In the middle ages when winters were severe, construction work stopped between November and March because it was impossible to work. Today, we assume we can carry on through, but what are the risks to the finished work, the programme and the people? FIS technical director Joe Cilia talks to members across the FIS community.
Should you start the fit-out before the building is watertight?
“Commencing works ahead of a building being watertight is a lottery,” commented Alex Double, a drylining and fire consultant.
What do British Standards say?
British Standard 8212: 1995 Code of Practice for Drylining and Partitions using Gypsum Plasterboard states, “It is essential that areas to be drylined or partitioned are watertight, weatherproof and dry. This is of particular importance as drylining materials are vulnerable to wet or high-humidity conditions.”
Does water ingress have an impact on fit-out?
“When it rains, fungal spores in the air are deposited on surfaces where there is contact, which may lead to mould growth on finished plasterboard months after completion,” said Mathew Sexton, head of advocacy and standardisation at British Gypsum. “The trick is to keep the walls dry to avoid this happening.”
Andrew Richardson of Fermacell commented: “Water ingress can make it necessary to replace damaged boards or system components, meaning revisits to already completed areas with big impacts on programme and costs. This can lead to disputes.” On this topic, Mr Double added: “Remember, there are no fire tests for water-damaged partitions.”
So, who pays when water damages the fit-out?
Mr Double commented: “That depends. In our experience, this will be the loss adjusters if it is due to building defects, poor design or damage caused by leaking services. And it can depend on the contract – for example, if a main contractor brings the fit-out programme forward before the building is weathertight.”
What about lighting in the darker winter months?
“The main contractors will generally provide safety lighting as required under CDM,” said Mr Sexton, adding, “But remember, there may be a need for task lighting specific to your work as well!”
Mr Double added: “Suitable and adequate lighting is vitally important when attempting to achieve the required level of finish. Requirements for artificial lighting are noted in the BS 8212, 8000 and the plastering standards BS EN 13914-2:2016.”
Can dehumidification speed up the curing time?
“There are times when we would recommend their use, such as in preparation for the installation of drylining where there is insufficient time to allow the building to naturally dry,” explained Mr Sexton. “However, where dehumidification is used during the installation, the level needs to be such as to not to adversely affect the set and drying phases of the jointing, plaster or skim.”
What specific safety considerations are required in winter?
David Cant of health and safety consultants Veritas said: “In cold weather, specialist PPE may be required, which should be appropriate for the task. Remember, there may be times when operatives are standing in the cold for long periods, so ensure they have adequate equipment to hand.
“Be aware that surfaces could be icy and slippery, so taking extra care entering site and moving equipment and materials is imperative. You should also monitor and record weather changes and look at what controls are in place to manage and respond to the changes.”
How about storing and moving materials on-site?
Gavin Palmer of specialist fit-out contractor Astins said: “Moving materials and even getting to site can all be weather dependant, and high winds can put a stop to carting where cranes and hoists are used.”
He advised: “Contractors should always ensure that materials are stored in a flat, dry space – boards are prone to taking on undulations, which may manifest themselves in the finished work. Water-resistant boards are designed to resist water in their installed state, but they can absorb water if left lying flat in the rain for prolonged periods.”
Mr Double added a final point on preserving the quality of plasterboard. He said: “It is common for main contractors to instruct that plasterboards are raised off the slab so if there is any standing water, it does not soak into the boards.”
It seems that winter more than any other season comes with its own challenges, but remember that winter doesn’t have a monopoly on wet weather – many of the points raised here are just as valid when working in summer.
If you have any views on this article or would like to contribute to the next article on fire doors, please email joecilia@thefis.org.
To find out more contact:
Joe Cilia
FIS technical director
joecilia@thefis.org
More than 50,000m2of British Gypsum Thistle plaster has been used as part of St Andrews Healthcare project Fitzroy House, a two-storey facility to provide specialised care for up to 110 young people with complex mental health needs.
The internal environment was important for facilitating patient recovery, and P+HS Architects consulted with medical professionals and patients on the design, with flexibility, durability and a healthy building with a robust quality finish identified as key requirements.
A two-coat plaster system was chosen for its increased durability. This consisted of British Gypsum’s Thistle HardWall undercoat and a skim finish coat of ThistlePro PureFinish, which incorporates Activ’Air technology to absorb and convert formaldehyde for a healthier internal environment, considered to help speed up patient recovery.
Subcontractor Taylor Hart – an FIS member – achieved superb results throughout. Managing director Phil Lewis commented: “We are very pleased with the project, especially due to the time and programme constraints.
“That success has been recognised by the industry and we won Gold in the FIS Contractors Awards 2017.”
www.british-gypsum.com
Michael Barker, managing director of Safety Platforms, discusses how the endeavor for perfect health and safety practices should never end, and why innovation in this area should be on everyone’s agenda.
Having supplied access equipment to the construction industry for more than 30 years, I have been witness to radical changes in the equipment being used on-site. Heavy steel scaffold towers, wooden hop-ups and, dare I say it, beer crates were all common sights in the early days.
Thankfully, things have moved on and we now see equipment on-site which was previously not thought of. These new developments make site work much safer and more efficient. All areas of work have seen vast improvements, too, with much more thought now given to, for example, work at height, noise levels and the consequences of manual handling.
A prime example of change would be that, up until 15 years ago, a ladder and scaffold board were considered an acceptable working platform in a stairwell – “That’s how it’s always been done”, the common excuse heard. Through proactive contractors and suppliers working together to develop solutions to improve safety, usability and productivity, the industry solved a problem and moved another step towards realising sensible health and safety protocols.
We have possibly all heard or said the phrase “Health and safety gone mad”, and when talking about children not being allowed to play conkers in the school playground, this may be relevant. However, when talking about protecting people and improving working conditions on-site, developments have been vital, and consideration of further refinements should be ongoing.
Improvements in site safety have come about not just because of legislation but also by people looking at what we do and thinking “Is there a better, safer way of doing this?”. By continually reviewing current practices and by keeping health and safety on everyone’s agenda, our industry can be made even safer, even more productive and better positioned to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Who knows what we will see on construction sites in 20 to 30 years?
Michael Barker is managing director at Safety Platforms
www.safetyplatforms.co.uk
A new report from specialist contractor Astins, in collaboration with FIS, Skanska, Knauf,and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), illustrates the positive impact and potential of using smaller and lighter 900mm wide plasterboard in place of the standard 1,200mm wide board.
The HSE had found that dry liners are particularly prone to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), largely due to manually handling 1,200mm wide plaster boards, often on their own. Astins was lead contractor on a pilot project, using a 900mm wide plasterboard, looking at addressing issues with heavy plasterboard.
The final report found a 33 per cent reduction in plasterboard waste; significant productivity improvements (62 per cent), especially during second fix; and shoulder muscle stress reduction of 30 per cent. The project also reported relatively equal overallCO2 emissions and an overall cost benefit.
FIS members can access the full report on the FIS website www.thefis.org .
One of the largest ever UK projects using StoTherm Classic M insulation and the Sto-Rotofix Plus fixing system has been completed in Scotland – the new Portobello High School, in Edinburgh.
StoTherm Classic M was chosen to provide high-level thermal performance for the new building. The EWI system features expanded polystyrene insulation boards and non-cementitious rendering components for impact resistance of 60 joules – up to 10 times greater than that provided by similar cementitious systems. This is a particular benefit for school projects of this type where the facade cladding may be subject to harsh treatment. The system was finished externally with a through-coloured StoSilco K silicone render for extra protection and to enhance the appearance.
Sto-Rotofix Plus was used to fix the insulation. It has a unique helical spiral fixing which allows the insulation boards to be mechanically fixed, quickly and reliably, and then easily adjusted so that a seamless facade can be created ready for rendering.
www.sto.co.uk
The latest IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Total Activity Index has shown that construction firms indicated a disappointing end to 2018 as business activity growth eased to a three-month low and new orders expanded at a relatively subdued pace. The main bright spot was a sustained rebound in civil engineering activity, which rose at the fastest pace since May 2017.
The slowdown in construction growth largely reflected softer rises in commercial and housing activity during December. Commercial building was the worst performing category, with activity expanding at the slowest rate since last May.
Anecdotal evidence suggested that subdued demand conditions were the main factor behind softer output growth in December. There were also some reports that unusually wet weather had acted as a brake on construction work.
At 52.8 in December, down from 53.4 in November, the headline seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Total Activity Index posted above the crucial 50.0 no-change value for the ninth consecutive month. However, the latest reading signalled only a modest rate of expansion that was the slowest seen since September.
A solid rise in employment numbers was recorded across the construction sector in December. However, the rate of job creation eased from November’s near three-year peak. Some firms noted that efforts to reduce costs had led to voluntary leavers not being replaced. Subcontractor usage meanwhile picked up, with the rate of expansion the strongest since December 2015.
Tim Moore, Economics Associate Director at IHS Markit, which compiles the survey, said: “UK construction firms signalled a slowdown in housing and commercial activity growth during December, which more than offset a strong performance for civil engineering at the end of 2018.
“Strong demand among first-time buyers meant that house building was the fastest growing category of construction output during 2018. However, construction companies indicated a renewed loss of momentum in December. Residential growth remains much softer than the two-and-a-half year peak achieved last summer.
“Levels of optimism remained subdued in relation to those recorded by the survey over much of the past six years, largely reflecting concerns that Brexit uncertainty will continue to encourage delays with decision-making, especially on commercial projects.”
Duncan Brock, Group Director at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, said: “With a slight rise in new orders and a softening in overall activity growth, firms continued to be impacted by Brexit-related uncertainty and reluctance by clients to place orders especially for commercial projects.
“The saviours of the sector were residential building expanding for the 11th month in a row and civil engineering work rising at the fastest pace since May 2017, but additional underlying pressures were still in evidence. Continued price increases for raw materials remained a challenge, but suppliers at least were able to deliver their best performance since September 2016 in spite of extra demand as a result of stockpiling.”
The uncertainty around Brexit is a key issue affecting businesses across all sectors, particularly construction, and FIS is supporting members with a helpful and informative checklist.
The Preparing for Brexit Checklist, created by FIS, focuses on the questions that members need to start asking across the Product, Process and People elements of their business (the three pillars of the FIS Quality in Construction Strategy). While not exhaustive, the checklist aims to help members understand the impact of Brexit and look at potential risks, challenges and opportunities.
Iain McIlwee, FIS chief executive, said: “We are constantly hearing that businesses need to start preparing for Brexit. In fairness, government has started to draw information together but the complexity and volume of information is overwhelming to most small- and medium-sized businesses.
“The simple fact is preparing for Brexit is extremely difficult while Brexit is being kicked around like a political football in Westminster and regardless of the outcome or our own views, there remains so much uncertainty and cause for concern out here in the real world.
Instead of trying to predict outcomes, FIS has developed the Preparing for Brexit Checklist to help focus on the elements that will most likely impact on our members and help them to adopt a more risk-management based process. It is all about starting to have the right conversations with staff, subcontractors, suppliers and customers, and identifying where the impact may be. It is very much a live document and I’m sure our members will help us to shape it further with their questions, comments and views – at the end of the day, we are a community and at times like these we need to draw together.”
www.thefis.org/knowledge-hub/brexit-checklist
Tang Interiors, the rapidly growing fit out and refurbishment specialist, is looking forward to a bumper 2019 after appointing three new senior managers to the team.
With more than 35 years’ experience under his belt, Adam Mattimoe has been appointed contracts manager for Tang Interiors, joining from Bowmer and Kirkland, where he was senior projects manager. Before that, Adam was contracts manager at DWG, where he worked with Carl Hubbard – director of operations at Tang Interiors.
“I jumped at the chance to resurrect my working relationship with Carl,” he said. “I’ve seen how Tang Interiors has quickly established itself as a leading fit-out company and has already secured a number of high profile projects. I’m happy to join the company at a time when it promises to be a very exciting journey.”
Adam, who specialises in fit outs for the commercial and leisure sectors, will oversee the delivery of all live projects for Tang Interiors to ensure they are delivered on time, within budget and to meet the quality and expectations of the client.
Meanwhile, commercial manager Stuart Clark joins Tang Interiors from Reirse Ryan, where he held the position of quantity surveyor. He has spent 15 years in the construction industry and will manage the costs for all projects. Stuart has also worked previously with Carl Hubbard and Adam Mattimoe.
“I’m looking forward to joining a young business that is making its mark in this highly competitive industry by carrying out high-quality schemes on time and within budget,” he said.
The third appointee is Kennedy Farrall, who is site manager and will be responsible for the day-to-day running of projects. He has six years’ industry experience and joins from Rhino Interiors, where he was also site manager.
“I was keen to join the ambitious Tang Interiors team and help it progress and grow,” he said. “It’s achieved so much in just a year and it can only get better.”
Carl Hubbard said the first year of business at Tang Interiors had surpassed all expectations and its growth plans were being accelerated to meet industry demand. He said the company will kick off 2019 with three new projects starting in the first week of January, which is unusual for the industry.
“We’ve undertaken a number of prestigious projects and have recently secured our biggest project yet – a £2.5 million category A strip out and fit out at Lyndon House in Edgbaston,” he said.
“It’s great to be working with Adam and Stuart again and to have fresh talent in Kennedy as he continues to develop his career with us. Investing in the future success of the company means having the right people in place and we are excited to welcome our newest recruits.”
Tang Interiors provides turnkey fit out projects for the commercial, retail, restaurant and hospitality sectors; creating inspirational spaces for landlords, private companies and building consultancy teams.
For more information about Tang Interiors visit www.tanginteriors.com
PHOTOGRAPH: (L to R) Tang Interiors’ new recruits Adam Mattimoe, Kennedy Farrall and Stuart Clark
The Government should introduce a tougher regime to tackle larger companies who treat small businesses ‘disgracefully’ by enforcing long payment terms or paying their suppliers late, says the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee.
The Small businesses and productivity report says that for a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) to succeed it is crucial they are paid fairly and on time. However, the report finds that bad payment practices have led to the failure of many SMEs and prevented others from growing and improving their productivity. Initiatives to address poor payment practices, including the Government’s Prompt Payment Code, have been ineffective, say MPs.
The report recommends the Government introduce a statutory requirement for companies to pay within 30 days, move as soon as possible to require all medium and large companies to sign the Prompt Payment Code, and equip the Small Business Commissioner with powers to fine those companies who pay late.
Rachel Reeves MP, Chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee said: “Small and medium-sized businesses are vital to the health of our economy, providing jobs and prosperity to communities up and down the country. But many SMEs are placed in a stranglehold by larger companies deliberately paying late and ruthlessly taking advantage of their suppliers, causing these firms financial instability. Unless the Government levels the playing field and acts to bring in a tougher regime for poor payment practices then we choke-off the opportunity for SMEs to invest and grow in the future.
The Committee’s report identifies the construction industry as a sector where poor payment practices are rife, as highlighted by Carillion’s woeful treatment of its suppliers. The Committee calls for the Government to extend the Small Business Commissioner’s remit to cover the construction industry.
The report also recommends changes to tackle the abuse of retention payments within the construction industry, proposing that independently managed project accounts are introduced, and money withheld only when there is a good reason to do so.
November data from the latest IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Total Activity Index pointed to a solid expansion of UK construction output, which was supported by a broad-based upturn in the three sub-categories of activity monitored by the survey. Growth of new work picked up since October and rising client demand underpinned a robust and accelerated expansion of employment. The rate mainly due to Brexit-related concerns.
Tim Moore, Economics Associate Director at IHS Markit, which compiles the survey said: “November data indicates that the UK construction sector remains in expansion mode, with resilient business activity trends seen for housing, commercial and civil engineering activity. The latest overall rise in construction output was the fastest since July, helped by a stronger contribution to growth from house building activity.
“Higher levels of new work were recorded for the sixth month running in November, which resulted in a robust and accelerated rise in staffing numbers. The latest upturn in employment was the fastest for almost three years. A number of construction firms noted that greater demand for staff had led to upward pressure on salaries in November.
“Business confidence regarding the year ahead outlook for construction work picked up from October’s recent low, but remained weaker than seen on average in the first half of 2018. Survey respondents widely commented that Brexit-related uncertainty had held back business optimism in November.”
Duncan Brock, Group Director at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, said: “After last month’s disappointing levels of business optimism, the construction sector perked up marginally in November. There was good activity across all the sub- sectors and residential building reclaimed its leader of the pack status with the strongest performance of all three.
“Levels of new work improved, and employment numbers increased at their fastest rate since December 2015, as projects finally started after sustained periods of delay. But before the champagne corks start popping, this rise in the overall index was small. Even with optimism at a three-month high, there is currently no indication that this will become a sustained rise as we approach the end of the year.
“Constrained supply chains were still underperforming as supplier operations worsened again and to their weakest level for three months. Suppliers reduced their stock levels and reports of raw material shortages gnawed away at efficiency. Adding to this challenging mix, prices for raw materials continued their strong upward trajectory, so the pathway ahead is still far from clear of blockages, Brexit-related or otherwise.”
The seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Total Activity Index registered 53.4 in November, up from 53.2 in October, to remain above the crucial 50.0 no-change mark for the eighth successive month. Moreover, the latest reading signalled the strongest rate of business activity expansion since July.
Residential building reclaimed its position as the fastest growing area of construction work in November. The latest rise in house building activity was the strongest for three months. Latest data also pointed to sustained increases in commercial work and civil engineering activity.
Survey respondents noted that rising client demand continued to boost construction output during November. The rate of new business growth picked up since October, but remained softer than seen on average in the third quarter of 2018. Some construction firms noted that Brexit uncertainty had held back new order growth, while there were also reports citing delays to public sector spending decisions.
Meanwhile, latest data indicated that business optimism across the construction sector rebounded from the near six-year low seen in October. The latest reading signalled the strongest degree of confidence for three months. Anecdotal evidence suggested that Brexit-related concerns remained the main factor weighing on business optimism during November.
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