The True Value of Inspection

Good quality inspection as part of a structure maintenance strategy is vital. It allows the structure owner or manager to intervene to prevent significant costs or failures occuring.

Here's an alternative:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20632863

Latest Project - Waterloo

No, not the battle, the ABBA song, or even the sunset, it's the Bridge we are talking about today.  Bridges over the thames hold a special place in our hearts at Up and Under. 

The inspection of Battersea Bridge in 1988 was our first and since then we have undertake dozens of projects on 15 of the road crossings on the tidal Thames in the centre of London.

Correct Bridge....... Check!

They are all special in their own way, either because of their design or because of a feature of the particular project, but most of us enjoy the time in the spotlight that Tower bridge commands.  Anyway, back to today's story:

This job comprised the inspection of the internal parts of the piers.  We collected a range of condition and dimensional data in order to prepare a report for our client. 

It is essential everyone knows what they are doing here!

The project relied on a wide range of our skills.  Working on the Thames requires consideration of tides, arrangement of safety boats and liaison with the Port of London, with whom we have an excellent, long standing relationship.

Mucky but still smiling

Internally we needed a carefully devised combination of confined spaces and rope access techniques plus bridge engineering expertise to meet the technical and safety elements of the brief.

This is the type of job where we excel and we will be back in London very soon to examine another landmark.

Rope access or confined spaces, inspection or maintenance contact us 01270 589615

Charity Cycle Collection

The Up and Under Group are committed to being a positive force in our community and our latest venture is a hood up with Recycle Cycles in Crewe, a community venture which does what is says on th tin, recycles unwanted bikes and makes them available through its outlet at 1 Coronation Crescent. 

Earlier in the year we did a bike collection of staff and friends and in December we will be carrying out collections in the Wychwood area of the town.

Dave, the driving force behind Recycle Cycles, is focussed on helping youngsters achieve more through this venture.  He supports youngsters excluded from school by giving them experience working in the shop and learning bike mechanics, he also runs a popular club for local youngsters, getting them on their bikes safely.

Dave takes liberties with Andy's Torch

If you have a bike you want to donate, whatever its age or condition, either bring it to one of our collections or drop it in at our office. Alternatively we are sure Dave would welcome you dropping by the shop, either to donate or buy - he carries a range of day to day essentials such as tyres and tubes.

Friday thought provoking!

25 years ago we followed this idea and here we are today

Have a great weekend!

Recent Projects - Keeping Coffee Safe

After a few weeks of bridges, we have a building for you today.

A recent problem which faced not only the Up and Under specialist access team, but also the customers of a well know coffee shop chain was the spalling of concrete from a building in Reading, Berkshire (not what you want landing in your cappuccino).


 The temporary solution (until funds could be allocated to carry out a full concrete repair) was to protect the face using a fine mesh safety netting to protect the building. Of course the coffee shop did not wish to close and the owner didn’t want to cover the building with expensive scaffolding.

The solution was the use of rope access techniques although, as you can see, Andy had someone looking over his shoulder most of the time.

Look out Andy, you have an admirer

Up and Under (Specialist Contracts) provide many building maintenance solutions and dont miss our new web site www.pigeonpoo.co.uk

Safety Update - Flooding Hazards

With much of the country affected by flooding, and up to a month's rain forecast for the NE of England today, we thought it would be appripriate to pass on some advice on the some of the safety issues related to flooding and flood water.

"Floodwater is dangerous:

• Six inches of fast flowing water can knock you over.
• Two feet of water will float your car.
• Flooding can cause manhole covers to come off, leaving hidden dangers.
• Don’t walk or drive through flood water.
• Don’t let children play in flood water.
• Don’t walk on sea defences or riverbanks.
• When water levels are high be aware that bridges may be dangerous to walk or drive over.
• Culverts are dangerous when flooded.
• Look out for other hazards such as fallen power lines and trees.
• Wash your hands thoroughly if you touch floodwater as it may be contaminated"

This information is taken feom the Environment Agency's web site

Latest Project - M5 Motorway Inspections

Being access specialists doesn't mean we always go for the most exciting means of carrying out an inspection.

On the contrary we select the most appropriate means of access, giving the client the best value solution.  Recently while conducting a hammer tap and visual surveys of the 4 side spans of 2 I/C bridges on the M5 we emplyed the most appropriate means  which was

Scaffold Tower

Oh yes and we needed some

Rope Access

This bridge is interesting in that it has been strengthened using bonded steel plates; these were also included in the inspection.

We chose rope access to undertake the inspection of the soffit above the revetment, while tower scaffolding was selected, for its efficiency, in the areas of the soffit between the bottom of the revetment and the pier.  Having a multi skilled team of inspection engineers made this switch between techniques practical and efficient.

The works were completed by Kev, Darren, Rob and Stuart to te satisfaction of all concerned.

For complete solutions, rope access, confined space, conventional or access over water, contact us 01270 589615 

Project News - Hamble Bridge

Working with Enterprise Mouchel we recently completed the inspection of the Hamble Bridge on the M27, near Southampton.  Our team of engineers used industrial rope access techniques to complete a visual inspection and paint inspection in accordance with Highways Agency Standards BD63/07 and BD87/05.

 

Much of the structure had to be accessed using aid climbing techniques.  During the works we had a safety boat in attendance.

In addition to the above water works we also undertook a diving inspection of the two central piers.

Cooperation is te key to successful completion of this type of project.  We have a number of landmark stucture projects either ongoing or in preparation, follow us here or on facebook to keep up with all of the latest news.

Safety Update - Pigeon Poo

Yes, today we thought we'd take the tone right down and talk cr*p.

Pigeon droppings cause unsightly mess, damage to building materials and carry a range of difficult to spell diseases.

Five pigeon poo facts:

1. Assuming a 5 year lifespan (for feral pigeons, lofted ones can live for 30) a typical pigeon produces approximately 37kg of poo in its life, that's quite a pile.
2. Pigeon chicks (or Squabs as they are more correctly known) have to be taken to a wildlife rehabilitation centre - by law - if they are removed from their nest.
3. The following diseases can be contracted from the droppings:
1. Histoplasmosis,
2. Cryptococcosis,
3. Psittacosis
4. A breeding pair of pigeons can lay and rear two eggs up to 8 times per year.
5. Historically the droppings were prized as fertilizer, with guards being posted at the entrances to coops. In the 16th centuary Saltpeter for the manufacture of gunpowder was derived from it - topical link.

With all that stacked against you - literally in some cases - you may need some help.  Our contracts team are experienced in the removal of the droppings and the installation of control measures including spikes and netting.

Do you have a cr ppy job that needs dealing with? Info:
www.pigeonpoo.co.uk
or
contact us 01270 589615

Highways Agency Area 10 - Reflections on 5 years of good stuff

This weekend will see the end of AOne+'s stewardship of Highways Agency Area 10. During this time we have had the pleasure of working with a great team based in Warrington.

We have looked back over the past five years of helping to manage this vitally important component in the country’s infrastructure and have come up with a few highlights. Our contribution to keeping the Trunk Roads of the North West in good order have included: 

• More than 2,500 General Bridge Inspections
• Over 1,500 Principal Inspections
• Inputting over 4,500 inspection reports into SMIS
• Checking and updating inventories of ~50 Pre-opening and end of defect liability inspections
• Assessing 215 structures for susceptibility to scour
• Carrying out more than 350 inspections following heavy rainfall/flood events
• Undertaking numerous special and monitoring inspections
• Monitoring the piers, half-joints and internal sections of Bidston Viaduct on a quarterly basis prior to completion of the strengthening works between 2007 -2010
• Assessing thousands of structures to determine their resilience against terrorism
• Monitoring bearings on Thelwall Viaduct and other structures
• Installing (pier location ) reference labelling to help the emergency services
• Helping to maintain the highway lighting
• Installing security measures to reduce the threat of vandalism and terrorism
• Removing graffiti, clearing trash screens, plus clearing and greasing flap valves
• Cleaning and greasing bearings on rail structures
• Determining traffic management, access and rail access requirements plus liaising with specialist suppliers
• In the past year alone, cleaning and removing ~10 tonnes of pigeon droppings from structures, plus installing kilometres of pigeon spikes
• Maintaining and checking AOne+ work at height safety equipment (harnesses and lanyards)
• Solving access problems involving rope access and confined spaces working, work over and alongside deep water, the use of boats and pontoons and reacting to the joys of the british weather. 

 This has been a mammoth effort by our team, frequently working through the night, in all weathers, solving problems as they arose and innovating to meet the clients, the HA’s and the public’s needs for efficiency and safety.

None of this could have been achieved without the spirit of cooperation between ourselves and the AOne+ team. We would like to thank them all for embracing our ‘get it done’ approach.

It remains only to say thank you to all of our team members who have contributed so much over the past five years to the success of this project and to wish all those moving on to the next contract from AOne+ all the best for the future.

Our skill, enthusiasm and experience is available to all Highways Area Trunk Road managers. Contact us 01270 589615 ask for Miles.

Chester Forum - Innovating Tomorrow's Entrepreneurs

Andy sharing some ideas on the subject of innovation from the SME standpoint

Pickmere Development Opening

Andy brought a little of the Olympic Summer back to the residents of the Wulvern Housing, Pickmere development at the official opening today.

Many of the residents who had seen the Torch Relay in May were able to get to see the Torch close up.

The Olympic theme went further with a presentation by Paralympic medalists Sarah and Barney Storey who also brough along their Gold Medals from London 2012.

Latest Project News - Tunnels with Towers

We recently completed the inspection of the ventilation towers to the Tyne Tunnel.  Conventional rope access was preceeded by the application of centuries old technology to get ropes up and over the rim of the the ventilation towers, the highest being over 40m high.

Big!

 The inspection, carried out by our engineers, was completed in accordance with Highways Agency Standard BD63/07.

Getting hands on

The methods used ensured that we we were able to access all areas of towers with no need for installation of any fixings/anchors.

Best off all the tunnel remained open to traffic throughout these works.

Inspections, testing or investigations our award winning team will find a solution that works for you, contact us  01270 589615

Olympic Torch Photo Opportunity

It could be your last chance!  Andy has lent his Olympic Torch to Nantwich Museum for an special exhibition until 10th December.  On Saturday 3rd November between 10.30am and 12.30pm yo will have a chance to take your photo with the Torch.  Since taking part in the relay on 31st may this Torch has been held by more than 7000 people - yes thousand!

Andy says that after this his Torch goes into retirement, it is satrting to show signs of all the handling it has recieved, but it has made a lot of people smile so the wear and tear was worth it.

Safety Update - In Support of Inspection

The recent out of court settlement in the Doha Airport dispute highlights the need to inspect complex structures both during and following construction. The Doha case is reported as centering around cracks in end pieces designed to connect supporting cables to the structure. Although the building continued to function, and has since been remediated, the costs to the parties involved are expected to be high.

NCE 2012

Historically design, by necessity, was more conservative than that of some of the exciting structures we see being built today. Our greater understanding of material behaviour coupled with our use of complex modelling software has allowed structures to be built with less material, fewer components and to spans and heights not previously possible.

The potential downside is that there is now likely to be less redundancy in these structures and failures of individual components could lead to catastrophic failure. Designers are aware of these issues and design the structures accordingly, but monitoring the condition is an essential part of the whole life maintenance strategy.

If you have inspection, testing or investigation questions we are happy to help. Contact us 01270 589615

Friday Fun - HA to find new ways of raising revenue during bridge closures

If the bridge is closed it makes sense to make the most use of it as possible ;o)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7dHOb_LA_c&feature=share

We do not condone building catapults on HA assets and hurling yourself off them.

Masonry Repairs to Railway Viaduct

Up and Under (Specialist Contracts) recently completed a repair contract on a masonry viaduct next to the Helmshore Textile Museum between Haslingden and Ramsbottom in Lancashire.  This type of safe work at height is routine for our Contracts Division and we deal with all of the safety and environmental paperwork, if required.

Mortar injection for deep joints

The works included:

• Vegetation removal
• Joint raking
• Re-pointing
• Masonry replacement

Most of the works were undertaken by our skilled team members using rope access to minimise cost and inconnvenience.

Areas prepared for masonry replacement

We are happy to discuss your repair and maintenance needs whether specialist access or routine.

Contact us for a quote, or advice.

Safety Update - European Week for Safety

European Week for Safety and Health at Work, starts TODAY!, use this time to spotlight an issue, or start a new initiative in your business.

The campaign is backed by safety organisations across Europe and focuses on the importance of good leadership and worker involvement in cutting down accidents and ill health.

To order free resources and find out about activities you could do in your organisation during European Week for Safety and Health at Work, visit the 

European campaign webpage.

What are you going to do?

Community Good Stuff

Andy stepped into the breach today after a last minute call from Cheshire East Parent Carer Support Service. "Could you please bring over your Olympic Torch on Saturday?"  The Cheshire East Parent Carer Support Service & Cheshire's Disabled Children's Database were holding a Family Fun Day in Sandbach and were in need of a Torch at short notice.

The Torch has arrived if you would like to see it - with Cat Radio

 Andy spent about one and a half hours at the event allowing the youngsters and their parents to get their hands on the Torch and get the all important photographs.  As always it worked its magic and was surrounded by smiles. 

It's mine ;o)

Organisers and helpers at the event

In addition to the fund raising and grant giving of the Foundation, this type of commuity involvement forms a significant part of the value that The Up and Under Group brings to society.  By emplying our services you not only get quality services, technical competence and best value; you make this Good Stuff possible. Thanks!

Helping Amey Keep Sheffield Running

 We recently completed two culvert condition surveys for Amey as part of their Sheffield PFI contract.  Up and Under are a long standing supplier to Amey of a range of services including speciailst access inspection investigation and testing services.

This job  involved the inspection of two culverts to determine their condition plus gathering data to allow the highway load capacity to be assessed.  Inspecting these hidden parts of the transport network is essential to its effective and safe operation. 

As you see, it is not an easy place to work, but with the right team, training and equipment we are able to undertake the works safely and professionally.

If you need culverts inspecting or repairing we are happy to discuss your needs. Our services include:

• Inspection
• Training
• Repairs
• Survey
• Dimensional checks
• Intrusive investigation 
• Safety escort
• Rescue services

Confined spaces, over water or rope access call 01270 589615

 

 

 

 

Safety Update - Breaking H&S laws just got costlier

On the 1st October 2012 the HSE’s new cost recovery scheme, Fee for Intervention (FFI), came into force.

Under The Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2012, those who break health and safety laws are liable for recovery of HSE’s related costs, including inspection, investigation and taking enforcement action.

The many businesses that comply with their legal obligations will continue to pay nothing. However, it looks like the Treasury just found another way to raise revenue.

Are inspections important?

We recently found this

Yes that is the re-bar!

Latest Olympic Torch Visit

Andy recently visited Richardson Endowed Primary School and they produced this video of the visit

http://richardsonendowedprimary.typepad.com/website/2012/09/olympic-torch-visit-inspire-a-generation-1.html

Bridge Inspection for Mouchel

We recently completed the inspection of two structures for Mouchels.  Our engineers completed the inspection using rope access techniques and the use of our award winning pontoon system to gain access to all parts of the structures.

In addition to inspection the job involved a range of concrete testing including:

• taking samples for chloride ion content analysis,
• cover survey,
• half cell measurements,
• core sampling for compressive and cube strength determination
• carbonation tests.

We undertake a range of Bridge Inspection and Maintenance if you think we can help get in touch

Legislation Update - Regulations to be removed

In May we advised you that the Government were conducting a review of Health and Safety regulation, specifically looking at the removal of 14 sets of H&S regulations which were considered redundant. These include Construction (Head Protection) Regulations and the Notification of Conventional Tower Crane Regulations. Consultation closed on 4th July and on 22nd August, HSE concluded that 13 of the regulations should be abolished, with a target abolition date of April 2013.

We'll keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Meanwhile if you have a safety question that you think we can help with contact us

CPD Feedback

The first CPD event of Andy's 2012/13 tour happened last night and it looks like it got off to a great start.  One person said " This is my first ICE event, I was absolutely blown away by your talk, excellent!"  This made the drive down and back through torrential downpours worthwhile.  There are further events in November and January at various locations around the UK.

Feedback

If you want more information or to book a CPD presentation see this link for details.

Free CPD Seminars

We are once again offering a range of lunch time CPD seminars to professionals and trainees in the construction, maintenance and asset management industries.  If you want us to present at your office or site please contact us.

Some of the subject matter

Those of you who have attended our talks in the past know that they are not thinly veiled sales pitches.  They are packed with useful practical information.  They typically last 30 minutes plus as much time as you need for questions.

Andy in full flow

You want more info click here

Weekend Volunteering

Two members of the Up and Under team spent the weekend at the Conway Centre on Anglesey assisting with adventure activities over the weekend.

One spent two days with groups walking in the Glyders.  One day was graced with near perfect weather conditions.  The views from Tryfan were exceptional, especially when nearby Glyder fach was shrouded in tumbling cloud.

The other team member spent two days coastal traversing, assisting the centre instructor to safely facilitate two groups of ten youngsters in climbing and open water swimming activities around the dramatic coastline of Holy Island.

We have supported less well off youngsters in attending this centre for a number of years and this type of interaction helps us to understand both the needs of, and the benefits to, the young people we help.

On Saturday evening another 100 people got to have their own Olympic Torch moment when once more Andy's Torch did the rounds.  For some this was the highlight of another fantastic weekend at the Conway Centre.

Transportation Consultants

Lost amongst all of the Olympics and holidays was the CIHT Consultants Directory where Up and Under found themselves ranked 77th out of 149 consultantants offering transportation related services.  Although we were not able to compete with the Atkins, Arups and WSPs (who were ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively) we were well placed against many other well known names in the industry .

We have continued to grow the range of services to both structure owners and other consultancies.  We carry a range of qualifications and accreditations specific to transport related asset management.

Whether it is conventional inspections or works requiring specialist access we are always happy to help. Give us a call 01270 589615.  We are also interested in export partnership arrangements.

Scouts Light Paralympic Torch

As proud supportors of Scout activities throught the Up and Under Foundation we wish well all those involved in lighting the Paralympic Torch on the highest summits of the UK today

Thoughts from the "Morning after the two weeks before"

The Olympics are over.  The media is full to the brim with comments and stories about being "Proud to be British". Many people seem to be carrying around this glow of achievement for things they have no involvement in. I did nothing to make Chris Hoy ride faster or Mo Farar run faster, but strangely it makes me feel a little better, but should it?

Today, and for a long time to come, I think the challenge should be to do something to make us all "Proud to be Us". get a little fitter, spend more quality time with our kids, improve our qualifications; just do something.

Sitting on the sofa watching others achieve whilst eating chocolate is nothing to be proud of, please find something that is, that will be the Great British Olympic Legacy.

Up and Under Foundation at the Georges

Continuing the Torch journey today, Andy was at the Sandbach Farmers Market first thing before zooming over to the St Georges Playing Field in Crewe in time for the opening of the Community Games.

Here the crowds got a chance to have their photographs taken and to carry the Torch in the opening procession.  The kids - old and young - loved it.

Donations for photographs were passed onto the Community Centre.  Joe and his team were doing a fantastic job with lots of sports available throughout the day.

For more phots:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.409006325813337.87822.120568147990491&type=1



Press Double at Up and Under Group

Getting our faces in the press for all sorts of good reasons is becoming a bit of a regular occurrance here at the Up and Under group, but today is a first as we have two entries in the local paper, the Crewe Chronicle

First up is a story about us lending our Olympic Torch to Nantwich museum

http://www.crewechronicle.co.uk/crewe-news/local-crewe-news/2012/08/08/nantwich-museum-displays-olympic-torch-96135-31570958/

and a couple of pages later is a story about Weston Primary School donating money raised by the year six pupils to the Up and Under Foundation. 

Simon was on hand to collect the cheque and thank the pupils for their generosity.  The money will be used to help less well of youngsters through our support for adventurous activities in local schools and through the Scouts.

ICE Fellows Newsletter

Andy has found his way into the Fellow's Newsletter of the ICE.  As you might imagine it is connected with the Olympic torch.

http://www.ice.org.uk/News-Public-Affairs/ICE-News/ICE-Fellow-carries-the-torch

A Fellow since he was 36, Andy is keen to support ICE activities and this year is offering another of his popular CPD presentations to any group throughout the UK.  This years topic is "Success Through Innovation"  If you want a slot filling in your calendar contact us on 01270 589615

Sandbach Services

Construction Manager Article

I think this our first Mention in the Chartered Institution of Buildings Mag Construction Manager:

http://construction-manager.co.uk/news/carrying-olympic-torch-andy-fewtrell-mciob/

Asseual Andy speaks his mind and looks to promote the positives

Cover Boy

Andy continues to find his way into the media, for good stuff, thankfully. 

This month's copy of Business Update Magazine has a photo of him sharing a laugh and a giggle with Sophie Countess of Wessex, we think he is a bit of a fan after their meeting.

Insider NW Power 100 List Published

Insider Magazine have published the NW Power 100 List ofthe most influential people in the region.  looks like our guys were no. 101 again ;o)

We were please to see John Brooks, VC at  MMU on the list as well as Phil Jones, a fellow TiE member, who is a keen cyclist as well being UK head of Brother.

Andy affording John Brooks the appropriate level of respect

With the Tour de France in full swing it is unlikely that Dave Brailsford will notice he has climbed 8 places from last year as he will be concentrating on securing a British victory in Paris.

Lists are always fun and can create interesting debate; this is certainly one it would nice to be represented on.  Well done to all who made the list and those who are working their way towards being featured in future years. 

To get a copy of the list see here:

http://www.insidermedia.com/about_us/media_synopsis/north_west_business_insider/july-2011/special-report-power-100/index.html

Safety Update - Flooding

Will this rain ever stop?


Today we are going to expand our safety bulletin into more general advice regarding flood safety with seven tips to deal with flooding incidents.


1. Take care when walking through moving water. Water below knee deep can knock you off your feet.


2. Animals frequently fair better than their owners. When pets get into deep water, don’t put yourself at risk attempting rescues.


3. Flood water frequently contains sewage, any contact is potentially a health hazard, good personal hygiene routines are essential including dealing with clothing and footwear.

Now wash your hands!

4. Driving through floodwater can be expensive and dangerous. Getting water into the air intake will do damage to your engine. Getting electronic components wet will also probably be a bad idea, leading to stalled engines and expensive repairs. More dangerous is trying to drive through moving water, as cars will float if taken into even relatively shallow water and can then be washed away………. with you in them! This is a common cause of flood related deaths, especially in the USA.

5. Playing, or showing off, around flooded watercourses can look great on YouTube. However, remember if you end up in a fast flowing stream you can be carried into obstacles causing injury or trapped against structures or debris. If you find yourself caught in a current don’t try to swim against it, but move diagonally, with the flow, towards a bank or safe place. Trees at the side of streams can be very dangerous in these circumstances as you may become trapped beneath them.

Amazing what gets washed up against bridges

6. If you have the misfortune to have your home flooded turn off the power (preferably before the flood arrives) and don’t turn it on again until you are sure it is safety to do so, it is likely that you will need professional guidance on this one.

7. And finally when the clean up starts be careful using petrol powered generators to power tools and equipment. Only run these in well ventilated locations, preferably outside.

We hope that you have all escaped the worst of the recent miserable weather. We are busy doing follow up inspections, for several of our clients, on structures we have identified as being at risk from Scour. Forewarned is a useful thing to be in this case, and prior assessment is proving a useful way of recognising structures at risk.

Thanks to Dr Lorna Fewtrell for the today's photographs

25th Anniversary Year Quiz - 1989

Quiz Qestions for 1989

1. What Town did Up and Under move into in 1989, they eventually stayed for 18 months whilst working for Travers Morgan (now Capita Symonds).

Today the these people are quite respecable, two engineers and a doctor

1a. Bonus question for real UU geeks only. Geoff Waller burnt his ankles outside 5 Waterside, our home in the above town, how?

2. In 1989 Andy worked for 3 months in Cheshire County Council's Offices, the one with the Croquet Lawn, what is it called?

Simon Ballantine in a Cheshire Culvert

 3. This was the era of the client supplied company car, in 18 months Andy did 78,000 miles in three of these, whilst working on a bridge inspection project for the London Office of the DTp, what was the make and model?

Lunchtime, we were walking the streets of London, looking for bridges

Testamonials

We have declared our aim in an earlier post (Up and Under - Why?)  that “We want every contact with the Up and Under Group to be beneficial”. A couple of recent emails received from clents would suggest that we are achieving this in the services we offer.


We were very happy to receive an enquiry for a major bridge inspection with the following statement included:


"There are a number of relatively serious defects on the bridge which I feel would be better investigated by yourselves; due to the thoroughness your team have demonstrated in the past. "



Our contracting division has aklso been receiving priase for a recent dam maintenance project:


"Thanks for the report David. I was very pleased with the team's work and their attitude. They went to great lengths to dispose of the cuttings responsibly. They stopped work and informed me of the wildlife issue as soon as they found the newts and could not have been more accommodating, positive and helpful.


Thanks again to Andy, Keith and Gary too."



It is always nice when the workers get a name check too!

Capita Captured

Below are a few photographs from recent projects where we assisted Capita Engineers in conducting a number of bridge inspections.  It was a genuine team effort where we provided access where practical to Capita's team, and filled in the gaps where the access was more complex.

Utilising our award winning pontoon solution for river bridge inspection

Rope access, quick, adaptable and non disruptive

It is the person on the rope that makes the diference,
our Engineers bring you the experience you need.

Teamwork like this is typical of many of our projects and works well to give the client the best value solution.

As with all of our projects a proportion of the final invoice will be donated to charity via the Up and Under Foundation, thus making a great job even better.

Safety Update - Mountain Mayhem

I know it is normal to see a Safety Update on a Monday so I thought I'd add a topical one.  Mountain Mayhem 24 hour mountain bike race is detrimental to your health and could be used as evidence of an unsound mind.

Team Selection

More photos on our Facebook page.

That said, thanks to all who joined in the fun in the three Up and Under teams. 

Some stats for you, we had two riders who were virtual mountain bike virgins, we broke 2 people with two others complaining of ailments this morning, we broke three bikes, one guy who will remain nameless fell in a stream before their lap had started, we ate lots of sausages and rode over 200 miles through the most rediculous muddy conditions.

At the end of it we were tired, wet, muddy...and still smiling.

Our company Mission Statement is " Make Money, Do Good Stuff With It" this was definitely good stuff ;o)

Look out on this Blog and Facebook for the next event.

Andy's Royal Meeting

Andy met the Countess of Wessex today and they both seemed to enjoy it.

.

Cheshire Show

Andy will be at the Cheshire Show today with the Olympic Torch between 12.30 and 2.30.  He will be at the Cheshire East Olympic Pavillion come along and get your photographs.

Safety Update - FAQs

Our safety update today is really just a helpful link to a list of FAQs (frequently asked questions) and more importantly ANSWERS published by the HSE.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/msasavoxunit.htm

They cover such topics as:
What is classed as work equipment under PUWER?
Do I have to keep maintenance logs?

And many more.

Hopefully these Q&As will help you get to a solution, but if you need any help you know where we are.

Client Comments

It is always great to receive comments from clients. The following was included in a recent email regarding a project for a major media organisation following a safety netting installation project we completed.

"................the works will complete by lunch . I would also like to say that the standard of work , contractors and communication from your staff has been excellent and refreshing."


Please tell us if we make you happy, it is great to pass on to the teams who work hard to solve your problems.

Simon Succeeds Safely

Safety Management, the Magazine of The British Safety Council recently published a profile of Simon Enderby.  It is pleasing to see that a Director of the Up and Under Group is held in such high regard in the safety community.

See a copy ofthe article here:

Article

Safety Update - Falling Again

We've mentioned that work at height cannot be defined with a tape measure, it is all about assessing the risk of injury from falling. Well a recent case involving a boatyard on the south coast reinforces that idea.  For those people with old fashioned ideas about 2m or 6ft this case is a reminder that it is the risk not the height that matters. 

It is reported that a worker, repairing a boat, fell from a staging only 1.4m high, with no guard rails, broke his arm badly and was off work for 5 months.  On many sites temporary low level staging can be seen without fall restraint.  Any activity where this type of work is being carried out requires appropriate risk assessment and operative instruction.

The person hurt in the above example was turning round to pick up a tool when they fell. There was also pain for the employer who was fined.


If we can help with any work at height issues please call us on 01270 589615.

Olympic Torch Relay in Crewe

Andy successfully managed to complete his section of the Olympic Torch relay in Crewe on Thursday, and by all accounts caused a bit of a stir.  Hungerford Road is normally a quite residential street, but with the combination of Andy and a massive crowd you know it was going to get noisy, and it did! here are a couple of pictures of the day.

Andy was nominated to carry the torch because of his commitment to developing others and his charitible works in the local community.  The Torch will be visiting many local schools in the next few weeks.  Thanks to all who came to watch and we hope you enjoyed yourselves.

Safety Update - Jubilee Celebrations ;o)

OK so we can't be serious all of the time and with the holiday weekend coming up we felt it a good time to start getting in the swing of things and with some good news!

It is party time , so don't get all hung up with risk assesments and paperwork and it is official.  On the 22nd May the Government said:

"Celebrations for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee should go ahead unhindered by bogus health and safety restrictions"

Furthermore Erick Pickles, th Communities Secretary, said:

"Unnecessary and irrelevant health and safety regulations should not be used as an excuse to prevent people to celebrate; the only red tape in sight should be the Jubilee bunting hanging in the streets."

And HSE Chair Judith Hackitt added:


"The Diamond Jubilee is going to be a huge celebration. We want to ensure that the hours of planning and preparation lead to successful and enjoyable events. Health and safety law does not to apply to local events organised by community volunteers and a few sensible precautions to deal with any potential minor incidents are all that is required. We are encouraging people to challenge decisions when they think health and safety is being used as an excuse and the Panel is ready to help."

Often health and safety is invoked wrongly to disguise a person's real motives - an unwillingness to honestly defend an unpopular decision, concern over costs or complexity of running an event, or worries about potential civil liability claims.

Plans are already underway for celebrations around Britain for the extended weekend of 2-5 June.

Some local authorities have already acted to get rid of red tape and make it easier for local residents. Essex County Council have had more than 3,000 visitors to their helpful Jubilee planning webpages and Hampshire County Council are encouraging people to go ahead without costly insurance when it's just unnecessary."

The HSE have also produced some tips for a safe weekend of partying:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/news/jubilee/index.htmWhen you all return to work after the holiday we will be here to help you deal with your asset management, access and safety projects.  As for the hangover we can only sympathise!