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.