Sales
up by 70 per cent for Storm Seal
Synseal customer Storm Seal couldn't be happier! Enquiries are up and
so are sales. In the first week of the TV branding campaign, Storm Seal
placed the Synseal advert in nine local papers.
'We monitor enquiries very carefully,' says Paul Jones, Sales Director
of Storm Seal. 'In the first week of using Synseal's advert with our contact
details, enquiries were up by 17 per cent. The quality of the enquiries
has gone up too. We have several enquiries from owners of larger properties
in more affluent areas.
'The increase in enquiries is impressive, and that has followed through
in sales. In the second week, the average order value has jumped by 21
per cent, but nothing compares to the increase in sales that are up by
a whopping 70 per cent.
'We decided to make sure we would get the most out of the campaign, that's
why we placed the advert in the paper exactly as Synseal designed it.'
Paul adds: 'Synseal has given us everything we need to maximise sales.
We made sure we used every part of the campaign in our local area and
now we are reaping the rewards.'
RIBA
Submits Comments to DCLG on Building A Greener Future
The
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) on 9th March submitted its
comments on the Building A Greener Future consultation paper to the Department
for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
Among the key points made by the RIBA are:
- A clear and communicable definition of zero carbon is required
- All new homes should achieve at least Code Level 1 by April 2008
- Better assessment and proper enforcement are vital to achieving the
targets
- Post-occupancy evaluation should take place as a matter of course
- The Code must be only the first step to covering all buildings, including
commercial, industrial and existing homes
- Local planning authorities should be free to aim for higher building
standards
RIBA President Jack Pringle said:
‘The RIBA welcomes the Government's ambitious proposals to take new
homes to zero-carbon emissions within ten years. Achieving this will require
architects, planners, developers and the construction industry to work
in partnership, but it is important that in the rush to zero-carbon, good
design is not forgotten. Better assessment and proper enforcement of the
building regulations are vital in achieving the Government's targets,
and we are delighted to be advising on the reform of the building regulations.
‘It is important to remember that action targeted at new homes can
only be the start, given that two-thirds of the housing stock in 2050
has already been built, and so we will continue to lobby for the Code
for Sustainable Homes to be expanded to cover all buildings, including
existing homes, commercial and industrial buildings.’
Web: http://www.architecture.com
• NHBC, the authority and leading expert on new homes, on 9th March submitted its response to the Government's ‘Building a Greener Future: Zero Carbon Development’ consultation. More here:
SGG
Planitherm Ultra N - Another Breakthrough from SGG
With
the arrival of CE marking of IGUs (EN1279) on March 1st, it has been agreed
that thermally insulating glass units should now state U-values with 90%
argon-gas filling.
This means that the declared optimum centre-pane U-value of IGUs incorporating
many existing high performance low-emissivity (low-E) products, such as
SGG PLANITHERM TOTAL, will subsequently round down to 1.2 W/m2K. It is
important to note that the performance of the component products themselves
has not changed. With this in mind, SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS UK has launched
its most advanced low-E glass yet, SGG PLANITHERM ULTRA N.
‘80 and 100 Victoria Street, London
Photo: Gardin&Mazzoli Facade Gartner’
SGG
PLANITHERM ULTRA N is already considered to be the benchmark low-E product
on the continent. It represents the latest development in low-E coating
performance further extending the SGG PLANITHERM family.
The optimum centre-pane U-value of 1.1 W/m2K when 90% argon-filled of
SGG PLANITHERM ULTRA N allows manufacturers even greater flexibility to
meet the current requirements of UK Building Regulations relating to thermal
insulation. Its superior performance is of particular interest for commercial
applications using poorly insulating frame materials such as aluminium
or steel, or projects where a 1.1 W/m2K U-value is specified.
With its neutral appearance in both transmission and reflection and excellent
light transmittance of 80% (only 1% less than an ordinary float glass
IGU), SGG PLANITHERM ULTRA N sets a new standard for glazing applications
including façades, windows, structural glazing and overhead glazing.
Derek Dragten, Marketing Manager of Saint-Gobain glass, said. ‘The
addition of SGG PLANITHERM ULTRA N to the SGG PLANITHERM family means
that SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS can continue to provide optimal low-E solutions
for the specific needs of our customers: With its optimised balance of
low U-value and high g-value SGG PLANITHERM TOTAL remains the product
of choice for domestic applications where window energy ratings are to
be considered and SGG PLANITHERM ULTRA is ideal for applications where
a superior thermal insulating performance of 1.1 W/m2K is required.’
For more information please visit http://www.saint-gobain-glass.com
or email glassinfo.uk@saint-gobain-glass.com.
Which?
Helps Thousands take on Banks - More and More People are Reclaiming Charges
New
figures out on 7th March show that more and more people are using Which?
to help claw back unfair bank charges.
‘A total of 262,400 template letters and factsheets on reclaiming
bank charges have now been downloaded from our bank charges site.’
The penalty fees are charged by banks if you bust your overdraft limit,
or if they bounce a cheque, for example.
'Simple process'
Which? personal finance campaigner Emma Bandey said: 'This figure is testament
that the bank charges campaign has struck a real chord with the public
and we are delighted to see so many people taking on their bank.
'We hear, almost on a daily basis, from people who have successfully claimed
back hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds from the banks.
'Claiming back bank charges is a simple and straightforward process. Don't
be put off from reclaiming your charges, get back the money you're owed.'
Mortgage exit fees
People who feel they have been unfairly charged for paying off their mortgage
or for switching providers can now also access easy-to-use resources in
our money section including a step-by-step guide to reclaiming and downloadable
template letters to send to lenders.
Web: http://www.which.co.uk
Prevailing
market conditions of continual upward pressure on material prices and
continual downward pressure on selling prices have resulted in the end
of the trading relationship between aluplast and Swish Window and Door
Systems.
Protracted negotiations regarding pricing and trading terms over recent
months were unable to reach a satisfactory conclusion and consequently
the 'wholesale' arrangement has come to an end.
‘It is difficult enough to continue to offer a proposition that provides
fabricators with their desired margin potential and still leaves a margin
for us in the present market conditions; and maintaining an arrangement
that could generate an extra margin for a 'middle man' proved to be a
bridge too far’ said aluplast's Alan Fielder.
‘We are grateful to Swish Window and Door Systems for the business
that they have provided us with for the past six years and we wish them
every success in their future endeavours’
Tel: 01455 556711
Wolfgang
Gorner - As you've Never Seen him Before
REHAU
Window Division hosted a fundraising event during Glassex to support Business
Unit Director Wolfgang Gorner's forthcoming charity bike ride from London
to Paris.
Flares was the venue for a 70's themed fundraiser attended by customers,
colleagues and friends who added a further £300 to the total previously
pledged.
Wolfgang
plans to ride the 300km from London to Paris in May to raise money for
the National Autistic Society and has already raised more than £2000
thanks largely to shirt sponsorship from REHAU, Astraseal, Chester Windows,
Iceni Windows and Smiths Glass.
Wolfgang said: ‘The evening was a great success. The REHAU team really
entered into the spirit of it with some great costumes and memorable moves
on the dance floor. I would like to thank everyone who attended and gave
money and those who have pledged donations via my website link at: http://www.justgiving.com/WolfgangGorner.’
Appeal Tribunal Upholds OFT Decision in Price Fixing Case
The
Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) has found in favour of the OFT in a
case relating to price fixing and market sharing in the double glazing
industry.
The CAT unanimously dismissed the appeal by Double Quick Supplyline Limited
(DQS) (now known as Sepia Logistics Limited) and found that the penalty
of £180,000 imposed on the company by the OFT was appropriate.
The appeal concerned the OFT's infringement decision of June 2006 which
found that DQS had colluded with other suppliers in the supply of aluminium
spacer bars, which are used to separate panes of glass in double-glazed
doors and windows. The suppliers had attended a meeting in November 2002
and following an inspection of their premises, the OFT found evidence
that they had engaged in price fixing and market sharing at that meeting.
The decision was also directed to DQS' parent company, Precision Concepts
Limited (PCL), which shares responsibility for paying the fine.
In August 2006, DQS and PCL appealed the amount of the penalty imposed
and the fact that PCL was jointly responsible for the penalty. It was
claimed that the OFT had incorrectly applied its guidance when calculating
the penalty, in particular not giving a reduction due to the financial
position of DQS.
The CAT has today rejected the appeal and awarded the OFT its costs in
the case.
Brian McHenry, General Counsel to the OFT, said:
'The OFT welcomes the CAT's judgement. The decision confirms the need
for strong penalties as a significant deterrent to stop companies breaking
the law. Price fixing and market sharing cartels hurt consumers by creating
higher prices and less choice while also damaging confidence in the wider
economy. This case has emphasised that where a reduction to a penalty
is sought, that party should provide the OFT with all the information
necessary to substantiate any claim, it is not for the OFT to seek out
such information'.
Window
Industry Seminars Return
April
sees the return of a series of business seminars specifically for the
Window Industry. The two seminars, ‘Sales Masterclass’ and ‘Business
Supergrowth’, are designed to help fabricators and installers grow
and improve their business, generate more leads, and improve sales performance.
Purplex
Business Consultants host the seminars and in 2006 over 150 companies
attended at venues across the UK. Purplex MD Andrew Scott explains ‘The
Window Industry is changing and these seminars will introduce powerful
new tools and strategies to help companies win more business and improve
their margins. ‘With pressure on sales and cut-throat margins many
companies realise they need to develop a new strategy and these seminars
will show them how.’
The first seminar, Sales Masterclass, is aimed at new and experienced
sales people and managers, and introduces new skills to help them convert
more customers at the right margins. The second seminar, Business Supergrowth,
is for directors and senior management and provides the tools and strategies
to grow and improve their business - even in a difficult market.
The two half-day seminars are held on the same day at various locations
across the country:
Leeds - 19th April
Birmingham - 3rd May
London - 17th May
Glasgow - 23th June
Companies can book online at http://www.purplex.uk.com,
by telephone on 0870 062 5318 or fax on 0870 787 9407.
Sam
Kennedy has been appointed the new MD of Spectus. Sam joins Spectus having
proven his capabilities in a senior sales and marketing role.
His appointment as MD marks the start of the next phase in his career,
which includes 18 years with the Bowater Group. Prior to that Sam was
UK Director for the Danish extrusion company Primo A/S.
Sam took the decision to join Spectus having been impressed by the way
the company has resurrected itself in recent years to once again become
one of the leading systems houses in the UK.
He picks up the reigns from Peter Abbott who has gone on to become Business
Development Director for Latium Plastics Holdings, Spectus' parent company.
Says Sam:
‘Spectus has undergone something of a revolution recently with new
ownership and renewed focus. I have always believed the company has the
potential to be massive.
'I hope that with my leadership and the commitment of its employees - who are all dedicated professionals - we can ensure Spectus, and its customers, continue to go from strength to strength.’
Stuga
Microline Cutting & Prepping Centre is Going Well
The
Stuga Microline is running well and selling well with machine number one
having completed seven months of rigorous production in Eurocell Profile’s
fabrication shop. Eurocell uses its fabrication facility to support the
its fabricators and this means the Microline gets an extreme test of its
abilities constantly as the company is frequently making window and door
styles that no one else wants to make.
Stuga
designed the Microline two years ago by popular request from small and
medium fabricators who wanted a machine with a reasonably good output
that had the smallest possible footprint, but would still do everything
that the bigger machines do.
The Microline utilises the front end of the popular ZX3 cutting and prepping
centre which is capable of producing over 700 windows per week, but by
removing the buffer station which is a big part of the secret of its high
output and optimising the extremely fast Mark 4 sawing unit from the ZX3
into the machining cabinet the result is a machine very much smaller than
its nearest rival but still able to produce 500 windows per week. The
Microline is therefore able to produce every cut and prep that the ZX3
can produce but just with a slower output, much smaller footprint and
competitive price tag.
With eight months testing prior to delivery it is not surprising that
the Microline has been an instant success at Eurocell and is proving to
be so reliable that the old machines can clearly be seen to be gathering
dust.
Microline number two has now completed over two months production at Weathershield
Windows in Coventry and again this Rehau fabricator makes extremely complicated
window styles with everything being done on the Microline accurately,
consistently and reliably.
With machine numbers three and four in production for Sidey construction
in Perth and GRP Designs in Kettering respectively the Microline is quickly
establishing itself as the must have cutting & prepping machine for
the small and medium fabricator. In fact Sidey chose the machine for its
new door line after being so impressed with its previous purchases of
a Stuga Flowline-3 and a Stuga ZX4. Sidey is a major player in the window
market in Scotland.
In addition to the Microline Stuga also produces the 800 per week ZX3
and the 1,000 per week ZX4.
For further information on the Microline or any other Stuga cutting and
prepping centre please contact Steve Haines free on 0800 169 5444 or visit
http://www.stuga.co.uk
CNC Systems
Special Purpose Machine Tools for the uPVC & aluminium window and
door industries
Tel: 01455 554203
Email: sales@stuga.co.uk
WER
Top of the Agenda at Padiham's Recent Forum
Lancashire
based Padiham Glass Ltd played host to a Window Energy Rating (WER) forum
last week. Supported by Edgetech's 'Taking the stress out of window energy
ratings' series, the event gave practical advice to window fabricators
and installers on achieving a competitive energy rating and how to use
Energy Saving Recommended windows to increase sales. BM TRADA was also
on hand with a step by step guide for WER applicants plus tips and hints
on making sure the process runs smoothly.
The
day was well attended, and delegates were also able to tour Padiham's
new manufacturing facility, including its two fully automated Super Spacer®
applicators which make Padiham one of the largest manufacturers of warm
edge glass units in the UK.
Jeremy Kemp, Operations Director at Padiham explains why the event was
a success: ‘We decided to host this event because having used Super
Spacer for a year now we know how important it is to offer a high specification,
quality unit. Our fabricator customers need this to achieve a good window
energy rating that ensures they stay ahead of the competition.
But despite all the publicity, it's not always clear exactly what fabricators
need to do to achieve the energy ratings, how long it will take and how
much it will cost. We wanted to answer these questions for our customers
and prospects.
‘We appreciated the support we had from Edgetech and from BM Trada
on the day, and feedback we've had since suggests everyone found the day
useful.’
‘The Padiham forum was a worthwhile day,’ says Owen Swift, Owner
of Swift Joinery Manufacturers Ltd. ‘I attended because although
Swift Joinery has achieved some good energy ratings, I wanted to hear
from the experts how to improve on these and what the perceived future
of the initiative is in our industry. It did prove to be interesting with
an explanation of the principles behind the ratings as well as simple
steps on how to obtain the best ratings.’
‘We don't buy from Padiham Glass yet but we're keen to use a sealed
unit manufacturer that can offer warm edge technology,’ says Barry
Parker, Sales Manager of Rapid Frame Ltd. ‘We've already gained an
A rating using Super Spacer but we needed more information relating to
the energy ratings and warm edge technology before taking the next step,
so this was a good opportunity to get the facts. The presentations given
on the day were informative and answered all my questions.’
‘We're opening a new showroom later this year so we're looking for
additional selling features for our end product,’ says Dave Highton,
Managing Director of Atherton Windows. ‘An energy recommended window
would certainly give us that, but we wanted to learn more about the benefits
of warm edge technology, before we make the commitment to go down that
path. The informative presentations explained the benefits well, which
we can now pass on to our customers.’
John Ogilvie of Network Veka says: ‘I am a strong supporter of window
energy ratings which are becoming an increasingly important opportunity
for quality orientated companies to close business and add value to sales.
I attended the workshop to ensure I was up to speed on the latest developments
and to encourage customers to go down this route. I wasn't disappointed.
The presentations were informative and professionally presented. Well
done.’
‘The number of people that attended this forum is a reflection of
the fact window energy ratings are gathering pace,’ adds Andy Ball,
Edgetech Marketing and Business Development Manager. ‘Before long
they will become mainstream, which is why we're pleased to be helping
our customers get there first.’
Caption: Andy Ball, Marketing and Business Development Manager speaking
at the Padiham Glass Forum
Cost
Effective A Rated Windows with Pilkington K Glass™ and Senator Windows
With
energy efficiency and Window Energy Ratings (WERs) a driving influence
in window design, Pilkington and Senator have been instrumental in producing
the first commercially viable A-rated window for the Irish market.
This achievement is the result of incorporating Pilkington K Glass™
with argon gas filling and double glazing into Senator's own exclusive
Senergy Glass™ units, rather than the more costly krypton filling
and/or triple glazing.
The result is testament to the collaborative approach adopted by Pilkington,
Senator, Alphacan and Edgetech. The window uses its own unique combination
of 4mm Pilkington Optiwhite™, 16mm 90% argon gas filled space, Edgetech's
Superspacer and 4mm Pilkington K Glass™. Senator's revolutionary
window utilises Alphacan's master system window frame with the glazing
unit manufactured in-house.
Kevin
Richards, Managing Director of Senator Windows said: 'We are delighted
to be able to offer our customers an A-rated window. We were the first
window company in Ireland to offer Window Energy Rated windows, and to
have moved from a C-rating, to a B-rating, and now to an A-rating in such
a short space of time is a remarkable achievement. Until recently, A-rated
windows have required very costly components to achieve top-tier performance.
Now we have the first cost effective A-rated window in the Irish market.'
Andy McDowell, Float and Coated Products Manager at Pilkington Building
Products UK, added: 'Pilkington leads the way in development of energy
efficient glazing products and this is another example of how our products
have helped to create a marketable A-rated window. This is further demonstration
of the dual benefits of Pilkington K Glass™, which combines low emissivity
and optimum solar gain properties to achieve the highest standards of
energy efficiency in windows. Senator Windows should be commended for
its market leading product and commitment to the BFRC Window Energy Ratings
scheme.'
Pilkington K Glass™ remains the UK and Ireland's leading low-E glass
and the brand most recognised by householders. WERs, developed by the
British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC), take into account all the
factors that affect the energy performance of a window and enable the
window company to use an energy label similar to that seen on white goods
displaying the product's rating on an A to G scale. Use of WERs represents
a significant evolution in the marketplace away from a focus simply on
U-value. WERs are a fairer, more accurate measure of window energy efficiency
and one that, for the first time, can be easily understood by home owners.
For more information visit http://www.pilkington.co.uk/WERs
or call the Pilkington Technical Helpline on 01744 692000.
Plastmo
to Deliver Branded Hardware
Plastmo
has launched an exclusive range of branded hardware.
The new hardware has been developed with G-U, one of the world's biggest
hardware manufacturers and will be offered with a 25 year guarantee. The
door lock is a 2 hook, 4 roller system that can be extended with centre
solid deadbolt and reversible centre latch.
A night latch option and a dedicated version for French doors will also
form part of the range. The product carries Sold Secure certification
which can help homeowners achieve a 10-15% discount on home insurance
and is additionally backed with BBA certification for salt spray testing.
Robert Thiroff sales and marketing director comments: ‘We are again
taking a lead in the UK window and door market. Research with our fabricators
highlighted a demand for a high quality door lock worthy of the Plastmo
name. With this Plastmo/G-U product we have developed just that.’
Ian Ward, marketing manager of G-U concludes: ‘We are delighted to
be able to work with Plastmo, the company has a great reputation for product
quality and innovation and these products will add to this. We are looking
forward to a long and fruitful partnership with Plastmo.'
The hardware will not just be restricted to Plastmo fabricators but will
be available across the industry. Contact the Plastmo sales office to
find out more on 01604 790780 or e-mail sales@plastmo.co.uk
Deral
Supplies Homag at Rowan Timber
The
Scottish company Rowan Timber was started in 1979 as a timber merchant
and supplier. But as the company expanded many customers were looking
for value-added and finished products so, in 1983, the company set up
a high quality joinery division alongside the sawmill at Plains near Glasgow.
Today
with a turnover of around £24 million the company is supplying very
high quality joinery products to customers throughout Scotland and northern
England. Customers range from blue chip corporate organisations to new
build contractors and private customers looking for a bespoke service.
Products include all manner of internal joinery components, doorsets,
windows and staircases.
One of the Hallmarks of Rowan Timber products is the meticulous attention
to finish and accuracy. To achieve this the company has relied to a large
extent on Airdrie-based machinery supplier Deral which is Scotland agent
for Homag. When it moved into joinery production one of the first requirements
was for accurate and volume panel sizing as well as door blank sizing.
Following intensive research Rowan Timber invested in a Holzma HPL11 beam
saw with Magi-Cut optimisation software in December 2005.
Rowan's George Peat says that the decision to buy a Holzma was for a number
of considered factors: ‘Firstly we established that the quality of
the engineering of the saw was beyond compare, we also took Holzma's unmatched
reputation in the equation. The fact that we had the back-up and engineering
services of Deral on our doorstep and the further expertise from Homag
UK also weighed heavily in our decision.’
The Holzma HPL11 offers Rowan Timber a number of important benefits, particularly
in terms of the quality of cut, dimensional accuracy of the panels and
the capacity it can deliver. The cut quality comes through Holzma's famous
patented mono-rail saw carriage guidance system that ensures the perfect
and consistent alignment of the main and scoring blades. Dimensional accuracy
is delivered by special side aligning devices and a magnetic contactless
encoding system to measure the exact position of the programme fence.
All saw movements are optimised so cycle times are minimised.
The second significant investment with Deral came in January 2006 in the
form of a state-of-the-art Homag KAL310 edgebander specifically for the
application of solid lippings to door blanks with PUR adhesive as the
bonding agent. However the company also needed a machine versatile enough
to accurately edge various panel products particularly chipboard. Once
again Rowan Timber undertook intensive research into the market for edgebanders
but ultimately made its decision for much the same reasons as for the
Holzma saw. Also, in the case of the KAL310 Deral's John MacKay worked
closely with Rowan Timber and was able to offer valuable advice with regard
to the specification in relation to Rowan's particular requirements.
The new Homag edgebander is now operating very successfully in a specially
constructed ‘clean room’ inside the Plains factory. George Peat
says that the company has nothing but praise for the quality and performance
of its Homag Group machines and the service received from Deral.
HOMAG UK
Tel: 01332 56500
Email: info@homag-uk.co.uk
DERAL
Tel: 01236 755350
Email: info@deral.co.uk
New
S and SE Packs Mean Extra Value for '07 Plate Van Buyers
The
new registration plate marks the launch of two new options packs for Transporter
buyers, offering them extra equipment as well as extra value.
With the introduction of the S and SE packs, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
is combining a number of popular options into two value-for-money packages.
Available on Transporter panel vans, the S pack adds an alarm which alone
would cost £115 (RRP excl VAT); full height bulkhead (£135);
and an electric pack (£295) which comprises electric windows, heated
and electrically adjustable wing mirrors and internal central locking
control. To specify these options would cost £545, however the S
pack is priced at just £460, giving customers a saving of over 15
per cent or £85.
The SE pack includes all the items in the S pack, and adds manual air
conditioning (£600) and a driver's comfort seat with armrest (£50)
on top. The SE pack costs £1,000, offering a saving of over 16 per
cent or £195.
Both packs are available in combination with any colour, wheelbase, gross
vehicle weight, roof height or engine.
Not only do the S and SE packs offer customers extra equipment and value
at purchase, they also provide advantages at resale, with CAP Monitor
predicting they will add a premium to the secondhand van of £150
for the S and £500 for the SE after three years.
Prices for the standard Transporter panel van start at £13,465 for
the T26 short wheelbase powered by a 1.9-litre 84 PS TDI PD engine.
A Transporter with the new SE options pack will be showcased at the Commercial
Vehicle Show 2007 from 24 to 26 April at the NEC in Birmingham.
For further information or to find your nearest dedicated Volkswagen Van
Centre, call 0800 717131 or visit http://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.
The
Linde Group Sells Non-BOC Gases Activities in the UK to Air Liquide
The
technology group The Linde Group has sold Linde's non-BOC gases activities
in the UK ('Linde Gas UK') to the worldwide industrial and medical gases
company Air Liquide at an enterprise value of 105 million euro.
This divestiture was one of the antitrust conditions imposed by the European
Commission arising from the acquisition of The BOC Group plc by Linde
which became effective on 5th September 2006.
Linde Gas UK achieved sales of around 60 million euro in the 2006 financial
year, and currently employs a staff of around 280.
Linde and Air Liquide expect the transaction to be completed in due course,
subject to clearance from the competition authorities and the fulfilment
of certain other closing conditions.
Web: http://www.linde.com
'Work
Safely at Height': Prosecution of Roofer and Client Brings Warning
Following
the prosecution of a Leeds-based roofer and a firm of Cleckheaton property
developers, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning roofing contractors
and anyone involved in working at height to plan work carefully and to
ensure they are using the correct equipment for safe working.
Michael Allinson of Halton Moor Road, Leeds, and Lakeland Property Consultants
and Management Co. Ltd. of Dewsbury Road, Cleckheaton were each fined
£1,500 plus costs of £315 each. Michael Allinson pleaded guilty
to a charge under Regulation 6(3) of The Work at Height Regulations 2005
for failing to take suitable and sufficient measures to prevent workers
falling a distance liable to cause personal injury prior to work starting
at the site.
Lakeland Property Consultants and Management Company Ltd, which was the
client for the work, pleaded guilty to a charge under Regulation 10 of
the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 for failing
to ensure a health and safety plan was in place that took account of all
the risks involved in the construction work such as work at height prior
to work starting on site.
HSE inspector John Rowe found Michael Allinson and his two employees risking
serious injury as they dismantled a roof whilst standing on top of it
at the former Polar Garage in Wombwell Lane, Barnsley, with no form of
edge or other protection to prevent them falling either through the fragile
roofing sheets and roof lights from the edge created internally by the
removal of roofing sheets, or from the edge of the building, on to an
area of hard standing almost twelve metres below.
Says John Rowe: 'Working in this way is sheer folly. There are straightforward
precautions that are widely accepted by the construction industry when
doing work of this nature such as using a platform to work from beneath
the fragile roof.'
'Unfortunately there had been no planning as to how the work was to progress
and these roofers were relying entirely on the thin steel beams beneath
the sheets to bear their weight as they moved across the roof - they had
to walk along the line of bolts they could see in the roof sheets. One
false step either side of the bolts could have been fatal. This unacceptable
situation was compounded because there was nothing to stop anyone falling
from the edge of the building or from the edge created internally by the
removal of roofing sheets.'
'When you stop to consider that falls from height are still the most common
cause of fatal injury in the workplace - 46 people died and 3351 suffered
major injury as a result of a fall from height at work in 2005/06.- you
quickly realise how important it is that all work at height is properly
planned, that the correct equipment is selected and used, and that the
people required to carry out the work are trained and competent to do
so.'