One last thing ;o)

Don't forget to keep an eye on where Santa is!

Track Santa

New Look in the New Year

Hi,

We'd all like to wish you a Happy Christmas and a great New Year

Thanks for being part of our 2013 and feel free to join us next year when we'll do lots on new fun stuff and we we will have a new look!.

Keep your eye on www.upandundergroup.com

Updated HSE ACOP - Welfare Regs.

This month the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published new guidance for employers on how to protect the health, safety and welfare of their workers.

Following consultation, HSE has reviewed and updated the Workplace Regulations Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) (L24) to make it easier for employers to understand and meet their legal obligations and so reduce the risks of over-compliance.

Following recommendations by Professor Ragnar Löfstedt in his report ‘Reclaiming health and safety for all’, the ACOP was identified for review and revision, consolidation or withdrawal.

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 cover a wide range of basic health, safety and welfare issues and apply to most workplaces except for those involving work on construction sites, those who work in or on a ship and those who work below ground at a mine.

Legal responsibilities to protect workers’ health and safety are not altered by any changes to the ACOP.
HSE spokesman Chris Rowe said: ‘Across HSE we are working hard to ensure that employers have access to good-quality advice which makes clear what they need to do to protect workers.

‘The revised ACOP will help employers understand the regulatory requirements on key issues such as temperature, cleanliness, workstations and seating, toilets and washing facilities.’

The review of and subsequent revision to the Workplace ACOP was subject to public consultation and the changes were agreed by both the HSE Board and the minister of state with responsibility for health and safety.

More info: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l24.pdf

Friday Fun - digging yourself out of a hole

This was recently posted on a the climbing web site Climb Tafraout

What do you do when your digger falls in a hole? Answer, send for it's dad!

If only there could be a David Attenborough commentary.

Friday Fun - Engineering Quotes

Today we thought we'd have some fun with quotes

"To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the

glass is half empty. 

To the engineer, the glass is twice as big

as it needs to be."

Unknown

"The most important thing is to keep the most important thing the most important thing.

From the book "Foundation design" by Coduto, Donald P.

"Death and taxes are unsolved engineering projects."

Romana Machado

"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler"

Albert Einstein

"Engineering is the art of doing with one dollar which any bungler can do with two after a fashion."

AM Wellington (1887)

"Fast, Good, Inexpensive"

Pick two!

Our Boss, Andy Fewtrell ;o)

My favourite is:

"A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools."
Douglas Adams

We hope this brightened up your Friday.  If you have any others to share, please feel free to post them on our Facebook page.

Latest Project - Very Big Things

I though we'd have some fun with Movie Maker today.  As part of our extensive range of services, we are often asked to monitor structures for movement or damage.  

Usually this is over a long period of time, but sometimes it it requires instant feedback.  The video below gives you a glimpse into our world.



 
Turn on sound for the full effect - and no this is a sound effect not the bridge, it was fine.

Safety Update - Respect Our Roadworkers

Safety within roadworks is important to us, it is our lives that are at risk.  This video from the Highways Agency shows how ridiculous it is to drive carelessly and too quickly around our workplace.


Please keep us in mind next time

Safety Update - What to do about training?

Common questions we are asked at the training arm of the Up and Under Group, Entrainment:

• What training should we give our staff
• When should we do it?
• And of course, how much will it cost?

The HSE suggest a structured approach to deciding upon training needs which can also be applied to other types of training. All of this information is explained in their five-step approach:

• Decide what training your organisation needs
• Decide your training priorities
• Choose your training methods and resources
• Deliver the training
• Check that the training has worked

All of this sounds simple, but then most of the best ideas are. for the HSE guide to training INDG 345 go here.

If you need training provision or help with any of the 5 steps above call us on 01270 589615

Friday Fun - Oh please, yes!

It is sad that some of these ideas are never adopted, this appeals on so many levels.

 

If you ask questions like this you get answers like this bridge, conclusion?  

Ask more questions!

Latest Project - A stitch in time.........

This week it is a report from our contracts division.  That well known phrase "a stitch in time saves nine" is especially applicable to retaining wall alongside fast flowing water.  We have seen £1,500 repointing projects become £150,000 reconstruction jobs.

Before

After

Recently we were commissioned by a long standing client to do some wall maintenance ahead of the winter, here are some of the results.  It is never going to look like a new wall, but a measure of integrity has been restored.

Before

After

When budgets allow a complete repoint is probably on the cards, but now the wall looks like it will survive the winter.

Tidy

Legislation Update - New driving laws

Just a heads up on the new driving offences and increased that have recently come into force. 

"What do the new laws cover?
Many of the offences are covered by laws that already exist, but have been hard to enforce because police had to go through the courts. Now police can issue an on-the-spot fine, handed to you on the road, so it’ll be easier for them to do so.
The standard fine for a number of offences has gone up, including:

• Speeding
• Using a mobile phone while driving
• Driving on the hard shoulder
• Ignoring traffic directions

And 2 new bits of ‘careless driving’ have been made an offence:

• Tailgating
• Lane-hogging, usually in the middle lane

What is tailgating and lane-hogging?
Many drivers might be familiar with these things without necessarily knowing what they’re called.

• Tailgating - This is when someone drives too close to the car in front. It’s usually done by drivers trying to force the car in front to move faster or to change lanes.
• Lane-hogging - Many drivers use the middle lane as a ‘cruising lane’ and drive too slowly. This is dangerous and can force cars to slow down quickly. "

 Source: Post Office web site

Which existing fines are going up?
	Offences include	Was	Now
Source: Department of Transport
Non-endorsable fixed penalty notice (where the driver does not receive points on their licence)	Failing to give way, obscuring registration number, stopping on the hard shoulder, misuse of headlights, sounding horn at night	£30	£50
Endorsable fixed penalty notice (points issued)	Using a mobile while driving, speeding, reversing on a motorway, not stopping at a red light	£60	£100
Non-endorsable fixed penalty notice	Failure to display tax disc, not wearing a seat belt when driving, driving without an MoT certificate	£60	£100
Endorsable fixed penalty notice offence	Failure to identify driver	£120	£200
Endorsable fixed penalty notice offence	Driving without third party insurance	£200	£300

Friday Fun - Ladies Night

As you might imaging when the ladies at Up and Under plan a night out it isn't normal.  So it was this week when a group of staff and friends visited the local climbing wall.

Getting started - everyone off the ground

The night, supported by the Group,  started off with a little traversing and then got more serious as the newly initiated climbers began their assault on the wall's various problems.  This wall isn't at all easy being either vertical or overhanging. 

As the evening progressed everyone got higher and higher, coming to grips with the unfamiliar skills.  On top of the climbing the ladies had to be introduced to the intricacies of harnesses, ropes and belaying techniques.

 

Lorna and Sue

Emma at the big red button

Kaye crossing a red line

Sue about to reach the top

I believe Sue was the star of the night, not just for her ascents to the top of the wall, but for not breaking a single finger nail ;o)  From the comments I have heard it looks as though this might not be a one off.

Thanks to Lorna for organising the evening.

Latest Project - Busman's Holiday

You no doubt imagine that many of our team don't have a sedentary life outside work.  Enthusiastic climbers often finding there way onto the local climbing wall when the weather puts the crags off limits.

Positioning the tensile test apparatus

So today's project report finds one of our teams undertaking a professional study of an artificial climbing structure.  We all give holds a bit of a tug or tap before hanging on them, but here we are ensuring that the underlying fixings are secure.

Testing selected fixings

The project involved testing selected fixing points, on an established wall, to ensure that they still meet the requirements of BS EN 17572 .

Although not a normal part of routine climbing wall maintenance, this process gives operators confidence in the integrity of their facility.

We offer a range of services to climbing wall and other high level activity providers including anchor testing, harness & equipment inspection plus remodeling and repairs.  Need help? Call 01270 589615

Safety can be sensible

So safe people, how about this sign?  Sometimes things can get a little too complicated isn't it nice when somebody simplifies things.

There is a serious message here.  

Delivering a safety message or creating systems for people to use?

Need help simplifying your safety messages?

Call Up and Under for safety consultancy, or just to have a common sense chat. 

Tel: 01270 589615

Friday Fun - How not to do rope access

We hope that our safe and efficient approach to building inspection and maintenance is well known enough that we don't have to point fingers at the opposition, but we feel this is probably going too far.

Just to be clear - This is NOT and Up and Under job ;o)

Latest Project - City Centre NO Congestion

When it comes to carrying out detailed inspections it pays to get up close and personal with structures.  One of the down sides is often the congestion and inconvenience caused to road users and pedestrians.

Detailed record keeping is essential

So it will come as a relief to the people of Birmingham that Up and Under were able to use clever rope (and wire) tricks to avoid the need for traffic management while carrying out these works.

Measuring the extent of defects

It is sad that nobody will actually be aware that the works are going on, looks like no tips on this job then.

Need work carrying out with minimal fuss and disruption?  Call us 01270 589615

Safety Update - Changes to RIDDOR

We would like to remind you that there is another change to safety legislation that came into effect today - RIDDOR 2013

The principal changes are:

"From 1 October 2013, RIDDOR 2013 comes into force, which introduces significant changes to the existing reporting requirements. 
The main changes are to simplify the reporting requirements in the following areas:

• the classification of ‘major injuries’ to workers is being replaced with a shorter list of ‘specified injuries’;
• the previous list of 47 types of industrial disease is being replaced with eight categories of reportable work-related illness;
• fewer types of dangerous occurrence require reporting.

There are no significant changes to the reporting requirements for:

• fatal accidents;
• accidents to non-workers (members of the public);
• accidents which result in the incapacitation of a worker for more than seven days.

Recording requirements remain broadly unchanged, including the requirement to record accidents resulting in the incapacitation of a worker for more than three days. "*

For more info see "Reporting accidents and incidents at work A brief guide to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)"

*Source HSE indg 453

New First Aid Rules

Changes to the rules about the HSE approving First Aid training come into force tomorrow. The HSE have issued guidance for employers.

Under the amended regulations the requirement for workplace first aid training providers to be approved by the HSE is removed from 1 October 2013.The amendments cover carrying out a first aid needs assessment and selecting a first aid training provider.

Friday Fun - Building Bridges

Thanks to Cemex for this one.

If only it was that simple. Everyone knows you should have wheel chocks to stop the driver reversing over the edge. Pah, totally unrealistic ;o)

Latest Project - Inspection Clip-ped

It sometimes happens that we have our confined spaces and rope access skills tested on the same project.  The principal inspection of Pen Y Clip Viaduct was one such occasion.

We discover we have an engineer with an art A level

Firstly we had to inspect the over 100 voids per span requiring the engineers to employ confined spaces techniques to safely access all section of the structure.

On the inside

Then it gets more visually exciting with the inspection of the piers using rope access techniques.  This reduced the amount of traffic management required to a minimum thus causing minimum inconvenience to the road users.

Clever rope-work brings all elements within touching distance

We are fortunate to have a team of experienced engineers with a host of access skills, giving our clients the best of all worlds.

Can we help you? call 01270 589615

Friday Fun

Just to prove we don't have all the fun, this photo recently appeared on Facebook.

Epic!

Latest Project - Building in tricky positions

Building a 300 x 300 x 1500 concrete column sounds like a straightforward job for any builder. So why call Up and Under?  

Foundation cast on top of blinding concrete with formwork in place for the column

Well this particular column is in a cave - designed to support the roof - at the bottom of a 20m cliff, in a beauty spot.

The concrete column, injection pointed to the roof

All the materials had to be transported along a narrow track, concrete had to be mixed and lowered down the cliff face before being poured into the formwork.  When the shutters were struck the column was faced with locally sourced stone.

Stone clad, with ground restored

Need a problem solving?  call us 01270 589615.

Assessing Risks - "..they can never be eliminated."

It was refreshing to read Judith Hackitt's (Chair of HSE) Blog ,when talking about the offshore industry's response to the recent helicopter tragedy.  

She commented: "There is a maturity of understanding which is shared by everyone that risks can be managed, but they can never be eliminated."

I would like to believe that there is a similar attitude demonstrated in the best companies in the construction industry.  It is always interesting to note that the more hazardous an activity, the lower the relative number of accidents seems to be.

From my many years of climbing and mountaineering I can easily understand this.  You develop an internal sense that increases your level of attention as the number, and severity, of hazards increase.  What you are doing is assessing risks, constantly then responding.  THe effectiveness of the response is determined by training and experience. Even the best can get it wrong and suffer the consequences.

The formal written risk assessment does many things, a couple of the most useful being to share knowledge and communicate to all members of a team.  Often they are seen as a record for backside covering, but this is looking at the process from the wrong end.

Today I am back in real world after a brief excursion into the mountains, I won't forget that "...hazards never go away" (Judith Hackitt's Blog).

If we can assist you with preparing risk assessment or providing risk assessment training feel free to contact us on 01270 589615

Making Good Decisions

I spent yesterday sea kayaking off the coast of Anglesey.  I was acting as a mock student for a group of aspirant leaders.  As it was a training course there was a detailed, well thought out risk assessment.  We had been well briefed and knew what we had to do.

However it didn't stop there. Throughout the day everyone in the group continued to make decisions based on the changing conditions and unfolding opportunities.  We communicated our varying states of fatigue and desires to try to squeeze through ever narrowing slots in the jagged rocks.

It all worked out well with all of the paddlers going home safely after an exciting day.  so, thank goodness for the risk assessment.  mmmmmmm, it probably goes deeper than that, the whole team had a good appreciation of the risks involved and the skills to deal with the conditions. The risk assessment can only ever provide a framework for a safe day, real safety relies on the right culture,  communication and people making good decisions.

If you want to talk to us about developing an excellent culture of safety call 01270 589617

Friday Fun - Messing with the Boss

Does Andy ever get out on the ropes?  We have heard this question many times and today we present the evidence.  The rare Andius Fewtrellius was spotted recently beneath a bridge on the England/Wales border.  As you can see he still has no fashion sense and was sporting a boiler suit with slightly short legs and lovely red socks.

"So what happens if I undo this?"

 Of course, Simon was doing all the work, taking accurate measurements of deflection in the bridge deck.  Monitoring displacement and movement in structures is a common activity at Up and Under. 

At the business end, taking measurements.

Get the Paperwork Right

As it is a holiday week can you forgive me a lighthearted serious post?

We all know that we live in a paperwork mad society, but some of it is worthwhile.  Take risk assessments. Yes of course we all do that in our head, but what if you have lots of experience and make good decisions?  What if these decisions are not shared by your less experience colleagues?  So now can you can see why a formal system of sharing information can make a difference.

The same goes for COSHH assessments, work instructions and specifications.  Specs can run to book lengths, so why imagine you can remember the detail!

And while on the subject of having the correct paperwork how about this man?

If you need assistance with risk assessment preparation or training give us a call 01270 589615

Surviving Bank Holiday Car Journeys

Yipee it's bank holiday!  Ah that means hours sitting in traffic jams.  So here are a few tips to make the journey a little less painful.

1. Leave later, everyone seems to get a flyer straight from work, you'll be tired, stressed, hungry and thirsty.  Take your time, have tea with the family have a rest then get on the road a little later, the roads will have cleared and it will be cooler.
2. Prep the car for the journey, yeah the oil and water stuff, but also put some food and drink handy for the driver and the kids.  Pack pillows and blankets for the kids to make them comfortable in the back, books and games too.  Sort the music, stories, etc for the stereo.
3.  Plan your route, pre-programme your destination into a sat nav, work out stops along the way and take a map in case there is a problem with the sat nav route.  Make sure your camp site, B&B or hotel knows you will be arriving later.  Going further afield? Tickets - Passport - Money!
4. On long journeys take regular breaks, every 60 miles or 1 hour, do a quick driver change.  Swap over before you feel tired, that way you stay fresh - and safe - for longer.  If you are doing a long drive and feel sleepy open windows and loud radios don't always work, more effective is a short nap, better to arrive alive.
5. Have a day at home and a two day break, that way you only have to fight the traffic once.

And one final thought, stay at home and visit all the local attractions you have been meaning to visit for years.

Have a good Bank Holiday weekend from all at Up and Under

Latest Project - Bridge Delamination Survey

Up and Under were contacted by our client to undertake a hammer tap survey and remove loose concrete from a highway structure following reports of concrete falling from the bridge.

 

The  high level viaduct carries one of the main arterial routes in the North West and local companies occupy areas below the structure.

 

Fortunately we were able to react immediately and our inspectors were able inspect the structure and remove the loose concrete ensuring the safety of the occupants of the area under the bridge.

We will be returning again soon to carry out a full detailed inspection of the whole structure.

 

Do you have a problem requiring a solution?

 

Give us a call on 01270 589615

 

Problem Solved.

More of what we do in our spare time…

2013 has seen a few additions to the Up and Under downhill mountain bike race team: In addition to Rob, Tom and John (who raced in 2012), Ivor, Phil and Jimmy have joined this year (Phil and Jimmy in the veterans category and Ivor in masters).



Ivor

Phil

Tom

Rob

Races still to come this year include:

 24^th – 25^th August – Saracen BDS Round 5 – Bringewood (Near Ludlow)

Jimmy

14^th – 15^th September – Pearce CyclesDownhill series Round 4 – Hopton Woods (Near Craven Arms)



John







Latest Project - Bridge Inspection

 

Working with Mouchel for Perth & Kinross Council we completed a ‘hammer tap survey’ of the oculi and arch soffits of Kenmore Bridge, which have been coated in sprayed concrete. This involved a combination of access methods to achieve access to within touching distance and (as you’d expect) successfully avoided any disruption to road traffic.
 

I have to say it was also an absolute pleasure working in such a beautiful part of the world.

 

Are you need of an inspection and require a professional service without the disruption, give the problem solvers a call on 01270 589615.

 

Gritting Lorries Out In July !

Nice weather creates unusual UK problems.

Gritting lorries out in July!

Yes; it has been reported that gritting lorries have been seen in Hampshire.

This continued hot weather is resulting in some road surfaces melting, leaving a sticky top to the carriageway.

Hampshire County Council is combating this by spreading a mixture of stone chips and dust in an attempt to seal and embed the bitumen.

Are you confronted with unusual problems to resolve?

If so call us on 01270 589615 to discuss.

So Many Manholes, But What Do They All Do ?

 
One of our confined space teams have recently been solving a local client’s puzzle.

Expert Logistics are in the process of expansion requiring further services running beneath their site.

The number and location of manhole covers around the site proved a real headache to the maintenance manager, until he called in the problem solvers.


Our team were able to access the chambers and confirm suitable ducts for running additional services.

The nature of the access chambers required a safe system of work utilising confined space skills.

The alterative solution would have resulted in large excavations and disruption to a busy site.

Call us on 01270 589615 if you have a similar headache and want a professional low impact solution.

Problem Solved! 

 

Safety Update - Consultation on COSHH ACOP

The HSE has launched a consultation on changes to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), Approved Code of Practice (ACOP).

The proposed changes would look to make it easier for employers to understand and meet their legal obligations and reduce the risk of over-compliance.

Understanding your responsibilities with regards to the regulations is essential with the wide range of substances available on the market.

Don’t forget to follow the priority of control measures and eliminate or substitute for a substance that is safer where ever possible.

Thinking outside the norm is what we do day to day. This has resulted in us successfully completing several high profile, environmentally sensitive projects by using products that would normally be more at home in the kitchen.

Oil stains, stonework, historic structure, marine environment – think ecover washing up liquid, safer than the alternative.

Speak to us if you have a project that might benefit from some lateral thinking backed up with many years experience in solving people problems.