UK’s leading safety company will showcase responsible ranges and joined-up safety solutions at the NEC in Birmingham. Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, will be exhibiting at this year’s Health & Safety Event, scheduled to take place from the 30th April to 2nd May at the National Exhibition Centre in
The new safety regime introduced by the Building Safety Act 2022 came into force on 1 October 2023 putting residents at the heart of a new system of building safety. It makes all players in the construction industry more accountable for keeping buildings, and their occupants, safe. A leading architect
ISO Chemie’s thermal insulating and load bearing bracket support system and sealing tapes have been specified for a new development project at Leicester Cathedral. The move sees WINFRAMER type 1 units, BLOCO ONE foam sealant tapes and VARIO SD window connection foils installed to support and insulate large Internorm HF410
Troy is delighted to announce the acquisition of Scott Direct Ltd to support its UK growth strategy. Scott Direct is a complete supplier to the industrial & trade markets, offering customers a comprehensive range of quality products including hand and power tools, protective clothing, PPE, safety equipment, hygiene and janitorial
The UK’s leading manufacturer of ladders and access towers, WernerCo, has designed a new BoSSCamlock Advanced Guard Rails (AGR) frame to be used with the brand’s market-leading AGR towers. The AGR frame has been especially designed to give contractors complete ease-of-use. The frame is entirely foldable, meaning it can be
Following the appointment of a new President for Europe, Aggreko has formalised its plans for 2024 and beyond with the launch of Energising Change, its new sustainability framework which places supporting the energy transition front and centre. Robert Wells – former Managing Director of Aggreko’s businesses across Africa, Middle East,
The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has issued a warning to those overseeing personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety product procurement after their latest tests on non-member products highlight the widespread availability of substandard and even dangerous items. Between December 2022 and December 2023, the BSIF examined 123 non-member products,
Aqua Safety Showers is one of the UK’s leading providers of emergency safety showers. Essential for the welfare of operatives working in environments involving chemical hazards, the shower systems depend on their electrical supply for power, control and alarms. Robust junction boxes are vital to ensure long-term system reliability, so
UK’s leading safety services company begins offering new option to its Rooftop Worker Scheme training course approved by the Mast & Tower Safety (MATS) Group and accredited by Energy & Utility Skills Register (EUSR). Arco Professional Safety Services has created an industry approved blended learning option to an existing working
With the opening days of 2024 seeing widespread flooding across Europe in the wake of Storm Henk, temporary power and temperature control solutions provider, Aggreko, is raising awareness within the construction industry of the risks to projects posed by high humidity and advocating a strategic approach to dehumidification. Using
UK’s leading safety company will showcase responsible ranges and joined-up safety solutions at the NEC in Birmingham. Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, will be exhibiting at this year’s Health & Safety Event, scheduled to take place from the 30th April to 2nd May at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. The event takes place during a momentous year for both Arco and the health and safety industry, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) and Arco’s 140th anniversary. Arco’s interactive exhibition can be found in Hall 4, Stand 4/G100 and has been designed to take visitors on a journey through the hierarchy of control, emphasising the importance of a joined-up approach to safety management. With a focus on consultancy, training, expert advice, compliance and sustainability, Arco aims to demonstrate its unparalleled safety expertise. Visitors to the Arco stand can expect immersive experiences, including virtual reality demonstrations where they will be placed in realistic environments, highlighting hazards within working at height and confined spaces. The stand will also showcase Arco’s award-winning Responsible hi-vis and Responsible workwear product ranges, as well as its product-assurance process and independent UKAS-accredited laboratory. Ahead of the event, Arco has been shortlisted in four categories for the 2024 Safety and Health Excellence Awards. Arco is nominated for: BSIF Product Innovation Award Safety Product Category (Non-PPE), Campaign of the Year, Distributor of the Year and Marketing Campaign of the Year, as well as sponsoring and judging this year’s inaugural Sustainable Company of the Year award. The winners will be announced during the award ceremony that will take place on the second night of the three-day Health & Safety Event. Gareth Wray, Marketing Director at Arco, commented: “We are thoroughly excited to be attending The Health & Safety Event during such a special year for Arco and the industry. We have gone above and beyond to create a truly engaging experience for visitors, showcasing our expertise not only in sourcing and delivering quality and compliant products, but in driving forward sustainable practices and offering joined-up safety solutions. “We look forward to interacting with the many attendees and sharing our expertise to drive positive change in safety practices.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The new safety regime introduced by the Building Safety Act 2022 came into force on 1 October 2023 putting residents at the heart of a new system of building safety. It makes all players in the construction industry more accountable for keeping buildings, and their occupants, safe. A leading architect and safety manufacturer each offer their thoughts on the implications of this new act will be for architects. Paul Bussey, Architect, RIBA, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris “The Building Safety Act is a whole new world for architects. As the principal designer it significantly increases our responsibilities, designating us as a ‘guiding hand’ for health and safety issues. “Some people think that the Act only applies to higher risk buildings and may think that if they don’t do high rise buildings (HRBs) they don’t need to worry about it. However, this is not the case. The act increases architects’ responsibilities for safety in the design and construction of all buildings. So, what does the new regime mean in practice for architects? “Well, it’s our job to eliminate hazards like fire and falls from height so far as is reasonably practical (SFAIRP). We also need to reduce risks from remaining hazards. “This means specifying safety solutions that will keep building contractors, maintenance workers and residents safe as well as be cost-effective and work well visually and structurally. “Clearly, we can’t be accountable for all the details ourselves, so we’re going to need increased support from the experts in our wider team including structural engineers, CDM advisers, building regulation advisers, fire safety experts, façade consultants and maintenance consultants. “We’re also going to need to work with industry more closely than we’ve done in the past. In particular, we’ll be seeking greater levels of transparency from manufacturers about their products so that we can be confident that we’re specifying solutions that are fit for purpose. “But our responsibilities under the Building Safety Act don’t stop there. Once we’ve decided on the solutions that will keep people safe, we then need to demonstrate to the Building Safety Regulator that we’ve complied with their requirements and that the solutions we’ve specified will actually work. This requires us to provide the regulator with a visual document giving calculations, architectural drawings, sections, structural detail and so forth. “For example, if we take a fall protection system, we must be able to demonstrate that the system will do the job it’s supposed to do – keep someone safe in the event that fall restraint is impossible and if they fall off the edge of a roof the entire fall arrest process is acceptable, including rescue. This means we must be totally confident that the system will work and make sure our client, funder and insurer are happy too. “Manufacturers have a key role to play here in providing us with the high-level information we need to be able to get a solution approved fast. We don’t want chapter and verse on everything – we just need to know what’s relevant and current that will help us demonstrate we’re fulfilling our responsibilities under the new Act. “I recognise that this can all sound a bit overwhelming but remember that as an architect you’re only responsible for managing safety risks so far as is reasonably practical. No one expects you to eliminate risks entirely. Basically, the new regime boils down to all the different players in the construction industry taking a more ethical approach and I, for one, welcome this.” Stuart Pierpoint, Specification Sales Manager, MSA Safety “For manufacturers, the Building Safety Act represents a big change in emphasis, ushering in a world where we need to take a scrupulously ethical approach. The consequences for those who behave unethically are pretty stringent – two years in prison and an unlimited fine. “In practice, the new regime means that manufacturers need to be more transparent when it comes to compliance. An example is when fall protection manufacturers offering products that only comply with the 1997 EN standard, rather than the revised 2012 standard, need to make this clear and avoid making misleading claims that their product meets ‘current standards’. “As an industry, we also need to be much clearer about when a product is ‘fit for purpose’ and when it isn’t – and be able to provide evidence to support any ‘fit for purpose’ claims. It is possible that some fall protection systems have not been tested on the same substrate that the architect is intending to use. Again, the load bearing capability differs between different substrates – thinner pliable substrates will have far less capabilities than heavier and denser substrates and both these factors are important considerations when choosing a fall protection system that is ‘fit for purpose’. “As manufacturers, we need to simplify the correct specification of a system. We need to get our manuals and documentation correct – making it clear what a product can and can’t do, what its limitations are and where it’s successful. And we need to make sure that the wording and imagery in these documents are clear for multiple users and in multiple languages. “We also need to ensure that our labelling, serialisation and evidence for any quality claims are all correct, that we follow quality management processes to the letter, do enough batch conformance testing to know that our products are being manufactured correctly, and carry out the correct audit trail with our manufacturing. “Manufacturers also need to work in close partnership with both installers and architects. When we’ve worked with an architect to help them select a ‘fit for purpose’ fall protection solution, it’s important that their specification for the roofing type is maintained so that our recommendation for the safest system is accurate. “In short, there’s a lot that manufacturers can do to support architects and help achieve the new Act’s vision. Here at MSA Safety, we’re keen to play our part and help make buildings safer for everyone.” Ultimately, the new Building Safety Act is a positive step forward
ISO Chemie’s thermal insulating and load bearing bracket support system and sealing tapes have been specified for a new development project at Leicester Cathedral. The move sees WINFRAMER type 1 units, BLOCO ONE foam sealant tapes and VARIO SD window connection foils installed to support and insulate large Internorm HF410 triple glazed composite windows being fitted in the cathedral’s eye-catching new heritage and learning centre. Set to open in late summer 2024, the extension will provide an exhibition gallery with immersive interpretation, a flexible learning space for school children and community groups, and washrooms. It’s also part of the cathedral’s ambition to carry out a wide-ranging £11 million revamp of the Grade II listed historic building and improve facilities for the increasing number of visitors drawn to the tomb of Richard III. Passivhaus certified and fire rated to up to 30 minutes, WINFRAMER is a prefabricated installation frame, manufactured to accommodate cavities up to 250mm that allows windows to be supported independently from the face of the wall regardless of any external cladding being in place. Quick and easy to install, the product’s application at Leicester Cathedral has been integrated alongside ISO BLOCO One sealing tapes to achieve Passivhaus certified window perimeter sealing performance. The flexible humidity variable sealing foil ISO-CONNECT VARIO SD tape has also been chosen to deliver greater internal air tightness around wall, floor and ceiling joints. Andy Swift, country director at ISO-Chemie, said: “Designers and developers of buildings like the cathedral extension want new ways to deliver low carbon structures, which use sustainable technologies. Our products support this, delivering measurable airtight, acoustic and thermal sealing properties.” Up to 70% cost savings can be achieved using ISO-CHEMIE’s tapes, which enable installers to seal windows from inside the building and avoid the need to use time consuming and costly scaffolding and ladders among other external access systems. The tapes offer a single product ‘fit and forget’ solution for fast and effective sealing based around the European RAL principles of three level sealing – the inside seal area is more airtight than the external one, allowing any trapped moisture inside the joint, or within the wall, to escape outwards rather than into the building. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Troy is delighted to announce the acquisition of Scott Direct Ltd to support its UK growth strategy. Scott Direct is a complete supplier to the industrial & trade markets, offering customers a comprehensive range of quality products including hand and power tools, protective clothing, PPE, safety equipment, hygiene and janitorial supplies, workwear, corporate branded garments, MRO & engineering consumables. Troy, the largest independent network for industrial and engineering supplies in the UK, is headed up by Paul Kilbride, CEO. Paul commented; “ Scott Direct has been a Troy member for many years and there has been a close connection to the family throughout that time. With shared core values, Scott Direct is a great fit for the Troy Invested-in member Group. Troy is a family business that supports family businesses and our vertical integration strategy is just one of the avenues offered as part of the Group to ensure that we support our independent membership and keep the independent marketplace strong. We know how much independent businesses are valued in their communities and by the businesses that trade with them, and our aim Is to help those businesses to grow with investment, without losing the knowledge, passion and levels of customer service that only an independent business can provide.” Chris Taylor, CFO of Troy said, “Scotland is an important region for us and the acquisition of Scott Direct strengthens our position as a supplier to the industrial and trade markets. Scott Direct have built a leading business and the acquisition is a natural fit with the Troy group – providing complementary product portfolios and markets along with an excellent team.” The Troy Group has invested in 18 businesses throughout the UK over the last 5 years, serving a wide and diverse customer base across many sectors, providing broad-line industrial consumables and PPE, Precision Cutting Tools and state of the art VMI and supply chain management solutions. It received a £15.5 million investment from BGF in 2023 to support its ambitious growth plans. Norman Scott, shareholder for Scott Direct said, “I am delighted we have concluded the sale of Scott Direct to the Troy Group. This deal will drive further growth for Scott Direct and build on the successes achieved by our experienced team who all stay in position to take the business forward. I wish them every future success.” Rob Sayles, Managing Director of Scott Direct said, “Joining forces with the Troy Group will allow Scott Direct to continue building on our past success and provide a strong foundation to fuel our future ambitions for the business.” Financial advisors to this deal were Dains (Rob Wilson, Trystan Shaw) with legal advice from Gateley Legal (Mark Rutherford, Sophie Cahalin, Anna Mayfield, Alicia Bradburn), Shawbrook Bank (Andy Sutton, Steve Armstrong), Freeths (James Dyson), Gunnercooke (Rob Fawkes), Gillespie Macandrew (Kenneth Irons, Arlene Taylor) and BTO (Emma Barclay). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s leading manufacturer of ladders and access towers, WernerCo, has designed a new BoSSCamlock Advanced Guard Rails (AGR) frame to be used with the brand’s market-leading AGR towers. The AGR frame has been especially designed to give contractors complete ease-of-use. The frame is entirely foldable, meaning it can be easily stored and transported, affording users ultimate convenience, and taking up minimum space when in storage or transit. Manufactured in premium quality aluminium, the AGR frame delivers users complete peace of mind as a durable, hard-wearing solution suitable for use in a variety of applications. Carolina Marino, UK Product Manager for BoSS, said: “Launching a new AGR frame is an important step forward for BoSSand further bolsters the enviable safety credentials of our complete working at height offering. “Indeed, safety is always the top priority when working from height and our AGR towers, certified to EN 1004: 2020, are built with safety at the fore. “Ease of use is also a must for professional users that are using AGRs from day-to-day, that’s why we are happy to announce that this newly designed frame offers easier transportation and storage between jobs than ever before.” The new AGR frame is compatible with the BoSS Ladderspan, the market-leading tower system for professional users, featuring integral ladders which provide safe access when climbing and descending. The AGR frames have also been updated to the BoSS Staircase and BoSS Clima range of towers and are fully certified to the latest EN 1004:2020 safety standard for Towers. To find out more about WernerCo and its comprehensive range of BoSS access towers, visit www.bossaccesstowers.com/uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following the appointment of a new President for Europe, Aggreko has formalised its plans for 2024 and beyond with the launch of Energising Change, its new sustainability framework which places supporting the energy transition front and centre. Robert Wells – former Managing Director of Aggreko’s businesses across Africa, Middle East, & Asia Pacific and head of global events– has been appointed by the business as European President as well as retaining responsibility for Global Events. With a focus on enabling European customers to access new, greener technologies to support with their decarbonisation process, Wells is set to embed the Energising Change framework in the region. Energising Change shapes how Aggreko works both internally and alongside its diverse portfolio of customers across the world. It allows Aggreko and the companies it works with – from a wide range of sectors with varying requirements – to embed low-carbon power and temperature control technologies and more efficient ways of working. The framework forms a core part of the business’s proposition in a time when clearer action is needed to balance energy resilience, economic viability and action on climate. Central to the framework is a series of major investments that give industry more immediate access to cleaner and greener energy sources, such as the expansion of its fleet of small, mid and large-size battery energy storage solutions (BESS). BESS, giving energy intensive sectors such as manufacturing, data centres and construction the opportunity to integrate cleaner power sources on site, in addition to providing vital resilience, an area that is increasing in importance for companies across Europe. They will also play a key role in decarbonising the European construction sector, which is typically reliant on diesel power, though hybridised applications. The latest investment is part of the over $140m earmarked in 2023 and 2024 to expand Aggreko’s Greener Upgrades™ fleet, which included new boilers, Stage V generation, batteries and chillers. Aggreko will use these investments to support the decarbonisation of many of its key sectors such as manufacturing, PCR. Events, construction and data centres. The approach is already being evidenced in projects across the continent including a refinery in Romania where using a Greener Upgrade solution has already reduced carbon emissions, waste and operating costs by a substantial amount. The hybrid solution of solar photovoltaic and combined heat and power recovers waste heat from exhaust gases and uses a gas byproduct from the company’s process and produces electricity for the grid and onsite operations. Energy resilience is another core driver of Energising Change, reflecting a world where high energy costs and grid limitations continue present a challenge to economic development. Supporting energy intensive sectors such as manufacturing, construction and data centres, the company is set to continue work with customers to introduce solutions which improve onsite resilience in addition to reducing environmental impact as they transition to a renewable energy model. Energising Change builds on Aggreko’s reputation as a provider of bridging energy solutions. The new framework commits to supporting the move to renewables by using temporary solutions to support the construction and commissioning of tomorrows energy systems. Working with key construction customers, Aggreko has been able to trial the use of BESS in conjunction with alternative fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to see emissions and fuel consumption reductions of 45%. Commitment to being energy efficiency also forms part of the framework, with the company expanding its approach to digitalisation via remote monitoring and data analysis services. This will ensure equipment is running optimally, no matter where it’s deployed. Robert Wells, Europe President at Aggreko, added: “Energising Change explains our vision, purpose and objectives. It sets targets and creates action for our business and signals to customers we are committed to positive change that’s delivered pragmatically. As the focus on building resilience and making the renewable energy transition intensifies, Aggreko is committed to continuing its support of customers across Europe.” For more information on Energising Change, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has issued a warning to those overseeing personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety product procurement after their latest tests on non-member products highlight the widespread availability of substandard and even dangerous items. Between December 2022 and December 2023, the BSIF examined 123 non-member products, assessing advertised performance, marking adequacy and compliance with standards. Shockingly, only 21% – 26 products – proved fully compliant, leaving a staggering 79%—97 products—falling short of testing criteria. Worryingly, many of these substandard products are still available and in use, posing serious risks to unsuspecting users. Examples of non-member product failures Some examples of products from non-BSIF-registered members that failed testing include a Flame Retardant Parka, bought from an online retailer. During flame spread testing, the outer layer burnt through, exposing the inner layer, which then caught fire, resulting in the entire coat being consumed by flames. The garment also lacked correct documentation and markings in line with PPE Regulation requirements. A pair of safety boots from the same retailer failed toe cap compressions tests. They were also over ten years old and supplied with outdated certification, didn’t have the correct documentation and were not correctly marked. Elsewhere, a pair of safety spectacles, acquired from a high street retailer failed an impact resistance test, with lenses cracking/breaking when struck by a projectile. The spectacles also lacked markings and the required documentation. Despite promises to remove the product from sale, it was still available over two months later. Three pairs of protective gloves from a high street retailer failed testing against abrasion, returning just half the claimed performance level. They were also incorrectly marked and missing the required documentation. When contacted by the BSIF, the retailer said they would take action but the products were still on sale four months later. Meanwhile, a Respiratory Protective Mask (FFP3) purchased from a PPE distributor performed at only half the required level during filter penetration tests against contaminants and had missing documentation. When contacted, the distributor didn’t act to remove the product from sale or initiate a recall. BSIF member test results The non-member test result findings sharply contrast the results of tests conducted on products supplied by BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers, who are committed to only selling certified PPE and trading honestly and ethically. Of the 348 tests completed on products from Registered Safety Suppliers between December 2022 and December 2023, 91% – 315 products – passed immediately. Even for the 9% – 33 products – initially falling short, all issues were promptly addressed and rectified. Check for the BSIF Shield For buyers and end users seeking assurance, the BSIF Shield is a respected mark of credibility. Companies displaying this shield have pledged a binding declaration that their offered PPE and safety equipment meets the correct standards, fully complies with regulations, and bears the necessary UKCA and/or CE markings. Choosing a Registered Safety Supplier ensures not only genuine products fit for purpose but also authentic information and guidance. Commenting on the latest statistics, BSIF CEO Alan Murray says: “Our latest test results show that you don’t have to look very far to find examples of inadequate and substandard PPE and safety equipment for sale in the UK. Shockingly, many unsuspecting users are relying on these compromised products for their safety. “Buyers and specifiers must urgently review their procurement processes and consider what assurances they have that the PPE and safety equipment they are being supplied with is fit for purpose. “Checking for the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier shield is the easiest way to ensure you only deal with compliant, competent and trustworthy suppliers. Remember, anyone can sell safety, but you shouldn’t buy safety from just anyone; always check for the shield.” For a full list of Registered Safety Suppliers, visit: www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aqua Safety Showers is one of the UK’s leading providers of emergency safety showers. Essential for the welfare of operatives working in environments involving chemical hazards, the shower systems depend on their electrical supply for power, control and alarms. Robust junction boxes are vital to ensure long-term system reliability, so the manufacturer has partnered with Spelsberg for the durability they need. To deliver customer demand with a fast build, the enclosures must also be quick to wire up and install. In environments where hazardous substances are in use, human safety is imperative. This means that for locations such as wastewater treatment plants and industrial production facilities, where operatives often work in close proximity to potentially harmful chemicals, close availability of an emergency safety shower is a critical requirement. Aqua Safety Showers, based in Wigan, supplies emergency safety showers to contractors across the UK. These installers fit and support Aqua Safety Showers’ range of plumbed-in, mains-fed showers and eye-wash systems, predominantly to industrial facilities, but wherever personnel might come into contact with potentially harmful chemicals. Reachable in 10 seconds Today in the UK, stringent health & safety regulations covering the potential of chemicals coming into eye contact mean that many environments require a system with a plumbed-in eye wash. Should the system be needed, a continual water source enables constant irrigation of the eye. Alternatively, if chemicals come into contact with the skin, the Health & Safety Executive’s Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations might require a 15-minute shower wash-off. The close proximity of eye washes and showers to the hazard are necessary too, and the recommendation is that these systems should be reachable within 10 seconds. Aqua Safety Showers supplies around 200 units a year, each one built to order, and the company also features on the framework supplier list of national water authorities and various blue-chip industrial corporations. All the company’s emergency safety showers are manufactured to ANSI or BS standards. With a highly robust, long-lasting construction, Aqua Safety Showers only manufactures with stainless steel and glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) materials, which also ensures that their showers resist corrosion. For safety, to ensure constant availability, all tank fed safety showers are provided with a power failure alarm to enable rapid inspection. Aqua Safety Showers also includes features such as digital water temperature displays as standard, along with photo luminous shower signage for clear viewing in darker environments. Durable enclosures with high IP rating In addition to a power connection, each emergency safety shower needs electrical inputs for system telemetry and alarms. Aqua Safety Showers has partnered with Spelsberg UK for the supply of junction boxes that protect these terminal connections. As per installation guidance, junction boxes should be positioned in as safe and sheltered a location as possible. Even though the enclosure is fitted to the rear of the shower unit, out of the direct water flow, these protective boxes feature an IP66 rating, necessary to prevent any water ingress. As the showers are always installed in rugged, industrial environments, the enclosures also need to afford strong protection for their electrical connections. Spelsberg’s enclosures feature high impact resistance as a result of their robust polycarbonate construction. As Aqua Safety Systems supplies its range pre-wired, ready for installation by the contractor, ease of using the enclosures is crucial to minimise resources and complexity in build. “Spelsberg makes the junction boxes with all the terminals and dividers set up, ready for us to come in with our wiring,” explains Janet Waine, Managing Director, Aqua Safety Showers. “They’re very easy to use. Thanks to Spelsberg’s integrated knock-outs, we establish the cable entry points, dependent on the configuration the customer needs, and then we seal each cable with the special cable glands that maintain the IP rating.” Positive customer service Thanks to Spelsberg UK’s in-house customisation team, the enclosure manufacturer also provides a printing service, applying Aqua Safety System’s logo and contact details to the box. This not only saves time and cost for the shower manufacturer, but it also ensures a long-lasting finish. The company has used Spelsberg enclosures since it began trading in 2016, but Janet explains that she has specified Spelsberg enclosures since she began in the market nearly 30 years ago. “Spelsberg is a really easy and pleasant company to work with. The support is great, and if there’s anything we need to serve our customers, the Spelsberg team are there to support us. There’s always a quick turnaround, and the quality of the enclosures is always really high.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK’s leading safety services company begins offering new option to its Rooftop Worker Scheme training course approved by the Mast & Tower Safety (MATS) Group and accredited by Energy & Utility Skills Register (EUSR). Arco Professional Safety Services has created an industry approved blended learning option to an existing working at height training course. The course aims to provide delegates with the skills and experience required to safely access flat roofs in protected and unprotected areas. The blended option allows delegates of the course to complete the educational section of the course online, previously the entire course had to be completed in-person in a structured one-day session. This blended learning version of the Rooftop Worker Scheme provides a flexible learning approach with bespoke integrated virtual reality exercises. It is also more cost effective than the traditional course at a 20% reduced rate while offering the same quality of learning, experience and certification. As a blended learning course, participants will be required to complete seven online modules and a practical training and assessment session at one of four possible sites. The online portion of the course has training material that can be accessed by delegates as often as required. Once completed, candidates have 90 days to attend a practical assessment at one of Arco’s state of the art Safety Centres in Stafford, Bracknell, Trafford or Linlithgow (Scotland). Topics covered in the Rooftop Worker Scheme syllabus include: • Legislation for working at height• Risk assessment awareness• Rooftop hazards and control measures• PPE – pre use checks and fitting harness, helmet, fall arrest and work positioning lanyards• Safe use of portable ladders• Edge protection• Horizontal and vertical systems (fixed and temporary)• Climbing techniques using harnesses, lanyards, and fixed systems• Awareness of emergency procedures Falls from height continued to be the number one cause of work-related deaths in 2023 according to the latest statistics from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Steve Dawson, Manager – Working at Height Training at Arco Professional Safety Services, said: “When it comes to working from height, regard for safety is paramount. We’re proud to be able to offer this brand-new training course carefully designed with the considerations to keep people safe when working on rooftops. As industry leaders in working at height practices, Arco understands the necessity to provide these learning opportunities with specialist support to ensure the safety of workers where it matters most.” This course is designed for all personnel that are required to access flat roof areas using a variety of access systems and harness-based fall protection equipment during their duties. The Rooftop Worker Scheme certificate will be valid for three years upon completion of the course. To find out more about this course, see upcoming course dates and to enquire about booking, visit: https://www.arcoservices.co.uk/training/course-finder/working-at-height-training/rooftop-safety-training/rooftop-safety-blended-learning Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With the opening days of 2024 seeing widespread flooding across Europe in the wake of Storm Henk, temporary power and temperature control solutions provider, Aggreko, is raising awareness within the construction industry of the risks to projects posed by high humidity and advocating a strategic approach to dehumidification. Using the wrong equipment could lead to potential long-term issues for construction projects, with Aggreko advising that solely relying on heaters to dry sites could cause issues, as flooding continues to worsen across the UK and Europe. Storm Henk continues a long-term trend. According to the Met Office, the period between 1991 to 2020 was an average 1.75% wetter than the period 1981-2010 and 7% wetter than 1961-1990 for the UK overall, which shows that the issue of increased rainfall is only getting worse[1]. The European Union recently published figures showing that over 14,000 areas across its member states are at significant risk of flooding, amid a year that has seen widespread disruption[2]. This inclement weather can cause problems for construction sites, especially with the issue of humidity which can cause irreparable damage to critical assets, particularly when there is excess rainfall. According to moisture control experts at Aggreko, relative humidity on construction sites should be kept within an optimal range of 40-60%. Dehumidification systems help to reduce humidity, meaning that these issues can be eliminated before they cause problems and bring delays. Relying on heating systems, which are less effective at reducing humidity levels, can cause more damage to building materials and structures. This potentially can lead to issues such as increased mould growth, creating a deceptive sense of dryness and increased condensation. Tom Adlington, Building Services & Construction Sector Sales Manager at Aggreko UK & Ireland said: “Flooding, such as that seen over the new year, has the potential to cause time delays and budget problems for a construction site. Which is why it’s imperative the right approach to dehumidification is taken. “Heat alone cannot sufficiently dehumidify a site, which is why we advocate for a combined solution. This incorporates various technologies, including industrial dehumidifiers, to provide heat, air movement and moisture removal. Combining products such as power, dehumidification and heating can help create a complete solution that reduces project costs without compromising on reliability. For more information on effective dehumidification download the Aggreko guide https://www.aggreko.com/en-gb/resources/the-hidden-cost-of-humidity-on-site. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
