal activity against the construction sector. The portal could support the recovery

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Chemstore expands lithium-ion battery storage range with launch of safe charging and transport case

Chemstore expands lithium-ion battery storage range with launch of safe charging and transport case

Chemstore, the leading expert in hazardous materials storage and a trusted specialist in lithium-ion battery safety, has introduced the BSK1 – Battery Charging and Transport Case. This innovative solution ensures the safe charging, storage, and transport of lithium-ion batteries. The  BSK-1 fire has been developed to meet the highest safety standards for

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Latest Issue
Issue 327 : Apr 2025

Products & Materials : Tools & Equipment News

MILWAUKEE® Delivers New Generation of Jobsite Speaker with Bluetooth

MILWAUKEE® Delivers New Generation of Jobsite Speaker with Bluetooth®

The M18™ Bluetooth®* Jobsite Speaker delivers full range sound and job site versatility. The 9.5 cm woofer and high frequency tweeter deliver optimised sound for medium sized spaces.  AUDIO LINK allows you to play music through multiple compatible Milwaukee® devices (over 200+) creating a larger sound experience. The Speaker provides up to 18 hours of run time at 100% volume on the M18 B5 battery. The built-in equaliser settings allows the user to customise the bass and treble to their preferred sound. The body of the speaker features utility cart, nail hook and pass through hanging capabilities, integrated within the handle design. This provides job site versatility. The speaker has a durable design and can withstand the most demanding jobsite environments. It can charge up personal devices with USB-C 3.0 A device charging. Power the radio with any M18™ battery. The M18™ Bluetooth® speaker delivers balanced sound that is built for the job site.  MILWAUKEE® is committed to improving productivity by providing performance driven and trade focused solutions so users can perform an entire day’s work on one battery system. The new M18™ Jobsite Speaker is fully compatible with the entire M18™ line, now offering more than 290 power tool solutions. *The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by (TTI corporate name) is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. Specifications M18™ Jobsite Speaker (M18 SPEJSG2-0) Kit Includes: (1) M18™ Jobsite Speaker To find out more about the M18™ Bluetooth® Jobsite Speaker, see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit https://uk.milwaukeetool.uk/. Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Trojan brings ‘True Female Fit’ to unisex safety trainers

Trojan brings ‘True Female Fit’ to unisex safety trainers  

Leading workwear and safety footwear brand TROJAN has launched its most inclusive range of safety shoes to date, including unisex work trainers that offer ‘true female fit’.  The new TROJAN footwear range, available exclusively from Arco, has been designed in a modern style, reflecting the growing shift in consumer preferences from traditional safety boots and shoes to more stylish, casual trainers and hiker boots.  Along with specific men’s and women’s options, the new collection includes unisex trainers that have been moulded on the contours of women’s feet in sizes 3-6, offering a true female fit. This makes it easier for a business to kit out their whole team with the same level of comfort, support and protection.  The range includes five new styles, all made with lightweight materials and offering enhanced comfort and performance features such as improved footbeds.   All five options meet the latest safety footwear standard (EN ISO 20345:2022), providing slip resistance and steel or composite toe protection and midsoles. The non-metallic styles incorporate advanced midsole materials to provide superior protection.  Trojan products are tested in Arco’s own Product Assurance laboratory, the first UK testing lab able to carry out UKAS-accredited testing against impacts, compression, midsole perforation, slip resistance and electrical resistance of safety footwear certified to the revised standard.  To help businesses achieve their sustainability goals, all styles in the new TROJAN footwear range incorporate recycled materials in the linings, laces and footbeds, with 45 per cent Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified uppers.  Becky Casson, buying director at Arco, said “Arco is committed to leading the way in innovative and inclusive workplace solutions. This new Trojan footwear range not only modernises our footwear offerings but also reinforces our dedication to providing more inclusive workwear options.   “We believe that every worker deserves footwear that fits well, looks great, and performs under pressure, and this collection delivers just that.”  The TROJAN range is available exclusively from Arco.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Sunbelt Rentals invests in Trime site X-SOLAR SECURITY towers

Sunbelt Rentals invests in Trime site X-SOLAR SECURITY towers

Sunbelt Rentals, the UK’s largest rental equipment provider, has invested in an additional eleven X-SOLAR SECURITY towers. This latest acquisition will strengthen their existing stock of CCTV and security equipment available for Sunbelt Rentals’ customers to hire. The X-SOLAR SECURITY towers are manufactured and supplied by the lighting tower specialist, Trime. Sustainability is a top priority for Sunbelt Rentals. They remain committed to working alongside their customers to reduce their carbon emissions and achieve their own sustainability goals. This latest product investment is a testament to that commitment, aligned with their sustainability strategy, Our Planet. They initially committed to purchasing twenty-two X-SOLAR SECURITY towers which were immediately livered in the distinctive Sunbelt Rentals green branding and instantly went out on hire, providing increased security at events, site compounds, building sites and more. Commenting on this latest investment, Ross Gibbons, Sunbelt Rentals Business Unit Director – Safety and Communications – commented, “With these X-SOLAR SECURITY CCTV towers, we selected systems at the higher end of the market to ensure they meet our high standards and reflect the quality and longevity of products associated with Sunbelt Rentals. We also took into account that these products have to withstand transportation to the site and harsh weather conditions.” “Trime was already one of our trusted partners, who we have worked with over many years regularly utilising their high-quality tower lights, so we know the company meets our expectations when it comes to quality and service. As part of our purchase process, all products must undergo stringent examination in the form of a structured product review to ensure they meet our high standards. Trime ticked all the boxes regarding quality, quantity, cost and guaranteed delivery window. As the UK’s largest rental company, swift turnarounds from our suppliers are important to us as we have to be able to react quickly to our customers’ needs,” added Ross. The Trime X-SOLAR SECURITY has been designed around the Trime award-winning X-SOLAR lighting towers. The X-SOLAR SECURITY is powered by four solar panels that recharge an internal battery pack which ensures zero emissions and zero noise. The X-SOLAR SECURITY features a 6-metre vertical galvanized manual mast, hydraulically operated for simple rise and fall. The mast is also fitted with a T-Bar head ready to support a choice of security or monitoring equipment. Up to four X-SOLAR SECURITY towers can be fitted onto a single truck. It also has forklift pockets and a central lifting eye to simplify transport and storage. Trime has its’ headquarters in Cassinetta di Lugagnano, near Milan, Italy, and operates two production facilities. One is based in Cassinetta adjacent to their head office, and a further facility is situated near Pavia, just south of Milan. Aside from its security tower range, the company also manufactures a wide range of sustainable lighting towers, water-recycling equipment wash bays and dust suppression products. Trime UK is based in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. Sunbelt Rentals is the UK’s largest equipment rental provider, with 200 depots throughout the UK and Ireland. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Snickers Workwear’s Energising New Technical Midlayers

Snickers Workwear’s Energising New Technical Midlayers

Perfect Workwear – for less than perfect days. Snickers Workwear’s new range of lightweight Mid-layers are a Fusion of style and performance – built for active work in the Autumn. Crafted for full flexibility on site and optimal comfort and built for active work, they’re fully flexible and can be worn as an outer layer when it’s warmer or a mid-layer when it’s a bit cooler. They’re full of handy technical features and innovative fabrics to tame the wind, plus brand new energising colours to brighten your spring-time workday. Choose from new street-smart styles such as the Windblocker Half-zip Hoodie or the Lightweight Flexiwork Mid-layer Jacket – creative workwear solutions designed to make your job easier. Whatever Snickers Workwear Mid-layer you choose, you can be sure that they all have body-mapping designs for a great fit, outstanding functionality and long-lasting comfort – all day, every day. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Hire Association Europe (HAE) could help construction industry recover over £2.7m* in stolen equipment this year with announcement of new crime reporting portal

Hire Association Europe (HAE) could help construction industry recover over £2.7m* in stolen equipment this year with announcement of new crime reporting portal

Hire Association Europe & Event Hire Association (HAE EHA) has announced that it is developing a new Theft & Fraud Reporting Portal as it calls for vigilance ahead of the August Bank Holiday, a time typically rife with criminal activity against the construction sector. The portal could support the recovery of almost £3m worth of equipment within the year*. Working in conjunction with the National Construction & Agricultural Theft Team (NCATT) and The Official Construction and Agricultural Equipment Security & Registration Scheme (CESAR) the new Theft & Fraud Reporting Portal will be ​aimed at​ HAE EHA members. They will be able to effectively share information on incidents with each other and specialist policing teams, enabling HAE EHA members to better safeguard their businesses against the rising threat of crime.   Construction and agricultural machinery theft has increased by 200 per cent since February 20221, with global events, like the war in Ukraine, driving up demand for stolen goods of this type. With Bank Holidays typically rife with crimes of this sort, as businesses close up shop for longer periods, making them prime targets for criminals, the hire industry is disproportionately impacted. At the same time, the equipment hire sector is experiencing a huge spike in fraudulent hires.  The collaborative initiative, which HAE is supporting with a ​significant​ investment over a three-year commitment, is made up of businesses, police and industry bodies, to tackle the growing crime rates against industry. A report, published by NCATT and CESAR, revealed that the total value of tools and equipment recovered from the sector in just the first quarter of this year was almost £700k.   The report also shared that 32 arrests had been made and 127 items recovered in Q1 2024, with some as far afield as Romania and Italy.   It also revealed that Essex was a prime target area for these crimes, with the regional police force being supported by CESAR and NCATT in 12 cases in Q1 2024. This is followed by Kent (eight cases), and Lancashire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and South Yorkshire forces being supported six times each in the same period. Mark Bradshaw, public affairs manager at HAE EHA, said: “The rising crime rates against businesses in the hire sector is very worrying but the progress that the CESAR and NCATT teams have made is truly commendable and we are very proud at HAE to be part of this drive ​to combat crime affecting hire companies​.   “Ensuring that we can gather as much information as possible about these crimes and work collaboratively across industry and the police is key to tackling this wave of organised crime against our hire sector. That’s why we are creating the Theft & Fraud Reporting Portal for our members to ensure that they have a way of getting this information directly to the policing teams that can help, as well as sharing their experience with other members, something which could help someone else to reduce their risk and keep their team and business safe.   “As the August Bank Holiday approaches, this will undoubtedly be an anxious time for those in the hire sector as a long weekend​.​ I urge all these businesses to ensure that security procedures are followed, and that staff are fully briefed on how to make the sites as safe as possible. If incidents do occur, please do report them, both to the police and to us, the information will go directly into supporting the activity of the CESAR and NCATT teams.”  Superintendent Andy Huddleston, head of the NCATT and head of the National Rural Crime Unit, said: “NCATT finished its first year of operation with over £6 million in seizures of stolen machinery from criminals. This is as much an indication of the scale of the threat we face as well as well as a measure of the success of NCATT. The high level of seizures and recoveries has continued throughout 2024 and crucially we are seeing more arrests and, with the support of the CESAR donor board including HAE funding support, the team now have a financial investigation capability.   “The Hire Association Europe’s three-year funding commitment to help fight plant equipment theft and fraud is absolutely crucial to us continuing this work and targeting construction machinery thieves. Having this specialist team of police officers that cover the whole of the country not only identifying stolen equipment but also coordinating forces and pushing legislative changes is making a difference in tackling organised criminal groups that target HAE members. We are a small unit and whilst we can’t support every theft investigation, what we are able to do is make a tangible difference and I thank the industry for its crucial support in helping us do this.”  HAE EHA is a Birmingham-based industry-leading trade association for the plant, tool, equipment and event hire sectors with membership representing businesses from new startups to some of Europe’s largest hire companies. It has over 700 member companies based in the UK, Europe and across other parts of the world. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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One in Three UK Construction Managers Believe Incorrectly Sized Equipment Has Impacted Site Efficiency

One in Three UK Construction Managers Believe Incorrectly Sized Equipment Has Impacted Site Efficiency

More than one in three construction managers in the UK say that incorrectly sized equipment has caused operational inefficiencies on site, potentially disrupting their operations. According to the findings of a new report from Aggreko, ‘A Perfect Storm for European Construction?,’ 37% of UK respondents said that they had experienced issues with sizing equipment  in the past year. Incorrectly sizing equipment can have a negative impact on both the sustainability and efficiency of a construction site as businesses will inevitably waste power and fuel. This can also pose a higher risk of equipment failure, in addition to unnecessary carbon emissions and increased costs. Specifying the correct solution for an application can change this. Getting the size right first time optimises performance over a project’s duration which can be a huge benefit for those who must hit sustainability targets as part of their contract. Tom Adlington, Sector Sales Manager, Building Services & Construction at Aggreko, said: “The strain on construction managers is already exceedingly high, so adding the stress of having inefficient and incorrectly sized equipment is something they could do without. “Using the expertise of their solutions provider to choose the correct equipment for the job is a vital step in achieving efficiency. Correctly sized and specified equipment offers savings on energy and is key to sustainability – making it a true win-win situation for the operator.” Different technologies should also be considered when sizing power equipment effectively. Hybridisation of generators is a prime example of this, where combining battery energy storage systems alongside modular and flexible power allows operation with greater efficiencies, lower noise levels and less emissions. “New technologies are giving stakeholders a real selection of viable solutions for their energy needs,” added Tom. “Combining these solutions in one efficient package can provide savings and give construction managers the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is taken care of.” Despite the right-sizing challenges facing UK construction managers, the situation fairs better in the UK than Europe as a whole, where the Aggreko research found that 50% of 853 construction managers questioned thought incorrectly sized equipment had impacted site efficiency this year. To read the full report from Aggreko, ‘A Perfect Storm for European Construction’ click HERE Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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GAP Hire Solutions earns prestigious global health and safety award from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)

GAP Hire Solutions earns prestigious global health and safety award from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)

GAP Hire Solutions based in Glasgow, has fought off global competition to win a prestigious RoSPA Award, demonstrating its commitment to health and safety excellence. GAP has retained the Gold Award, for the seventh year, in the Health & Safety Performance category and obtained Gold for Fleet Safety, demonstrating its dedication to ensuring its staff get home safely at the end of every working day. The esteemed RoSPA Awards program now celebrates its 68th year as the UK’s largest and most impactful health and safety programme. With almost 2,000 entries annually from over 50 countries, impacting over seven million employees, they offer a platform to spotlight an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in health and safety. Whether entrants seek non-competitive excellence recognition or vie for competitive awards across 32 industry sectors, the RoSPA Awards provide an unparalleled opportunity to stand among leaders shaping safer, healthier workplaces. As of this year, the RoSPA award entry process can be used as reflective practise to contribute to continuing professional development (CPD). Malcolm Campbell, Performance and Improvement Specialist at GAP Hire Solutions commented: “We are thrilled that GAP has once again earned these prestigious RoSPA Gold Awards for 2024. This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards in Health & Safety and Occupational Road Risk. It’s a testament to the dedication of all our operational teams in ensuring safety is at the heart of everything we do.” Julia Small, RoSPA’s Achievements Director, said: “Workplace accidents don’t just pose financial risks and operational disruptions; they significantly impact the quality of life for individuals. This is why acknowledging and rewarding excellent safety performance is vital. “We congratulate GAP Hire Solutions for winning a prestigious RoSPA Award and showing an unwavering commitment to keeping employees, clients and customers safe from accidental harm and injury.” Sponsored by Croner-i, the RoSPA Awards scheme is the longest-running of its kind in the UK, and receives entries from organisations across the globe, making it one of the most sought-after achievement awards for the health and safety industry. Ben Chaplain, Managing Director at Croner-i, said: “We are proud to sponsor the RoSPA Awards for a second year, which emphasises our dedication to prioritising health and safety—an essential foundation for lasting success and wellbeing at work.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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MILWAUKEE® Introduces Two New Batteries to the M18™ FORGE™ Range

MILWAUKEE® Introduces Two New Batteries to the M18™ FORGE™ Range

The new MILWAUKEE® M18™ FORGE™ 8.0 Ah and 12.0 Ah batteries bring more power and high speed cooling in a redesigned resistant housing. The M18™ FORGE™ 12.0 ah Battery Pack delivers 50% more power than the EXISTING M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ 12.0 ah. The M18™ FORGE™ 8.0 Ah Battery Pack delivers M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ 12.0 Ah power while being 20% smaller and 30% lighter. The FORGE™ batteries are MILWAUKEE®’s most powerful and fastest charging batteries. Both batteries deliver high speed cooling whilst charging for less downtime in high demanding applications, 45 minute supercharge to 100%*, and have the longest life vs REDLITHIUM™ batteries. Both the 8.0 Ah and 12.0 Ah battery are COOL-CYCLE™ capable. COOL-CYCLE™ Active Cooling System provides high speed cooling for less downtime. Patented ingress coating provides increased protection to maximise active cooling through an upgraded venting design. The high speed cooling feature works with M18™ Dual Bay Super Charger that has COOL-CYCLE™ capability. This lithium-ion battery has the longest life, the most recharges, and the best performance over the life of the battery. It is also designed with resistant housing for increased protection against exposure to common oils, greases, and solvents. REDLINK™ Intelligence protects the battery from overloads, preventing you from damaging your cordless power tools in heavy duty situations. The M18™ FORGE™ 8.0 Ah and 12.0 Ah battery is fully compatible with 290+ M18™ solutions. *With the M18™ Dual Bay Super Charger Specifications M18™ FORGE™ 8.0 Ah Battery M18 FB8 Kit Includes: (1) M18™ FORGE™ 8.0 Ah Battery M18™ FORGE™ 12.0 Ah Battery M18 FB12 Kit Includes: (1) M18™ FORGE™ 12.0 Ah Battery Perfect Match: M18™ Dual Bay Super Charger (4932492531) To find out more about M18™ FORGE™ Batteries, see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit https://uk.milwaukeetool.eu/. Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Chemstore expands lithium-ion battery storage range with launch of safe charging and transport case

Chemstore expands lithium-ion battery storage range with launch of safe charging and transport case

Chemstore, the leading expert in hazardous materials storage and a trusted specialist in lithium-ion battery safety, has introduced the BSK1 – Battery Charging and Transport Case. This innovative solution ensures the safe charging, storage, and transport of lithium-ion batteries. The  BSK-1 fire has been developed to meet the highest safety standards for lithium-ion battery storage and transport. Its unique cable gland design allows users to safely charge their batteries within the case, ensuring maximum safety and convenience. The case’s lightweight and robust construction, coupled with its easy handling, makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Key features of the BSK-1 fire protection case include: •       Affordablility: BSK-1 is available for less than £500 per unit •       Fire-resistant interior fittings: Derived from cutting-edge fire and explosion protection technologies, including dust-free PyroBubbles cushions. •       Maximum protection: The case maintains an outside temperature below 100 °C, with no emission of flames or splinters in the event of an emergency, providing top-tier protection for people and their surroundings. •       High dielectric safety: Suitable for strong power tools or defective batteries, ensuring versatile use. •       Tested technology: Developed according to the latest hazardous goods technology and successfully tested in real-time fire scenarios. •       Capacity: Accommodates a maximum dangerous goods weight of 8 kg with inner dimensions of 520 x 320 x 245 mm. Rising incidence of lithium-ion battery fires There has been a significant rise in the use of lithium-ion batteries globally, driven by the growing popularity of power tools, electric vehicles, and portable electronics. However, this surge in usage has also led to a concerning rise in lithium-ion battery fires, with UK fire services attending 46% more fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in 2023 than 2022. The impact of lithium-ion battery fires can be devastating; a factory fire in South Korea in June 2024, involving exploding lithium-ion batteries tragically resulted in 22 fatalities and highlights the urgent need for reliable and safe storage solutions . Speak to the experts As the go-to experts for lithium-ion battery storage, Chemstore has become the preferred partner for industry leaders across multiple sectors, including construction, education, logistics and motorsport, where the demand for safe battery storage is paramount. The BSK-1 represents the latest addition to Chemstore’s expanding range of lithium-ion battery storage solutions, which includes safety products at every stage of the process when working with lithium-ion batteries, including: – Mike Brodie, Managing Director of Chemstore, commented on the launch: “The BSK1 – Battery Charging and Transport Case is a simple yet effective solution to the increasingly common problem of safely charging, storing, and transporting lithium-ion batteries. Whether for power tools, ebike/escooter charging or defective batteries, the BSK-1 offers peace of mind that batteries are protected.”  “We are thrilled to expand our lithium-ion battery storage offering, reinforcing our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of our customers and ensure the highest safety standards.” For more information on the BSK-1 fire protection case and other lithium-ion battery storage solutions, visit: www.chemstore.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Staying safe in the sun: Werner issues summer working at height safety guide

Staying safe in the sun: Werner issues summer working at height safety guide

After months of seemingly constant rain, it’s no surprise that contractors nationwide are taking advantage of the warmer weather and longer days to put in overtime on site this summer. But for those working at height, it’s vital that they consider extra precautions and prioritise health and safety as the mercury soars. That’s why Werner, a leading ladder and access solutions provider, has put together a series of safety tips to ensure building professionals don’t end up with a summer to remember for all the wrong reasons. Mark Robson, Product Manager at Werner, explains: “With the warmer weather finally here, there’s never been a better time for tradespeople to familiarise with the behaviours essential for maintaining optimum health and safety when working at height in the sun. “By putting together this guide for tradespeople, we’re hoping to help take advantage of the better weather – without risking their health or livelihood in the process.” Werner’s key considerations include: Creating a solid foundation with equipment: Ensuring ladders have the correct classification is important, as poorly made imports are a leading cause of injuries when working at height. This would be EN131 Professional for trade, heavy duty and industrial usages, purchasing a ladder that is to the EN131 standard means that users can have peace of mind it’s been manufactured and tested to ensure maximum safety. Undertaking risk assessments:  As a manufacturer, Werner is keen to encourage the importance of working at height safely in all conditions and has a wealth of guides on its website to advise users of ladder and access equipment best practices. When it comes to ladders the user must check the following for suitability and damage: Should a user find any signs of wear and tear, loosening, bending or lack of stability they must inform their employer straight away and they should not attempt to use the equipment under any circumstances. Staying safe in the heat: When focusing on getting the job done, it’s all too easy to forget to hydrate, which can cause dehydration and severe heatstroke. Alone, this is a huge risk to health. However, for those working at height a lack of hydration can mean danger is increased, due to the risk of falls if feeling drowsy, dizzy, or weak. Drinking water at regular intervals helps to cool the body’s temperature and replaces the fluid that may be lost through sweating, reducing the risk of heat exhaustion, so it’s important to have fresh water readily available for all working on site. Additionally, it is suggested that all workers to get a CPR certificate to be prepared for possible emergencies during working hours. Wear sunscreen: For those working outside and at height, sunscreen should be worn all year round. Even on cool or overcast days, harmful UV rays still penetrate cloud – and prolonged exposure to them can increase a person’s risk of developing skin cancer. The Health and Safety Executive found that construction workers are among the most ‘at risk’ of developing this form of cancer, so layering up with sunscreen is essential. Wear suitable clothing: Using the PPE required to undertake a specific job is essential, so while it may be hot it is important not to make choices that will put safety at risk. However, there are types of clothing that can be worn to ensure maximum comfort when working at height in the heat. Clothing made from natural fibres, like cotton and linen, are made from compounds that allow the skin to breathe. Darker colours like navy and black absorb more heat. In contrast, whites and beiges deflect the sun’s wavelengths making them the most suitable choice in extreme temperatures.  For broader information on ladder safety, which includes guides on how to choose the correct ladder for the task at hand, how to correctly inspect equipment and for general working from height guidance, visit: https://www.wernerco.com/uk/ladder-safety. For further information about Werner’s range of ladders, access solutions and training visit: www.wernerco.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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