Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd (LMB) has appointed Mike Hampton as Commercial Director to head up their new regional office based in Thorpe Park, Leeds. Mike is a seasoned industry executive who brings 20 years of masonry experience in the north and midlands to the business. Mike comments: “The opportunity to
The new partnership will see Paint360 installed as the sole provider of paint to Amey’s Clean, Rehabilitative, Enabling and Decent (CRED) programme. Paint360 is a social enterprise that turns waste paint back into new paint. Each litre contains a minimum 65% recycled content, while competing on quality and price with
Following the announcement of a £15m capital grant from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the Transforming Foundation Industries Challenge to bring globally leading capacity to the Glass Futures’ Centre of Excellence in St Helens, Glass Futures’ Chief Executive Richard Katz, said: “This £15m funding is an essential catalyst to
The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) has opened registrations for the 44th BALI National Landscape Awards 2020, to be held virtually for the first time on Friday 4th December 2020. Join from 12.30pm for a sponsor’s introduction with the ceremony commencing from 1pm. BALI Chief Executive Wayne Grills commented, “While our
Indeglas, recognised as a leading supplier of interior glass screen solutions, has completed a £1.04m contract for Do & Co, a global gourmet entertainment and airline catering company based at Heathrow’s Segro Park. Fitting out the building to the clients extremely high specifications involved Indeglas designing, supplying, and installing specialist
Toughened glass is a great material to incorporate into your home interior. It provides any living space with the same visual appeal and elegance as standard glass, plus the added safety benefits. In addition to that, it’s incredibly versatile and suits a large range of uses, from home furniture to
These days, the low quality of municipal water supply is no surprise to anyone. Some people complain of debris and dirty water, while others are struggling with water shortages. As a result, most homeowners invest in residential wells. Alongside being an incredible resource, it can supply excellent water with minimal
Innovative demolition specialists AR Demolition have used cutting-edge explosive technology to bring down structures at a Leicestershire quarry, in a UK industry first. Continuing its track record for pioneering new technologies, the company has used military-grade hypersonic “kick and cut” charges to bring down a large screen house at Croft
Carpets are inexpensive yet great decorative pieces in every home. Carpets add texture and color to the space, and even make your rooms bigger and feel more open. You can basically make any room look and feel new by using the right carpet. Your carpets play a vital role in
This past month has seen the launch of a potentially game-changing new app for asbestos contractors: the Asbestos Labour Feedback App (ALFA). Developed over the course of 20 months with feedback from various parties, ALFA is designed to provide ARCA licensed contractors with a measure of operative performance, helping them
Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd (LMB) has appointed Mike Hampton as Commercial Director to head up their new regional office based in Thorpe Park, Leeds. Mike is a seasoned industry executive who brings 20 years of masonry experience in the north and midlands to the business. Mike comments: “The opportunity to join one of the leading masonry companies in the UK was too good an opportunity to miss. There is huge potential in the north as masonry packages grow bigger and bigger and it shows great confidence in the region that LMB wants to become part of the Northern Power House story” LMB Director Dan Clarkson comments: “Mike is a great addition to our team. Many of our clients have been asking us to work in the region for some time but we have been waiting to recruit individuals that share our drive, commitment to quality and customer focus” LMB Managing Director Lee Marley commented “We have worked all over the country on major projects but it has always been an ambition of mine to have a permanent base in the region to create a bridge between our work in Scotland and the South and offer a comprehensive national masonry solution to our customers” LMB’s team includes operational and commercial management and will be focussing on large scale schemes that have become the company’s hallmark in Southern England and Scotland. The company has chosen Leeds as its base in the North of England because of its good transport links and highly skilled labour pool. With offices already in London, Reading and Glasgow, Leeds is the next step in their national expansion plan. Future business plans include working in partnership with local colleges and universities in the North of England to further develop LMB’s apprenticeship and graduate programmes. For more information about Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd, please visit: www.leemarley.com
The new partnership will see Paint360 installed as the sole provider of paint to Amey’s Clean, Rehabilitative, Enabling and Decent (CRED) programme. Paint360 is a social enterprise that turns waste paint back into new paint. Each litre contains a minimum 65% recycled content, while competing on quality and price with premium brands. It collects waste paint from waste management companies, councils and contractors and recycles it. Amey’s CRED programme seeks to give offenders a fresh start after they are released, providing workplace training within its prison facilities management operations. The Paint360 partnership follows a trial at HMP Holm House, where the quality of paint provided by Paint360 was confirmed as matching that of leading industry providers. Amey estimates that the paint provided by Paint360 will help save 26 tonnes of CO2 in the 14 prisons where the CRED programme operates, with further plans to roll this out to 19 prisons maintained by Amey once CRED is active in those. Amey is also providing advice via its Consulting business to help Paint360 expand its operations to support a future pipeline of work which would see Paint360 providing paint materials for use on Amey’s defence, schools, local authority and central government building FM contracts across the UK. Craig McGilvray, managing director of Amey Secure Infrastructure & Utilities, said: “By working with Paint360 across our CRED programme we are helping to tackle economic inequality, including creating new jobs and skills, as well as increasing supply chain resilience and reducing wastage across our contracts. Our ongoing commitment to social enterprise organisations will be integral to the long-term sustainability of our business, and the wider industry, and I encourage our teams to take advantage of these services where possible.” Paint360 managing director Lee Cole said: “Amey has supported Paint360 from the beginning and was one of our first customers to buy our re-engineered finished paints. Seven years on, it’s been an incredible journey and we look forward to supporting the CRED scheme in its’ roll out while being able to help more young people with barriers into employment.”
Following the announcement of a £15m capital grant from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the Transforming Foundation Industries Challenge to bring globally leading capacity to the Glass Futures’ Centre of Excellence in St Helens, Glass Futures’ Chief Executive Richard Katz, said: “This £15m funding is an essential catalyst to kickstart the delivery of Glass Futures’ £54m Global Centre of Excellence in St Helens, an area rich in glass history. The state-of-the-art R&D facility will enable Glass Futures and its members to work collaboratively to research and develop innovative solutions enhancing resource efficiency, moving the industry closer to sustainable low-carbon glass production and increasing productivity.” “With this grant, UKRI recognises the importance glass has to play in a future to be built on sustainable, fully recyclable, low-carbon products manufactured with highly efficient processes.” The £15m UKRI grant will be used to install a collaboratively designed, globally unique, experimental furnace and state of the art infrastructure capable of producing 30 tonnes of glass per day. This line will enable Glass Futures’ members and researchers to work together with academia to test alternative fuels, new raw materials, Industry 4.0 concepts, demonstrate new products and develop new processes, enabling the Glass Industry to implement change in a safe experimental space. Developments at the facility will also have profound implications for other Industries such as Chemicals, Ceramics, Paper, Steel and Cement. Together with Glass, these industries known as Foundation Industries provide the foundations for civilisation. They share common challenges and require similar developments and, although Glass Futures’ primary focus is the glass sector, it is hoped many of the industry efficiency projects can be directly implemented in other Foundation Industries. Richard added: “The world as a whole needs to move to low carbon and highly efficient processes, but this change does not come without investment, both in time and money. Our Government is supporting the Foundation Industries to enable innovation and help create shared prosperity. No single organisation can enable a global shift in industrial practice, but Glass Futures has begun to show a new path to collaboratively pooling knowledge, resources, and effort. We sincerely thank all our members and supporters who are helping realise an ambitious and game changing facility.” Glass Futures is a not-for-profit membership organisation with a Board comprising leading individuals from the global glass industry, its supply chain and academia. The facility will also enable highly diverse apprenticeships and a unique centre to up-skill workers across the total glass supply chain, tapping into existing and potential talent within the St Helens’ community, across the Northern Powerhouse and internationally. The facility will attract inward investment to the north-west of England as leading players across the glass supply chain and academia begin to use the facility for R&D, training, conferences and even as a new base for parts of their business. Global glass manufacturers, large and small, and their supply chains are invited to join with Glass Futures to be at the forefront of these essential new technologies, promoting collaboration and change. Equally, the sister Foundation Industries are welcome to join and share knowledge. Further Background on Glass Futures: The 158,000 sq. ft facility is being built on a 14-acre site adjacent to St Helens’ Rugby League ‘Totally Wicked’ stadium. The facility will be centred around a 30 tonne per day low carbon demonstration furnace creating the world’s first openly accessible, commercially available, multi-disciplinary glass melting facility with provision for research and development trials to establish new manufacturing techniques, raw materials, improved efficiencies whilst decarbonising the glass industry. The site in St Helens is expected to create around 50 highly skilled jobs directly, along with hundreds of indirect employment opportunities. Earlier in 2020, Glass Futures was awarded a £7.1m contract by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to investigate alternative low carbon energy sources to replace high carbon natural gas in the production of glass. Glass Futures is already lauded as a game changer leading to substantial improvements in manufacturing methodology, enhanced automation and increased efficiencies whilst targeting the removal of CO2 from the manufacturing process, significantly enhancing sustainable growth in the Liverpool City Region.
The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) has opened registrations for the 44th BALI National Landscape Awards 2020, to be held virtually for the first time on Friday 4th December 2020. Join from 12.30pm for a sponsor’s introduction with the ceremony commencing from 1pm. BALI Chief Executive Wayne Grills commented, “While our Awards event may have lost its physicality, I can assure you it won’t lose its quality, integrity, professionalism and grandeur.” This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the outstanding work carried out by BALI members and we invite you to join us in celebration by registering to attend the virtual ceremony where this year’s Principals, Specials and Grand Award will be announced. Unsure how you will celebrate on the day? Here are some ideas sent in by BALI members to help you get the most from our online event… Host a socially distanced watch party using Microsoft Teams or similar (John O’Connor Grounds Maintenance) Our management team, along with our office-based staff, will be celebrating this year’s virtual ceremony together, here at our head office (Landscape Associates) Restrictions permitting…we’re considering meeting up in a hotel bar with a laptop and table service! (PWP Landscape Design) For further information on this year’s virtual ceremony contact Events Project Manager Emily Feeney or visit baliawards.co.uk.
Indeglas, recognised as a leading supplier of interior glass screen solutions, has completed a £1.04m contract for Do & Co, a global gourmet entertainment and airline catering company based at Heathrow’s Segro Park. Fitting out the building to the clients extremely high specifications involved Indeglas designing, supplying, and installing specialist glass screens to meet the demands of hot kitchens, food prep, packaging, cold storage and menu demonstration areas. Jeanette MacIntyre, Managing Director of Indeglas, said: “Before Covid 19 struck, Indeglas had invested in training and equipment to facilitate robotic glass lifting processes for this project due to the scale of the operation and the weight of individual glass panes. “The investment paid off, driving efficiency and ensuring safety whilst also enabling a speedy return from lockdown with one person/one robot squads operating effectively without the need for social distancing. “The scale of the building also assisted various trades to keep significant distance from each other. The main contractor, McLaughlin and Harvey, was pro-active and well-organised in implementing Covid 19 safety measures throughout. “Although the project was completely closed down for a number of weeks, and we were forced to work remotely without accessing our own office and storage facility, the entire management team worked tirelessly to interpret the new, emerging safety procedures required and partnered with the main contractor to ensure a safe, effective and economically viable return to work.” Indeglas is a member of the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) trade association and has benefited from the work it has done in interpreting and simplifying the evolving legislative and economic impact of COVID 19 for SMEs within the interiors sector. It has also remained engaged with the initiatives of the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CCIV) Forum through both FIS and the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) and intends to continue its engagement with CICV. Established 20 years ago, Indeglas is a specialist contractor and sole distributor in the UK and Ireland for the products of award-winning glazed screen system, DEKO of Denmark. The company is a trusted partner to some of the UK’s leading construction companies with relationships built over many years. As the production of specialist and complex glass types for architectural application increases Indeglas bring a trusted collaboration of knowledge, supply partners, engineers and logistics specialists to the table, bringing sound advice to design, procurement, logistics and installation stages of a project. A dedicated maintenance service for completed installations is also provided throughout the UK.
Toughened glass is a great material to incorporate into your home interior. It provides any living space with the same visual appeal and elegance as standard glass, plus the added safety benefits. In addition to that, it’s incredibly versatile and suits a large range of uses, from home furniture to household appliances. So, here are the top 5 applications of tempered glass that homeowners love most. Overview of Tempered Glass Tempering process Tempered or toughened glass is an incredibly strong type of glass that undergoes a process of chemical and thermal treatments. This process is called tempering and it’s what gives this type of glass its unique composition. So, in the tempering furnace, glass is heated until it reaches a uniform temperature of 700 degrees Celsius. Then, the glass is subjected to rapid cooling, exiting the furnace. The cooling part usually consists of a blast of cold air on both sides of the glass at the same time. This treatment leaves the center of the glass in a state of tension while the surface remains in compression. In this regard, the core tension is what determines the pattern the glass will break-in. On the other hand, the compression on the surface is what gives the glass its strength. Characteristics of tempered/toughened glass It’s four to five times stronger than standard glass. Due to the process of tempering, the glass has much higher thermal strength. This means that it can withstand temperatures as high as 250 degrees Celsius. It’s a safety-approved type of glass since it doesn’t break and shatter into sharp fragments. Toughened glass is highly impact-resistant. It has the same properties as standard glass in terms of light and heat transmission. It also cannot be cut or altered after tempering otherwise that will cause a fracture. So, any resizing or cutting should occur before the glass undergoes these treatments. Key benefits Tempered glass cut to size is largely popular in use because it provides cutting edge benefits compared to other traditional types of glass. Strength: the tempering process renders the glass five times tougher than the standard. This means that the glass is less likely to break or shatter due to any low to medium impact incidents. The robust composition of toughened glass also entails that it withstands extreme temperature fluctuations really well. Not only that but it makes it much more durable so it has a longer lifespan. Safety: if your household includes pets or children, then toughened glass is the ideal option to use. Its enhanced safety features will help prevent the risk of being injured in case of breakage. If toughened glass cracks and breaks, it will do so in small round pebbles. So, it will be harmless to the touch, and the subsequent cleanup won’t be dangerous. Impact resistance: the high reliability of this material makes it incredibly impact resistant. So not only is it less likely to fracture into big shards with sharp edges, but it’s also more scratch-resistant. Besides regular cleaning, there will be no additional maintenance to get rid of flaws and blemishes that scratches can cause. Tempered Glass railing System Toughened glass is the ideal material to use in railing systems. Whether it be in balconies, decks, porches, indoors, or in public settings such as schools, shopping malls, and hospitals. Its commendable safety features combined with the strength and durability it provides offer a much-needed level of protection. Such properties ensure that the glass can withstand a lot of wear and tear as well as any potential impacts. Not just that, but the transparency of glass also provides the luxury of an unobstructed view. A perk that other traditional railing systems simply cannot compete with. Tempered Glass Tabletops Toughened glass is widely popular in furniture, particularly tabletops. Whether it’s a patio table, a dining table, or a conference room table, this material is both functional and elegant. It’s thick and durable enough to withstand the weathering that comes with daily use. In addition to that, it’s customizable and comes in a large range of designs and colors. So, you get plenty of options to choose from. Not to mention how versatile glass is as a material since it will flawlessly blend into any interior decor. Large tempered glass windows Windows are the second most common entry points in your home. So, you want to make sure you take all safety precautions to protect your house from burglars. Toughened glass windows can do just that. It comes in handy and it will provide you with safety, enhanced home security, all with a beautiful design. It’s four to five times stronger than other traditional types of glass and it’s meticulously designed to withstand impact. So, you can have full confidence in the protective barrier they provide. In addition to that, the difficulty of fracturing this type of glass will most definitely deter intruders from breaking in. Toughened glass can be a great base material to your windows, especially if you live in high traffic areas. That and if you have really large windows. Tempered Glass Frameless Shower doors Shower rooms and bathrooms can look cramped and cluttered very easily. This is why interior designers and architects mostly rely on glass in furnishing a lot of contemporary homes. And that includes bathrooms. With that said, you can’t get away with using any type of glass. Particularly when you stop to consider how hot and steamy showers tend to get. For that reason, you need to get thick and strong glass shower doors that can withstand those temperature fluctuations. Toughened glass is not only the ideal option for that but it also offers the added benefit of safety. Since frameless shower doors don’t have the kind of support that framed ones do, the glass panes need to be much thicker. So, in the event that your shower door cracks and breaks, there will be no sharp edges or hazardous shards. Tempered Glass Shelves Glass shelves are a common commodity amongst homes and public settings
These days, the low quality of municipal water supply is no surprise to anyone. Some people complain of debris and dirty water, while others are struggling with water shortages. As a result, most homeowners invest in residential wells. Alongside being an incredible resource, it can supply excellent water with minimal requirements. You no longer have to get municipal water because wells ensure sufficient water supply without hefty water bills. However, some people fail to acknowledge that water well needs servicing and routine maintenance. Are you using well water for the past few years? Sooner or later, you will encounter various water problems of low pressure, especially if you are not taking care of it. You might come across slow dripping water from showers or leaking faucets due to the water pressure fluctuations. After all, well systems rely on a functioning relationship between the pump, pressure tank, and switch. If anything fails, the entire system faces disruption. If you are experiencing similar problems, let us help you out. Here are a few tips for handling low water pressure if you have a water well system. Inspect Pressure Regulators Unlike everything else, water pressure needs to be optimal. If it is low, your dishwasher and washing will struggle, whereas your pipes can be at a threat of damage. Thus, regularly test your home’s water pressure and address the low-pressure problem immediately. Firstly, turn off the water supply of the entire house and use a pressure gauge. Remove the hose from your main water line and attach the pressure gauge to test the water flow. If the reading is below 45psi, check the nearby valves. If any valve gets mounted on the water main, consider adjusting or replacing it to avoid disrupting the water supply. If this doesn’t solve the well pressure tank troubleshooting problem, use a pressure booster pump. It provides a permanent solution as it transfers the fluids from the surface level to the top, letting the water pass through pipes. Unclog the Pipes Despite an efficient plumbing system, people complain of low water pressure. But what if the problem is not in your design? Sometimes, pipes and gate valves get clogged with debris, dirt, and waste material, halting the water supply. Therefore, either call plumbers for inspection and unclogging or give a shot to it yourself. Before anything else, determine if the faulty fixtures or sediments are causing the trouble. Once you are sure, locate the pipes with clogs and detach them from the pump. You can use powerful cleaners to remove the deposits and then restore the line thoroughly. However, if the clogging is extreme or the pipe is rusty, replace them with new pipes with a larger diameter. Besides, use a plunger to blast air pressure into the faucet – a perfect solution for local clogs. Service Your Pressure Tank Whether you have a new pressure tank or an old one, routine maintenance is crucial for smooth functioning. Most pressure tanks build up cavitation and sediments that affect the house’s water pressure. Alongside halting supply, it damages the pipes, reducing their efficiency. Therefore, once in six months, plan a small servicing spree for your tank. Start by unplugging the power of the pumping system and turn on the faucets to drain all water. Use cleaning solutions to remove all the sediments and check air pressure. If the pressure is below 2psi, add some more air before you pour the water back. Adequate air pressure ensures the smooth functioning of water well systems. Replace Gate Valves Are you familiar with gate valves? These are the gates inside the pipes that let the fluids pass through. They require little space with the pipe axis to open and restrict the water flow. However, gate valves have metal seats, which can cause leakages. Similarly, it tends to seize up after some time. Thus, if you have an old gate valve – it might be the reason for inadequate water pressure. At times, these valves also get stuck, meaning they won’t open or close. After all, the metal casing is prone to getting rusty, especially when it comes to water contact. Although you can clean these valves and remove all the debris, there is no guarantee that it would work fine. Hence, replace these gate valves every six months if you have excessive usage to close doors for water disruptions. Low Volume of Aquifer Believe it or not, but some problems of low water pressure are due to the condition of groundwater itself. Every water well system draws water from aquifers and supplies it to the water tank. If there are any underground rock formations, they can affect the groundwater from flowing freely. Although determining groundwater volume is next to impossible, you can always make precise judgments using a pressure pump. If pumping is taking longer than usual, you know where the problem lies. It usually happens when homeowners are withdrawing water for ages. After all, groundwater depletion is a reality that everyone will encounter at some point in time. Are you wondering how to fix it? Either drill the well further into the ground until it reaches particular water well. Otherwise, drill another well at a distant location. Final Word Every homeowner who owns a well also has a pressure tank to ensure adequate supply, yet faces low water pressure. After all, these are also machines that need regular servicing and repairing. If you encounter low water pressure, visually examine the tank’s condition. If it is rusty from every nook and corner, consider it a sign to get a new one. If your tank is not decades old, check pipes and gate valves to understand the root cause of this problem.
Innovative demolition specialists AR Demolition have used cutting-edge explosive technology to bring down structures at a Leicestershire quarry, in a UK industry first. Continuing its track record for pioneering new technologies, the company has used military-grade hypersonic “kick and cut” charges to bring down a large screen house at Croft Quarry. Richard Dolman, CEO of AR Demolition, believes the project is the first time such charges have been used in the demolition industry, without the normal pre-weakening activity usually needed to bring a structure down. Mr Dolman believes the techniques can now revolutionise safety in the industry while minimising danger to on-site personnel. AR Demolition, which is based in Carlton near Market Bosworth, has been working at Croft Quarry since the start of the year after being contracted to complete decommissioning demolition by site owners Aggregate Industries. The explosives work was part of a joint project to demolish the 1,200 tonne screen house as well as 150 metres of conveyor belts at the bottom of the quarry pit. Designed by Wiltshire experts Alford Technologies, the kicking and cutting technique brings together two forms of explosive charge. Mr Dolman said: “No one has used this technology in UK demolition before. It was a project which has taken considerable forethought and planning and we are delighted with the results. “It’s a major stepping stone for us and, in my view, a huge moment for our industry. The fact that you can bring down buildings by severing steel without pre-weakening is a landmark moment. “Alford Technologies have been working on these theories for a long time but, until now, there has been typical reticence in our industry to adopt new technologies. “So I’m pleased to have been able to put the ideas into practice and find new ways of increasing safety in our sector. “It was our first opportunity to test the technology and we have learned lessons along the way. We’re now looking forward to using the method on future projects.” AR Demolition, based in Carlton near Market Bosworth, is making a name for itself as being one of the UK’s most forward-thinking and innovative demolition contractors. The company has invested in cutting-edge Kiesel machinery, while its sister firm AR Aggregates has also invested in two pieces of kit from German manufacturer Kleeman, in a joint bid to improve efficiency, economy and safety performance. Mr Dolman has also pioneered the use of debris protection frames and dust suppression techniques. The new relationship with Alford Technologies, based in Trowbridge, is the latest manifestation of AR Demolition’s mission to bring pioneering change to the sector. Roland Alford, managing director and son of the company’s founder and chairman Dr Sidney Alford, said: “We are proud to have worked alongside such an innovative contractor to have brought this technology into practical, commercial usage. And we look forward to working with AR Demolition on future projects. “We used our Dioplex charges to make a hypersonic blade which cuts through steel like butter, eliminating the need to burn and weaken steel beams. “When combined with the Wallhammer kicking charge to remove the columns, the speed of these military grade munitions means they are relatively easy to control. “Without the need to use human beings on weakening work, safety is greatly increased. If necessary, the charges can be placed by robots thereby removing the human element completely. “The demolition industry now stands to benefit from the evolution of scientific improvements which, combined with the vision of a man such as Richard Dolman, mean that we can shape the future of the industry and improve safety for everyone involved.”
Carpets are inexpensive yet great decorative pieces in every home. Carpets add texture and color to the space, and even make your rooms bigger and feel more open. You can basically make any room look and feel new by using the right carpet. Your carpets play a vital role in the overall ambiance and appearance of your home, which is why you should exert time and effort in protecting them. Regardless of how expensive your carpets are, these items will eventually fade and lose their appeal. This is especially true if you placed your carpets in high-traffic areas or if you’re fond of hosting parties at home. For your carpets to last for the longest time possible, protect them by following these tips below: Invest In A Carpet Cleaner When it comes to protecting your carpets, you can choose from many types of cleaning solutions. Water-based cleaners work very well for cleaning your carpets and furniture, but be wary as putting too much of these products on your carpets can also damage their materials. Another option that you can choose is to make your own carpet cleaner from scratch. You can do this by mixing dishwashing liquid, white vinegar, warm water, and baking soda together. DIY carpet cleaners are generally effective and don’t harm the fabric of your carpets, but it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s instructions. A British carpet manufacturer, for instance, might have different cleaning requirements from a manufacturer operating locally. Call Professionals When it comes to keeping your carpets free from stains and odors, it’s always best to call a professional carpet cleaning service provider. They have trained and certified professionals who can clean your carpets without causing any damage to their fabric. Working with professionals regularly is a great way to protect your carpets as they can effectively remove dust and dirt that might have accumulated in the fabric. The more frequent you clean your carpets, the longer they’ll last. Just reach out to a licensed professional like this Lubbock carpet cleaning and schedule a regular inspection. You don’t have to go in-depth every time you call them. The best way to go is to check in regularly, so you make sure every area is in optimal conditions. Impose A No-Shoe Rule At Home Protecting your carpets would be easier if you prevent variables that can damage them. As they say, “Prevention is always better than cure,” and the same applies when it comes to your carpets. One of the easiest and cheapest ways of protecting your carpets is to impose a no-shoe rule inside your home. This means that everyone—yourself, friends, and family—should remove their shoes first before entering your home. This is an excellent way of making sure that dirt and dust from the outside won’t enter your home and accumulate in the fibers of your carpets. Depending on your preferences, you can provide cotton slippers to anyone who enters your home or have them step on the floor barefoot. Use A Carpet Liner You can also protect your carpets by adding a layer of protective liner. A liner will not only stop dirt from penetrating into the fibers of your carpets, but it will also protect them from stains and fading. A good liner will cost a little bit of money, but it will last you many years, making it a very cost-effective investment. Buying a carpet from the market is very taxing, which is why it’s best if you invest in solutions that will help you protect the carpets you have at home. Apply A Carpet Protectant With the number of people using carpets in their homes today, more and more businesses have adapted to these demands and created products that will help this target audience take care of their carpets more effectively. This status quo is one of the reasons why you can easily buy products today that allow you to protect your carpets. If you want an easy yet effective solution to your carpet-related woes, apply a carpet protectant. As the name suggests, this product repels liquid, resists soil, and even block stains from your carpet. Using this product will give you peace of mind, knowing that your carpets won’t get damaged even if you accidently spilled a drink on them. Using a carpet protectant is a great way to keep your carpets look fresh for years, especially if you have pets or children at home. Start Now Contrary to popular belief, protecting your carpets isn’t an impossible task. As long as you’re willing to exert time and effort and prioritize the longevity of your carpets, you won’t have any problems protecting these pieces today and in the years to come. Now that this article has provided you with tips on how you can protect your carpets, make adjustments to your lifestyle, and work right away. The sooner you prioritize protecting your carpets, the longer these decorative pieces will last.
This past month has seen the launch of a potentially game-changing new app for asbestos contractors: the Asbestos Labour Feedback App (ALFA). Developed over the course of 20 months with feedback from various parties, ALFA is designed to provide ARCA licensed contractors with a measure of operative performance, helping them to improve industry standards. The introduction of the app could have a huge impact on the almost 50% of asbestos removal contractors licensed by ARCA – and more importantly, the operatives who work for them. Amid concerns from labour unions about the ramifications of the app, here’s everything you need to know about ALFA, and what it could mean for the asbestos removal industry. What is the Asbestos Labour Feedback App (ALFA)? The Asbestos Labour Feedback App (ALFA) is a mobile app which allows ARCA licensed asbestos removal contractors to rate the performance of short-term operatives from labour suppliers. They can do this using nine key metrics covering employee performance and behaviour on a particular assignment. The ratings for each assignment undertaken by that operative are then averaged to produce an overall star rating. This rating is visible to ARCA member contractors when using the app, alongside an average rating for each of the nine categories. Contractors can then use this information to ensure competence and identify training needs. Why is the Asbestos Labour Feedback App necessary? With asbestos still present in huge quantities across the UK, demand for asbestos removal professionals is as high as ever. Yet many asbestos removal contractors have listed the quality of labour available to them as a primary concern, with contractors apparently lacking the competence, skills and behaviour needed to manage and remove asbestos safely. As a result, licensing body ARCA opened discussions with its members in the asbestos removal industry, with the aim of finding a way to improve performance and raise standards among operatives. The result of this process was the creation of the app, with the hope that widespread uptake would highlight areas for improvement, and motivate people to undertake training. What are the benefits of the Asbestos Labour Feedback App? The ALFA is designed to reassure asbestos removal contractors that the operatives they are receiving are competent, and have a good attitude towards their work. This will help to improve the quality of the work being done by contractors and ensure it is done safely, reducing their liabilities and protecting the operatives in the process. By rating operative performance, both operatives and contractors have the opportunity to encourage improvements, and identify where further training may be required. The app also allows operatives to manage their certificate information (helping to keep track of expiring certificates), as well as automating part of the supply agency process. What are the concerns around the Asbestos Labour Feedback App? Labour union Unite has been quick to raise concerns around the use of the app, claiming that the use of a ratings system for operatives could be abused. This system could lead to operatives receiving unfair ratings with little recourse, and being effectively blacklisted as a result of poor ratings, preventing them from gaining further work. Unite has called on ARCA to evidence any safeguards within the app against blacklisting and discrimination, and to suspend the rollout of the app if these do not currently exist. This is likely to be unwelcome news for ARCA, having gone through a 20-month development process and pilot scheme for the service. I’m an asbestos removal operative – what should I do? It’s likely that your agency will inform you if they are planning to adopt the app, and you may find that you are required to use it. In this instance, you may want to contact your union if you have one. However, it is important to note that the end goal of the app – improving safety standards and general quality of work – is an admirable one, and not something that should be opposed by default. ARCA is only one of the licensing authorities in the UK, with BOHS and ACAD being the other popular standards. If your agency is not ARCA registered and you do not work with ARCA registered removal firms, you will not need to worry about using the app. However, it may be helpful to familiarise yourself with it in case you ever consider changing roles. Ultimately, the best way to safeguard yourself against the potential for upheaval is to improve your level of training. This will not only provide you with qualifications that will undercut any accusations against you, but will also give you the skill set to more readily demonstrate your abilities, and build up credit with your agency and employers. This is likely to take the form of advanced training specific to asbestos removal, such as ARCA’s Industry Refresher for Operatives course or Use, Inspection and Routine Maintenance of RPE course. Other certifying bodies include UKATA (Asbestos Removal Operative Refresher Training) and the CITB (Asbestos Removal Operative). Asbestos removal continues to be a valued service across the UK and beyond, owing to the huge amount of asbestos that still exists in public and private buildings. As this asbestos degrades, the need for qualified operatives is likely to continue. This may either mean that the app falls by the wayside in the push for adequate numbers, or that the app continues to gain ground as a way to find the most qualified operatives. The best way to ensure a position in the industry is to continue learning and training yourself to the highest possible level. Anyone who is interested in becoming an asbestos operative – or entering the asbestos assessment and removal industries – may want to start with an online asbestos awareness course, helping you to learn about the substance, how to identify it and how to deal with it safely.