A system revolution

I have been involved in the provision of access solutions to the UK market for over 19 years. It is fair to say that, during this time, tube, boards and fittings (traditional material) have been the preferred choice for a large number of contractors in England and Wales. Apart from some regional variation, system scaffold has been primarily used to provide a solution where projects require structures such as staircases and temporary roofs.

While traditional material has remained a go-to solution for some, an increasing number of forward-thinking contractors and suppliers see system as a viable, cost-effective means of growing their business or securing a competitive advantage.

The cost of traditional components has long been seen as a cheap and widely available solution, so why the shift? Because the cost of the material is only one part of the total cost of providing access. There is little argument that system scaffold is much quicker to use than traditional material and can therefore provide real labour efficiencies and savings. There can be a significant reduction in the time taken to erect a structure in system, depending on the system selected and the nature of the work.

With labour cost being a major consideration, this can clearly represent a dramatic improvement in productivity coupled with the fact that the ‘new blood’ coming into the industry will increasingly be trained and more familiar with system scaffolds.

In the past the perception of system scaffold has been that it is only beneficial for straight runs of access and simpler projects. This perception is certainly not shared outside of the UK. We have personally helped to deliver access solutions in system that would historically have been considered to be “too complex”, along with a number of high media profile projects that, in the past, would have defaulted to traditional material. We therefore know that given proper pre-planning, engineering and design input, system scaffold can deliver real efficiencies in the majority of applications.

While having the correct material on-site is important, it has been proven many times that it is the few core system components that are key and that you don’t need many of the ‘specialist’ items on all jobs.

The training of operatives to use system scaffold is continually increasing along with awareness of the different systems and the components.

As a supplier of system scaffold, we have of course encountered businesses that were hesitant to push forward, but once they have product experience and a growing confidence in their operatives, they can see the range of projects that can be undertaken in system.

These ‘pioneers’ will be far ahead in the game, particularly as more and more main contractors are requesting a system scaffold solution and the ‘revolution’ gains momentum.

Richard L’Herroux Regional director – England www.at-pac.com

New heavy duty ramp system designed for building sites

LFI Ladders has introduced the Sheerlock Ramp System – a heavy duty ramp specially designed to withstand the demands of building sites and fit over obstacles for a robust and safer access route.

As an alternative to using toe-boards, which can be unstable and high risk, this new ramp system – designed with input from builders –is manufactured using galvanised steel mesh for excellent grip and durability and has been stress-tested to 270kg.

The design includes a saddle with cup locks to keep the ramp secure while protecting the brickwork thanks to a high-density plastic lining. Ramp toes move to accommodate uneven ground and the highly visible reflective strips make for safer use on-site.

www.britishladders.co.uk

HAKI offers CISRS System Inspection Training Scheme

Scaffolding system manufacturer HAKI has qualified to offer CISRS System Inspection Training at its dedicated training centre in the UK. HAKI already delivers the CISRS System Scaffolding Product Training Scheme (SSPTS) and is adding the CISRS inspection course to its growing training matrix to help standardise the approach to system training.

Following CISRS guidelines, the one-day course will include a theory test based on general inspection and HAKI system product knowledge, as well as a practical exam based on drawing of the structure and faults provided by HAKI’s qualified trainers.

All delegates who successfully complete practical and theory assessments on the course will receive a CISRS certificate and an endorsement on their CISRS card.

To attend the course, delegates must hold either a CISRS Basic Scaffolding Inspection (BSI) or Advanced Scaffolding Inspection (ASI) card, or be CISRS Scaffolders or Advanced Scaffolders who have had their card renewed with CPD, showing the inspection endorsement.

www.HAKI.co.uk

SMART Scaffolder updates estimating software with invoicing link

A recent software update from SMART Scaffolder to SMART Estimator – its design, estimating and TG20:13 compliance software – now enables customers to link with their accounting software.

One of the most customer-requested features has been a link between SMART Estimator and customers’ invoicing software. In this latest software release, customers can now link to Sage, QuickBooks and Xero to provide seamless applications for payment.

Combined with the SMART Handover app that tracks extra hire and variations, customers can now more easily keep on top of project costs. The 2019 release also provides for estimating chimney stacks for the first time.

www.smartscaffolder.com

SCP Forgeco’s ReadyFix Transoms are TG20:13 compliant

SCP Forgeco’s ReadyFix Transoms have been independently tested and are fully compliant to TG20:13.

All products bear traceability coding, allowing identification to manufacturing batches of under 2,000 pieces. During production, batch testing and inspection is carried out, and to ensure the best quality they are also tested again at SCP Forgeco’s UK laboratory.

The ReadyFix Transom units are available in three, four and five board configurations, and help faster erection of independent system scaffold unit with standard scaffold tube and fitting.

TG20:13 compliance allows the design of scaffolds without the need for ledger bracing in specific applications.

www.scp-props.co.uk/scaffolding-products

Hilti launches next generation cordless impact wrench

Hilti aims to consign under- and over-torqued HST3 Stud anchors to history with the launch of the next generation SIW 6AT-A22 cordless impact wrench and SI-AT-A22 adaptive torque module.

The new lightweight SI-AT-A22 module slots into the base of the tool and has a mechatronic system that processes live data on the settings being done.

When used together, the new system creates the first impact wrench-based adaptive torque available that covers ETA approvals for HST3 stud anchors ranging from M8 to M12.

Users scan the box of the Hilti HST3 anchor with the AT module’s integrated barcode reader and the tool automatically tightens to the required torque. Once the process is complete, the AT module provides a visual and audible alert before stopping automatically, ensuring the job is completed consistently and accurately.

www.hilti.co.uk

RhinoDeck Benefits

SCP Forgeco becomes UK distributor for MPC

SCP Forgeco has been appointed as the sole UK distributor for plastic scaffolding products manufacturer MPC Redditch.

MPC Redditch manufactures tube end caps, thread caps, plastic foot plates and armadillo caps.

SCP holds robust stock levels to ensure it can respond to all new product orders. MPCˊs range is predominantly available in yellow; however, SCP is able to offer other colours to suit scaffolding requirements.

Scaffolding foam tube sleeves are also available in a range of lengths.

SCP’s sales team can be contacted on 01902 884 687. www.scp-props.co.uk/scaffolding-products

CAMO Group contracted for hoarding and security at Procession House

CAMO Group has completed its largest project to date – and one of the largest hoarding jobs currently installed in the City of London – for Trad Scaffolding at Procession House.

The scope of works for CAMO Group, which was born from the existing name of ADS Security Installations, was to install a full site perimeter hoarding along with various tunnels, walkways and site entrance gates. In addition, CAMO was tasked with installing non-slip plywood to all five hoist run-offs, the site entrance ramp and various sections.

Installing a gutter frame covering a large amount of the perimeter of the building presented challenges because it had to be cut to perfection around window frames, scaffolding tubes and stone columns.

CAMO also secured the entire site with its unique hardwired scaffold alarm system and 24-hour monitoring. In excess of 250 lights have been used on this project for public safety and adherence with local council regulations. www.camogroup.co.uk

PERI introduces digital solution for industrial environments

Formwork and scaffolding specialist www.peri.ltd.uk

PERI is combining digital technology with its PERI UP scaffolding solution to enable seamless operations and greater control for contractors on industrial construction sites.

PERI’s latest development in this field, the Integrated Scaffolding Programme, supports the entire process, from initial planning through to final implementation of a scaffolding solution.

During the planning stage, the programme can be integrated with the contractor’s predesigned 3D models or with 3D models designed by PERI, which are created by using digital tools to scan the environment. 3D modelling helps visualise the proposed scaffolding concept, and how it interacts with the site environment and construction sequence.