Construction National

Preparing the workplace for a hotter future

Last year marked another record-beating year for hot weather in the UK and meteorologists predict temperatures above 35C could become the norm. Alex Minett, Head of Products and Markets at CHAS, a Veriforce company, looks at five key questions businesses might have about working during hot spells.

July 2022 saw the Met Office issue its first ever red alert for extreme heat. With four out of ten of the UK’s hottest days on record having fallen in the last two years alone, the figures serve as a stark reminder of the accelerating impact of climate change. 

Read more: Preparing the workplace for a hotter future

Aldermore builds new construction finance team

Aldermore is proud to announce the launch of its new finance proposition specifically tailored for the UK construction sector. The proposition will be backed by a dedicated team that bring a wealth of experience in the sector and will leverage our existing expertise whilst offering a refreshed customer experience.

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International Rugby Experience - a brick masterpiece with Michelmersh products

Michelmersh is proud to see its products predominantly featured throughout the design of The International Rugby Experience. The International Rugby Experience has quickly become one of the top tourist attractions in Ireland since opening its doors in 2022.

Michelmersh is proud to see its products predominantly featured throughout the design of The International Rugby Experience, Limerick, where it sits on the edge of a conservation area within Limerick’s Georgian Quarter. The International Rugby Experience has quickly become one of the top tourist attractions in Ireland since opening its doors in 2022. The Experience’s verticality was crucial to the project’s success, where capacity was integral to it. The height of the building also provides impressive views over the city with its crowning public hall. The state-of-the-art facility is a must-visit for rugby fans from around the world, with the target of welcoming 100,000 visitors annually. Described specifically as an “experience” and not a museum, guests will be told a story of rugby through five values: Discipline, Solidarity, Respect, Passion and Integrity.

Read more: International Rugby Experience - a brick masterpiece with Michelmersh products

ASFP releases new passive fire protection guidance

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has published three new Advisory Notes and updated another. The documents cover a range of topics related to firestopping, penetration seals and smoke seals.  

Advisory Note (AN) 13 covers the testing of partial penetrations, for example, socket boxes, which are installed into dry wall systems. Firestopping products are made to help maintain the performance of a wall where such electrical boxes have been added. A CEN standard is currently being drafted to cover the testing of these products. However, in the interim period AN 13 suggests that the firestopping of these products is undertaken using an ad-hoc approach, based on testing to BS EN1364-1: Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements. 

Read more: ASFP releases new passive fire protection guidance

Exeter College gets a solid investment with donation of 10,000 bricks

Brick by brick, a local housebuilder is building the future of the construction industry in Exeter - and they've just added 10,000 more to the mix. Persimmon Homes South West, has made a significant donation of 10,000 bricks to Exeter College to support the training and education of future construction professionals. The bricks, equivalent to the amount needed to construct a three-bedroom house, were delivered to the college's state-of-the-art construction facilities in the presence of local apprentices and Exeter City Council Leader, Cllr Phil Bialyk.

Read more: Exeter College gets a solid investment with donation of 10,000 bricks

The value of manoeuvrability - why operator comfort should come first

According to the National Safety Council, fatigued worker productivity costs USA employers between $1,200 and $3,100 every year. In the construction industry, which places significant physical stress onto workers, the numbers are likely to be considerably higher. Increasingly, construction companies are looking for ways to get the most out of their workforce without tiring them out. Here Dave Bigham, global director of training at surface preparation equipment manufacturer National Flooring Equipment, highlights some of the key benefits to equipment manoeuvrability.

Read more: The value of manoeuvrability - why operator comfort should come first

Boy’s death highlights need for professional site protection

The tragic death of a young boy on a construction site in Glasgow is a bitter reminder of the need for professional construction site protection, says industry leaders SafeSite Facilities.

Shea Ryan – ten-years old - managed to gain access into a building site in Glasgow with friends through insecure perimeter hoarding. He tried to climb down an open manhole, lost his footing, and suffered a fatal fall.

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Leeds College of Building plumbing department receives top exam results

A recent examination report for Level 2 and 3 ‘technical’ plumbing qualifications at Leeds College of Building reveals exceptional results for 2023.

Overall pass rates for the exam element of the City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate in Plumbing Studies at the College were 100% compared to a national average of 87%, with 40% of students achieving a Distinction grade.

Read more: Leeds College of Building plumbing department receives top exam results

Construction tendering tech specialist launches in the UK and Ireland

EstimateOne, a market leader in digital commercial construction tendering, announces its launch in the UK and Ireland.

Established in 2009, EstimateOne is a pioneering digital solution specifically designed to combat the obstacles faced by estimators during the tendering process. Drawing from his expertise as an estimator, Co-founder Mike Ashcroft, alongside Andrew Ritchie, built a platform that has revolutionised the engagement of main contractors and subcontractors in the construction industry.

Read more: Construction tendering tech specialist launches in the UK and Ireland

Spider operator ‘jumps at chance' to go large with Hinowa

Work at height specialist Fletcher Access has placed an order for the new Hinowa Lightlift 40.18 - the biggest spider lift ever produced by Hinowa - as it renews its platform fleet.

The Worcester-based company has also taken delivery of a new Hinowa Lightlift 20.10 spider lift, putting it to good use on a maintenance project at a 19th Century Grade II listed Greek Revival country house.

Read more: Spider operator ‘jumps at chance' to go large with Hinowa