FATMAG FEB-MAR 2022 by Engage Media

FATMAG l

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In with the new

F E B RUA RY - M A R C H 2 0 2 2

The check-in

Team 18 plans to make the start of the 2022 Supercar season a year to remember.

A former elite sports coach is taking the insights of leading teams and applying them to business.

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Page 24

Take cover

Members in Action

The key to small business insurance coverage.

Meet the women behind your CSS member stores.

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WOMEN

IN TRADES

Efforts are being made to attract more women into trades but is better education the key to more female apprentices? Page 28

C SS M E M BE RS – AU STR A L IA N OWN ED AN D I N DEP EN DEN TLY OPER AT ED

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Construction Supply Specialists Pty Ltd Administration - Head Office 17 Lakeside Drive, Broadmeadows VIC 3047 Tel: (03) 9357 4228 Fax: (03) 9357 4229 jeff@cssgroup.com.au www.constructionsupply.com.au

CONTENTS February-March 2022

About us The store listed on the front of this magazine is a member of the Construction Supply Specialist Group. While the majority of your work will be conducted with your local CSS Member, this store is part of a national network of stores that can provide you with exceptional service and support wherever you may be working in Australia. For more store locations, visit www.constructionsupply.com.au.

COVER STORY

Closing the gap

Efforts are being made to attract more women into the construction and mining sectors.

04. Welcome

06. News Victoria leads a construction boom; Canteen’s Robots program; and more…

10. Racing Team 18 plans to make the 2022 Supercar season a year to remember.

COVER PHOTO: TOP: PHOTO: GORLOVKV - 123RF. MIDDLE AND BOTTOM PICS: SUPPLIED

14. Business The needs of small business insurance coverage in the construction industry.

16. Members in action More women are now

proving themselves in all areas of the industry.

19. Supplier profile Why the Sheffield Group is one of our most trusted suppliers of cutting tools.

24. Wellbeing How a former elite sports coach is helping businesses promote mental health.

26. Tech talk Tips to keep your tools safe and why insurance is a must-have for everyone.

44. F.A.T. Mag fun Cross words and more! PLUS Supplier editorials

Advice, new products and more from a selection of CSS suppliers. Check out past issues of the CSS F.A.T.MAG at www.cssfatmag.com.au. CSS F.A.T. MAG 3

WELCOME

Hello to everyone reading and thanks for taking the time to have a travel though our FAT Mag. If you are a first-time FAT Mag traveller, then my warmest welcome to you. If you are a returning friend, welcome back and lovely to have you along for the ride again. We trust we will pique your interest as always and that you’ll keep coming back. As 2022 kicks off, there is renewed interest in a few campaigns aimed at supporting the heart of Australian business and the engine room of our economy and I hope everyone out there understands the importance of the message these campaigns carry. “When people talk about small business as the ‘engine room’ of the Australian economy, they are talking about millions of hardworking Australians. Those Australians have to overcome obstacles every day to create value for customers, jobs for employees, and community for our societies,” says Kate Carnell, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. BUY AUSTRALIAN: BUY LOCAL SUPPORT INDEPENDENT OPERATORS These three slogans are being pitched on behalf of small businesses right around the country and I laud those who are behind the campaigns and wish them every success going forward. While there is no consistent definition of small business across government in

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All CSS Members are a part of the small business army that contributed upwards of $418 billion to GDP in 2018/19: 32 per cent of Australia’s economy.

Australia, the two most used criteria for determination of a small business are: they employ less than 20 people (ABS) and/or that they have a turnover less than $10,000,000 (ATO). The protection of small business operators was at the very heart of the creation of CSS when we began 20 years ago. Today, it is still the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR in why we do what we do and why we fiercely support and promote the value of every member’s independence. Each and every CSS member is independently owned and operated and works hard at maintaining their position in the marketplace, their ties with local community and keeping people employed. All CSS Members are a part of the small business army that contributed upwards of $418 billion to GDP in 2018/19, which was 32 per cent of Australia’s total economy. 4.7 million people were employed by small business in that year, which was 41 per cent of the business workforce. Small business is big business.

BUY AUSTRALIAN: BUY LOCAL SUPPORT INDEPENDENT OPERATORS CSS is totally committed to supporting the ideals of these campaigns and will be doing our best to keep the focus on them in all aspects of our operational procedures moving forward. We have already commenced a review of our Impact-A home brand range with an aim to convert more product from imported to locally sourced. We are extremely proud to announce that we have already converted two key product lines—Aerosol Paint and Buckets—and are working with local manufacturers on several others under our ‘Australian 1st‘ strategy. We are very excited by the opportunities being presented as Australia is opening up again and trust there will be enough focus to kickstart a new wave of enthusiasm for getting manufacturing in Australia pumping. This combined with getting people to understand the value to the country of small businesses and the independent business owners working hard to keep them in the mix, will be our central theme in the year ahead. You may have heard all of this before but believe me, the importance of getting involved and participating has never been more important than right now. Thanks for taking the time to go through our magazine and we hope to have you with us next time around.  Jeff Wellard

PHOTO: MOISSEYEV - 123RF

Keeping it local

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NEWS Victoria’s building and construction industry booming

According to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Victoria’s booming building and construction industry brushed off the lingering effects of Melbourne’s sixth lockdown to powerhouse the nation in construction activity for the first time. More than $15 billion of work was carried out in Victoria between July and September 2021, up almost 6 per cent from the previous quarter. Leading economists say the strong performance of Victoria’s building and construction industry may have saved the national economy from a tougher landing than expected in the September 2021 quarter. This follows from the latest figures that demonstrate that total construction work done accounted for just over 12 per cent of total economic activity in Victoria in the last fiscal year in adjusted prices. Master Builders Australia’s Chief Economist Shane Garrett said Victoria was leading the nation in building and construction activity. “During 2020-21, work began on more than 46,000 new 6 CSS F.A.T. MAG

detached houses across Victoria,” he said. “This was more than every other state and was the highest annual total Victoria has seen since records began back in 1969. The latest ABS data provides preliminary estimates of the value of total construction work, building work, and engineering construction work carried out in the September 2021 quarter.

Despite Victoria’s strong performance propping up the national balance sheet, the value of total construction work done nationally fell by 0.3 per cent in the September 2021 quarter to $53.9 billion. The fall was driven by the 0.9 per cent reduction in the volume of building work done which declined to $30.4 billion. However, completed building work is still 3.2 per cent higher than at the same time last year. 

Builders need a digital boost New data confirms the impact lockdowns have had on small businesses in the building and construction sector and shows the need for measures to support increased digital uptake and capacity building to accelerate recovery from COVID lockdowns. The data, released by MYOB in its Small Business Health Index shows lockdowns have immediate impacts for the building and construction sector. As of 22 October total invoice creation was down 31%, gross pay was down by 23% and employment was down by 16% compared to baseline. Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia said, “These insights are particularly important for our industry as we move forward out of lockdowns.” This data highlights the impact that low levels of digitisation, particularly for SMEs have on businesses. Invoicing is down across the board, with in-person invoicing rendered impossible during lockdowns. Businesses with low levels of digitisation have been exposed as less resilient. “COVID has been an accelerator of existing trends such as digitisation and has provided tangible evidence of how low levels of digital uptake hurts small business in our sector,” Denita Wawn said. “Digitally advanced SMEs are 50%

more likely to succeed in growing. Supporting SMEs to become larger businesses will be increasingly important if the construction industry is to expand and address structural shortages in housing supply and infrastructure.

“With the construction industry home to more SMEs than any other industry, meaningful digital adoption will have perhaps the greatest impact in business recovery and improving business resilience.” 

Houses up, units down

Approvals for detached homes in the three months to October 2021 increased by 5.6 per cent compared with the same period in the previous year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). “Ongoing strong sales and approvals numbers continue to confirm that detached home building will remain elevated throughout 2022,” said Thomas Devitt, economist with the Housing Industry Association. “A change in consumer preference is now the main force driving this demand. “The value of renovations approved also remains elevated. The last

12 months has seen the value of renovations approved increase by 37.3 per cent on the previous year. “Multi-unit approvals numbers have been solid in recent months but fell away sharply in October with a 36.1 per cent decline. Multi-unit approvals in New South Wales and Victoria fell by 48.6 per cent and 15.8 per cent respectively, in the month of October. “The multi-units market depends heavily on overseas migrants, tourists and students. The re-opening of international borders is crucial to the prospects of this sector,” concluded Mr Devitt. 

CSS F.A.T. MAG 7

NEWS

Getting better, more to do Safe Work Australia has published the Work-related Traumatic Injury Fatalities Australia 2020 report, which provides the latest detailed national statistics on all workers and bystanders fatally injured at work. While the rate of work-related fatalities has decreased 25 per cent over the last decade and 50 per cent since 2007, any workplace death is unacceptable. Tragically, 194 people were fatally injured at work in 2020. Understanding the causes of injury and the industries most affected can help reduce work-related fatalities. The report details that over two-thirds of worker fatalities occurred in the following industries: transport, postal and warehousing (49 fatalities); agriculture, forestry and fishing (46 fatalities); construction (36 fatalities). The most common causes of worker fatalities were: Vehicle collisions (41%); being hit by moving objects (13%); and falls from a height (11%). 

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PRO SERIES

Canteen Robots Program

Thanks to the generosity of the Australian community and partners such as CSS, Canteen is able to be in a young person’s corner with whatever support they need when cancer crashes into their world. COVID-19 lockdowns have given all of us an insight into how tough isolation can be, but sadly young cancer patients already knew this all too well. One of the many challenges they face is missing weeks or even months of school as a result of their treatment. In addition to the impact this can have on their education and future, young people can feel incredibly cut off from their friends and develop anxiety or depression. That’s why Canteen established the Robots Program in 2018 as part of a broad suite of services supporting young people with cancer. The robot is an innovative piece of teleconferencing technology that enables young people to attend school from their hospital bed. It gives young cancer patients the chance to stay connected to school, friends and

Peter Orchard, Canteen CEO (left) and Joey Lynch, Canteen Board Member (Chair)

family, which can help to improve their coping skills and build resilience that will last them a lifetime. The Tour de Cure Victoria Ball on 12 February 2022 aims to raise $300K to realise Canteen’s vision of providing a robot to every young cancer patient who

needs one. CSS is proud to support this initiative and will be attending the Gala event with our partners/suppliers. Find out more and donate to the Robots Program at canteen.org.au/ robots

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CSS F.A.T. MAG 9

RACING

Out with the old The start of the 2022 Supercar season may mark the end of an era but Team 18 plans to make it a year to remember. By Liz Swanton

t was 1980 when the Holden Commodore made its first appearance in what was then called the Australian Touring Car Championship. At the end of this year, it will make its last—and Team 18 is ready for the final tour. The first round of this year’s series will be the Newcastle 500 (4-6 March). It comes hard on the heels of the category’s compulsory test day when everyone gets to see the shake-out of

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the annual game of ‘musical chairs’ as drivers (and technical staff) change teams. But there’s no change at Team 18, with Scott Pye (seen in DeWalt Racing livery) and Mark Winterbottom back on duty together. It’s the first time Newcastle hosts round one of the age-old red-versusblue rivalry and it’s fair to wonder if that will disappear. With the last Ford Falcon leaving Australian racetracks at the end of 2018, and now the Commodore, our

‘Australian’ muscle cars will be replaced with two American variants doing battle: a two-door version of the Ford Mustang already familiar to Australian Supercar spectators, and a Chevrolet Camaro. Both enter the sport under the new ‘Gen3’ regulations. This is a revision in the rules aimed at cutting costs for competitors by introducing more standardised components to the cars and redesigning the chassis to favour the two-door coupe body shapes.

Team 18’s Gen3 Camaros, a much “sharper-looking” car than the fans are used to seeing, will be built by Triple Eight Race Engineering.

“It’s a bit like turning back the clock to the golden years of motorsport when I first started watching Allan Moffat’s Mustang and Bob Jane’s Camaro battling for the Touring Car Championship in the early seventies. I’ve always had a love for American muscle, so to see the Camaro back on the grid is something I can’t wait to see.”

PHOTO: ARUNAS KLUPSAS

Charlie Schwerkolt

It’s welcomed by team boss, Charlie Schwerkolt, who believes the move to more of a ‘control car’ with similar componentry should provide closer racing—“and hopefully favour teams with drivers who can really adapt easily to a new car, which we’re blessed to have with Mark and Scott”. He describes the Camaros as a much “sharper-looking” car than the fans are used to seeing and hopes they will be as excited as the teams are. The switch

to US muscle cars is not, he says, something new. “It’s a bit like turning back the clock to the golden years of motorsport when I first started watching Allan Moffat’s Mustang and Bob Jane’s Camaro battling for the Touring Car Championship in the early seventies. I’ve always had a love for American muscle, so to see the Camaro back on the grid is something I can’t wait to see.” Team 18’s Gen3 Camaros will be built

by Triple Eight Race Engineering so the team will simply take delivery come the end of this year, and hit the ground running in 2023. In the meantime, it is business as usual and Charlie Schwerkolt is delighted with the team stability. “We’re now in our third year as a twocar team with the same driver line-up. It’s really exciting to have the continuity with both drivers, and to be building on what was a good season in 2021, despite the CSS F.A.T. MAG 11

RACING

“While the Ford versus Holden rivalry built the foundation of the sport, there are so many more layers to the championship, with fans sticking by the teams and drivers as well—and they will still have their brand to cheer on.” Scott Pye

COVID interruptions. Obviously, we’re hoping for a better season this year.” Mark Winterbottom is also thinking positively. He is focused on enjoying every minute of the season ahead—and the season ahead of that. “I’m excited for the Camaro. It is sad to see Holden and the Commodore nameplate go, but as a sport we’re always looking to keep up with the times and we’ll still maintain our DNA of the V8 muscle car when the Camaro joins the grid.” Winterbottom describes starting the

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season with the street race in Newcastle as “massive”, saying the drivers have really missed the big events of the last two years. “Hopefully we will be racing in front of big crowds again—and being able to race to the calendar will be great,” he laughs. “Not having it shift through dramas, locations and dates as it has over the last two years; a bit more certainty in life for all of us.” He’s particularly looking forward to the compulsory test day to check out the other drivers with their new teams. He

uses the day as a rough form guide to who might do what in the year ahead. “It’s always interesting to see who has landed where when the dust settles. Sometimes someone rolls straight out, and you think ‘Wow, I didn’t expect that’, and others roll out and you expected more, so that first test day gives a really interesting dynamic. It will also give us an idea of where we fit in the mix.” While Winterbottom says the team may not necessarily make huge gains with their cars on the first test day of the year, it is a chance to see what

Above: Team 18 boss Charlie Schwerkolt says the move to more of a ‘control car’ should provide closer racing: “It’s a bit like turning back the clock to the golden years of motorsport”. Below: Scott Pye prepares to race.

their technical gurus have been up to in the off season, and to compare notes with his teammate. Scott Pye says one of the team’s great strengths is the synchronicity between the drivers. “On race weekends, our car set-ups are very similar so it means on a test day we can work well together,” Pye says. “Test days are always extremely busy, and I spend most of the day in the car running through a program, and trying to learn as much as possible, so the opportunities to compare notes come in debrief.

“It’s after the test when we can really analyse what the two of us have done, but in terms of engineering I think we have a very strong group as a whole. You can’t underestimate how much that sort of stability helps a team function well. “For me, working with ‘Frosty’ has been terrific. We have a great relationship, and we push each other every time we’re out on track, so if we can keep that up, the results Team 18 wants will come.” Like his teammate, Pye will feel some emotion when Commodore takes the

chequered flag for the last time in 2022, but he doesn’t believe it will change the sport for the spectators. “While the Ford versus Holden rivalry built the foundation of the sport, there are so many more layers to the championship, with fans sticking by the teams and drivers as well—and they will still have their brand to cheer on, as we saw when the Mustang replaced the Falcon in 2019. “The anticipation for the Camaro is insane. We can’t wait to get it on track in 2023.” 

CSS F.A.T. MAG 13

BUSINESS

Take cover Discover the key requirements of small business insurance coverage in the construction industry. By Kerryn Ramsey

MANDATORY COVER Workers compensation and builders home warranty are legislated insurances that are non-negotiable and regulated by governing bodies. Workers compensation is a requirement of any trading entity that has employees. Builders home warranty is for residential builders or renovators. It provides a warranty on their works in the event that they are no longer trading or available to rectify works in the years after the property is sold. “Business owners need to be aware of both and be compliant,” says Jared Gilkison, director and senior account manager of R&M Insurance Brokers. “A breach of either of these can result in trading restrictions, large fines, and loss of licences.” Other obligatory insurances for companies are public liability and third

party on company vehicles. Each of these addresses your obligations to someone else. Public liability covers you if a third party is injured as a result of your business activities. Third party on vehicles covers you for personal injuries arising from the use of vehicles. “These types of insurance are often more important than insuring your own property,” says Gilkison. “It’s impossible to quantify or control what someone else might demand from you if you injure them.” TOOLS OF THE TRADE Tools, machinery and equipment are what enables a job to get done and keeps the money coming in. Without the right tools, everything stalls. While not compulsory, it makes sense to have these items insured for loss, theft or breakage. “Trade tools are very expensive and costly to replace,” says David Turner, chair of HIA Insurance Services. “A tradie purchases many tools over their working life, but if they are stolen or accidentally destroyed, it may not be possible to replace them all at once. This will cause business interruption and

prevent them from earning to their full capacity.” The cost of replacing an item, of downtime and of hiring replacement items are all covered by different insurances. It’s important to know which you want to insure against in order to achieve the desired risk management. A GOOD OPTION One type of insurance that’s often overlooked by small businesses is management liability. It covers various areas including director’s and officer’s insurance, statutory liability (which cover work, health and safety fines), and employment practices liability (which

“It’s impossible to quantify or control what someone else might demand from you if you injure them.” Jared Gilkison, director, R&M Insurance Brokers

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HEAD SHOTS SUPPLIED; MAIN PHOTO: HALFPOINT 123RF

he best way to protect everything that allows you to operate your business is with effective insurance. Some insurances are obligatory while some are optional, though highly recommended. Here’s what you need to know...

“Brokers advocate strongly for clients when claims are made so engaging a broker to act for you in the purchase of insurance and advocacy of claims is the best decision you will make.” David Turner, chair, HIA Insurance Services

addresses unfair dismissal cases). “There’s a lot of smaller contractors operating under a heavy compliance burden of larger corporate principals,” says Gilkison. “It’s easy to miss something but management liability will pick up a lot of the risks that are difficult to identify.” Public liability insurance is often overlooked by tradies and subcontractors because they believe incorrectly that they are covered by the head contractor’s insurance. “If a claim is made on the head contractor and the insurer pays out then recovery action against the party or parties at fault will generally occur,” says Turner. “Public liability claims can easily send a small trader into insolvency.” GETTING THE BEST DEAL While some types of insurance are mandatory, every business is unique with its own particular insurance needs. All big insurance companies offer small business and trades insurance.

Approach them directly to discover what they offer, what they bundle together, and how much it costs. Advice can also be garnered from professional organisations. Your third option is to use an insurance broker. They take responsibility for sourcing insurance quotes on your behalf and can advise if the policy is appropriate for the risk you’re trying to insure. “Some insurers bundle what you need, some don’t,” says Gilkison. “Some are specific to construction, some are specific to civil works, and some are general players in the space. Knowing who to approach is key to getting the setup that’s correct for your business.” Brokers deal with insurers to establish best in class cover on behalf of clients and have the purchasing power to deliver the most competitive outcomes. “Brokers advocate strongly for clients when claims are made so engaging a broker to act for you in the purchase of insurance and advocacy of claims is

the best decision you will make,” says Turner. BE HONEST When you take out an insurance policy, it’s a legal contract. The insurance company is entitled to defend its position at the time of claim. If you have provided incorrect information on which they quoted, they’ll act in their own best interest. It’s imperative that all paperwork is filed honestly and in good faith. If you choose to use a broker, it means you have a representative acting on your behalf, both in the quoting process and at claim time. Without insurance, businesses are completely liable for all costs related to property damage and liability claims. If mandatory cover is not taken out, fines, restrictions and loss of licence are real possibilities. It may feel like a timeconsuming process and an unexpected cost, but business insurance is an effective protection against financial ruin.  CSS F.A.T. MAG 15

MEMBERS IN ACTION

yousta directors Jill Muller (left) and Sally Jooste

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More women are now working in all areas of the construction industry, earning respect, acceptance and admiration along the way. By Frank Leggett

Women at work T

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

here’s no denying that, traditionally, the construction industry has been very male-dominated. As more women take up a variety of positions, they’re faced with a variety of challenges and old-fashioned attitudes. It can be confronting and there are still obstacles to overcome but these women are also enjoying the respect of their customers, and the friendship and camaraderie of their workmates.

WHAT’S THE ATTRACTION? Women are drawn to the construction industry for the same reasons as men— the variety of the work, being part of a team, overcoming challenges and the satisfaction of a completed job. The National Association of Women in Construction hopes to achieve 25 per cent minimum female participation across all of the construction industry by 2025. “Before starting at Desco nearly three years ago, I was working in a small, family-owned hardware store,” says Morgan Dohnt, a sales representative at Desco Workplace Supplies in Darra, a suburb in Brisbane. “The general manager asked if I would be interested in a new challenge which I was very excited to accept. I’m happy to say I’ve been reaching and exceeding my goals from day one.” STARTING OUT Early experiences with the building

trades can ignite an interest and a passion for the industry. It might stem from a part-time job, a long-held interest or joining the family business. “My father, Sam Jooste, a builder Sally Turnbull of Banks, Bolts & Fasteners

“When I first started in the industry 25 years ago, I would be asked to get the bloke in sales. I would reassure the customer that I work in sales and can help them.” Sally Turnbull, managing director, Banks Bolts & Fasteners

by trade, was initially a customer, then bought into the business back in 1996,” says Sally Jooste, director of yousta construction supplies in Revesby, NSW. “From a young age, my sister Jill and I were involved with small projects for pocket money. After I started my career in marketing, I noticed how transferrable the skill set was across industries. When Dad bought the remaining shares of the business in 2017, Jill and I were very excited at the opportunity to come on board as directors.” UNIQUE CHALLENGES Whether they’re a sales rep, operations manager, managing director or purchasing officer, women are constantly dealing with male customers, contractors and builders. Often they’re required to give advice and impart practical knowledge, and can face a certain amount of resistance. Thankfully, attitudes are changing. “When I first started in the industry 25 years ago, I would be asked to get the bloke in sales,” says Sally Turnbull, managing director of Banks Bolts & Fasteners in Roma, QLD. “I would reassure the customer that I work in sales and can help them. Now I have customers who bypass the counter and find me in the office to guarantee they get the right part. These days, the customer is looking for quick quality service with the reassurance they leave with the right product to do the job. CSS F.A.T. MAG 17

MEMBERS IN ACTION

Karen McGuire at Brisbane Fasteners & Engineering Supplies

Gender simply does not play a part in that equation.” FEMALE INFLUENCE While attitudes are rapidly changing, being a female in such a blokey industry still has an influence on how women are treated by male customers and colleagues. “I’ve pretty much seen and heard it all,” says Jaye Thomas who works in purchasing and sales at Mandurah Bolt Supplies in WA. “There are still people who believe women can never have knowledge of a man’s world. I take that

Morgan Dohnt, sales rep at Desco Workplace Supplies

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“There are still people who believe women can never have knowledge of a man’s world. I take that as a challenge and love it when I prove them wrong.” Jaye Thomas, Mandurah Bolt Supplies as a challenge and love it when I prove them wrong.” Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of changing mindsets and leading by example. “Our objective as female leaders is to create an environment where everyone feels supported,” says Sally Jooste. “Having a diverse team helps to foster collaboration and our team works together better now than ever before. I think everyone feels that business success is only possible through a joint effort.” THE GOOD STUFF While there are difficulties and challenges facing women in our industry, there are also rewards and satisfaction. “While being female in this job can be a challenge, it can be an advantage getting through the door when coldcalling,” says Karen McGuire, operations manager at Brisbane Fasteners & Engineering Supplies in Brendale in Queensland’s Moreton Bay region. “Generally in the industry, there can be a lot of chest-beating during maleto-male contact. When they encounter

a female, the interaction tends to be calmer and the language changes. I really enjoy meeting so many different characters among customers and staff. Getting to know people on a personal level is the best way to overcome any issues.” MORE WOMEN Many females are trailblazers in their various positions and are setting the standard for women to follow in the future. The big question is, would they encourage other women to be involved in the industry? “Definitely,” says Hayley Firth, assistant sales manager at Bolts & Moore in Hallam, a suburb east of Melbourne. “There’s no need for women to be scared off from an industry like this. The only advice I have is that in the beginning, it’s going to be difficult. There are people out there who can be rude towards females. But don’t take it to heart because, I promise you, it does get better.” Jaye Thomas agrees. “It’s a very rewarding career. But if you’re not thickskinned, you probably won’t last very long. I’ll just leave it at that.” 

SUPPLIER PROFILE

A cut above

After starting business life with the sale of shaving blades more than 50 years ago, the Sheffield Group has morphed into one of the nation’s most trusted suppliers of cutting tools. By Cameron Cooper

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF SHEFFIELD

ew family enterprises survive beyond one or two generations—making the Sheffield Group a true business success story. Known for its cutting tools and power tool accessories, the Cardiff operation in NSW is a fourth-generation Australian-owned and -operated family company. “We’re unique,” says sales director Greg Allbut, the grandson of the business’s founder. Set up in 1970, the business initially had a contract to provide British shaving razors to the Royal Australian Navy through a government supply

agency deal. “That supplier is still our blade supplier today,” says Allbut, who believes that forging trusted relationships with all stakeholders has been at the heart of the Sheffield Group’s longevity. Since then, the business has stayed true to its origins by providing cutting tools and a range of other power tool accessories to construction workers and tradies. After once operating out of a backyard shed in Sydney’s West Pennant Hills, the Sheffield Group now has a sophisticated plant in Cardiff, near Newcastle, and over the years it has introduced advanced CNC

testing machines and fully automatic processing and development tooling. “That’s what has made us different, having the capacity to develop and maintain quality here in Australia,” Allbut says.

HUGE RANGE

Originally specialising in utility knives and replacement blades, today the Sheffield Group sells more than 9500 products for tradies and professionals in the engineering, industrial and construction markets under the Alpha, Austsaw and Sterling brands. Among its biggest sellers are the

“Your outlay for the blade may be higher, but the time saving and the number of cuts you get before you’ve got to change the blade are phenomenal.” Greg Allbut, sales director, Sheffield Group CSS F.A.T. MAG 19

SUPPLIER PROFILE

“If we can save one person an hour a day on a site, that’s nearly $120 a day. Repeat that saving across a whole team of construction professionals andKlingspor it has many new adds up seriously fast.” Greg Allbut, sales director, Sheffield Group products in the pipeline.

Alpha high-speed steel drills, driver bits and holesaws, while its catalogue also features items such as mag-based drills, hand tools, staplers, flooring tools and measuring tools. On the innovation front, its Sterling Black Panther industrial snips have become the must-have cutting tool on mining sites, replacing knives that often cause a high rate of injuries from cutting accidents. “Our product has become the industry benchmark in the mining area,” Allbut says. “The competition has tried to copy it without success.” The Sheffield Group has a team of more than 70, and it has fared well during COVID-19 as demand has risen for domestic construction work and

20 CSS F.A.T. MAG

renovation projects. Managing stock during the pandemic has been one of the key challenges because of well-documented issues with international freight bottlenecks. “We’ve had to do some fairly aggressive supply-chain management.” Nevertheless, it is pleased with a 95 per cent order fill rate during this unprecedented period. The Sheffield Group designs and develops products in Australia and then partners with manufacturers to deliver those innovations. A decision some years ago not to be too reliant on production in any one country led to a vast diversification of the business’s manufacturing base. It now partners with the best manufacturers globally to

deliver its product range while meeting the business’s high specifications. “The move has played into our hands as it’s opened up more supply avenues, rather than being hit with mass shortages. If you work with the right manufacturer, you can get exactly what you need when you need it,” Allbut says. Rigorous batch testing is done in Australia, while the Cardiff team also oversees the finishing and packaging of more than 65 per cent of products, and this is rapidly increasing.

TIME IS MONEY

In developing first-class and efficient products, the Sheffield Group has an underlying aim—it wants to save time onsite for tradies. “If we can save one person an hour a day on a site, that’s nearly $120 a day,” Allbut says. “Repeat that saving across a whole team of construction professionals and it adds up seriously fast.” With that in mind, Sheffield Group has recently released the Alpha VersaDrive range of drilling, cutting and threading tools that is reinventing onsite metalworking processes. For example, instead of a worker taking various drills and tools up and down on a scissor lift for a job, they can now use the world’s first modular, quick-change cutting and drilling system designed for impact and rotary tools. “They can do it all with their standard tools, which has never been

seen before.” Likewise, it has a new range of saw blades for cutting metal that results in a massive time saving for workers. “Your outlay for the blade may be higher, but the time saving and the number of cuts you get before you’ve got to change the blade are phenomenal.”

PERFORMANCE IS KING

The Sheffield Group is built on two core pillars—a Culture of Care (looking

after staff, suppliers and customers) and Products that Outperform (giving customers an experience that exceeds all expectations). When an end user purchases an Alpha or Austsaw product, Allbut says they can be confident that they are investing in a cutting tool that has been tested and proven to outperform every other product within its category. “Working onsite comes with many challenges and the last thing a tradie

needs is for their drill bit or saw blade to let them down with the job half done. With Alpha and Austsaw you have confidence that you will get the job done.” On the back of that strength and other great products in the Sheffield Group’s range, Allbut is confident that the business can thrive for another 50 years. “We’re very thankful for the way things are going, but you can always do better and that’s what drives us.” 

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WELLBEING

The check-in

Former elite sports coach Dean Noonan is taking the insights of leading teams and applying them to business. By Rob Johnson

24 CSS F.A.T. MAG

thing by your employees, you’re getting something back from that process— performance.” He’s keen to point out that what he does with Check5 is not try to turn a manager into an amateur psychologist or social worker. Instead, he says, it’s helping managers address problems individual employees might face. And many managers simply don’t know where to point people towards getting help. “We always tell people, if you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got,” he explains. “And that is fundamentally what our approach is. It’s going into a company and saying, ‘I’m not a business coach. I’m not a life coach. We’re not here to try and tell you how to run your business or how to be your better self’.” “What it’s about is stepping back and taking some acknowledgement and ownership, that if things aren’t quite tracking well, then we need you to start to apply some of these principles that we’ve derived from elite sport, that will really start to have some effect for you.” MORE THAN MENTAL Essentially, Check5 helps managers look for patterns of behaviour or in people’s circumstances and creates a process to help them. “Our approach is quite unique,” Noonan says. “We acknowledge that mental health is very real and it’s very, very important, but we want to go a step before mental health.” The five ‘checks’ the program works through are finances, health, relationships, work and leisure. “We

Dean Noonan of Check5 at work: applying the principles of elite sport to business.

“When we break that concept of ‘mental health’ down, there’s often those two things missing, which is process, and then as a business owner, where’s my outcomes? Where’s my actual improvement in performance here? It involves going beyond checking in and making sure everything’s okay.” Dean Noonan, founder, Check5

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

ny manager of a small-tomedium sized business will tell you they have to be a jack-of-all-trades. You need to have some level of knowledge of everyone’s job to make sure all the jobs are done right. And if you’re managing a worksite of any size, you’re inevitably managing people. Which means dealing with people’s problems. Checking in with co-workers about how they’re feeling is all well and good. But for most of us, checking in is about as far as it goes—talking about health and wellbeing can be uncomfortable if you don’t know how to help once a problem has been revealed. According to Dean Noonan, founder of Check5—a wellbeing and performance organisation—figuring out how to improve your own and your employees’ wellbeing can have a dramatic influence on the performance of your organisation. “I was wellbeing manager at the Newcastle Knights, a member of the National Rugby League, for 12 years,” he explains. “And I started to realise that when we talked about wellbeing, most people thought that just meant mental health. “Certainly, that’s a part of it, but I realised what we were doing in sport went further than that. From a coaching perspective, if you focus on an individual and introduce the principles to process, we now know individual wellbeing will certainly improve but so will the performance outcomes. If you’re a business owner you’re now not just doing the right

identify certain people within that organisation who the business feels would be able to roll out that role, of being a wellbeing manager, a wellbeing coach. And then those people quite simply just do a check in, on members of their team throughout the business,” Noonan explains. “The research from elite sport indicates that it doesn’t matter if you’re an Olympic athlete training for the next games, or you’re an apprentice carpenter … the research and the data indicates that it’s all about an individual. We’re all wired the same. We all function on the same level. And if you introduce a process to an individual and then continue on to get those outcomes on that line, we now know that the

outcomes will be exactly the same.” WHY BOTHER? Because managers are often uncomfortable talking about mental health and the wellbeing of employees—particularly male managers in male-dominated industries—Noonan puts a lot of emphasis on the process and outcomes. “That was one of the biggest hurdles that we have faced,” he says. “However, when we break that concept of ‘mental health’ down, there’s often those two things missing, which is process, and then as a business owner, where’s my outcomes? Where’s my actual improvement in performance here? It involves going

beyond checking in and making sure everything’s okay. “That’s not a new concept by any means. But what we do in Check5 is that we introduce them to a process which is all about then upskilling those guys, particularly the ones who aren’t comfortable or who aren’t used to that, to get an understanding of how best to approach that situation, to get those outcomes. “We’re not here to tell you what to do—but, if you do find that there’s certain aspects of your life that you think could be better or are causing you some dramas or causing you some grief, by all means, let’s take a step back, and ask, ‘Why don’t we try this a different way?’”  CSS F.A.T. MAG 25

TECH TALK

Stop thief!

Tool theft is a big problem for tradies, and it’s more common than ever. Here’s how to keep your tools safe and why insurance is a musthave for everyone. By Angela Tufvesson

hether you’re a sole trader or larger contractor, tool theft can have a huge impact on your bottom line. Tools are expensive to buy and replace, and if tools go missing you can’t do your job. It’s as simple as that. Learning how to keep your tools safe and having the appropriate insurance in place should they get nicked, is one of the simplest and most effective strategies to keep your business in business. SCALE OF THE PROBLEM Worryingly, tool theft is on the rise, with opportunistic thieves targeting expensive gear like grinders, impact drivers, hammer drills, circular saws and extension ladders. Some tools are swiped from site, but most thefts occur at home in the cover of darkness, says Jennifer Steger from trades insurance broker Trade Risk. “Most of the claims we see come through theft from people’s vehicles in the areas where they’re going home at night,” she says. “We’re seeing quite an increase across the board.” In Victoria alone, Neighbourhood Watch has reported more than $44m worth of tool theft in a single year. There are even reports of power tools worth as much as $80,000 being stolen

26 CSS F.A.T. MAG

from individual properties. Because much of the stolen property is industry specific, thieves usually look to onsell through second-hand equipment stores or online marketplaces. DETERRING THIEVES So, what can you do to ward off thieves? Tool theft is often opportunistic, so if you don’t provide those opportunities, you’re less likely to get hit, says Steger. “The more layers of security, the more layers a potential burglar needs to overcome to steal tools.” If you have a garage, always park your vehicle inside it. If you don’t, or your vehicle is too large, imar, which specialises in insurance for tradies, recommends storing individual tools inside your garage or home as much as possible when you’re not at work. If that’s not possible—or, let’s be honest, practical after a long day—make sure your vehicle has a working alarm and locks. Check it often to make sure it’s secure. Storing smaller tools in a toolbox with a hard-to-pick lock adds another layer of security. When you’re onsite taking tools in and out of your vehicle, enlist a buddy. “Having someone at the vehicle at all times, rather than it being open and left for somebody to come along and take stuff without you noticing, is

an effective deterrent,” says Steger. Heavy duty, lockable site boxes from companies like One Eleven can help to keep tools safe on site. Clever tech solutions can also make it easier to protect your tools. Master Lock’s bluetooth-enabled smart padlocks turn your phone into a smart key, eliminating the need for keys or forgettable combinations. Bluetooth equipment trackers, like Milwaukee Tool’s One-Key, help you to keep track of tools on site. Putting your name on tools won’t necessarily prevent theft, but it can increase the chances of recovery. Police recommend having your driver’s licence number engraved on your tools,

“It’s really helpful to have an itemised list of all your items with photographs, as well as receipts if you’ve got them, and keep adding to it every time you buy something. If you need to make a claim, you’ve got the information ready to go.” Jennifer Steger, Trade Risk

PHOTO: DASHADIMA - 123RF

which they can use to find your name and address and return your stolen tools faster. INSURING YOUR LOT If you’re unlucky enough to be a victim of tool theft, insurance can cover the cost of replacements. Tool insurance, that is. According to experts, many tradies insure their vehicle but neglect the tools in the back. According to imar, a basic tool insurance policy usually covers theft, loss or damage of tools that are kept in your vehicle, on site, in locked boxes or at home. Crucially, most policies will only pay out if there are signs of forced entry— so if you leave your vehicle

unlocked and your tools are stolen, you won’t be covered. Steger recommends choosing a ‘like for like’ policy that will cover the full replacement cost of your tools, regardless of how recently you made the purchases. “If you acquired a chainsaw 10 years ago and you buy a brand new one after the theft, the policy is going to respond to the full replacement value for the new items.” Processing a claim is a lot easier if you can tell the insurer exactly what you’re claiming for, and most companies will ask to see proof of ownership—of every single tool. “It’s really helpful to have an itemised list of all your items with photographs, as

well as receipts if you’ve got them, and keep adding to it every time you buy something,” Steger advises. “If you need to make a claim, you’ve got the information ready to go.” Apps like Tool Protect help to simplify this process, as do collating photos, serial numbers and receipts for all your tools—which also aids identification if your tools are recovered. Insurance can be a confusing area to navigate, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you know exactly what you’re getting before signing on that dotted line. “It’s important to understand how your policy will respond to make sure that you’re happy with that level of coverage,” Steger says.  CSS F.A.T. MAG 27

“By encouraging more women to take up apprenticeships we won’t resolve the skill shortage but recruiting from a pool that is double the size of the traditional pool can only improve the problem.” Kris Arends, director, Coastal Staircases

28 CSS F.A.T. MAG

COVER STORY

Closing the gender gap

Efforts are being made to attract more women into the construction and mining sectors to help address national shortages but is better education the key to encouraging more female apprentices? By Tracey Porter

PHOTO: GORLOVKV - 123RF

aura Wallmeyer knows better than to look a gift horse in the mouth. When in year 10 her father afforded her the chance to leave school and begin a painting and decorating apprenticeship, she leapt at it. Years later when working as a subcontract painter for a Geelong staircase company, she again took the bull by the horns by convincing the company’s owner to take her on as firstly his labourer and latterly his joinery apprentice. Wallmeyer, now 28, says while she was happy to be counted among the handful of female workers in the painting industry, she was eager to challenge herself by attempting another trade. “I love painting and never lost my passion for it, but I felt I needed a change and being able to have the skill set that joinery provides is something that will benefit me for the rest of my career,” she says. With more than 60 trades now listed on The National Skills Needs List, governments, industries and education providers have been attempting to overcome skills shortages in the manual trades by encouraging more women to pursue these careers. As one of only around 5500 females working in manual trades in the building and construction, maintenance and renovation industries, Wallmeyer considers herself lucky to have two different trades behind her. Historically, organisations in these industries have struggled to not only

attract women to consider and apply for jobs, they have also faced challenges in retaining the women who have chosen to work with them. Currently participation of women as apprentices or trainees in the nontraditional trades, especially the core trades of construction, automotive and electrical sits at less than two per cent—a figure that has changed little over the past 25 years. Tradeswomen Australia (TWA) managing director Fiona McDonald says there are numerous reasons why female participation rates in the trades remains so low with “historic gender discrimination barriers, a lack of promotion of trades at school level, and in some cases, a lack of knowledge by parents” all playing a part. A 2019 report by TWA found employers in the male-dominated trades sector showed little support and encouragement for women wishing to enter an apprenticeship. “The employer’s approach is driven by embedded ‘old’ attitudes, coupled with concerns about situations that may arise (with male workers) in the workplace. This reluctance, and lack of support, generally becomes a major influencing factor, discouraging women from ‘intruding’ into male dominated sectors (e.g. building and construction) regardless of the fact there are sound economic, skills shortage and capability reasons for a reversal of attitude,” the report noted. Wallmeyer says education across the board—industry, educational institutions and advisors, and even tradeswomen CSS F.A.T. MAG 29

COVER STORY

themselves—has been lacking but remains key to encouraging more women to take on a trades apprenticeship. “I had no idea at school that doing an apprenticeship was even an option for me. Also, the perception of the industry with the whole male dominated culture could be off-putting and intimidating to some girls, especially if they are still school aged and looking to get into a trade,” she says. Wallmeyer’s employer, Coastal Staircases director Kris Arends, agrees there is a lot the construction sector could do to attract more female workers into construction. Arends says changing males’ prejudices and sexism, female-only trade school classes, site/factory visits for high school students together with an apprenticeship wellbeing officer who rings/visits people to help with issues such as bullying or abuse are all tactics that could help improve the longstanding gender imbalance in trades. But there is reason for hope. The NSW Government’s fee-free Built 30 CSS F.A.T. MAG

For Women training program, Victoria’s Women Onsite program and the Females in Trades (FIT) initiative in Queensland are bringing visibility to the issue and helping to recruit more women to the sector. National data from Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) reveals Australian female construction apprentices more than doubled in the last decade from 1361 in December 2010 to 2929 in 2020. The overall number of women in construction roles increased by 34 per cent in five years, from 44,583 in 2015 to 59,587 in 2020. Female tradies too are doing their bit to ensure women remain a key part of such workplaces, with organisations such as the Tradie Lady Club (TLC), BUSY Sisters in Trades and Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen (SALT) set up solely to offer support and mentorship to female tradies. Wallmeyer has been a part of TLC, started by carpenter Stefanie Apostolidis, almost from its inception three years ago. She says aside from the networking opportunities and support offered by such organisations, she enjoys feeling

she is doing her bit to spread awareness and create equal opportunities for other women. “I love following along on their journeys and giving as much support and encouragement as I can. It gives us girls a huge confidence boost being able to see other females in trades absolutely smashing it day in and day out.” For his part, Arends says intelligent apprentices who display a willingness to learn and a personality that suits the company culture will always find employment—no matter their gender. “By encouraging more women to take up apprenticeships we won’t resolve the skill shortage but recruiting from a pool that is double the size of the traditional pool can only improve the problem. With more apprentices available, the overall standard in building quality will improve. “I think some employers may be biased towards males, rather than females, due to factors such as strength, maternity leave, sexism in the workplace, relationships, etc., but I would rather have a reliable and interested female than a male who isn’t,” he says. 

PHOTO: HIGHWAYSTARZ - 123RF

“The perception of the industry with the whole male dominated culture could be off-putting and intimidating to some girls, especially if they are still school aged and looking to get into a trade.” Laura Wallmeyer

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ADVERTORIAL

NOT JUST AN ORDINARY OLD BUCKET.

SS are proudly releasing their newly designed range of Buckets, which are Australian made. Originally the buckets were sourced from overseas, but the changing market conditions, manufacturing hold ups and intercontinental freight price hikes forced us to rethink our supply channel. Fortunately, CSS were able to find a local manufacturer, who’s product was far superior and cost competitive compared to the imported product. On review it

made commercial sense to source an Australian made bucket which turned out to be a fantastic change. The quality of the buckets improved, and lead times became far more manageable. Now this may not sound that exciting considering it’s just a bucket, and there’s not many features & benefits about a bucket that separate one product from a competitor’s product. But the new Impact-A range of buckets now have a sturdier handle, increased wall thickness and sealable lid, so you could say you’re

getting more “bang for your bucket” and to top it off, it’s Australian made. When you purchase an Impact-A bucket, don’t look at it as just an ordinary old bucket. In fact, it’s a statement to the market that great products can be made right here, and we should all be looking closer to home for more locally made products. If you can make an inexpensive item like a bucket, then there’s hope for other products and great hope for the Australian Manufacturing Industry. 

IMPACT-A PLASTIC BUCKETS ARE NOW AUSTRALIAN MADE • Heavy duty durable plastic • Great for mixing grout and mortar • Comes with a reusable, sealable lid • Sturdy handle for carrying purposes

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ADVERTORIAL

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ISON charged into the Australian safety footwear market earlier this year with their flagship BISON XTs. The company’s latest evolution in boot design is the BISON DUNE Safety Boot. These boots are made for hardworking tradies with versatility and adaptability in mind. The BISON Dune morphs comfortably from the job site to enjoying a schnitty at the local watering hole. All without compromising BISON’s FORMIDABLE PROTECTION. BISON’s FIT, GRIP, COMFORT philosophy is at the forefront of the new DUNE Safety Boot build. The range offers a wide fitting last with a zip and lace combination ensuring the perfect FIT. A top SRC slip resistance rating is achieved using a nitrile outsole for maximum GRIP. Lightweight EVA midsole material offers superior flex and better impact

absorption. Combined with the proprietary BISON MAX COMFORT footbed featuring athletic arch support for all-day wearer COMFORT. In fact, BISON have backed the range with a 30-day comfort guarantee! BISON Dune – the tradie’s choice for FORMIDABLE PROTECTION without compromised comfort and style.

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THE INNOVATIVE ADMIL ECO-SNAG

or many years cartridges have been the choice for plumbers and roofers for applying silicone sealants in roofing applications. And while some manufacturers have introduced silicone in 600ml sausages, these have had limited success. The reason for this is the sausage guns are heavier and longer and require two hands to hold the gun and extrude the silicone. The Admil Eco-Snag removes these challenges as the 400ml Eco-Snag sausage is the same length as a standard cartridge. This means that the gun used is the same dimension as a standard caulking gun, while holding an extra 33% (100ml) more silicone than a standard cartridge.

LESS WASTE, LOWER CONSUMPTION, FEWER EMMISSIONS Each year in Australia, the construction and DIY sector alone consume millions of single use plastic cartridges that end up in landfill. Comparatively, as the Eco-Snag crushes down to a small disc once used, it reduces the volume of waste sent to landfill by 85%. This means lower on-site disposal costs, as each bin of used Eco-Snags is equivalent to 12 bins of used cartridges. So, the cost of removing used cartridges from site is 12 times higher than Eco-Snags. The ecological advantages of the Eco-Snag go further than waste, with the Eco-Snag sausage foils consuming less energy and water in production vs

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ADVERTORIAL

GET THE SAFETY BOOT

he original YELLOW Safety Boot Temporary Railing System was first seen on the Australian market approximately 22 years ago when a ‘hire based company’ started manufacturing the boot here in Australia under license to the American inventor/designer— Safety Maker US. While Safety Boot received a reasonably warm welcome by contractors, the hire company soon realised it was taking away from their hire revenue as the product was reusable. This created a dilemma so they set about looking for a company or individual to take over from them across Australia. It was around 2002 when Independent Fastening Systems Pty Ltd (IFS) had a chance encounter with the Sales Manager of the hire company and—long story short—they bought the die/mold and took over the operational part of manufacturing, selling and marketing Safety Boot across Australia. One of the first tasks undertaken was to have the product tested by a NATA certified testing organization to ensure Safety Boot met the requirements of the governing Australian Standard and any other regulatory requirements. This completed, IFS completely overhauled the installation instructions, and this included working with fastening/ anchoring specialists to ensure recommended masonry anchors and other fixtures were what was right for the job. Every box of YELLOW Safety Boots is supplied with a complete instruction booklet inside it. As IFS was part of the CSS Buying Group, several of its members were set up as Master Distributors across Australia and were provided a solid training structure to ensure they understood the product and the importance of providing the right information to prospective users. Safety Boots are generally always used in what can be described as SAFETY CRITICAL APPLICATIONS and IFS has always been aware of the importance of staying in tune and up to date with changes in regulatory requirements. To this end, IFS have continually updated/ improved support information which accompanies the product and its

38 CSS F.A.T. MAG

associated accessories, to provide the best available detail for installers. Blocking off floor penetrations on construction sites and edge fall protection is serious business and should never be taken lightly by any party involved with it and that is why IFS manufacture and market Safety Boot to a standard and not a price. After all, it is hard to put a price on safety. IFS has 20 years’ experience in this space, under Australian conditions and we have a wealth of knowledge behind us and the support of some of Australia’s foremost fastening companies. IFS have always batch stamped and dated every Safety Boot to provide traceability and to provide the user with a visual means of aging the product. YELLOW Safety Boots have a usable life of ten (10) years from manufacture and this is substantiated through certified testing procedures confirming the materials ability to withstand the effects of Australia’s harsh ultra-violet conditions. More recent additions to the Safety Boot System have been the introduction

(Left) The Safety Boot Drill Bit and ICCONS Yellow Tip Thunderbolt/Safety Boot Pro Screw Anchor. (Right) 14mm H/D Mudguard Safety Boot Washer. (Below): The Safety Boot.

of the Safety Boot Concrete Installation Packs which have been developed through a close collaboration between ICCONS Fasteners and IFS. The packs provide all the items necessary to provide the right anchorage every time. (Safety Boot Drill Bit, Washers, Yellow Tipped Screwbolts and an Anchor Installation Sheet.) There is a lot more to providing a safe and secure, temporary Edge Fall Protection System than meets the eye. Next time you find yourself in a situation where you need a solution for this—make sure you consider the following: l Does the product conform to the requirements of AS/NZ4994.1:2009? l Does the product have a specified life span and if yes, can you easily tell how old it is? l Has the product been tested for the effects of extended ultraviolet light exposure? l Once installed, is there a traceability system in place. l Is the product supported by and supplied with full and comprehensive installation instructions?  Always insist on the original yellow safety boot—for safety’s sake.

151

Top rail must be a minimum of 1000mm in height

Mid rail must be half way between top railing and surface

Maximum distance 450mm to centre of top post

100mm clearance

Maximum distance 450mm to centre of post

Maximum distance between posts 2.1m on centres TOP RAIL - 90 x 45 F7 OR BETTER

MID RAIL - 90 x 45 F7 OR BETTER

PERMANENT WALL STRUCTURE

Leave room for plasterboard installation

PERMANENT COLUMN STRUCTURE

THIS IS THE ONE AND ONLY GENUINE, MADE IN AUSTRALIA, SAFETY BOOT - DO NOT BE FOOLED BY IMITATIONS.

TOE BOARD - 150 x 45 F7 OR BETTER 2-35mm x 90mm timbers create a post.

UNPROTECTED SIDE OR EDGE OF PERMANENT STRUCTURE

AS SAFETY BOOTS ARE NEARLY ALWAYS USED IN SAFETY CRITICAL APPLICATIONS, IT IS FOR THIS REASON AND THIS REASON ALONE, YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE YOU GET THE REAL THING. rail at NEVER COMPROMISEFasten ONstair SAFETY. 1000mm in height Top rail - 90x45 F7 or better

Top rail must be a minimum of 1000mm in height

High impact polymer construction is lightweight (1kg), weather resistant yet extremely strong.

All critical stress points are reinforced with a double polymer thickness.

Toeboard slot design eliminates tacking and facilitates a fast buildout.

Instant Toeboards 45mm x 150mm conform to AS/NZ 4994.1-2009 requirements. Anchors into most surfaces including concrete.

Mid rail - 90x45 F7 or better

Eliminates bracing. 266mm diagonal footprint is strong, sturdy and stable.

Mid rail must be halfway between top rail and surface

UNPROTECTED SIDE OR EDGE

Maximum distance between posts 2.1m on centres

Fasten stair rail at 1000mm in height Set posts close; space between posts must be less than 450mm apart

Stair rail must be 900mm 900mmininheight height

Fast becoming the established alternative Mid rail must welding when dealing with be to halfway steel work fabrication involving “blind” box sections.

Unprotected side or edge of permanent structure

Railings should touch (top and mid) must be less than 100mm apart

FOUR (4) STEP FAST AND SIMPLE APPLICATION Example

Drill

Note care should be taken not to impact pin until bolt is fully home

Insert

Example

Note care should be taken not to impact pin until bolt is fully home

Hammer Pin

Tighten

More information is available through any CSS store

ADVERTORIAL

ANNULAR CUTTERS: NEW OFFERING FROM SUTTON TOOLS

utton Tools has recently released a new range of Annular Cutters as an industrial quality cutting solution for use with magnetic base drilling machines and we’re excited to share the features and benefits to industrial users, manufacturers, tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts alike. APPLICATION Annular Cutters are widely used in the steel fabrication and construction industries specifically for large hole drilling in metal (such as installed I-Beams) that is unable to be drilled at benchtop work-stations.

KEY FEATURES Sutton Tools Annular Cutters are Titanium Aluminium Nitride (TiAlN) coated which increases surface hardness further improving performance. This also reduces heat and friction during the cutting process and the progressive hardening process delivers an extremely hard cutting edge for increased cutting performance and longer tool life. Manufactured from M2 High Speed Steel offering the best combination of strength, heat and wear resistance. The 19.05mm (3/4”) Universal Multi-fit Shank features 2 flats and 2 pin holes enabling fitment to both standard and quick change magnetic base drilling machines.

RANGE OFFERING Sutton Tools has released a range 12mm – 65mm in 2 lengths (depth of cut), 25mm & 50mm. There are 42 sizes available on the 25mm length and 47 diameter sizes available on the 50mm length. Also available are supporting pilot pins that suit 25mm and 50mm respectively. The Sutton Annular Cutters are presented in market leading packaging with features such as a robust hang tag, easy identification and twist lock packs for easy access.  Sutton Tools Annular Cutters are tried and tested in our Quality Assurance facility, in Thomastown, Victoria. Visit suttontools.com

ANNULAR HSS CUTTERS 25 & 50mm Depth

Clean Holes

Visit suttontools.com for the full range 40 CSS CSS F.A.T. Half MAG Feb-Mar'22 Page Advert.indd

9/11/21 3:50 pm

ADVERTORIAL

REVOLUTIONIZING METAL CUTTING!

utting metal on-site often brings with it a variety of challenges if done using the traditional methods. Some of the questions we ask are: is it safe to use a cutting disc or an oxy? Do I need a hot works permit? Will the sparks cause damage to the workpiece? How many cutting discs do I need to complete this job? Do I need to wait for the cut piece to cool down before working with it? There is now a solution from Austsaw that addresses these questions and is revolutionizing the way we cut metal on-site. With a range of blades that cut Stainless Steel, Metal, Thin Sheetmetal, Aluminium and the soon to be released Heavy Metal blade; coupled with a range of sizes that mean you can fit these blades to battery circular saws ranging from

135mm to 355mm electric saws. Austsaw gives you a complete metal cutting solution. These blades are produced using Cermet and C6 Carbide teeth that have been specifically developed to achieve the cutting capacity required for each application, giving them unsurpassed durability and cutting speed. Compared to using traditional methods to cut metal, the Austsaw Metal Blades are far safer due to a cool cut (no hot spark), and less harmful fumes or dust, making sure the metal can be handled immediately after the cut. They save time in cutting speed, preparation time and in rework. Creating less waste and can be easily resharpened. Ultimately Austsaw Metal blades outlast any Abrasive disc over 200 times, reducing the cost per cut immensely! 

6x LIFE

Sheet Metal

Corrugated Sheet Metal

CUT SHEET METAL WITH A CORDLESS SAW! 20211103_CSS_Half_Page.indd 1

C6 CARBIDE

Cermet TIPS

135 - 150mm

165 - 185mm

SCAN HERE TO SEE THE

AUSTSAW CATALOGUE

5/11/21 2:19 pm

CSS F.A.T. MAG 41

ADVERTORIAL

BAHCO ERGO™ RANGE

he hand tool range with the little fish and hook, otherwise known as Bahco, has been widely accepted and embraced across Australia, and for good reason. With over 24,000 products globally and a majority of these manufactured in-house in Europe, quality and innovation are the pillars of this company’s success. Growth in Australia and globally is set to continue with Bahco’s ERGO range. This range has been developed in direct R&D with elite tradies globally, ergonomists and industrial designers. It has incorporated their direct assessment and feedback to produce a range of tools that have been designed to improve performance and reduce strain, stress and fatigue of the end-user as well as creating new features that haven’t been seen before. From reshaping handle grips, adjusting angles and evolving

42 CSS F.A.T. MAG

material selection and overall design, the ERGO range will fit like a glove, be more efficient and last longer than its competition. The Chisel range has been produced with precision ground blades for maximum sharpness from hardened and tempered quality steel. The 434 series can effortlessly slice through an Oregon length and when pushing the chisels with your palm, the ERGO handle’s rounded base is designed to feel comfortable and precise when you drive through the timber. Suitable for detailed work onsite to timber window and door specialists these ultra-sharp and strong chisels are comfortable to use because they are strong and sharp. These chisels will be your go-to moving forward with sizes from 6-50mm. The Screwdriver range has a blacktip that produces precision use with no flaking of metal or coatings that can

start the corroding process on stainless steel fixing. The high-performance steel adds strength and reliability. The key component is the rounded almost bulb-like end of the handle, which even when applying maximum pressure feels great in hand. Due to the round edges working pressure is spread evenly across the hand/palm, which reduces stress or strain. A flat face stops the tool from rolling off tables and benches. Colour coded markings allows for easy selection, minimising your time to finding the right tip! Overall the ERGO™ tools are the only choice for professionals who know only the best will do l Reduce the risk of injury/strains l Firm grips under all working conditions l Well balanced l Improved quality and enhanced productivity due to superior designs l A lot more than just a fancy handle 

ADVERTORIAL

HOW TO MIG WELD

WITH SHAUNO FROM 4WD 24/7

Learn along with Shauno from 4WD 24/7 as he gives us a great starting point for anyone wanting to MIG weld for the first time.

SCAN HERE

CSS F.A.T. MAG 43

PUZZLES

Monster Crossword 1

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ACROSS 1. Octopus arm 5. Business experts 11. Adieu 15. Foot digit 16. Fishpond carp 17. Totals, ... to (4,2) 19. Excuse 21. The Mob 23. Bawled 25. Copper alloy 27. Gentlest 28. Tarnish 30. Doting 31. False doctrine 32. Sounded alike 33. Evaluate, ... up 34. Rapturous 35. Leave house hurriedly (4,3) 36. Terra firma 38. Shear (sheep) 40. Enfold 42. Woe! 44. Cement 45. Mobile phone company 46. Jazz instrument, ... sax 48. Waist bands 49. Child’s building blocks 50. Actress, Meg ... 51. Tickled fancy of 52. The pair 53. From Bangkok 54. Puzzle, Rubik’s ... 55. Dutch cheese 56. Nevertheless (4,2) 58. Caribbean pirate 59. Undercover (venue) 61. Heighten 63. Spy group (1,1,1) 64. Seafood treat, jellied ... 65. Sir ... Newton 67. Express gratitude to 69. ESP, sixth ... 71. Everything included (2,3) 73. Cowboy’s friend 74. Ousts 76. Dusk 78. Likeness 80. Travel on horse 82. Pigments 83. Prophesied 85. Capability (4-3) 89. More taut 91. Red/yellow mix 93. Part of a piano 94. Append 96. Cutting tooth 98. Liqueur, ... Maria 99. Boxer or terrier 100. Teach 102. In the wrong (2,5) 103. Well-read 104. 12th 105. Flower necklace 106. LA suburb,

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future use (3,5) DOWN 1. Moist-eyed 2. Gesture of assent 3. Closets 4. Sicilian volcano 5. Halted 6. Din 7. Combine into one 8. Duration device 9. Agile & clever 10. Skimmed 11. Suva is there 12. Public toilets (4,5) 13. Peter out 14. Accounts records 18. Main meal accompaniments (4,6) 20. Ordering (around) 22. Smoker’s receptacle 24. Onlookers 26. Traumatised by battle (5-7) 29. Compatibility 37. Mohair 38. Sexually chaste 39. Snooker sticks (4,4) 40. Slender toughness 41. Insulin-secreting gland 43. Turkish capital 44. Acquires 47. Portent 57. Refuses 60. Lubricating 62. Colder 66. Separately 68. Fitness to fly (of plane) 69. Stupefy 70. Currency of Italy & Spain 72. Artistically (pleasing) 73. Ailments 75. Actress, ... Harlow 77. Amend 79. Sincerity 81. Veneration 84. Foodstuffs 85. Containers for boiling 86. Agreeing to 87. Water outlet 88. Gambled 90. 2.471 acres 92. Hollywood prize, Academy ... 95. Cosmetics brand, Elizabeth ... 97. Porridge flake 101. Small hobby room 109. Taverns 111. Triumphant cry 113. Flexible pipe 115. Brings up (child) 116. Between

118. Clueless, no ... 119. Love god 121. Table-tennis bat 122. Curved over 124. Sent (goods) by plane 126. Dental specialist 129. Refuted 130. Lacking enthusiasm 131. Alpine singer 132. Suspension 138. Tempt 139. Mute with embarrassment (6-4) 143. Unfaithful marriage partners 144. Give authority to 146. Reverberate 149. Drill hole 155. Steered (course) 157. Tidies up 159. Unrelenting 161. Gracefully 165. Chemical fumes protector (3,4) 169. Instance 171. Turned uncontrollably 172. Crypts 175. Bonuses 176. Sloping sharply 177. 70s dance music 178. Hear (about) 181. Electrical resistance units 184. Russia’s ... Mountains 186. 007’s creator, ... Fleming 190. Ceylon, ... Lanka

Sudoku 

CSS F.A.S.T. MAG 45

SOLUTIONS

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Sudoku  Top Words

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CRETE - OFF

CONCRETE DISSOLVER

Crete-Off is a nontoxic, biodegradable,“environmentally green” liquid designed to dissolve the Portland cement component in concrete, mortar, thin set, grout, and other Portland cement based products.

DISSOLVES AND CLEANS CONCRETE OFF: Hand Tools & Formwork

Ready-Mix Trucks

Windows & Frames

Machinery

Scan the QR code to watch this video

Available in 750ml & 5Ltr Spray Bottle & 20Ltr Container

46 CSS F.A.S.T. MAG

CSS STORE LOCATIONS CSS member stores are recognised by their ‘Proud Member of CSS sign’ displayed on their building. Be rest assured that the business displaying the sign is a trusted distributor of quality products that are backed by exceptional knowledge, service and support. These stores might all be independent traders, but due to their alliance with the CSS group, they work as a collective and can offer a national distribution opportunity for customers who require it.

If you need a national supply arrangement for your business, contact your nearest CSS member store.

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