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