Building product manufacturer IG Masonry Support is the first masonry support manufacturer to achieve carbon neutral status and is on its way to becoming a net zero energy company; the latest stage in IG Masonry Support’s sustainability journey. A manufacturer of innovative brickwork support systems, IG Masonry Support is leading
Winning the bid for a demolition project might’ve been a lot of work. But deciding on the best type of payload for the job is another process that you need to get right. An excavator is a staple in any demolition job. They’re invaluable pieces of machinery, and they come
Today’s homeowners are open to a plethora of designs when it comes to flooring. Updating your floor will go a long way to boost your property value significantly. It can also help you make a bold statement whether you desire a minimalistic or eclectic look. There is a high demand
With the news that pandemic restrictions will continue a little longer, the British Association of Landscape Industries announces that it will continue the work it has been doing over the last year to support the ornamental horticulture industry through unprecedented hardship. The Trade Association has been widely praised by its
The SALTO Neoxx electronic padlock’s new features and enhancement keep it at the cutting edge of the security industry and access control ecosystem. SALTO Systems has invested years of working with some of the best minds in the security industry – our community of security specifiers and installers – to
The popularity of indirect free cooling of data centres in the Nordics region could place facilities at risk of corrosion if conditions are not correctly controlled this summer, according to temporary solutions specialists Aggreko. According to a recent market report by Arizton, the Nordic region can facilitate up to 8,400
B&M Waste Services is celebrating after landing an internationally recognised award for demonstrating high health and safety standards for five consecutive years. B&M has received a RoSPA Gold Medal (5 consecutive Golds) Health and Safety Award for working hard to ensure its staff get home safely to their families at
The construction industry accounts for one of the highest numbers of workplace injuries and fatalities in the private sector. According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), about 20% of all private worker fatalities in 2019 were from the construction industry, equivalent to one in every five worker fatalities. With
It isn’t always clear when you should consider a plumbing job an emergency. When you’re up to your knees in water or it’s flowing from your ceiling, you can definitely call a plumber on the basis of an emergency. However, there could also be occasions that don’t appear to be
The Association of Brickwork Contractors’ ABC Assessment Centre is unique to the sector, as it’s the first training provider to offer CITB-approved accreditation in relation to ancillary bricklaying processes. The short duration courses include practical and theoretical experience in brick-slip systems, fire barriers, brick soffits, windpost installation and masonry support
Building product manufacturer IG Masonry Support is the first masonry support manufacturer to achieve carbon neutral status and is on its way to becoming a net zero energy company; the latest stage in IG Masonry Support’s sustainability journey. A manufacturer of innovative brickwork support systems, IG Masonry Support is leading the way in the Keystone Group, becoming the first company within the group as well as its sector to achieve carbon neutral status. As a Group committed to reducing the environmental impact of all operations, other companies within Keystone are now taking the necessary steps to achieve carbon neutral status. IG Masonry Support’s achievement feeds into the wider Keystone Group’s commitment to becoming increasingly environmentally responsible and sustainable organisations, through the reduction of carbon emissions. IG Masonry Support’s sustainability journey began in 2018. Year on year the company has implemented sustainability initiatives including upgrading forklift trucks to electrically operated systems and having 0% waste sent to landfill. Earlier this year, carbon neutral certification was awarded to the company’s B.O.S.S. A1 brick on soffit system product, a goal which formed one of the first steps in the company’s commitment to bringing innovative products to the marketplace in the most sustainable, carbon neutral way. Speaking of IG Masonry Support’s latest achievement Andy Neal, IG Masonry Support Managing Director said: “We take our environmental responsibility seriously and are making the necessary changes within our business practices to become a net carbon zero company. I am proud that we have now achieved carbon neutral status and are the first masonry support manufacturer in the UK to reach this goal. It is testament to our team’s passion and commitment to operating a sustainable business and to delivering sustainable products and solutions to our marketplace.” Amidst many initiatives implemented by IG Masonry Support, such as switching to a 100% renewable energy tariff, the company is continuing to proactively reduce its carbon footprint alongside SBTi (Science Based Targets Initiative) methodology. This methodology drives ambitious climate action in the private sector by enabling companies to set science-based emissions reduction targets. For IG Masonry Support, identifying Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions provided clarity of the environmental impact across all operations and raised opportunities for carbon reductions. As the company sees its emissions plummet following the SBTi, IG Masonry Support is on track to achieving the 1.5 degree Paris Agreement target, tackling climate change on a global scale. Going forward, the company will continue to address all areas for improvement with a sustainably-focussed supply chain, helping to source its responsible future. IG Masonry Support pledges to develop products that provide environmentally significant solutions to its customers and end users, amongst other goals including a conversion to 100% electric fleet by 2025. It will also develop Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for its product portfolio, providing transparent and comparable information about the life-cycle environmental impact of its products. Doing so will empower the business and its people to make and adhere to the changes that are needed to reduce impact on the environment.
Winning the bid for a demolition project might’ve been a lot of work. But deciding on the best type of payload for the job is another process that you need to get right. An excavator is a staple in any demolition job. They’re invaluable pieces of machinery, and they come in different kinds for different projects. Here, we’ll explore how you can best identify the type of excavator to use for a project. 1. Performance The primary role of any construction equipment is to get the job done. And as an expert, you want to succeed in this project because it could mean more successful bids for your company’s future. Looking into the best excavator for the job means checking how much power it has to see the job through. Its hydraulic system must push for efficiency and allow the operator to be more productive. The right excavator will also be versatile, and can be utilized for various types of jobs. If your operator is working at an area with hindrances like walls and other dig sites, you’d want an excavator with a zero-tail or zero house swing. These excavators are safer to maneuver and are less likely to cause an impact. With the zero-tail feature, it’s less likely to hit the front and the sides of the excavator while moving. It’s for demolishing structures that are surrounded by obstacles. 2. Budget If you’re in the construction and demolition business, you will need to have enough money to acquire an excavator fit for the demolition job. But you need to know that there are other factors to consider when it comes to your budget. For instance, do you need a brand-new excavator or a used one? While it may be tempting to buy new one, it may be more practical to buy a used or reconditioned SmartCast Equipment. They are refurbished to do the same job without being too expensive. Money will cover maintenance and storage, targeted costs per hour, and operating costs. You also have the option to own or rent one. An excavator dry hire company will be able to provide one if you choose to lease. Larger excavators are considerably more expensive. You need the right class of excavator if you need it for a demolition job. Whether a small or larger building or structure, an excavator with longer arms will do the job with minimal damages to the surrounding area. 3. Demolition Size Excavators come in various sizes depending on the job. You don’t need a larger one that can take up space when you’re demolishing a small two-story building. High-level demolitions may need high-reach excavators with a large boom arm for buildings that are three stories and more. They are also for demolishing structures made of steel and concrete. The demolition size will also tell you two things: how long it will take and how much it will cost you. Typically, it can take up to eight days to demolish a building depending on the size. If you own an excavator for the job, you will have no renting expense to pay. But cost efficiency will depend on how much fuel and power it will need for the job. At times, the excavator type that you need will also depend on the area. If you need precision aiming and if the use of a wrecking ball is uncalled for, long-reach excavators are the best for the job. The size of the structure will also tell you if the excavator needs specific attachments to make the job easier. 4. Terrain Or Environment Matching the type of excavator you need to the environment you’ll work on will help you decide which one can quickly get around the site. Excavators move around with either tire wheels or tracks. Excavators with tracks are ideal for wide-open spaces. Other than demolition, they’re also suitable for construction and agriculture. The tracks are either made of rubber or steel. Wheeled excavators are versatile and have a wide array of uses. Apart from demolition and construction, it’s also used for mining, landscaping, and pipeline installations. They’re fuel-efficient and easier to operate. If you have both types of excavators, you will need to train operators on the proper driving of and the policies in handling them. They will also need to get the proper licensing. 5. Excavator Size There are three available sizes of excavators for demolition jobs: small, medium, and large excavators. Learning about these primary sizes will help you choose which one to use on a particular scale of the job at hand. Small classes are also called compact excavators and are created for smaller or hard-to-reach areas. They usually don’t need a lot of power to operate. Medium excavators are mainly for construction and landscaping as they have a standard tail for medium construction projects. The largest classes are often categorized for demolition projects. They have the most extended arms to reach great heights of buildings. They are also heavier and harder to navigate. 6. Attachments Does the structure have a pavement surrounding it? It will also help you decide what kind of attachment to use to dig through or destroy concrete material. The building will have pavements surrounding them, and a demolition excavator will need a hammer attachment to crush slabs of concrete. They are also helpful against rocks. In Conclusion The mentioned factors will help you decide which excavator to use. When you match its size and power to the demolition job, it will help you accomplish the project faster and save on operation costs. There are various types of excavators for different demolition jobs. It’s worth having them get as many jobs as you want.
Today’s homeowners are open to a plethora of designs when it comes to flooring. Updating your floor will go a long way to boost your property value significantly. It can also help you make a bold statement whether you desire a minimalistic or eclectic look. There is a high demand for sustainable and affordable flooring options than in the past few decades. Consequently, manufacturers are not leaving any stone unturned to meet the growing needs of consumers. The important factors you need to consider before choosing any flooring style include your budget, safety, needs, and climate. Some flooring designs have gone into extinction, while the following remains timeless and will transform your interior. Herringbone flooring This flooring trend has gained widespread popularity over the years. The herringbone pattern is unique and will complement other accessories in your home. It’s suitable for the entryway, kitchen, bathroom, and dining hall. Herringbone flooring comes in different sizes, tones, and formats. It can bring interest and depth into any room when you play around with texture. This type of flooring is budget-friendly, easy to maintain, and will give your home a modern look. Wood flooring Wood flooring has always been a constant trend year in and out. It’s useful for both personal and commercial property. Wood flooring is the ideal choice for individuals who want to take a break from modern living and embrace a rustic look in their homes. This flooring often undergoes staining to get a specific finish and it’s easy to maintain. The different types include bleached and blanched wood, fumed wood, and distressed wood. Laminate flooring Laminate flooring is among the flooring that will stand the test of time in this decade and beyond. It can mimic materials such as stone, tile, or wood. Laminate flooring now has the look and feel of these materials and features different types of finishes. Technological advancement is playing a major role in its design. Vinyl flooring Vinyl flooring is gradually finding its way into modern homes. It is warm and comfortable to the feet. This flooring comes in different varieties such as tiles, sheets, and planks. Some designs can mirror the look of tiles and wood. Vinyl flooring is water-resistant and perfect for areas with high traffic and the living room, which serves as a hub for entertaining guests. It is affordable, easy to maintain, and will take several years before fading or denting. Installing vinyl flooring is hassle-free too. Cool tones flooring Modern homes tend to have smaller spaces. Given this, most people prefer light-colored flooring as it can make their space appear bigger and brighter. Taking this approach can help you design a cozy space for better relaxation. The good thing is that your floor won’t look bland with this flooring option. These are just some of the hottest flooring designs right now. The choices out there can be overwhelming, and homeowners may not know where to start. Nevertheless, Floors Direct will consider the factors that matter to you, offer insights, and help you arrive at the best decision for your floor.
With the news that pandemic restrictions will continue a little longer, the British Association of Landscape Industries announces that it will continue the work it has been doing over the last year to support the ornamental horticulture industry through unprecedented hardship. The Trade Association has been widely praised by its membership for the help and support it has given throughout the crisis, including simplifying and disseminating government guidance and advice, hosting over 50 webinars throughout 2020, and even hosting its National Landscape Awards virtually for the first time in its 44-year history. From March of 2020, the Association worked quickly and diligently to bring its members up to date with accurate information in a time rife with uncertainty, working to set up a COVID-19 information hub on its website and producing two separate strategies for coping with the pandemic, including analysing feedback surveys, lobbying government, keeping the member base informed, and pivoting rapidly to presenting its events in an online format. Moving events online, including the National and Regional Annual General Meetings and the National Landscape Awards 2020, presented a unique set of challenges but brought surprising benefits, too, with more people able to join in more events and webinars from across the country. The ability to join digitally with partners also led to some of the most popular informative events in the Association’s history, with over 100 sign-ups across their three-part Demystifying Drainage series. Over 1000 people tuned in to see the National Landscape Awards 2020 broadcast, which featured a live chat and high member participation. Despite the many challenges imposed by the coronavirus, the Association was also able to successfully launch its rebrand in April 2021, updating its logos and brand identity to a fresh, contemporary look with a nod to its heritage. Its flagship publications, Landscape News and the Who’s Who Directory, were also produced to their usual high standard, with the former even receiving a brand refresh of its own in Spring 2021. The Association was even able to secure a brand new membership benefit, partnering with CAD and BIM specialists and Accredited Supplier Vectorworks UK to offer BALI Blueprint and BALI Blueprint+. The former is available to all designer members, whatever their level of membership, and the latter is exclusive to Accredited Designer members as it includes additional services that add incredible value for money, particularly if the member has already, or intends on, hiring an apprentice. Chief Executive of the British Association of Landscape Industries, Wayne Grills, commented: “This has been an undeniably difficult year across the industry and the wider world, with the twin pressures of the pandemic and uncertainties around Brexit causing disruption to nearly every business. We are enormously proud to have been able to so effectively support our membership, as well as adapt our own working practices and deliver large and organisation-changing pieces of work.” Liz Hughes, Marketing Manager for Accredited Supplier Provender Nurseries commented: “In light of all that is going on in the world, our industry and the tireless efforts put in by Landscape House at the moment should be widely applauded.” Paul Lynch, Director of Accredited Contractor Elmtree Garden Contractors commented: “I think the British Association of Landscape Industries’ support has been amazing and is just where being a member of a Trade Association comes into its own. We are definitely feeling the benefits of being a member.” For assistance and advice during the pandemic, the Association encourages people to visit their website bali.org.uk/covid. The website is updated frequently with all the latest news, restrictions and government schemes.
The SALTO Neoxx electronic padlock’s new features and enhancement keep it at the cutting edge of the security industry and access control ecosystem. SALTO Systems has invested years of working with some of the best minds in the security industry – our community of security specifiers and installers – to build the most reliable and smartest electronic padlock on earth. With exceptional attention to detail, premium materials, and all SALTO technology inside, our latest padlock – SALTO Neoxx – looks great while packing technological power. The SALTO Neoxx Padlock is a versatile locking solution that enables users to benefit from the advantages of electronic access control where previously it was only possible to use a mechanical locking solution (i.e., perimeter or fire access gates, industrial equipment yards and residential storage areas). Smart padlocks offer more security, easier maintenance, flexible access methods, and a better overview of the lock’s and user’s activity. As portable as conventional padlocks, security is enhanced by removing any lock’s most vulnerable part – the mechanical key – and adding the benefits of being operated with a mobile app and contactless smart key managed by an advanced web-based access control technology platform. The SALTO Neoxx Padlock offers a unique solution ideal for utility providers – electric power stations, telecom network services, industry applications, and more – and property services that need an additional level of security to control specific doors, like gates or storages, without losing a piece of convenience and control. These industries often require equipment and facilities on the perimeter or out in the field that, even though they are in a remote location, require the latest in electronic access control. In addition, because they are often outdoors, the electronic solution they need has to include a product that can weather the extreme elements from rain and dust to snow. Together, with the most complete locking platform on the market (electronic locks and cylinders, online readers, and locker locks) and SALTO core technology (SVN, BLUEnet, and JustIN Mobile system features) inside, the SALTO Neoxx padlock enables managing keys, locks, and access rights on-the-go, remotely from a single, highly visual and easy-to-use web-based interface. SALTO Neoxx G4 electronic padlock main features: High-security padlock made of hardened steel with a removable shackle model option, which can be completely detached from the padlock body. Shackle: Width 11mm – Length 50mm Security chain non- demountable model with safety chain to protect the padlock from burglary/dropping. Cover case with double-layered structure 70mm x 115mm x 32mm guarantees the ultimate protection from falls, shocks, and the most extreme environments or usage. RFID, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) and NFC technologies onboard. Users can easily operate the electronic padlock with their smart card or with an iOS or Android smartphone. Compatible with SALTO Space – Data-on-Card– and the SALTO KS – Keys as a Service – cloud-based technology, it can be switched to any of SALTO’s technology platforms at any time without changing the hardware. Tested up to 130,000 operations on a standard set of batteries (4 x LR1). Monitor battery status (to optimize maintenance and battery life). Changing or removing batteries is simple and secure – you only need standard LR1 batteries and a special tool. IP68 certification: Waterproof performance and high durability. Tested against extreme temperatures: Including freezing conditions (-35ºC) and high heat (+65ºC). Fully certified according to CE, FCC, MIT, Mechatronic certification EN 16864:2018 and IK09.
The popularity of indirect free cooling of data centres in the Nordics region could place facilities at risk of corrosion if conditions are not correctly controlled this summer, according to temporary solutions specialists Aggreko. According to a recent market report by Arizton, the Nordic region can facilitate up to 8,400 hours of data centre free cooling annually due to its colder climate. Though incoming ambient air is filtered before entering the controlled data centre environment, this process can result in temperature rises of two to four degrees. When combined with rising summer temperatures, data centre sites may experience higher moisture levels that could lead to condensation forming and rising water temperatures. Keeping key data centre components like electrical distribution systems dry and within a certain temperature band phase is crucial to ensuring its continued running. According to Aggreko, not taking steps to account for changing temperatures during the construction phase could lead to long-term damage that could impair functionality and void warranties. “The ability to use the climate as a resource to help free-cool facilities is one of many reasons the Nordics region appeals to organisations looking to construct data centres,” says Greger Ruud, Sector Development Manager – Nordic Datacenters at Aggreko. “However, it must be noted that like any other region, there are fluctuations in temperature depending on geography and the seasons, so conditions will occur that make free cooling more challenging. “Site managers must therefore be aware that a rise in ambient air temperature will be reflected in the data centre environment, especially with filtration processes generating added heat. As such, plans should be put in place to cool facilities and maintain controlled conditions during the upcoming warmer months.” Additional cooling solutions like chillers and dry coolers may be used to ensure controlled temperatures during warmer periods. But with this further cooling capacity only required for a short but critical time period, expensive new equipment bought for this purpose will likely be redundant for long stretches. An innovative strategic hire approach may therefore represent the best way of alleviating both financial and humidity risks. “Optimum conditions for free cooling occur in the Nordics for the majority of the time, but crucially, not all of the time,” Greger concludes. “These temporary conditions require a temporary response, so hiring data centre cooling equipment like chillers and dry chillers may appeal. “Taking this approach can help site managers to alleviate damage risks without being shackled to expensive, permanent equipment that will not require year-round use. With COVID continuing to constrain budgets in all sectors, this freedom can allow contractors to be more dynamic as pandemic-enforced social restrictions are loosened and demand rises further.” For more information on chiller and dry cooler solutions for your data centre site, visit www.aggreko.com/datacentre.
B&M Waste Services is celebrating after landing an internationally recognised award for demonstrating high health and safety standards for five consecutive years. B&M has received a RoSPA Gold Medal (5 consecutive Golds) Health and Safety Award for working hard to ensure its staff get home safely to their families at the end of every working day. Organisations receiving a RoSPA Award are recognised as being world-leaders in health and safety practice. Every year, nearly 2,000 entrants vie to achieve the highest possible accolade in what is the UK’s longest-running H&S industry awards. B&M Services Director, Mick Ashall said: “We are thrilled to have upheld our excellent health and safety performance and to have been awarded RoSPA Gold Award for the fifth-year running is an amazing achievement. The last year has been tremendously challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic but our team has been steadfast in its commitment to ensuring safety at work for all our colleagues.” Julia Small, RoSPA’s achievements director, said: “The RoSPA Awards scheme is the longest-running of its kind in the UK, but it receives entries from organisations across the globe, making it one of the most sought-after achievement awards for health and safety worldwide. “RoSPA is very proud of the achievements of its entrants, and with this award we recognise the best of the best, those organisations that have gone the extra mile, raising the bar for the delivery of safety in the workplace. Employees, wherever they may be, should be able to go to work safe in the knowledge that they will return home unharmed and healthy at the end of every day. Our RoSPA Award winners are central to achieving this goal. By entering they are driving up standards and setting new safety benchmarks for organisations across the world. Currently, around 7million people are directly impacted by the RoSPA Awards, but the scheme’s global influence is even wider – with nearly 2000 organisations from 46 countries represented this year. I would also particularly want to thank our main sponsor NEBOSH, the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health – for their continued support for the 16th consecutive year.”
The construction industry accounts for one of the highest numbers of workplace injuries and fatalities in the private sector. According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), about 20% of all private worker fatalities in 2019 were from the construction industry, equivalent to one in every five worker fatalities. With such grim statistics improving construction site safety should be a priority for every employer. Risks Associated with Unsafe Construction Site Unsafe conditions and lack of training are some of the common problems that construction workers face daily. As a result, they may suffer a wide range of workplace accidents, including falling from heights, being hit by falling objects, electrocutions, being injured by construction machinery, and more. If you or someone you know has been injured at a construction site, seeking the advice of a construction accident lawyer such as Emroch & Kilduff, based in Virginia, can help you collect the benefits you deserve. Steps to Improving Your Construction Safety Workplace injuries and fatalities are usually expensive to employers in terms of compensation and loss of workforce. Employers may also be faced with higher insurance costs due to high accident prevalence. For that reason, every employer has an obligation to ensure the safety of their workers by: 1. Making Worksite Safety with Priority In any worksite, “safety first” should be more than lip service. Prioritizing workers’ safety communicates that their wellbeing and safety is your top concern and can help instill confidence and build trust. Putting safety first can also help you cut costs by improving worker productivity since you will not have workers missing out on work due to injuries. Besides, a strong safety record can also help in keeping your insurance costs down. 2. Training Your Workers On Safety Regularly Ensuring that your workers get proper training is the easiest way to improve your company’s safety culture. On top of that, having your employees trained on safety shows that you value them, which can boost morale. Safety training should not be a one-off event; it should be an ongoing effort at reinforcing best practices. Regular training helps workers retain what they have learned, which helps keep safety top of mind. 3. Ensuring Employees Are Equipped with Proper Protective Gear Wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) at the construction site could mean the difference between minor and long-term injuries or fatalities. It’s the employer’s responsibility to ensure that all their workers are equipped with the appropriate PPE relative to the nature of their work. Additionally, employers must ensure that their employees wear their appropriate protective equipment while on the worksite at all times. 4. Rewarding The Good and Correct the Bad Using incentives for good safety practices can be a great way of promoting adherence to company safety standards. Workers could be rewarded for attending safety meetings and training sessions, proper usage of their PPE, making safety improvement suggestions and reporting near misses or unsafe conditions or hazards. In addition to rewarding the good, be sure to correct workers who disregard your company’s safety standards. 5. Conducting Regular Site Inspections and Safety Meetings Job sites need to be inspected before work begins and at the end of each workday. These daily inspections ensure that no tools or dangerous debris are left lying around in the construction site and ensures that all the equipment is in good working condition. It would also be helpful to conduct brief safety meetings daily before work begins to go over the tasks ahead and the safety procedures to be observed. Holding brief meetings can also be an excellent way of ensuring that all construction workers have their proper PPE before starting work on the site. Wrapping Up Having a strong safety culture means making an intentional effort to put safety first. Even where you may believe that you have a safe work environment for your workers, there can always be room for improvement.
It isn’t always clear when you should consider a plumbing job an emergency. When you’re up to your knees in water or it’s flowing from your ceiling, you can definitely call a plumber on the basis of an emergency. However, there could also be occasions that don’t appear to be an emergency when they actually are, and you only realise when it’s too late. Here are five emergencies that require the services of a plumber. Flooding Rushing water is likely an emergency situation. Flooding can occur for various reasons. Usually, however, it’s due to an issue such as a clogged toilet or sink, or a burst pipe. The biggest issue facing you is the damage that can occur to your home while it’s flooding. If you don’t call a professional plumber, it will cause greater damage to your home, as well as the potential for a reoccurrence of the food. If you experience a flood in your home, call a plumber to both stop the flood and prevent it from happening again. Clogged Drain We use drains every day, and, as a result, they can get clogged from food scraps and grease. While a clogged drain might not seem like an emergency, it can become one if left unattended to. When water ceases to drain or if it drains really slowly, you should contact a plumber to tackle the issue before it worsens. If you drain banks up and water fills your sink, you should call a plumber as soon as possible, as it could indicate a sewage backup or another larger issue. Frozen Pipes When temperatures fall below freezing, the water inside the pipes outside your home freezes. When water turns to ice, the pipe can burst due to expansion. Frozen pipes can result in water ceasing to flow inside your home, which means you’ll be unable to flush your toilet, drink water, or take a shower. If you have frozen pipes, call a plumber rather than attempting to thaw out the pipes yourself. If you do, you risk causing additional damage to your pipes and home. So make sure to call a professional. Leaking or Bursting Pipes Among the more common reasons for a house flood is a leaking or burst pipe. No matter whether it results in a flood or not, in the event of a burst pipe, you should call an emergency plumber. Before you do that, however, turn off the water via the main shut-off valve. Doing this will lessen any water damage in your home. If flooring or drywalls are oversaturated with water, it can cause damage that can’t be reversed, so you should call a plumber as quickly as possible. Overflowing Toilet In order to resolve what could turn into a messy situation, you should call a plumber as quickly as possible. The reason for your overflowing toilet could be a simple one or it could be the result of a more significant issue. Before your plumber arrives, shut off the water on the toilet and ensure that nobody flushes it, as that would worsen the situation.
The Association of Brickwork Contractors’ ABC Assessment Centre is unique to the sector, as it’s the first training provider to offer CITB-approved accreditation in relation to ancillary bricklaying processes. The short duration courses include practical and theoretical experience in brick-slip systems, fire barriers, brick soffits, windpost installation and masonry support angles. Delivered by experts with decades of brickwork experience who are available to carry out on-site training within a live working environment, competencies verified as part of ABC’s training programme will be added to candidates’ CSCS card, providing visible proof of their new-found expertise to current and future employers. Simon Livett, Centre Manager at the ABC Assessment Centre, said: “The training programme is our response to industry demand for more, better-skilled operatives in the brickwork sector. Over the years, manufacturers have developed many fantastic aids for bricklayers, particularly in the commercial building sector with regards to the creation of brick-slip façade cladding systems and the like. “But there’s a growing feeling that onsite, the level of workmanship has not necessarily kept pace with the evolution of new products and bricklaying techniques. Therefore, in conjunction with the ABC membership, we’ve devised a comprehensive suite of training courses delivered by experts in a range of modern brickwork installations, as well as covering a variety of core competencies such as cavity formation, wall tie installation and expansion joint provision.” The ABC Assessment Centre offers 16 short duration courses. Half-day, one-day and two-day programmes are available, with ‘background’ issues such as material storage and protection, quality assurance and the role of the bricklayer in the wider building supply chain, also covered within the training. In addition, manufacturer-led CPD training courses will offer trainees direct instruction from product designers and producers. Simon said although primarily aimed at contractors and current employees, the ABC Assessment Centre’s modern masonry training programme is being rolled out in Further Education colleges. A ‘demo wall’, which is currently in production for 25 hand-picked brickwork ‘Supercolleges’ will allow students to gain hands-on bricklaying experience within their own learning environment. The ABC Assessment Centre is already established as a provider of high-quality, on-site NVQ assessments to the construction sector.
