plant equipment professional £2.50 december 2009skene group see blue with volvo • heller release...

Skene Group see blue with Volvo • Heller release new ‘TriJET’ hammer drill • JCB achieves 3 star Thatcham rating

December 2009Plant & Equipment Professional ISSN: 2041-1154 (Online) £2.50

Putting the PeoPle into Plant

hilti provides solutions to the problem of dust

CMPe’s gentlemen plant engineer

We wishyou all a very merry and

safe Christmas and a Happy New Year!

December 20092

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3December 2009

Uncovering the secrets of dust 14Getting hot under the collar about air conditioning? 16refuelling plant in the Solomon islands 1973 19Councils exercise duty of care leading the way in HaV management 20

CMPE’s gentleman plant engineer 22Potential hazards with fold down roPS 24HAV Gadgets: The final solution or the Emperor’s new clothes? 26

intelligent thieves! 29High hopes for working at heights - the latest low down! 34

Expert Witness: on the stand and under scrutiny 36

all change in oPErC Executive 45Prominent Shepherd leaves the flock 46alan Blake is new JCB CEo 47Hewden appoints Kevin Parkes as new Director 47

PEoPlE

EditorialHave you ever sat down and really thought about how people purchase plant and machinery? It is interesting behaviourally because the interpersonal dynamics that lead to the purchase decision are not always as clear cut as one might imagine. Ideally, a knowledgeable practitioner will have a clear set of benchmark criteria that the machinery or equipment will be measured against such as purchase price, running costs, reliability, serviceability and durability, with each criteria ranked on a scale of 1-10. Such a procedure should allow a truly objective assessment of the plant and equipment to be made and therefore a reliable procurement decision. But does this always happen? Well clearly not because in some organisations there may not be a single expert that makes such decisions but a whole procurement team - which is where the interpersonal dynamics play an important role.

A good salesman will know that it’s not what you know, but who you know, that counts and every attempt will be made to seduce potential procurement teams or individuals of that team. There’s nothing illegitimate here – indeed, you might say that it’s all part of good salesmanship. Free merchandise, trips to the factory on some remote Caribbean island and evenings out are all part of the tool set available to salesman but seduction may not be so good for the organisation doing the buying. Research has shown that procurement staff who are emotionally tied to an Original Equipment Manufacturer will overlook problems or issues with items to be purchased because of the good relationship fostered. Indeed, even today, some individuals will purchase items simply because the machinery looks good or they were treated to some corporate event free of charge! Clearly this is folly for any business because the value of the freebies often do not even come close to covering the longer term costs of a bad procurement decision, such as higher running costs. Any credible company who wishes to purchase tools and equipment should ensure that the procurement path is transparent and accountable and that staff are adequately trained and mentally resistant to short term goodies offered.

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information published in Plant and Equipment Professional, the Editors cannot accept any responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions. The views expressed in articles are of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Editors.

Editorial TeamPhilippa Spittle, Karen Jones

Published and Distributed byOn-track Multimedia

On Track Multimedia, Tel/Fax: +44 (0)1384 356202 Email: [email protected] (general) [email protected] (newsletter)

Copyright © 2009 On-track Multimedia

ConTEnTS

CoMPETiTion

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nEWS MEGaByTESlETTErS To THE EDiTor

nEWSSkene Group limited see Blue with Volvo 4JCB shines with 3 star Thatcham security rating 5liebherr wheeled loader is worth its salt 6a-Plant deploys Codegate mobility solution 7Doosan infracore receive award for futuristic excavator design 8

linklite system lights up the motorway 9 oPErC plant the seed of change 11lafarge excels at industry Best Practice awards 37Irish nursery grows Kubota compact tractor fleet 39Fifteen years of Doppstadt for DJ laing 40HSS Hire responds to customer demand for plant equipment 42

redrock Engineering ltd goes into administration 42a-Plant MD sleeps out to support the homeless 44

How to stimulate the economy of the West Midlands 30

Construct-a-Gram no 4 41

5051

ClaSSiFiEDS 49

From everyone at Plant and EquipmentProfessional, may we wish you all a very

merry and safe Christmas and a Happy New Year

From everyone at Plant and EquipmentProfessional, may we wish you all a very

merry and safe Christmas and a Happy New Year

aDVErTiSinG FEaTUrESSimply intelligent: The Heller TriJET 10in Touch road marking software system leadsthe way 38

ExPErT oPinion

December 20094

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Skene group limited sees Blue with VolvoIn a decisive move to streamline its maintenance costs on mobile plant, Glenrothes based Skene Group Ltd has signed up to Volvo Construction Equipment’s Blue customer support agreements for all their twenty two Volvo machines.

The Blue agreement is based upon a series of comprehensive machine inspections combined with the approved Volvo service programme, maintaining the machine to the recommended standard. All inspection and maintenance work is carried out by Volvo service trained engineers using only genuine Volvo parts and lubricants.

Comprehensive reports are provided to support warranties and enhance resale value, together with proactive advice on when parts will need replacement. Regular oil samples are taken for analysis of quality and contaminant levels, and again, advice is given freely if action needs to be taken. In addition any latest machine software updates are applied to keep the machine at the cutting edge.

As with the agreements made for the whole of Skene’s fleet of Volvo equipment, arrangements can be customised to suit the individual needs of a customer irrespective of whether the machine is brand new or five years old. Underpinning any customer support agreement is the assurance that the practical element to Volvo CE’s fully integrated management system and ISO accreditations comes into play with regard to safe disposal of oils, filters and associated materials and best practice whilst on site maintaining the equipment.

The Skene Group has enjoyed steady growth since it was founded in 1968 by its current Chairman, Donald Skene. It became a limited company in the late 1970s with the launch of its civil engineering, road building operations and demolition activities then diversified into minerals in the 1980s, quarrying sand, gravel and hard rock deposits. The 1990s saw further expansion, this time into pre-cast and ready-mixed concrete products. Managing Director Neil Skene joined the business in 1984 and now oversees all its divisions providing sand and gravel quarrying; hard rock quarrying; concrete products and construction services.

The decision to outsource the regular servicing, inspections and oil sampling back to the original manufacture coincides with the delivery of a new Volvo L220F loading shovel equipped with a 5.1m³ capacity bucket. Competitive tenders were sought for the maintenance of the company’s mobile plant comprising mostly of Volvo shovels, excavators and dumptrucks.

“Although they weren’t the cheapest, we felt it made sense to award the contract to the original manufacturer –safe in the knowledge the machines would be service and maintained by Volvo trained engineers using genuine parts with the proper disposal of all used oils and materials,” commented plant & transport director Darren Forrester.

5December 2009

nEWS

JCB has become the first excavator manufacturer to achieve a three star Thatcham security rating in the agricultural and construction machinery sector. The company has taken a lead in the fight against plant crime, achieving the three star rating on all JS and JZ Auto wheeled and tracked excavators and on its popular 801 and 8020 mini excavators.

Throughout the first six months of 2010, JCB will expand this market leading security initiative to include all of its mini and midi excavators above one tonne operating weight.

JCB UK and Ireland Sales Director Yvette Henshall-Bell announced JCB’s new initiative when she addressed the fifth Construction Industry Theft Solutions (CITS) annual conference at JCB on November 3rd.

The Thatcham star rating scheme was launched in March 2009, taking into account machine identification, key

security, immobilisation, peripheral security and anti-theft tracking devices. Thatcham’s vehicle security specialists carry out a full new vehicle security assessment on all agricultural and construction machinery that is submitted for test, awarding stars for each of the security features.

The first star is awarded for clear CESAR marking, which is standard on all JCB equipment. A second star is included for machines supplied with an immobiliser, while the third star is given for the use of a unique key or keypad ignition system.

From January 1, 2010, all of JCB’s JS and JZ Auto excavators, will be supplied with a keypad, while the 801 range and the 8020 will come as standard with a unique key. Customers who prefer the option of a keypad rather than a unique key can specify one at the time of order

An electrical immobiliser, incorporated

into the proven Advanced Management System (AMS) on the larger JS models, is standard on the JCB equipment. Without the correct keypad code, the electrical system will prevent the machine from starting.

Thatcham’s Vehicle Security Manager Mike Briggs said: “Plant theft has become an all too common problem in the UK with high value equipment simply lacking in good all-round security. It is great news to see manufacturers of the calibre of JCB making significant strides in this area and becoming the first to achieve three stars under Thatcham’s security star scheme.”

Yvette Henshall-Bell said: “JCB has always been at the forefront of machine design and technology, including theft prevention and fleet security. By becoming the first manufacturer to achieve a three star Thatcham rating, JCB is once again taking the initiative in the fight against equipment crime.”

JCB shines with 3 star thatcham security rating

JCB shines with 3 star thatcham security rating

August 20096

liebherr wheeled loader is worth its salt

it is conveyed to the main stockpiles and subsequent processing. Cobra distributes nationwide and also exports to continental Europe and America. The crushed rock salt is stored in open storage and under cover and, in another part of the same building, the fine screening and stockpiling of the animal feed salt is also carried out prior to selling on to specialist animal feed suppliers.

The Liebherr wheeled loading shovels carry out numerous tasks, including stockpile management, loading trucks and spreaders and conveyor hopper loading for feeding specialist dry bulk tankers. Winter time is undoubtedly busiest, when large volumes of salt need to be handled and loaded onto trucks and specialist vehicles for the vital task of ensuring that roads are treated against icing. The loaders work predominantly outside but also undertake stockpile management and conveyor hopper feeding inside the processing sheds.

The Liebherr L550 2plus2 ZK-HL

Cobra Middlesbrough Limited has been operating Liebherr wheeled loaders at their rock salt processing facilities in North Road for a number of years and these highly specialised materials handlers are fully equipped and protected for what is an extremely corrosive working environment. Proof of the success of these machines is that Cobra has taken another Liebherr loader on a three-year equipment supply and maintenance contract. A new generation L 5502plus2 ZK-HL wheeled loader joins an existing L 566, replacing an L 544 which has come to the end of its long, productive and trouble-free working life.

Cobra Middlesbrough Limited handles and processes around 500,000 tonnes of rock salt a year under contract to Cleveland Potash Limited. The main uses are for road treatment during the icy winter months and, in a finer screened form, for animal feed salt. Incoming bottom-dump rail wagons discharge the rock salt into conveyors below ground, from where

is a high-lift version with Z-pattern bucket linkage and is an articulated, hydrostatically driven wheeled loader in the 16 tonnes class with a tipping load of 11,650kg. Power is supplied by a Liebherr made engine which develops 130kW and is fully compliant with Stage IIIA / Tier 3 emissions. The standard general purpose bucket has a capacity of 3m³ and, combined with the HL arms, provides a superb load-over-height of 4.3 metres – ideal for loading material into bulkers and a combination that gives excellent productivity in a simple and cost-effective package.

An important feature of the L 550 is a high level, isolated cooling system, equipped with an automatically reversing fan to maintain radiator cleanliness and efficiency. The hydrostatic driveline system on the loader contributes to considerable fuel consumption benefits and, with limited slip differential in both front and rear axles, produces good efficient pushing power when stockpiling whilst, at the same time, prolonging tyre life.

nEWS

innovation in design innovation in design

7December 2009

deploys Codegate mobility solutionCodegate’s complete mobility solution is enabling A-Plant to demonstrate that it is exceeding contracted service level agreements (SLAs) to key account customers. Codegate’s mobilelogistics software, which runs on Motorola MC70 rugged mobile computers, has currently been deployed across 28 of the Service Centres throughout A-Plant and the company is now looking to further extend the roll out of the solution and to deploy it to other business areas such as its workshops

“Codegate’s skilled software developers were able to develop a solution that was simple, but at the same time, delivered all the functionality we required,” explained Andy Wortley, IT Director for A-Plant. “Crucially, Codegate’s mobilelogistics software, designed to support the dynamic services delivered by companies operating in the transport and logistics sector, has allowed us to reduce the amount of data input necessary and our users are able to quickly and easily operate the MC70s via a user friendly touch screen process.”

Codegate worked closely with A-Plant to develop a customised solution that allows A-Plant’s drivers to complete vehicle checks, to ensure compliance with Government guidelines on health and safety requirements, before selecting a choice of job tasks to be completed. The driver selects whether he or she is to make a delivery or

collection, carry out an exchange or attend a breakdown or perform a service. All tasks are completed utilising unique contract numbers or plant IDs for job and data validation and all are date and time stamped.

“Codegate’s software combined with the MC70 allows our users to carry out barcode scanning, image capture, electronic signature capture via sign on glass capability, and real-time data communications from the field back to A-Plant’s back office systems via GRPS,” added Wortley.

“The combined capability of the mobility solution enables us to prove key performance indicators (KPIs) and meet the reporting procedures demanded by our key account customers. We are able to demonstrate that we are meeting SLAs through accurate reporting on job type, the date and time it was completed, with electronic signature capture as proof of delivery or job completion,” continued Wortley.

“Codegate was recommended to us and when we understood that the company had vast experience in successfully deploying large enterprise mobility solutions, had a competitive pricing structure, could deliver a solution that met our mobility requirements today, and those of tomorrow, and had strong relationships with rugged hardware manufacturers, chose it as our preferred supplier.”

a-Plant

The operator’s cab is air-conditioned, equipped with an adjustable steering column, joystick control for the attachment, air-sprung operator’s seat and tinted glass. Convex mirrors are also included and Liebherr’s own colour rear view camera system has been factory installed, with the monitor built-in to the instrument panel.

To overcome the corrosion problems encountered when handling salt, the L 550 was subjected to some very special treatment and adaptations. The paint specifications are highly detailed and include pre-treatment of steel panels, with post assembly of the structural parts as sub-assemblies being degreased and primed with a special epoxy zinc phosphate, prior to finishing with special polyurethane paint. When total assembly has been completed, all the relevant areas of the loader are polyurethane painted again and various cavities are treated with a preserving agent and, where necessary, sealed. The cabin is primer coated using an electrophoretic process, with the surface finish of powder coating. This is the same process as used in car production and proves to have highly effective anti-corrosion properties.

Rubber tabs are fitted to the pedals and stainless steel is used for all pedal “mechanics”. Protective sprays and coverings are applied to all electronics. All radiators and condensers for the air-conditioning units are constructed from Teflon-coated aluminium; the engine, pumps, hose systems and engine compartment are all specially painted. Cable looms are sealed, contacts are sprayed with Dinitrol 77 B after assembly and, where necessary, rubber caps are fitted or sealed with special silicone as required. VCI coverings are applied to enclosed electronics, headlights and controls. Stainless steel is used for the bucket positioning guide and screw connections; wheel pins and shiny contact surfaces are rust-proofed and sealed with Dinitrol 4010.

nEWS


December 20098

Doosan infracore receive award for futuristic

excavator design

The Reddot Design Award was first started in 1955, and is managed by Design Zentrum Nordheim Westfalen in Germany. This award is given after the world’s biggest design competition, and is one of the world’s top three industrial design competitions along with the iF Design Award and the IDEA design award.

More than 2,733 designs were entered, from 61 countries, and 206 were honored at the Reddot Design Award, which awards products that are creative, innovative, and superior in quality. Out of these awarded designs,

only 15, including Doosan Infracore’s futuristic concept excavator, were presented with the Best of the Best Award.

Out of the 15 Best of the Best Awarded designs, only one will be presented with the honorary ‘Luminary’ Award on November 24 in Singapore.

Doosan Infracore’s futuristic concept excavator was well received by the judges for its ’Eco Transformer’ concept, which reflected the 4 core keywords of ecology, safety, usability, and efficiency.

Development of this futuristic excavator is targeted to finish by 2018. The excavator is designed to function at the highest level at various working sites, to be environmentally friendly with energy-efficiency and to exhibit high performance in severe conditions.

In particular, this futuristic excavator is appraised to be the ‘Dream Excavator’ as it is equipped with an epochal expansion of sliding cabin, an independent and endless navigation facility, an environmentally friendly hybrid power system and automatic operating system with artificial intelligence.

Doosan Infracore has announced receiving the Best of the Best Award

at ‘2009 Reddot Design Award’ for the futuristic concept

excavator, ‘CX’

nEWS

9December 2009

More than 15 miles of motorway roadworks on the M6 are being lit up using an innovative lighting system developed by a West Midlands based equipment supply firm.

The LinkLite temporary lighting system has been pioneered by Maxmax Limited, which has manufacturing and distribution operations in Dudley and Telford, Shropshire.

Around 1,000 lights have been installed by major contractors overseeing 24 kilometres of motorway maintenance work between junctions 13 and 15 of the M6. The work is being undertaken for the planned roll-out of Managed Motorway schemes on the M6, which will see the hard shoulder opened up to traffic as an additional lane.

The Linklite system was developed by Maxmax, following feedback from customers such as Balfour Beatty and Amey, requiring similar lighting solutions in the rail industry. It

comprises a head, stand and basket or spike and is now regarded as one of the most innovative and cost efficient temporary lighting systems in the UK.

A 3Kva generator can power up to 270 linear metres of lighting, thereby providing a safe, space-saving and economic method of illumination. The system has been used in demanding construction, maintenance and railway operations, but this is the first time it has been utilised for motorway work. Bam Nuttall and McCann Construction are among the contractors to opt for it.

Linklite can be purchased or hired and according to Shaun Redfern, operations director of Maxmax, its success has helped bolster sales in a difficult economic environment.

“We have secured orders well into six figures and the system is likely to be used on a further 12 kilometres of works,” said Mr Redfern. “We hold substantial stocks of all products and

For further information about Linklite, please contact :MaxMax ltdEmail: [email protected]

Tel: 01785 859 106

Mob: 07970 649 988

Fax: 0203 0700 650

spares to ensure fast delivery and prevention of delays for our clients which is paramount in a motorway project of this kind when any supply problems would cause extended inconvenience to the motoring public.

“We are proud to be supplying the lighting requirements for such an important project and are excited at this breakthrough into the motorway maintenance sector.”

linklite system up the motorway

lightsnEWS

December 200910

Simply intelligent:The HellerTriJET Hammer Drilling RedefinedPowerful, fast and superior in performance: the brand new ‘TriJET’ SDS-plus hammer drill from ITW Heller GmbH raises the bar for drilling products. Three genuine carbide cutting edges, the undulating design of the tip and the reinforced cutting geometry ensure the TriJET’s continuous high performance in the hardest reinforced concrete applications.

The TriJET drill owes its extreme durability to an innovative, broad carbide configuration of the drill tip. In addition, the curved cutting edge also ensures less friction and improved material removal. The undulating design of the tip enhances the transmission of power when drilling into concrete and reinforced steel due to reduced contact surfaces on the material. The broad, non-proportional centering surface with its two-point centering element reduces chipping in concrete and reinforced concrete.

The carbide tip, which is fixed in place using innovative manufacturing methods, is able to withstand the highest forces. The TriJET is faster when drilling due to its three broad spirals. Optimum drilling dust removal is also ensured in combination with the three carbide cutting edges and the broad tip.

The TriJET drill is certified by the Masonry Drill Bit Testing Association (PMG) in accordance with the requirements of the German Institute for Building Technology (DiBt).

The SDS-plus TriJET hammer drill from Heller offers ‘triple’ the benefits, at the highest technological level with competitive market rates!

The TriJET drill offers a high level of operating comfort due to its low-vibration operation, which is ensured through the profile-reinforced, ground spiral. It produces a powerful drilling performance without explosion of the drilling dust thanks to Duratec hardening and the exceptional drill design.

For more details contact: Mr Albert HodderITW Heller UK, 23 Meadow Road,

Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 2TETel: 07768 193 977 Fax: 01189 770 058

Email: [email protected]

aDVErTiSinG FEaTUrE


11December 2009

Earlier this year OPERC launched a new poster campaign entitled ‘Plant the Seed of Change’. The aim of the posters is to use humour to reinforce clear, simple, but important, safety messages – planting small seeds of change in the minds of those who read them, as the campaign name indicates.

OPERC has recently announced that 30 posters are now available on a range of topic areas that includes not just those related to plant and equipment operation, such as workplace transport, PUWER, quick hitches, all-round awareness and so forth but also more general topics of health, safety and welfare such as manual handling, dust, fire, vibration, etc. The posters have been sponsored by A-Plant, Ammann, CMPE and Costain.

Plant the seed of change

POSTERS SPONSORED BY:

All posters can be downloaded and printed copyright free by any member of the association with a choice of high resolution for printing and low resolution for web display. This is an excellent resource for members and it is hoped that the initiative will help improve safety by reinforcing key safety messages around the workplace.

Mr Barry Robinson, MBE, OPERC Chief Examiner, said: “This is a fantastic resource for members. Where else could a member obtain such high quality materials at no extra cost? We now need industrialists within OPERC to proactively download and use this latest resource for the benefit of all. If we all work together, the task of delivering on safety promises made will be achieved in a fraction of the time and at half the expense.”

30 oPErC posters available to download!

nEWS


December 200912

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13December 2009

December 200914


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unCoVering the

the problem with dustDust exposure is a reoccurring problem in the construction industry and is produced by many of the processes carried out, including drilling, chasing and sanding. Many of the materials used in the construction industry contain quartz (e.g. concrete and masonry) or wood and some of these materials are suspected to cause serious illnesses. It is therefore increasingly more important for tool manufacturers, including Hilti, to offer solutions that reduce dust exposure.

There are three main types of dust that are all extremely harmful to construction workers, including inhalable dust (gets into the mouth and nose), thoracic dust (reaches the upper respiratory area) and respirable dust (also reaches the finest parts of the lungs). A number of processes within the construction industry generate high levels of respirable dust, which often contain a high respirable crystalline silica (RCS) content. Breathing in this dust can be extremely dangerous as it can lead to the development of respiratory ill health, in particular scarring of the lung tissue (silicosis), which can result in serious breathing difficulties.

There are a number of measures that are in place within the industry to protect workers from dust exposure. The workplace legal requirements, COSHH (Control of Substances

Hazardous to Health - Regulations 2002) prevent exposure to crystalline silica dust or, where prevention is not reasonably practicable, the airborne maximum exposure limit (MEL) is controlled. Dust exposure can also be reduced by taking necessary precautions, including using specific respiratory protective equipment (RPE), which reduces exposure to an acceptable level.

hilti provide the solutionHowever, the most effective engineering measures involve capturing or controlling the dust at source, which can be achieved with a number of tools that are available on the market. Hilti offers a range of power tools, vacuum cleaners, insert tools and accessories,

which allow a virtually dust-free operation. All of these perfectly matched individual components are designed to be combined to form systems capable of delivering exceptional performance. Hilti’s highly effective dust removal systems also permit work to be carried out in inhabited rooms or in dust sensitive environments, such as hospitals.

Hilti vacuum cleaners can be connected to many Hilti tools and models are available for dust classes L and M. Some vacuum cleaners contain a high-efficiency particulate filter (HEPA) that can remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles. The Hilti VC 40 vacuum cleaner is a pioneering product, which ensures the risk of dust is significantly reduced on-site. The universal filter is made of polyester

15December 2009


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that enables the product to be used for both wet and dry applications. With this new filter technology, no dust can escape from the tank while changing the filter; therefore, the dust emission is extremely low and fine.

The Hilti TE 1000 breaker offers a number of health and safety benefits, including reduced vibration levels and reduced dust exposure. This breaker, along with other existing Hilti tools, can be used in conjunction with the latest Hilti Dust Removal System – the TE DRS-B. The new and unique technology within this Dust Removal System reduces fine dust exposure by up to 95%, which is extremely effective for indoor chiselling work. This takes place via the completely new and patented 2-chamber air-flow system of

For further information on hilti and its products and services, please visit www.hilti.co.uk or contact Hilti Customer Services on 0800 886 100

the new Dust Removal System, which removes dust both directly from the chisel and at the tool chuck.

When it comes to cutting and chasing into concrete and masonry, Hilti offers many varied solutions, including the DCH 300/DCH 230 electric diamond cutters, which similarly are also virtually dust-free systems when used in combination with Hilti’s VC vacuum cleaner range. These tools are already proving ideal to replace traditional, noisy and polluting methods of cutting - especially for all those internal applications or for projects close to public areas. Removing the dust has the added benefit of not only helping to protect the operator, but it also aids in increasing the lifetime of the tool and increasing the life of the consumables,

such as the diamond blades and core bits.

Overall there are a wide range of superior solutions offered by Hilti, with their highly effective dust removal systems allowing significant reduction of dust emissions. The success of Hilti’s health and safety solutions can be attributed, to a great extent, to the closeness the company maintains with their customers and their needs. Hilti recognise the importance of health and safety for customers and therefore offer an unrivalled range of safety-relevant products, product features and services. Innovative solutions such as AVR (Active Vibration Reduction), DRS (Dust Removal System) and Hilti’s unique Lifetime Service (an integrated repair and warranty package covering tools for up to 2 years) set the standard in the construction industry in terms of safety and in raising productivity.

SeCretS of DuSt

December 200916

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getting under the collar aboutair conditioning?

Components of the air conditioning system

In order to appreciate the importance of the regular care and maintenance of an air conditioning system, it is essential to understand how the system works by taking a brief look at its major components and their functions. The five essential components of an air conditioning system are:

1 The compressorThe compressor is generally driven via an accessory drive belt from the engine. It compresses the low pressure refrigerant vapour (that is drawn into the suction side of the compressor from the evaporator) into a higher pressure, higher temperature vapour to be delivered from the compressor outlet to the condenser.

Air conditioning in today’s modern plant and equipment is considered not only desirable but essential by owners and operators alike. The days when air conditioning was unheard of in machinery used in the UK are long gone and to keep an operator productive, a comfortable and safe fully functioning air conditioning system is necessary.In order to keep

broken, don’t fix it” which stems either from a lack of understanding of service schedules, cost restraints or just plain ignorance. It is in part understandable that this attitude exists as air conditioning service is generally not included in routine servicing even if it is included in the Original Equipment Manufacturer maintenance guide.

the system working efficiently and safely, there needs to be a regime of regular servicing and maintenance. Unfortunately, it is all too common for a request to service an air conditioning system fitted to plant only to be received when it has stopped working!

What are the reasons for this? There is a general attitude of “If it’s not

2 The condenserThe condenser is in effect a radiator, or heat exchanger, which turns the refrigerant vapour into a liquid as heat is removed from the vapour by the cooler airflow through the condenser. The lowering of the temperature of the vapour causes it to condense into a liquid.

4 Expansion valveThe expansion valve receives high pressure liquid refrigerant and meters the amount of refrigerant entering the evaporator. It releases saturated vapour, a mixture of liquid and vapour refrigerant, into the evaporator at a low pressure suitable for its use in the cooling cycle.

5 EvaporatorThe function of the evaporator is to remove heat from the air passing through it, thus cooling the air which is then available to flow into the cab of the machine. Heat is absorbed from the air passing through the evaporator by the liquid refrigerant inside it. This raises the temperature of the liquid refrigerant and turns it back into a vapour ready for a return to the compressor and for the cycle to be repeated.

3 receiver drierThis is a multi function unit that acts as a reservoir to allow storage of liquid refrigerant for effective running of the system and until it is needed by the evaporator. The receiver drier filters out any contaminants which may be in the system and provides a means of removing moisture from the air conditioning system using a desiccant.

The condenser

The compressor The receiver drier

Article by Richard Robinson, Robinson Plant Services

hot

17December 2009

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The role of the operator

Although it is essential that the air conditioning system is serviced and maintained regularly by a competent person, there are a few quick and easy steps that can be taken by operators to help the system run more efficiently. These include to:

Ensure they understand the working operation of an air conditioning system so as to help them run the system as effectively as possible and spot any potential problems as they develop.

Regularly clean out or replace cab and recirculation filters, a task which is as important as keeping the engine filters clean - why should the operator and the air conditioning system breathe the dust that you don’t want in your engine!

Keep the condenser (air conditioning radiator) clean and free from any blockages just as you would the engine radiator. Failure to do this can reduce the efficiency of the air conditioning or stop it working altogether, which can subsequently cause expensive component failure.

Keep cab doors and windows closed at all times. This can keep potentially dangerous dusts and contaminants out of the working environment and is just as important as wearing a seatbelt.

The average person, when at rest, feels most comfortable when the air temperature is around 22 -26°C with a humidity of 45-55%. Air conditioning helps to achieve this by way of three specific functions: i) Cooling the air, ii) Drying the air and iii) Cleaning/filtering the air. To enable this to take place efficiently the system must be operating correctly and maintenance required to achieve this follows a general procedure which will include the following:

refrigerant identificationTo correctly service an air conditioning system the system must first have the gas identified to ensure that the correct refrigerant (R134a) is being used by the system and not an unsuitable or illegal refrigerant.

Pressure checkIf gauge pressure readings are correctly interpreted, a pressure check can determine the system operation and aid in fault diagnosis.

Full recovery of refrigerant and lubricating oilFull recovery of any refrigerant in the system must be carried out and this should be weighed in order to check the quantity of refrigerant in the system. Any lubricating oil should also be removed from the system and have its capacity checked and noted ready for replacement with new when the system is recharged.

Pressure testing to check for leaksThe pressure testing is carried out using oxygen free nitrogen. Under the F Gas regulations (which will be discussed later) a system which knowingly has a leak cannot be re charged with refrigerant.

System evacuation and dehydration - vacuuming the systemThis is the most vital step in the servicing procedure. A vacuum pump is used to take the system into a full 30Hg or minus 1 Bar vacuum, which lowers the boiling point of any moisture present. Moisture is a real killer of any air conditioning system so a quick five minute vacuum is not going to do the job. A minimum of 30 minutes after full vacuum has been reached is recommended to fully complete this process but should be extended if excessive moisture is suspected. This is a good point to remember when getting any vehicle air conditioning serviced.

replacement of the refrigerant, oil and UV dye if usedThe correct capacity stated by the manufacturer should be introduced by weighing the refrigerant with the charging cylinder on a set of calibrated scales and setting the solenoid valve to cut off when the required quantity has been removed from the bottle. A running test of the system should be completed where gauge pressures and cab vent temperatures are checked and noted. Anti tamper seals should ideally be fitted to the service charge valves to stop deliberate discharge of the refrigerant.

Servicing and maintenance procedures

Employing a fully qualified and competent professional that not only understands the air conditioning but also your plant and equipment is essential if you are to avoid a breakdown of the air conditioning system. Consideration will also need to be taken to the site specific conditions, personal protective equipment and safety passport which are sometimes overlooked by professionals not conversant with plant management.

Richard Robinson, Robinson Plant Services

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Environmental issues

To enable the cooling effect to take place in the air conditioning system a suitable refrigerant must be used and today’s machines are fitted with R134a, an HFC (Hydro-Fluoro-Carbon) gas. As a greenhouse gas this contributes to global warming and needs to be handled in accordance with the current regulations which are known as EC 842/2006 or the F Gas Regulations. A refrigerant’s Global Warming Potential (GWP) is used to give an indication of its environmental impact; the GWP of R134 is 1300.

Mobile air conditioning servicing must strictly follow the Regulations and personnel involved must hold a current refrigerant handling qualification. Introduced with the principal objective of containing, preventing, and reducing the emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto protocol some key dates so far for the F gas regulations have been:

4th July 2006 – the Regulations entered into force.

4th July 2007- anyone involved in the handling of HFC refrigerant must now be certified as competent.

9th March 2008 – updated training regulations came into force; those with appropriate existing qualifications (City & Guilds 2078 or valid CITBJ01) allowed until July 2011 to update to new standard.

4th July 2009- Companies who employ operatives who undertake activity within the scope of the F Gas Regulations must have obtained a Company Certificate to continue to carry out this work.

Another important requirement is waste transfer and disposal, which like other waste substances is dealt with under the Environmental Protection Act. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 section 34 (Duty of Care) states:

“It shall be the duty of any person who imports, produces, carries, keeps, treats or disposes of controlled waste to take all measures applicable to him as are reasonable in the circumstances.”

This act is of importance and needs to be remembered as a waste carrier’s license may also be required in some situations when handling waste refrigerants and may have to be obtained by a company carrying out air conditioning servicing.

Future developments

The Environment Agency states

“From 5 January 2010 no new cars or light vans fitted with air-conditioning systems containing HFC R134a refrigerant can be placed on the market unless they meet refrigerant leakage rates for their air conditioning systems.”

The use of HFC 134a will be phased out between 2011 and 2017 by vehicle type. It is unclear however exactly when the use of R134a will be phased out in mobile plant. With alternative replacement refrigerants for R134a being sought it may be a while until a standard is reached but C02

refrigerant (or R744 as it will be known) has been selected by a German car manufacturer as its choice as it has a GWP of 1. Servicing issues for R744 may be encountered due to higher operating pressures required to get the cooling effect. Other automotive manufacturers are expected to follow suit and it is expected mobile plant manufacturers will follow the lead set in the automotive industry. Other refrigerants are being investigated but these have a higher global warming potential along with toxicity and flammability issues which could give rise to other safety issues. Whatever is decided it will be a challenging change over this period as we understand and implement the different procedures that will be needed to service these units.

For further information about on-site air conditioning, contact:

richard robinsonrobinson Plant Services

Tel: 07812 148711Email: [email protected]


19December 2009

In 1973, the year before the UK experienced the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, I was serving with a Specialist Team Royal Engineers, STRE, on Malaita, a major island which formed part of the then British Solomon Islands Protectorate, BSIP, in the South West Pacific. As a Plant Corporal I was acting as a Road Foreman for the Public Works Department, PWD, and was stationed at a remote part of the island called Kwai.

The only way to reach my road construction project, (25 mile alignment with 15 improvised bridges), was either to go ‘walkabout’ for many hours through tropical rain forest or undertake the 18 hour round the coast trip in a small boat. The logistics dictated that I needed a replenishment of diesel for the plant the 150 strong workforce were using, every three months, weather permitting. I say weather permitting because it was not unusual to have six to eight inches of rain in a 24 hour period during the cyclone season with deluges of such intensity that rivers would often change course. Each fuel order was about 250 45-gallon drums totalling today approximately 52,000 litres. The only way to deliver the fuel was by ship, usually one that could get close enough to the coral reef which lay off the headroad some half a mile out to sea.

Delivering 50 tonnes of diesel by road is commonplace here in the UK with the only stipulation that you abide by the regulations and heed the potential hazards. In the Solomons at that time improvisation was the name of the game. With the weather, the hazardous reef and paucity of communications it was extremely

difficult, if not impossible, to anticipate the exact arrival time of the delivery by sea. I would usually hear that the boat was outside the reef after one of my Solomon Islander plant operators had trekked through the bush to wherever the road alignment was underway. Once informed we would all pile into whatever transport was available, dozer, tipper, grader or land rover and make speed for the coast to receive the shipment of fuel.

Down memory lane...refuelling plant in the Solomon islands 1973

Article by Sustainer

and the ever present problem of countless 45-gallon drums ending up in the mangrove swamp which ran along the coast. The road gang of Solomon Islanders would leap into the lagoon and swim out to the offloaded fuel, bringing each drum to shore individually; a monumental task taking many hours. Once floated ashore the drums would be transported to the main road head camp site and stacked ready for distribution over the coming months. The photograph highlights the difficulties encountered by the men,

especially whilst the rest of us posed for the camera !!

Looking back over nearly 40 years the fuel re-supply at

that time may seem crazy and extremely hazardous by modern day standards. Despite the lack of what would be expected today, such as risk assessment, method statements and quality assurance, the environment never suffered and being a remote part of the South West Pacific, fish, porpoise, turtle and crayfish were in abundance, a lifeline to

the islanders who worked on the road project. We

were not risk averse, just striking the balance between

the environment and the creation of a road and bridges

that would open up the interior for agriculture and future development

for the people of Malaita in the Solomons.

There are many other stories to tell, such as walking 25 miles to repair a hydraulic hose, dragging 20 metre long, 1 metre diameter trees with a D6 dozer for 15 miles through the bush, in order to build the bridges and when the completed 20 metre improvised bridge was left high and dry half a mile from the river, but that’s for another time!

The luxury of a shore based gantry crane or barge to facilitate the offloading was not an option. Usually, by the time we arrived at the headroad the ship had thrown the 250 x drums of diesel over the side, inside the reef, and we would be left to our own devices to bring the diesel to shore! This plus the issues of the shifting tide, the weather

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Councils exercise duty of careleading the way in HAV management

The HaVmeter is a portable device, the size and shape of a pager. It displays an accurate reading of the vibration exposure levels acquired by the operative throughout the day. Additionally, the meter provides the HSE points system through a traffic lights display function, flashing amber for EAV and red for ELV. Information on the operative’s exposure levels, tool usage and further data can then be downloaded at the end of the shift, providing successful monitoring of tool maintenance.

Highlighted here are just a few of the Councils out of over 40 others who have implemented this system. As the product has proved itself over the last 18 months, the trend is to adopt the system without a trialling period. All of these Councils are showing an admirable determination to ensure the safety of their employees as well as being at the forefront of health and safety management.

From internal risk management departments, councils can access up to 50% of funding, a substantial help towards implementing a new

Following years of frequent and highly publicised personal injury claims, one way that the public sector is addressing the safety of its workers is by attempting to manage hand-arm vibration. The notion that operatives of hand-held power tools are often exposed to high and dangerous levels of vibration has prompted councils such as Norfolk County Council, West Lothian and Carmarthenshire to implement the HAVmeter system.

Following initial trials, Carmarthenshire Council were one of the first to roll out the system choosing to target both their highway and grounds maintenance divisions. The benefits from the management’s perspective were immediately evident, with the support of the workers swiftly following. An advantage seen across the board was the accessibility and effectiveness of the HAVmeter system to the entire workforce.

Mike Rogers, Head of Policy and Performance for the Council said “The HAVmeter not only empowers the workforce to personally monitor their own exposure levels but also enables managers to take a proactive approach

to the management of vibration on a more long term basis. At the half way point, the feedback from everyone involved has been excellent.”

Following the initial order, the Council have allocated further funds to ensure that the benefits of the system can be extended to the remaining workforce. For Carmarthenshire Council, the HAVmeter system further enhances their ability to manage and reduce the level of risks and liabilities allied with the use of vibratory equipment. It has enabled the Council to exercise its duty of care and look forward to a continuation of the high level of safety that has been implemented for their employees.

HAV management regime. Risk management will see robust and accurate results that prevent the risk of future claims.

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norfolk County Council were perhaps one of the most significant parties to pilot the scheme due to their campaign to further protect their workforce and eliminate HAVS claims. They currently use a manual paper - based system to record operatives’ exposure to vibration. After an extremely successful 12 month trial at one depot, the council took the decision to apply the HAVmeter across the County, which will provide more accurate records of operatives’ exposure levels and save administrative costs accrued through the paper - based system.

Colin Tibbenham, Project Manager for Implementation at the Council confirmed that “the workforce showed a hugely positive attitude towards the HAVmeter because it’s so easy to use and it’s protecting them at the same time”.

Norfolk’s notable effort to roll out the system across the board prompted them to invest in a PDA system to program all of their tool tags. They are considering in future only using hire tool companies that apply the HAVmeter system themselves. On target to be ‘live’ by the end of November 2009, employees will be instructed not to use tools without tags.

Another of the early pioneers, West lothian Council, has experienced an increasingly positive response using the system, primarily in Road Services. Local tool hire companies are supporting West Lothian Council in their attempt to deploy the HAVmeter system across the sector. Andy Johnston, Roads Service Manager for the Council explains, “We use hire companies such as Speedy Hire and Akro Hire who were advised by us to tag all tools before hire otherwise we are unable to use them. We are 100% happy with the accuracy of the use of tools through our management reports”.

For more information about Reactec and HAVmeter, please contact

Sarah reidon 0131 221 0920

or email: [email protected]

Alternatively, visit the website at www.reactec.com

Images show HAV meter in use at West Lothian Council

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CMPe’s gentleman plant engineer an interview with Chris MillerChris Miller is a prominent and well-respected plant professional working within UK industry. Not only has he established the highly successful company, Miller Plant, but he has been at the helm overseeing constant change and improvement through his links with the Contractors Mechanical Plant Engineers (CMPE). Chris is also the National Registrar for the CMPE’s Certificate of Competence (CoC) and is largely responsible for changing the success of the CoC scheme in recent years from regional card scheme to national player. Chris is widely considered as one of the last gentlemen of plant and is a much loved husband and father.

PEP met up with Chris to find out more about Miller Plant and to take the opportunity to ask him a few questions about the highlights and challenges of his career and his views on the industry.

Miller Plant

Miller Plant has its origins in a plant hire business which Chris grew from one digger/loader in the late 60’s to a very respectable size, employing fifty operators, all with mini pickups for transport, by 1976. At that time

inflation and hire rates began to fall so machines were sold, mostly for export, and as demand grew a new business emerged, buying and selling new and used contractors’ plant and equipment to the UK and overseas.

By 1981 Chris and his wife Lynne were trading as Miller Plant from Pedmore Road, Dudley, only a stone’s throw from the offices, workshops and storage facility they occupy today. The majority of the company’s customer base are individuals and companies that have been dealing with Miller Plant for years. Most have become firm friends and will buy equipment on description from countries all over the world, drawing on the wealth of industry experience that Chris has.

After leaving college in 1994, Chris and Lynne’s son Stuart joined them in the business. Together, they have grown the services that Miller Plant now offers to the construction plant industry, which include highly qualified service engineers, both in house and mobile, up to date fully equipped service vans, modern plant transporters and operator training as well as the ever expanding inventory of quality used equipment.

Chris is an amazing gentleman and a real stalwart plant professional – one of the few who has seen it all and been there. You only have to visit his premises to feel the warmth and affection that others have for him and his business.

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What have been the highlights of your career to date?

One of the highlights of my career was expanding into larger premises in 1988 because I could then employ more fitters and further develop the business generally. It really has been great to see something grow that I have created with my own hands.

However, perhaps the greatest satisfaction has been to have my family working with me, and also meeting and making some excellent friends and colleagues along the way over my 40 years in business. Friends and family are invaluable because they carry and support you over the cyclical highs and lows of business. I’ve stayed in contact with many of my customers and they still return to visit and continue business today, even travelling from as far as Australia.

What have been the challenges you have faced?

Downturns in business generally have been the biggest challenges and in 1976 when inflation was low, the business had to change to sales

as opposed to plant hire. Through the 1980s and 1990s there have been various recessions that my family have had to deal with but we have and the business has rode the storm on more than one occasion. On the positive side, the export business has grown considerably due to improvements in both shipping and finance. Because it is easier now to export and import, this avenue of business has acted as a buffer during those troubled times.

What do you forecast for the industry in the future?

The problem now is going to be that, because of the recession, plant and machinery professionals are not buying new machines and although the export trade is going well, the availability of good quality second hand machines will eventually dry up. That is a worrying trend as exports have proven to be a life line for many businesses in this industry. Demand will pick up sooner or later but this in turn will create a problem with hire rates because the new plant sold for hire will cost more. This pushes up hire and purchase costs and so it may be that we have to look to import plant.

What advice would you have for young people entering the industry?

You never know whether a person you meet is going to be the next boss of the hire business that you’re trying to get business from, so treat everyone courteously and fairly. People can become quickly influential, which I have seen happen several times, so always try to have a smile on your face because you’re always trying to sell something to someone. Also, you can’t ever be overly qualified and good qualifications are always worth getting while you’re young – get into colleges and universities now while industry is relatively quiet and build up your CV and knowledge ready for the upturn.

For more information, contact Chris at:

Miller Plant Woodside House Pedmore Road Dudley West Midlands DY2 0RL

Tel: 01384 262400 Fax: 01384 350269 Email: [email protected]

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the need for roPSRoll Over Protective Structures (ROPS) are safety devices fitted to heavy vehicles to provide protection to the operator during an accidental roll over. The ROPS are usually in the form of a cab or a frame which provide a safe, crush-free compartment for the operator. To be effective in the case of roll over, the operator must remain in the seat within the ROPS by use of a suitable restraining system such as a seat belt.

The role of a ROPS is fairly complex for what appears to be a relatively simple structure. In a roll over incident, the frame must absorb kinetic energy during any deformation whilst retaining sufficient material strength to provide a protective zone to guarantee the survivability of the operator. The frame should be of such a design that it will survive any roll over, even beyond 90 degrees.

roPS legislationThe Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), regulations 26 and 27, outline the need for compliance in the fitting of ROPS and restraining systems, (e.g. seat belts and seat restraints). Items of equipment that are deemed most at risk of roll over include variable reach trucks, agricultural tractors and site dumpers.

PUWER regulation 26 requires: “That where there is a risk of rollover the risks from rollover should be minimised. Where this requires action, (and the regulation does not require action where there is no risk of rollover) by those who are hiring or renting etc out mobile work equipment the most practical and commercially sensible answer is to fit a roll-over protective structure (ROPS). Where a ROPS is fitted there is also a legal requirement to fit a suitable restraining system

(e.g. an operator restraint such as a seat belt) if there is a risk of anyone being crushed by its rolling over.” 1

When new ROPS and restraining systems are supplied under the requirements of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992 then they are deemed as safety components and should meet the requirements of the regulations but are not themselves required to have CE marking. Any new ROPS must be type-examined by an approved body before being supplied, if they are not manufactured to a harmonised European standard.

attitude problemIt would appear that some operators and site managers do not think that their use of a machine constitutes a risk of roll over and therefore do not appreciate the risks that arise from not using the ROPS or lap

Despite clear legislative guidance, instances of bad practice persist with regards to the failure of contractors and their operatives to make proper use of Roll Over Protective Structures (ROPS) and restraining systems on site. In this report we take a brief look at ROPS including some relevant legislation, why and how problems with ROPS use continue to plague industry and some simple guidance that should ensure safe working practices when using ROPS.

Potential hazarDSwith fold down roPS

1 HSE Information sheet ‘Hiring and leasing out of plant: application of PUWER 98, regulations 26 and 27’ (MISC 156)

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restraints provided. Some common misconceptions that have been found when talking to operators are:

“I never drive fast so there’s no cause for concern.”

“As a fully trained and competent operator with many years of experience, I’ve never had an accident and never will.”

“I only operate the machine on flat ground so it’s unlikely that I will turn it over.”

However, research indicates that in fact many mobile machinery accidents occur at low speeds and on slopes of less than 5 degrees. Moreover, most of the operators involved in accidents have years of experience behind them and hold relevant certificates of competence. Clearly operating with such mistaken beliefs is at best naive and at worst dangerous.

Misuse of roPSFoldable ROPS are beneficial because, as their name suggests, they can be folded temporarily to pass under low clearances but note that when folded the ROPS obviously do not provide operator protection. Unfortunately, this particular type of system has been open to operator abuse from those who are either ignorant to the risks or consider the need to keep the ROPS upright and in a locked position as just another hassle. Two recent observed cases of misuse highlight this.

The first incident involves a construction contractor’s site where several site dumpers were seen travelling loaded and unloaded for considerable distances with the ROPS folded down. One can only assume that the contractor had lowered the fold

down ROPS for either transportation or to secure overnight in a container. Once ready for work both site managers and operators seemed indifferent to the hazards of lateral roll over that were being created.

In the second incident, a forward tipping site dump truck was being used to transport wet concrete to foundations through the middle of a new steel frame building. The operator was driving the machine under steel beams with the ROPS folded down and ‘ducking’ his head up and down as and when required. Various regulations under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER, 1998) were therefore contravened. Once again the operators appeared ignorant of the risks posed by their misuse of this vital safety feature. Management was also at fault because machine selection was clearly inappropriate and/or control of machinery use on site was poor.

These are just two examples that demonstrate that operators will, at some stage, attempt to disable, or simply not use, the inherent safety features of a machine – the ubiquitously quoted behavioural aspect of safe plant operation. This type of activity is foreseeable so could original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) consider linking the ignition to the ROPS system or even include an audible alarm when the machine is switched on but the ROPS is down. Could such a simple technology save someone’s life?

Workplace guidanceTo ensure the safe operation of a machine with regards to roll over and ROPS the following simple guidance should be followed: When selecting plant or machinery for any given task, a thorough risk assessment must first be undertaken to ensure that the correct type of machinery is chosen (refer to Suitability of Work Equipment - Reg. 4, PUWER 1998). If machines with ROPS fitted cannot be used because of height restrictions (refer to Specific Risks – Reg. 7, PUWER 1998), then a more suitable alternative should be sought e.g. in the second incident cited earlier, a concrete pump.

Mobile machinery should only be driven by fully trained, competent operators who have been authorised to do so and any operation should be accompanied by a suitable risk assessment (refer to Training – Reg. 9, PUWER 1998). The nationally recognised qualification for competence within Britain is a Scottish/National Vocational Qualification (S/NVQ) Level II Plant Operations.

Folding ROPS must be in the erect position and secured correctly at all times whilst the machinery is being operated on site (refer to Protection Against Specific Hazards – Reg. 12, Stability – Reg. 20 and Rolling Over of Mobile Equipment - Reg. 26, PUWER 1998). Additional information about the specific ROPS fitted and how this should be used and maintained can be found in the operations and maintenance manual issued by the OEM.

Site managers should be knowledgeable about safe plant operation and must take an active role in monitoring, controlling and managing all plant operations on site (refer to Information and Instructions – Reg. 8, PUWER 1998).

Further guidance can be found in the HSE publications ‘Workplace transport safety, an employers’ guide’ (HSG 136 – ISBN 9780717661541) and ‘PUWER 1998’. ‘Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998’ (ISBN 9780717662852), as well as in a safety alert issued by OPERC (www.operc.com).

Incident 1

Incident 2

December 200926


haV gadgetsThe final solution or the Emperor’s new clothes?

Since the issues surrounding the subject of hand-arm vibration first became prominent, there have been many advances made by industry in an attempt to better manage the vibration exposure of operatives. As the original source of many widely used training and testing regimes now being used within industry, PEP approached Dr David J. Edwards, Loughborough University, for his thoughts and opinions on the major issues, in particular the myriad of inventions and gadgets that have been designed, purporting to be the industry’s answer to the management of HAV. As you will read, David’s responses were enlightening.

Where are we with HaV management today?

There have undoubtedly been many improvements made within the industry, particularly in terms of awareness, training and product development and this should be applauded and encouraged. One notable improvement has been through the design of higher performing, low vibration tools and this trend is set to continue. However, I also feel that there still remains ample room for improvement. Take for example, the launch of the traffic light labelling scheme - this is an excellent scheme, sat on the shelf for no apparent reason.

I think that in some instances the management of HAV has been overly complicated and this has led

to a proliferation of gadgets and devices that claim to be a panacea to the HAV management problem.

What are your views about this proliferation of HaV ‘gadgets’?

I am a great believer that human endeavour and creativity leads to technological progress that has benefits for us all and I do not wish to appear negative with regards to such gadgets and imply that they are all badly designed or marketed. Clearly some very good exemplars of credible innovation exist and I tend to give these my support where possible. Conversely, one would also expect to see the development of solutions that are not so well designed but these will

Article by Dr David Edwards, Loughborough University

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27December 2009


naturally be replaced as their clear inadequacies are uncovered. So in summary, some are good, some not so and others are awful but it is pleasing to see inventors are hard at work.

Could you explain clear inadequacies?

Whilst I would not name certain products, there have been attempts by some to record vibration magnitudes in real time, that is, as the tool is being used. The scientific credibility of values given by some of these products is highly questionable and sales claims that I’ve overheard border on scandalous!

My experience reveals that HAV is a multivariate precise measurement of an imprecise science - because the values recorded can vary significantly even for the same tool, with the same appendage and for the same person. To compensate for this variance, international standards of measurement require repeat measurements to be taken for each tool under a certain operating condition before a central measure of tendency (arithmetic mean) can be quoted and even then, this value must be accompanied by a standard deviation value to explain the variability about the mean.

In other words, you look to see what the most commonly occurring value is and the variance about it. This process helps you to build a picture of typical values of vibration for a tool completing a given task – change the task (or any of the other variables) and you change the vibration magnitude.

Surely therefore, automated systems are a good thing because they remove the need to measure a tool many times over?

It depends upon the design of the automated system. When measuring tools under international standards, two accelerometers are required, one for each hand, and the accelerometer has to be placed on the handle of the tool where the hand would hold the

tool. By doing this you record the actual vibration magnitude that the operator is exposed to – a so called exposure point. So in essence you get a more representative picture of the operator’s exposure to vibration if you then factor in the time that the product is actually in the hand, a factor that is dependent upon equipment performance.

I fear that certain products available, that claim to incorporate accelerometers, do not place them in the correct position and that in some cases only one accelerometer device is used. Two accelerometers must be used and only values for the worst hand are reported upon because this builds in an important factor of safety, if you consider my earlier comments about variability in measurements taken. The position of the accelerometers is critically important because tools vibrate differently in different places and one has to consider that modern tools are damped at the handle to dissipate the energy and in so doing, prevent some of it from reaching the user. Simply placing a device anywhere at will on equipment is folly for the operator and the employer because a true reading will not be recorded. There are other questions too such as who calibrates this sensitive scientific equipment because irregular calibration means that erroneous readings will be taken.

So what automated systems do you have confidence in?

At present, I favour those systems that can be observed to utilise reliable data that has been taken from a credible source and here there are a wide range of options. For single tool users a simple device that incorporates an audible and/or visual warning can provide a cheap and relatively convenient option for industry.

For those who use multiple tools during the day, the partial exposures (that is, the exposure for each tool operated) must be summed and here more complex management information systems should be used. The technology proving successful here not only alerts the operator to over-exposure but also allows management to periodically review and monitor tool usage – a superb tool for the larger construction company, hire outlet or local authority.

However, there is a third option and that simply involves observing tool use and productivity performance in the workplace as part of a production study. If you know that only a limited number of tools are repeatedly used by an individual in any one day, then this simple cost effective option is equally as good as any seductive

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nano-technology to complete all work activities, hence removing any element of human risk but this is sometime in the future. In the meantime, I believe that some of the best inventions are yet to come and these are most likely to be produced by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in conjunction with specialist engineers and scientists. Inventions could include automated machinery using wireless technology, remote control devices and sensors that are built into the handles of the tools. Some OEMs have already made tremendous inroads towards the development of tools that vibrate at 2.5 m/s²! An amazing achievement and this just serves to illustrate what is possible when needs must; these OEMs should be applauded, and more importantly, encouraged by the purchase of their products over and above cheaper alternatives. The purchase of these low vibrating tools does solve some of the safe management problems that industry faces today.

haV gadgetsthe final solution or the Emperor’s new clothes?Continued..............................................

technology. Indeed, observation should be used in conjunction with technology anyway because to develop a reliable safe system of work you have to understand what people are doing and why they are doing it. Recent work conducted in this area illustrated some fascinating facts about human behaviour and how often an Alpha male will demand the use of any tool being operated instead of sharing the workload. Other findings revealed inappropriate usage of tools, incorrect specification of appendages (e.g. drill bits and diamond blades), poor maintenance and so on. Observational studies really are extremely revealing if implemented correctly.

What do you foresee for the future? Ultimately, I believe that the human race will eventually adopt fully automated robotic slaves that utilise

What are your concluding thoughts? On balance, the original initiative by the Major Contractors Group (MCG) and the hire company Speedy to partner Loughborough University as a test house and the decision by the independent trade body OPERC to launch the HAVTEC register has been highly successful and at times very challenging. It is heartening to see that the HSE now reference HAVTEC and provide links to it from their website.

There was always room for further product development but this process was expedited by MCG pressure and now all of industry have access to a wealth of data, better designed products and training resources. We have seen a vast improvement in HAV management and operator safety and although some problems highlighted remain largely unresolved or not implemented, people’s safety and welfare has improved significantly. More can be done but great leaps forward have also been made and let us hope that the initiative continues to gather momentum.

29December 2009

intelligent thieves!It is often said that the best way to beat a thief is to think like one and indeed, historically, the police force has actively used ex-offenders to gain an insight into the criminal mind. One of the biggest problems we have within the industry is the theft of the very attractive mini excavator because of the relative ease with which it can be stolen and sold on.

Past reports in PEP have revealed that in some years, the rate of theft can be as high as one quarter of the total machines sold.

So how do thieves work, what motivates them and is the trend changing? Here’s a humorous case study with a twist, that illustrates the knowledge that thieves acquire of their quarry and the refinement that they can apply to their selection over time.

A recent incident involved a mini excavator which had been loaded onto a trailer and secured for the weekend. Some Liverpudlian thieves targeted

the mini excavator / trailer and with very little difficulty hooked up the

trailer to their prime mover and made their getaway. Some time later the thieves were apprehended by the Police, but with just the trailer in their possession. When

asked where the mini excavator was they gave its exact location, explaining that the mini excavator model was unsafe and nobody would ever want to buy it, as opposed to the trailer which they could easily sell!

Although the construction industry continues to use certain model mini excavators which would appear to have potential instability problems, apparently Scouse thieves are more street wise! One does wonder how long it will take the industry to catch up with the knowledge and experience of the thieves?

?

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exPert oPinion:

ExPErT oPinion

how to stimulate the economy of the West Midlands

the centre of transport (canals, roads and the railways) that enabled the manufactured goods to be transported for both internal and foreign trade.

the cause of decline

The economy of the West Midlands continued its development right through to the middle of the 20th Century, due, in a large part, to the development (investment) of transportation networks and the improvements in communications (post, telegraph, telephone, radio etc.). There was even a National Transport Plan which led to the establishment and growth of the system of A roads between the two World Wars.

However, it can now be seen that the West Midlands began a relative decline from 1945 onwards, although this did not become apparent for almost two decades. For nearly 200 years the West Midlands had been the envy of most countries in the world and the centre for manufactured goods and heavy engineering. Many great companies in industry had been set up and were highly successful. Britain ran a trade surplus - so how could it have declined relative to other developed and developing countries?

The West Midlands may have been the centre for transportation networks, but what needs to be remembered is that geographically the region is the furthest from a port of any region in the UK. London has now become the centre of transportation (roads, railways, airports and communications), and the West Midlands has become a forgotten region. The main markets for UK industry are now external to the country with Europe being our closest market. The rapid decline in the cost of shipping goods abroad (by sea, road and air) from a

Why was the West Midlands at the heart of the Industrial Revolution in the UK? What caused the growth and success of its economy for almost 200 years, from the middle of the 18th Century to the middle of the 20th Century, and then its relative decline over the last 50 years? And perhaps the question of most importance today, what can be done to reverse this trend?

the ‘Workshop of the World’

To start, we need to examine why the Industrial Revolution occurred and why the West Midlands benefited. The requirements for the start of the Industrial Revolution can be set back in the 17th Century, when commerce and trade began to take off. One of the best trading regions at this time is what is now called the Netherlands and the Northern half of Belgium. The successful invasion of Great Britain by the Dutch army under William of Orange in 1688 and the eventual defeat of James 2nd in 1690 contributed greatly to improving the commercial and trading skills of the country. With the change in the political structure and the establishment of the supremacy of Parliament over the monarchy, the wind of change had been set.

During the 18th Century this change helped to stimulate the development of scientific and more mechanised forms of agriculture, the spin off from which was a vast improvement in agricultural productivity and a surplus of labour. Together with new sources of power (coal and steam), this led to power driven machinery. The abundance of local materials (including coal and iron ore) in the West Midlands, then created heavy industry, mining and metallurgy and with it the growth of factories and factory towns.

Rapid improvements in transport were now essential and this was solved by the development of canals, roads and in the 19th Century, by the railways. After growth in textile production, mainly in Lancashire, Cheshire and Yorkshire, there was then growth in the Black Country for industry (manufacturing and engineering). The West Midlands rapidly became the workshop of the world and also Photograph provided by Ian Beach


31December 2009

article by Mr richard Sharp,Management Consultant, Sharp Practice

UK port has meant that the relative economies of scale have changed. It now costs more to move goods from the West Midlands to a UK port than from the port to the Far East. Note also that the cost of labour has become a relatively small proportion of the total cost of manufacture; the overall cost of transport outweighs it in importance.

the solution for re-invigoration - investment

The solution for re-invigorating the West Midlands is part of the solution for re-invigorating the UK economy as a whole. There are three elements to an economy: consumption, investment and trade. The problems with the UK economy are over consumption, under investment and a lack of exports. This is compounded by a public sector deficit of massive proportions that will account for between 10 and 15% of the overall economy in this and the next financial year. We need a solution that will reduce the imbalances in the economy of relative over consumption, under investment, external deficit and a massive public sector deficit.

The solution is relatively simple and will solve the inherent problems of the West Midlands. It is called investment; more specifically, investment in infrastructure. But, why and how can we afford it?

The UK investment in infrastructure runs at 50% of the levels of the rest of Europe (the UK invests on average 1.3% of its GDP in civil engineering whilst mainland Europe invests 2.8%). To raise the UK level to the European average equates to roughly 1% of the UK Economy or some £14 billion per year. A report has recently been written by L.E.K. Consulting on “Construction in the UK Economy, The Benefits of Investment”.

By using some of the findings of this report and extending it, it is easily shown that this solution will more than pay for itself both for the economy as a whole and the public sector cost versus tax revenue. The return on infrastructure investment is 25% per year for the economy as a whole and lasts between 20 and 40 years.

Benefits for the uK economy

The additional benefits for the UK economy would be:-

1) Additional employment in the construction industry of some 350,000 assuming a spend of £14 billion.

2) The production of an additional £26 billion for the UK economy, through the Multiplier effect

3) An increase in employment by a further 515,000 as a result of the additional £26 billion.

4) The rise of the overall potential growth rate of the economy from some 2% per year to 2.25% per year as a result of a continued increase in infrastructure investment at an additional 1% of the UK GDP.

5) The reduction in benefit payments by some £4.3 billion in the first year, due to the increase in employment by 865,000.

6) Provided by the level of tax payment (assuming no other changes), a net tax gain (including the reduction in benefit payments due to less people without employment) of some £5.25 billion or some 0.4% of GDP in the first year, rising to £18.5 billion in today’s value or 1.1% of GDP in the tenth year.

7) Little detrimental effect on the level of imports, due to the construction industry being mostly UK reliant on materials and resources and only some 7% dependant on imports.

ExPErT oPinion


December 200932

national infrastructure investment

So what type of projects could this investment be applied to? With the growth in trade, due in part to the revolution caused by containerisation, and the two major UK container ports being being Felixstowe and Southampton, a direct motorway link from the M1, M40, M5 and M6 to these ports would help lower transport costs significantly for the Midlands and would be self financing for the UK Economy. A good railway link from the Midlands to the Channel Tunnel would aid communications and reduce transport costs (we were promised this link for 1997, but what are a few decades late to London Centric Politicians?). A National Transport Plan is not beyond the wit of man but obviously beyond the wit of politicians - the last one was over 80 years ago.

Both major parties have failed the UK Economy with their need to be London biased in their policies. London continues to benefit enormously from massive infrastructure investment which includes, in no particular order: the Channel Tunnel, M25, Wembley Stadium, Canary Wharf and Docklands, Gateway Airports, Crossrail (particularly massive) and the 2012 Olympics. The only other policies politicians appear to have are based on the trickle down approach. No economy in the world has succeeded with trickle down economics.

funding the solutionBut how can the additional £14 billion be funded in the first place when the public finances are in such a poor condition? The cost of the VAT reduction was £13 billion. Raise it in April 2010 and this will more than

fund the net amount necessary. I also believe that the overall public sector expenditure (excluding this investment in infrastructure) needs to be held at a growth rate (yes growth) of some 1% in real terms per year.

What will this approach achieve? It will aid the rebalancing of the UK Economy to consume slightly less, increase investment, improve the adverse balance of trade and go a long way to redressing the public sector deficit. It will reduce the public sector deficit to manageable levels in one term of Parliament and eliminate the structural imbalance in two Parliaments.

Will this happen? Probably not, due to the quality of our politicians, with Tweedledum and Tweedledee parties and a total lack of vision amongst our MPs. Is it such a dear hope to wish to rebalance, favorably, the Economy away from the City and towards the rest of us?

how to stimulate the economy of the West Midlands?

ExPErT oPinion

Richard can be contacted at:

Sharp Practice

3 Hartwell Grove, Creswell Manor, Stafford, ST16 1RW

Mob: 07932 693 184Email: [email protected]

Richard Sharp was formerly the economist for JCB Sales at their world headquarters but now offers his skills through his own consultancy practice known as Sharp Practice. Richard is widely considered as one of the world’s leading authorities in this field and his general knowledge of economic history is fascinating.

A new National Transport Plan would lower transport costs for the Midlands and be self financing for the UK economy

exPert oPinion: ContinueD

33December 2009

VISIONDETECTIONRESTRAINTWARNINGCONTROLSERVICE

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December 200934

high hopes for working at heights- the latest low down!


Visit any major construction or civil engineering project up and down the country and best practice with regards to working at height is self evident. Major contractors within the UK have not only taken this issue seriously, but they have also financially backed strategies and initiatives to reduce the risks posed. Senior executives at the very highest level have continually banged the drum on this issue and they are having major successes.

So why do incidents involving work at height continue to dog the sector?

In a recent incident, a worker for a Norwich demolition and recycling contractor broke his spine in a fall at the former RAF Watton site in Norfolk and his employer was subsequently fined £7,500. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Tim Philpott, trading as Philpott Demolition and Recycling, for his role in the incident on 20 April 2007 and on Thursday 22nd October 2009, Mr Philpott pleaded guilty at Norwich Magistrates’ Court to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The court heard that Gediminas Vasiliauskas was removing old roof tiles and timber from a former aircraft hangar at the site when the incident happened. Mr Vasiliauskas broke his spine in the incident and had to have a metal disk inserted into his back. He was unable to work for a year following the incident and during that time he also lost his sense of taste and smell.

Following the hearing the HSE Inspector said:

“Mr Vasiliauskas was lucky to survive this incident, which could have been avoided if his employer had taken precautions to ensure his employee’s safety. Working at height is one of the most dangerous things employees can do. This case highlights the need for companies to do everything possible to minimise the risks employees face when working at height. HSE provides plenty of advice and guidance for employers on how to keep their workers safe while working at height.”

This is an appalling incident and the consequences are clear but the final sentence from the HSE inspector led us to consider the efficiency and effectiveness of disseminating best practice guidance to smaller to medium sized companies – is this perhaps where some issues remain?

SPECial rEPorT

35December 2009


PEP sent reporters to investigate examples of bad practice and in all cases the companies and individuals observed to be risking their lives and livelihoods were smaller to medium sized companies. Although clearly not a scientific survey, the frequency of bad practice cases found was alarming and suggests that additional effort is needed in this sector.

In an observed instance photographed here, a contractor had been employed to clean a tiled roof for which he was using a power hose. One can imagine this task to be wet and slippery given algae growth on the tiles and the volume of water required to complete the task, so one would also imagine that a risk assessment would have been conducted and appropriate provisions made to carry out the work safely, such as erecting suitable scaffolding to provide an appropriate work platform, etc. The alarming images would suggest otherwise and are typical of what you may find anywhere in the UK.

This small contractor, and others like him, provide demonstrable proof that the safety message is not reaching the odd job men, caretakers and those who can easily set-up a small to medium sized enterprise. Let us return once more to the statement issued by the HSE inspector following the incident involving Mr Vasiliauskas which stated that “HSE provides plenty of advice and guidance for employers on how to keep their workers safe while working at height”. From what has been observed the dissemination of best practice is

clearly not getting out across all of industry or being enforced fully.

HSE do a wonderful job when working in partnership with industry but all too often the focus is on larger contractors because the theory is that by targeting larger organisations, HSE resources are better utilised. A single visit at a company with 1,000 employees consumes just as much time and resources as a single visit to another company with only 3 employees. However, the vast majority of companies within industry consist of small to medium organisations and perhaps this is one reason why working at heights continues to plague industry. With specific reference to cases studied, it was alarming to find that:

some workers had clearly not been trained and certainly were not competent;

others were not aware of the Work at Heights Regulations or practical measures to protect themselves from harm; and

even more shocking, in several instances, small number of workers had never even heard of the HSE or other reputable bodies such as IOSH, OPERC or ROSPA.

Whilst these comments should not be used as an opportunity to criticise any of the good work that has been undertaken in recent years by various bodies and statutory authorities, they

do provide food for thought and an opportunity to provoke much needed additional debate. If industry is going to rid itself of unnecessary and preventable accidents involving working at height, then a new concerted effort should be undertaken to retarget small to medium organisations with training, guidance and enforcement. More radical ideas may include:

supporting local authorities by employing local area safety officers;

encouraging companies through local chambers of commerce within a geographic area to employ roving safety officers;

giving additional support directly to the HSE;

creating a small contractor licensing scheme which would need proof that certain criteria had been met (e.g. training, competence, risk assessment etc.).

Clients have been the target of safety campaigns in the past and for larger client organisations with construction knowledge, this approach has merit and is working. However, normal everyday members of the public, in households up and down the country, do not have the skills, knowledge or experience of construction works to select a credible contractor. They simply slip their finger down the local directory listing and select someone who appears to be fit for purpose and provides a service at a reasonable cost.

SPECial rEPorT

December 200936

nEWS

expert witnessOn the stand and under scrutiny

The primary role of an expert witness is to assist the court on specialist or technical matters within their expertise and the expert advice and evidence given can be critical to the outcome of a legal dispute. Having been employed as an expert witness for various cases in the past, Mr Mick norton, BEM, oPErC Chairman highlights the main issues that you should be aware of should you ever be asked to act as an expert witness in a UK court of law.

Occasionally you may be invited (as a plant and equipment professional) to act as an “expert witness” where you will have the opportunity to use the specialist knowledge you have gained through education, experience or training. The decision to accept the duties of expert witness should not be taken lightly as there is a need to be well prepared for what can be a testing time whilst giving testimony, under oath. The expert witness has special status and can give opinion evidence based on his/her experience. Your professional credentials, knowledge of the subject, and the specific matter/s before the courts are all topics on which you may be examined.

accepting instructions

Generally experts should expect clear instructions from solicitors specifying the requirement which might include:

written reportdate for completionprofessional limitationsqualifications and experiencesummary of circumstances photographs

remuneration

There are many considerations for your remuneration which might include:

loss of current earningstravel subsistencehotel accommodation expert witness rates, which may be daily or hourlycharge for face to face interview whether the fees are paid in advance.

Curriculum vitae

In the court or inquiry the expert witness can expect close scrutiny of their submitted curriculum vitae (CV). It is vital that the CV is current and summarises your qualifications and experience. Examples of typical questions are: “Have you as the expert testified before?”, “Where and when?” “Can you supply the relevant references should they be asked for and the names of clients for which you have previously written a report or testified?”. Far better that you as the expert make these points known beforehand, rather than have them deliberated over during cross – examination.

requirements of a written report

Prior to the trial/inquiry the expert witness may have to prepare a written report as part of the pre trial requirements. Any report would be expected to cover the following points:

expert’s qualifications, training and experiencereason for the reportnames and datesthe specific area to be investigatedany history of the mattermethodology usedobservations and informationrationaledetails of any documents used as referenceconclusions and reasoning for inferences drawn from facts.

When a written report is requested it is vital that the expert incorporates only what is necessary. Plain English should be used with all technical terms explained. The final report should be signed and dated by the expert who should be prepared to give evidence in support of the statement/s given. In Scotland there are differences in requirements for written reports and the expert’s report has to be substantiated by a second expert.

testifying in court

The time spent ‘on the stand’ can be dependent on the complexities of the case. It is important that the expert’s first and foremost duty is to the court, and not to any party instructing him/her. Objective unbiased opinions within the rules of evidence are the main criteria. Occasionally if a particular question is outside the expertise of the expert witness he/she should inform the court. Similarly if the opinion is provisional, due to a lack of evidence, this should also be stated. Bear in mind that your testimony in court may be months/years after the written report was submitted so ensure time is taken to refresh your memory. The credibility of your testimony will be a target for solicitors so ensure the focus is upon the important facts and issues of the case.

Article by Mr Mick Norton, BEM

SPECial rEPorT

37December 2009

SPECial rEPorT

lafarge excels at industry Best Practice awards

The UK’s leading cement manufacturer, Lafarge, has been recognised for its outstanding commitment to health and safety at a prestigious industry awards ceremony. At the Mineral Products Association [MPA] Best Practice Awards 2009, Lafarge’s ongoing commitment to industry-leading occupational health and safety was recognised with a collection of awards and commendations spanning across its entire business operations.

At the event held at the Institution of Civil Engineers in Central London, Lafarge received: MPA Cement trophies for its Cookstown Cement Works, County Tyrone and Dunbar Cement Works, East Lothian, for operating throughout the entire of 2008 without a single lost time injury.

Lafarge was Highly Commended in the: Engineering Initiatives category for housekeeping and safety standards at the Hope Works, Derbyshire; Management Systems Initiatives category for its senior management safety prioritisation and on-going support; and in the

Training Initiatives category for mobile plant training - including quarry operator NVQ assessment - and the introduction of gradient/road width plans within quarries all helping to ensure safer working environments.

In addition Lafarge was also awarded a Certificate of Merit in the Occupational Health category for introducing a device to measure and help reduce operator exposure to whole body vibration on mobile plant equipment at its Dunbar Quarry, East Lothian.

As well as the company awards, two individuals - John Millen and Barry Robinson MBE - received special recognition for their personal commitment and contributions to health and safety.

John Millen, Yard Supervisor has worked at the Hope Cement Works over 37 years and is the supervisor in charge of two contractor cleaning gangs. Since taking over this role he has transformed the housekeeping standards at the Works and so created a safer working environment for all 200 employees. Barry Robinson MBE, Mobile Plant Trainer and NVQ Assessor, and also OPERC Chief Examiner, received an award in recognition of his personal contribution to mobile plant training and NVQ assessment for mobile plant operators; assisting with both the braking systems and mobile plant toolbox talks.

Barry Robinson, MBE, receiving an award in recognition of

his personal contribution to health and safety

(Left) Dave Burley, Supply and Distribution director, (middle) Lord Jordan of Bournville, CBE, (right) Dave Hurcombe

Commenting on the awards Erdogan Pekenc, Managing Director, Lafarge Cement said: “Health and safety is the priority for Lafarge and I am delighted that we have been able to gain recognition from the MPA for our commitment and wide ranging activities in this crucial area. These awards can only be achieved by all employees maintaining a daily safety focus. With their on-going commitment we will continue to build upon our recognised best practice.”

Presenting the awards Lord Jordan of Bournville

CBE, guest of honour and President of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: “The mineral products industry is critically important to the future of the UK - but arguably its contribution to creating - quite literally - the foundations of the UK economy is under-recognised. Just as under-recognised in my view is the fantastic work which your association and its members and stakeholders have undertaken to drive down workplace accidents and to safeguard employees’ health.”

nEWS

December 200938

SPECial rEPorT

in touch road marking software system leads the way

Managing a successful road marking operation demands precise control of staff, vehicles and materials as well as a reliable and clear means of communication between the crew and the office based staff.

Daily Return Sheets are time consuming and expensive to process as well as providing numerous challenges such as illegible, incomplete and lost data which can often result in delays in invoicing and payment disputes.

Highways maintenance software specialists, In Touch Ltd, offer a tailor made system which manages the whole contracting process. The company’s web based Road Marking Software provides a multitude of functions, giving you complete control over your entire workforce and operations. Using a hand held portable device, the crew are issued their works orders via 3G GPRS mobile communications technology. All Chapter 8 road marking diagrams are contained on the system enabling the crew to always have instant access to key information.

The system virtually eliminates any paperwork errors and greatly improves the speed and accuracy of data being

fed back to the central office. Individual contract rates for each client can be fed into the system so that it automatically makes calculations for invoicing.

An optional camera facility on the crew’s device allows the capture and instant upload of photographic evidence that a job has been carried out. Using In Touch’s new technology the software automatically embeds the time, date and location into the image file, providing an enhanced level of transparency between contractor and client.

As the system also calculates the amount of thermoplastic used for each diagram or job, it can assist with stock management as well as making the most efficient use of materials.

The In Touch Road Marking system is also a versatile financial tool that frees up a considerable amount of management time by producing detailed profit and loss reports for every job and automatic calculation of salaries, taking into account shift patterns and bonus payments based on agreed contract rates. All data can be exported in multiple formats (including Excel) to populate existing office systems.

In Touch specialise in software systems for the highways maintenance industry and have a suite of fully integrated solutions for road marking, works orders, asset management, gully maintenance, winter maintenance, tracking and more.

For more information contact:

in Touch ltd

Victoria Buildings, 66-67 Marine Road, West Morecambe, Lancashire, LA4 4ET

Tel: 01524 833588E-mail: [email protected]

aDVErTiSinG FEaTUrE


39December 2009

nEWS

irish nursery grows Kubota compact tractor fleetNangle & Niesen is a highly successful Irish wholesale nursery specialising in the production of over 200 varieties of semi-mature trees at its 100 acre site at Aherla, Co. Cork.

With over 35 years experience in tree production, the nursery’s directors, Ronan Nangle and Matthew Niesen, spend considerable time and money in ensuring that their production techniques are fully up-to-date and comparable with the best in Europe, with the work of their nursery staff made easier by five Kubota compact tractors.

The first Kubota was bought back in 1980 when it was the only compact model then available in Ireland. Impressed with the machine’s versatility and reliability the directors decided to stick with the brand for future compact tractor purchases. They now have an all-Kubota fleet of five compacts of varying sizes, which handle a variety of jobs around the nursery throughout the year.

“They are all highly manoeuvrable machines, well designed and easy to drive and maintain, and our operators like the comfortable seating areas as they have to spend a lot of time in them,” said Mr Niesen.

Two of the latest 40hp STV Series machines, whose versatility the nursery exploits to the full, are the most recent purchases. They are used for levelling between the lines of trees using a variety of attachments from cultivators and power harrows to levelling bars and a seeder to leave a grass finish between the lines of trees. In Nangle & Niesen’s experience this is a greener method of tree production, reducing chemical usage greatly.

Sub-quality trees are disposed of with a wood chipper that is attached to the PTO as needed, eliminating the need for burning. The grass between the rows of trees is cut using a flail mower, with any prunings mulched at the same time.

A 25hp B2410 is used exclusively for spraying weeds with fungicides along the lines of trees, using a spray boom attachment, while a 27hp B2710 fitted with a specialised tree removal attachment lifts bare root trees out of the ground and shakes out any excess soil. A variety of different sized trailers are used with the tractors to fetch and carry materials and plants around the nursery.

All of the machines were supplied by local Kubota tractor and groundcare equipment dealer, Atkins Grass Machinery of Cork.

“Atkins gives us a great service and I like the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff,” said Mr Niesen. “They always let us have any spare parts we may need for the tractors exactly when they say they will be delivered.”

The nursery also has a 27hp B9200 extra-narrow model, which Matthew Niesen bought 20 years ago from a company in Holland which supplies him with specialist tree growing equipment. It too is also used with the specialist tree removal attachment, while its loading forks come in useful for general pallet work.

“Kubota compacts are ideal for the type of varied work we need them to do at the nursery,” said Mr Niesen. “They have proved totally reliable over the years, which is why we keep coming back for more.”

nEWS


December 200940

nEWS

Fifteen years of Doppstadt for D J Laing

D J Laing is one of the UK’s pioneering wood waste recycling specialists and was among the first in the UK to incorporate Doppstadt chippers and shredders as an integral part of their woodwaste treatment processing plants. Having purchased their first Doppstadt LK330 shredder some 15 years ago, the company has retained a Doppstadt in their specialised equipment fleet ever since.

“We’ve looked at a number of competitive shredders over the years, particularly from the USA“ says Managing Director David Laing “but have remained loyal to Doppstadt and distributors Blue Scotland throughout. Doppstadts are reliable, productive and meet our high quality 40mm wood chip product the end user demands. The after sales product support from Blue has been very good, coupled with a team of skilled mobile fitters, and cements our ongoing future business relationship”. D J Laing has recently taken delivery of their fifth Doppstadt, a Doppstadt DZ-750 Kombi combination slow- and high-speed shredder from Blue Scotland, which is now the main woodwaste processor at the company’s Petterden Recycling Centre.

DJ Laing was established in 1975 and initially focussed on plant hire and general contracting. The diversification

into waste management in the early 1990’s has seen a planned and programmed expansion of the specialised plant and equipment - shredders, crushers, screeners etc - alongside a continued investment in modern vehicles, processing and materials handlers to ensure best practice and optimum reclamation of reusable products, minimising landfill and maximising recycling and reuse. In addition to processing plant and equipment, DJ Laing also operates a large fleet of heavy goods vehicles and over 800 skips and containers for raw waste material collection from a variety of sources throughout Angus, Tayside and Fife.

At the Petterden Recycling Centre, collected waste is pre-sorted prior to entering the woodwaste processing stream where a combination of Doppstadt shredder, eddy current

41December 2009

Construct-a-gram

Construct-a-gram

Can you solve this anagram?Then email your answer to [email protected], quoting “Construct-A-Gram No 4”, and you could win a copy of Dr Plant’s Construct-A-Grams (RRP £5.99).

The book contains another 50 of these brain-teasing anagrams, each with a humorous illustration by Geoff Tristram.

Closing date for entries is January 31st 2009 and fourwinners will be drawn at random from correct entries received.

Clue: Workplace hazard

No 4No 4

Prize CoMPetition

CoMPETiTion

H OATRBVI AN

IRD

separators and screeners treat the incoming waste wood. The sorting operation ensures that pallet, packaging and virgin timber woodwaste for the “Grade A” end-product is separated to ensure clean, high quality 40mm chip for board production. Second grade woodwaste is treated as a separate waste stream to produce biofuel material. A bi-product of both processes is -6mm fines cattle bedding which is screened out and stockpiled for use in the agricultural sector. Currently, the recycling plant is producing around 500 tonnes of reclaimed material per week although the potential output is in excess of 1000 tonnes, which will allow any expansion and future increases in volumes to be handled with ease.

The Doppstadt DZ-750 Kombi is a mobile shredder combining slow pre- and fast fine-shredding, the latter featuring a selector switch to turn this function off should it not be required for a specific waste stream. Integral twin overband magnets, for tramp metal removal, hard metal flail tips, an hydraulically controlled fine shredding comb (40-280mm grate size) and a remote control are all standard equipment. The drive unit is rear-mounted for easy maintenance access and the slewable cooler features a large reversible self-cleaning fan wheel. Tools, flail tips and the fine shredding basket are easily replaceable. The versatile DZ-750 Kombi was chosen by DJ Laing because it is specifically designed and built for the shredding of woodwaste and is also ideal for the production of biofuels.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _AAMAN

December 200942

hSS hire responds to customer demand

for plant equipmentHSS Hire has added a range of plant equipment to its hire fleet. Traditionally known for its expertise in the provision of small tools and equipment and related hire services, HSS has extended its

relationship with Irish partners Laois Hire to put down

roots in the plant sector too.

Bringing their partnership with plant hire company Laois Hire (already part of the HSS Group in Ireland) to the UK and operating from their Beckton supercentre to meet demand in the Greater London area, HSS Hire now also offer a full plant range including diggers, dumpers, rollers, excavators and large booms and lifts.

The Laois Hire range of plant equipment has been available to customers in the London area since 1st November, serviced through the HSS Beckton supercentre and available to hire from all 50 other HSS branches in the Greater London area too

redrock engineering ltd goes into administrationThe northern ireland based machinery manufacturer redrock Engineering ltd has called in the administrators having suffered major financial difficulties as a result of the current economic downturn.

The company, which is based in County Armagh, is a major exporter of high quality agricultural and construction machinery into the Irish, UK and European markets and has been in business for over 33 years, currently employing 80 people.

Redrock has consistently made significant investment in research and development of new products, enabling it to remain at the forefront of the agricultural and construction industries.

Managing director Samuel Hughes, who established the company in 1976, said: “We have a highly skilled staff who deserve recognition of their talents, hard work, loyalty and dedication to this company. I want to pay tribute to them and express my deepest regret that they are facing this uncertainty.”

He continued: “We have been faced with major cash flow challenges that have become impossible to sustain. Given the significant financial difficulties we had no choice but to appoint administrators”.

Administrators Cavanagh Kelly Chartered Accountants are assessing the options open to the business, which include selling the company as a going concern. Redrock will continue to trade in the interim but since 29th October all manufacturing has been temporarily suspended.

nEWS


43December 2009

FLEET MANAGEMENT

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December 200944

nEWS

A-Plant has been lending firm support to the charity Centrepoint and on November 12th Mark Pudney, Managing Director for Sales, volunteered to give up his bed for the night to take part in the Centrepoint Sleep Out 2009 at the Old Spitalfields Market in London. Mark joined 450 other supporters sleeping rough at Old Spitalfields to help raise funds and show solidarity for homeless young people. He took part alongside members of the community regeneration team at Mace Sustain, who work closely with Centrepoint.

Centrepoint houses and supports 830 homeless young people between the ages of 16 and 25 every night. The aim of the annual Sleep Out event is to make a stand against youth homelessness and to help raise £250,000 to continue to provide services for homeless young people in 2010. The event does not recreate homelessness but it is intended to show the harsh realities of being homeless in London, with the discomfort of

sleeping on boxes amongst the bright lights of the city night and the noise of street cleaners, public transport and late night revellers.

Since the Sleep Out event was launched five years ago, some of the UK’s most high profile companies have taken part, and Mark was joined by a host of famous faces at this year’s Sleep Out, including Centrepoint ambassador and ‘Loose Women’ presenter Lisa Maxwell, Casualty actor Joe McFadden, star of ‘The Apprentice’ Michelle Dewberry and former ITN newsreader Ed Mitchell who experienced homelessness first hand two years ago.

Mark, who raised £5,000 in sponsorship, said: “On behalf of A-Plant I was proud to take part in Sleep Out 2009 and support Centrepoint. There was great solidarity amongst all who took part and I think we all now have a greater understanding of the suffering that homeless people go through every single night of the year. I am personally delighted that so many people and companies supported us with kind donations and I would like to express my sincere thanks.”

Seyi Obakin, Centrepoint’s CEO, said: “By giving up their beds for the night, Centrepoint’s fantastic supporters faced the discomfort of sleeping rough, but with one big difference: they had the luxury of returning home in the morning. Too many of the young people Centrepoint supports have spent time on the streets and we are so grateful to everyone who took part in Sleep Out to raise awareness of the problems of youth homelessness and vital funds which will have a huge impact on Centrepoint’s work.”

Centrepoint is the leading national charity working to improve the lives of homeless young people. Since the organisation was founded in 1969, Centrepoint has helped more than 70,000 individuals. Working directly with young people in Greater London and the North East, Centrepoint provides emergency accommodation, support, information and training for homeless young people.

For further information, contact:

Central House 25 Camperdown St London E1 8DZ

Tel: 0845 466 3400Email: [email protected]

Centrepoint CEO Seyi Obakin launches the Sleep Out

Mark Pudney, A-Plant Managing Director for Sales

a-Plant MD sleeps out to support the hoMeleSS

45December 2009

PEoPlE

Each year OPERC, the UK’s largest professional body for plant and equipment professionals, elects new Executive officers to assist with the administration and development of services and products for members. The aim is to bring both new ideas and vibrant people into the association.

This coming year is the 10th anniversary of the association and it sees Mr Adam Scorcese, Apple Industrial Safety Ltd, step down as President to take up the new permanent position as Treasurer to replace the long serving former Treasurer Mr Ian Berrill.

new PresidentMr Martin Knott, Managing Director, Business and Customer Excellence, Speedy Hire has taken up the position as President (having served a year as Vice President). Martin has worked in the hire industry for over 30 years, since leaving grammar school at 16. Formerly one of the first ever Speedy Depot Managers, Martin worked for HSS in various operational roles and was appointed to the HSS Group Board in 1995, spending seven years as UK Operations Director. Martin rejoined Speedy in 2004 as Operations Director of the Tool Hire Division and was appointed Managing Director of the division in April 2005.

new Vice-PresidentMr Asif Latief, Marketing Director, Ashtead Plant Hire Company Ltd, has accepted the position as this year’s new Vice President having served as a technical panel member for the past year. Asif has over 12 years’ experience in the field of marketing and was awarded Construction Marketer of the Year at the Construction Marketing Awards 2006. He has an in-depth knowledge of the plant hire industry, and since joining A-Plant in 2002, the company has won a host of awards, including the Contract Journal Supreme Award 2008. Asif is a very driven individual with a continuing thirst for knowledge in Marketing, Business Development, Technology and the hire industry as a whole.

all change in executive

new technical Panel appointmentAnother significant appointment is that of Mr Craig Spillard, Director of Spillard Safety Systems, who is now the youngest OPERC technical panel member to have been elected. Craig and the Spillard Family have been staunch supporters of OPERC since its inception and Craig in particular has proven to be a very proactive and industrious member of the association.

Moving away from a promising 9 year career in the banking sector (5 years of which was as an I.T. consultant) Craig’s career took a significant turn in July 2005 when he joined his father (Vic) and brother (Peter) at Spillard Safety Systems. The company specialises in finding the best methods of overcoming their customers’ mobile equipment health and safety issues, striving to make the workplace safer by helping minimise the hazards within visibility, egress and access, whole body vibration, etc. Craig was quick to realise that the Spillard value in terms of market differentiation was to continue to concentrate on being a solution provider rather than “a box selling company”. In September 2006 Craig was made a Director of the company and since then has been heavily involved in the development of all the new products that Spillards have launched.

Mr Barry Robinson, MBE OPERC Chief Examiner said “I am delighted to see young, vibrant and highly talented professional people like Asif and Craig join OPERC executive at senior positions because this will ultimately guarantee the association’s ongoing success. It is also reassuring that Martin and Adam, as existing team members, are willing to contribute further to the excellent work completed to date.”

December 200946

PEoPlE

Prominent Shepherd leaves the flock

In October it was announced that Mark Owen, Company Health and Safety Manager, Shepherd Construction would be leaving the privately owned contractor for pastures new. Mark has been with the company for over 10 years and during this period he has overseen the implementation of some cutting edge health and safety behavioural programmes and has orchestrated a reduction in accidents by as much as 50%. He has also been an active member of the former Major Contractors Group (MCG) with a real focus on hand-arm vibration and now partakes in an equally prominent role within the new UK Contractors Group. Mark said: “I have worked with some great people and have implemented very successful health and safety projects but having achieved my

personal and professional goals, I felt that it was time to move on. I do wish Shepherd every success in the future.”

Mark has taken up a position with his new employer, Simons Construction, as Health and Safety Manager. He said: “It is a very exciting time at Simons Construction. From senior executives at the top, down to workers at the coal face, there is a real sense of enthusiasm and dedication and this reflects in the highly motivated staff employed here. The company is forward thinking and client focused with the ambition to deliver world class health and safety in all aspects of work activities. These activities focus on the three themes of Design, Development and Construction. The

professionalism of the company shines through and this has led to a growth in turnover to circa £175m today. I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to work at Simons and look forward to future challenges and contributing to wider safer initiatives within the company.”

47December 2009


PEoPlE

alan Blake is new JCB Ceo

Alan Blake will become JCB Chief Executive Officer on 1st of January 2010 replacing Matthew Taylor who has decided to leave the company at the end of the year to pursue other opportunities.

hewden appoints Kevin Parkes as new Director

Specialist rental company Hewden has announced the appointment of Kevin Parkes to the position of Director with responsibility for the Hewden business, with immediate effect.

Mr. Parkes has worked for the Finning Group (UK) for over 12 years, most recently in his position as General Manager, Operations for Hewden; a role held since October 2008.

Commenting on the new position, Hewden Executive Director, Doug Sprout said, “During the past 12 months, Kevin has implemented successfully a number of operational changes despite uniquely challenging economic conditions. These include the introduction of a new regional structure

meaning that our customers benefit from the highest levels of equipment safety, quality and performance, wherever they are based. We will continue to drive forward operational improvements throughout the business to ensure we deliver the products, service and support that our customers demand.”

Alan, who will report to JCB Chairman, Sir Anthony Bamford in his new role, is currently Chief Operating Officer and has been a senior director at JCB for twenty years. A new structure has been put in place to promote the next

generation of executive management, with Tim Burnhope (44) becoming Group Managing Director for Product Development and Commercial Operations and Graeme Macdonald (41) becoming Group Managing Director, Business Operations.

David Bell, who is currently Managing Director of JCB Sales, becomes Chief Development Officer with particular responsibility for JCB’s future development in China and Brazil, where the company has plants. David Miller remains in post as Chief Financial Officer.

Sir Anthony Bamford commented: “Tim Burnhope and Graeme Macdonald are taking on exciting new roles within the business and they will benefit greatly from the vast experience of Alan Blake, David Miller and David Bell. I am confident this new structure will strengthen JCB’s reputation as a leading customer-focused, innovative and cost-competitive business. I want to also thank Matthew for his valuable contribution to JCB and wish him every success in the future.”

to enable more efficient and responsive customer service levels as well as significant investment in the company’s National Accounts Team to provide the product and support demanded by the country’s leading contractors.

Mr. Parkes added, “At Hewden, we are committed to rental excellence,

December 200948

For more details please contact:

Mr Chris Miller National Registrar

Contractors Mechanical Plant Engineers, Woodside House, Pedmore Road, Dudley, West Midlands, DY2 ORL

Tel: 01384 352403 Fax: 01384 350269

Email: [email protected] www.cmpe.co.uk

Get trained!

Get competent!

Get the CMPE Certificate of Competence.

Don’t be a monkey!

49December 2009

ClaSSiFiEDS

tyPing MatterS your virtual office assistant

Providing a 24/7 confidential, reliable and cost-effective on-line transcription service for all your typing requirements.

Tel: 01785 606677 Email: [email protected]

Specialist in construction plant and equipment operative training and assessment. Courses tailored to suit client’s specific site requirements. Anywhere in the UK.Contact: Mr Mick Norton BEM, 10 Pinders Grove, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 4AHMob: 07880 743288Tel: 01924 210817Email: [email protected]

Training and TestingMiller Plant

Specialists in the supply of new and quality used construction equipment for the UK and abroad; full service backup and training provided.

Miller Plant, Woodside House, Pedmore Road, Dudley, West Midlands, DY2 0RL

Tel: 01384 262400Fax: 01384 350269Email: [email protected]

Carl PalMerMaster engraver and craftsman. Hand engraving for trophy prizes and crystal wear.

Contact: 07751 978731

Geoff Tristram Ltdartist, cartoonist and comedy novelist. Fine art and illustration, cartoons and caricatures. ‘Live’ caricatures at corporate events.

Humorous talks - ‘Confessions of an Artist’ - amusing anecdotes from 30 plus years as a professional artist.Tel: 01384 442881Email: [email protected] www.geofftristram.co.uk

Specialist Trainer in Quarrying and Construction Plant and Equipment.Contact: Mr Barry Robinson, MBE. Mob: 07815 736 924

Barry roBinSon ConSulting

aPPleinDuStrial SafetyPlanT & SaFETy TraininG;oPErC Safetynet testing, nPorS, rTiTB, CPCS, iPaF, CCnSG, SPa, VCa and PaSMa, UK & Europe.

Mill 1, The Business Park, Mansfield, NG19 8RL

Tel: 0845 505 2020Fax: 0845 505 2021 Contact: Kay [email protected] Web: www.applesafety.co.uk

e&P ConStruCtion SKillS liMiteDProfessional trainers offering a wide range of courses to the construction industry. NPORS Accredited Training Provider.Contact: 55 Oldfield Drive, Vicars Cross, Chester, CH3 5LTTel: 0845 619 0910Steve: 07531 725 598Bobby: 07531 725 650.

SharP PraCtiCeManagement Consultancy with a deep understanding of the Capital Equipment Industries and Markets. Specialists in Private Client research and analysis of the Capital Equipment Markets on a Global Basis.

3 Hartwell Grove, Creswell Manor, Stafford, England, ST16 1RW Mob: 07932 693 184 Tel: 01785 606 677 Email: [email protected] www.sharppractice.eu

ritChieS training CentreConstruction plant training courses, LGV/PCV training, crane training, forklift training. NPORS, CPCS, LANTRA, OCR, FTA, RHA and Department for Transport.

Hobden Street, Glasgow, G21 4AQ Tel: 0141 557 2212 Fax: 0141 558 8252Email: [email protected] www.ritchiestraining.co.uk

roBinSon Plant SerViCeS“Giving you full service, quality and value”

7 Carsic Lane, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 2AS

Tel: 07812 148711

[email protected]

fielD SaleS training grouPField sales training workshops individually tailored to the precise requirements and aims of your company.

For a free quotecontact Field Sales

Training Group

[email protected] Tel: 07788 480220

taSC SolutionsProviding educational resources and consultancy on specialist plant and equipment, and services on diamond drilling rigs, diamond cutting, masonry saw benches, floor saws and abrasive wheels.

5 Tavistock Close, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 1JY

Tel: 01795 436435 Mob: 07515 994986 [email protected]

Get trained!

Get competent!

Get the CMPE Certificate of Competence.

December 200950

MBneWS MegaByteSCostain appointed highways agency contractCostain has been appointed, in joint venture with Lafarge, to the Midlands Works Framework Contract 4 by the Highways Agency. This framework has been established to undertake structural work, surfacing and roadworks in the Midlands Area up to a total framework value of £250 million over two years.

Morrison utility Services are the first callMorrison Utility Services has secured a three year contract to provide first call emergency response services to Southern Gas Networks (SGN) for internal and external gas escapes, gas meter fault correction and meter replacements. The value of the contract is estimated to be £18 million over three years and includes an option for SGN to extend for a further year. Work on the contract commenced on 5th October, and as the primary service provider for the South East of England, approximately 100 service engineers will provide the on-call service.

Volkerfitzpatrick confirm its staff are its greatest assetCivil engineering and building contractor, VolkerFitzpatrick has achieved a third successful Investors in People (IIP) accreditation, totalling nine years of consecutive recognition for staff development and communication. The IIP assessor praised the company, saying: “It continues to remain genuinely committed to workforce development; a commitment that is demonstrated within an extremely strong learning culture. It is very clear that the organisation believes that its people are its greatest asset and continues to make substantial investments in education, learning and development.”

it’s a bug’s life at tarmac A tiny rare water beetle has been discovered in a pond at a Tarmac quarry in Herefordshire.

Bernie Higgins, Tarmac’s Biodiversity Officer, said: “This is such an amazing find. The most recent sighting of this beetle was just over the border in Wales in 1987, but it hasn’t been recorded in England since 1908 in South Devon and that was in flowing water. The last sighting in a pool was in 1869, also in South Devon.”

Contract Journal ClosesAfter 130 years, Contract Journal, one of the leading weekly construction industry journals has come to an end, caused by a restructuring at Reed Business Information which has made almost 20 staff redundant, including 6 at Contract Journal.

nEWS MEGaByTES

Have you thought about advertising in Plant and Equipment Professional?Email us at [email protected] for more details.

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hand signals!

“The world is full of willing people; some willing to work, the rest willing to let them.” Robert Frost


PaUSE For THoUGHT

51December 2009

We reserve the right to edit letters. Letters printed represent the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Editors.

lETTErS

Letters to the Editor

Do you have any views or opinions you would like to share with other readers?Send your letters to the Editor to:on-track Multimedia, Po Box 5412, Dudley, West Midlands Dy1 9hJor email us quoting ‘Letters to the Editor’ to [email protected]

Funding for training

I have recently heard a rumour that the government is considering

cutting training funding for the construction and quarrying

sectors and I was wondering whether any other PEP reader could

confirm this? As a training provider, training grants have been a

real lifeline during the economic recession and with Britian still

lagging behind the rest of Europe and the US coming out of the

recession, my clients were hoping for continued support. Admittedly,

any grants raised would also help myself and my colleagues

but there is a bigger issue here. The construction and quarrying

industries have really struggled over the years that I’ve been working

within them to consistently train new competent staff. It seems that

when a recession hits, existing staff are cut and when a boom erupts

the powers that be employ new labour from abroad.

I’m not against foreign workers as such because I have worked abroad

myself on many occasions but surely it is within everyone’s interest

to have locally supplied and high quality labour? How long can we

struggle to plug the gaps? We all live as one community and around

where I live you can see the devastation that a recession brings with

it – more parents on the dole, kids in the street with nothing to do,

crime rates up and so on. Give people a job and give them a future

– give them a trade and the tools to do a job and we all improve our

surroundings.

I do sometimes wonder whether an alternative new and fresh approach

to sustained training is needed.

Name: Withheld.


December 200952

Volvo Construction Equipment www.volvoce.co.uk

Volvo Construction Equipment DivisionVolvo Group UK Ltd Duxford, Cambridge CB22 4QX Tel: 01223 836636 Fax: 01223 832357 Email: [email protected]

“At Lafarge we seek out suppliers who share our goal of reducing the impact ofemissions and who strive to achieve higher environmental awareness throughoutsociety. Our ambitions for sustainable development, health and safety, and theprotection of the environment and climate reflect Volvo’s core values.

We recognize that Volvo Construction Equipment’s achievement in gainingfully integrated management status is a significant and positive step towardsworking in harmony with our company.”

Miles Dobson - Head of Manufacturing - Aggregates, Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK

SHARED VALUES -SHARED GOALS

“”

11123 Lafarge Ad A4:Layout 1 26/8/09 14:36 Page 1

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