Churchills Steeplejacks

The Basics of Lightning

2012-01-31T08:13:00.000-08:00

We've talked a lot about lightning protection but not actually about the phenomenon of lightning itself to understand how protection works its worth having a look at why and how lightning strikes.

The lightning protection most frequently referred to in terms of lightning protection is cloud to ground lightning, other forms of lightning exist but cause less damage to buildings and people than this particular recognised form of lightning.

A lightning strike originates about 15,000 to 20,000 feet above sea level and works its way down to about 50 yards above ground, it’s about at this height that will determine the attachment point which is the point where lightning will strike. The currents in lightning range up to 400kA with average individual stroke of lightning ranging between 25kA to 40kA, the total current will be divided between the different paths of the lightning strikes.

When lightning strikes a stepped leader works its way towards the ground and is met by an upward leader that comes from the ground then a number of return strokes occur which are flashes from the point of contact to the cloud.

Lightning strikes cannot be prevented, they can only be intercepted or diverted onto a path that if well designed will not result in damage, injury or loss of life. Any designed path to earth should have a low impedance connection to earth; this means that the opposition to the flowing current should not be high. The measure is calculated using a complex formula but a protection system can be designed to have low impedance connection.

Lightning protection should always be installed by certificated ATLAS accredited lightning protection designer, if this is not possible measures should be taken to ensure that the installation is assessed by a suitably qualified ATLAS company and that the lightning protection installation will work and protect the building and its occupants against the effects of a lightning strike.

To discuss your lightning protection requirements email our design team at info@churchillsc.co.uk

Selecting Conductors For Your Lightning Protection System

2012-01-24T08:46:00.000-08:00

One of the most important components of any lightning protection system is the actual lightning conductor. Conductors are available in two different materials, aluminium and copper and a range of different widths, the most common width used in the UK is 25x3mm.

Designers of lightning protection system will establish the correct width and length from the formulas needed to design the system to ensure the down conductors are capable of transferring the energy and forces of a lightning protection strike safely to earth.

To assist architects and designers of buildings conductors are also available in a wide selection of PVCs lightning protection is required for modern buildings there are a range of pvc covered colours for both aluminium and copper conductor tape. These colours such as black, green, grey, stone, white and brown have been selected to blend in with most modern buildings so the aesthetic impact of the conductor is reduced.

Conductors are also available in flat, solid circular and stranded versions. Flat tape lightning conductors are the most traditional and is also considered to be the easiest to install and where a degree of flexibility is required in a conductor there is also the option of fitting a copper braid.

Solid circular conductors are usually used in conditions where the aesthetic considerations are important, the solid circular conductors are still fairly easy to install but unlike the flat tape systems a straightening tool is required to achieve the desired finish, although it is rarely used in large applications there is also the option of using a stranded cable conductors.
If you require any assistance with the design of your lightning protection system or would like a sample of the products available please visit our ecommerce web site to request samples and assistance.

At Churchill’s we offer the complete solution from design to install however if you simply wish to purchase your lightning protection equipment and have it delivered anywhere in the UK within 3 working days this unique service is available via our on line store.

Surge Protection

2011-12-20T08:31:00.000-08:00

When designing lightning protection it's important to consider adequate surge protection. On a smaller scale people protect their treasured home electrical devices with surge protection devices, on a larger scale devices are available to protect a wide range of items such as servers, communications, data storage, telephony etc.

There are a number of forms of protection needed against surges as there is more than one type of surge. One type of surge is transient over voltages which are short duration high magnitude voltage peaks with fast rising edges, often described as "spikes". The most common cause of these spikes is lightning strikes, but they can be caused by electrical switching when there is increased demand placed upon an electrical system it becomes overpowered. These surges can cause devastating damage to systems that are not protected. The most severe damage is to cable installation which in a worst case scenario can result in fatalities through either electric shocks or fire. Other damages can be to electrical and electronic equipment resulting in data loss, degradation and equipment failure. These aspects can cost a company a lot of revenue, in terms of a loss of productivity, product spoilage, staff overtime and delays to clients, not forgetting sales lost to competitors when your business is unable to run smoothly.

There are different types of surge protection devices dependent on the type of transient over-voltage. Direct lightning strikes are protected by lightning current or equipotential bonding SPDs. Indirect lightning strikes and switching transients are protected by transient over-voltage SPDs. The main purpose of lightning current and equipotential bonding SPD's are to prevent sparking from cable damage by lightning strike, so the site does not become a fire hazard. Transient over-voltage SPD's are there to protect against secondary effects of indirect lightning and switching transients such as data loss and equipment failure.

There are certain areas that require surge protection in order for the protection to be adequate. You need to protect all cables which enter and leave a building including mains power supplies (including UPS), data communication and local are network cables, signal, control, instrumentation and alarm lines, CCTV, satellite, TV and antenna cables and telephone and telemetry lines. It is also important to protect the power supply local to important equipment, electronic equipment outside the main building.

Whatever the surge protection needed you can get both surge protection devices and advice from Churchill Specialist Contracting.

Lightning Protection Standards

2011-12-12T05:07:00.000-08:00

The design of a suitable lightning protection system should always be undertaken by a suitably qualified BS EN 62305 2006 designer with certification to prove their competence, however unfortunately this is not always the case and unscrupulous designers have been known to deliberately under specify the design requirements ensuring they are then awarded the business.

At Churchill Specialist Contracting all Lightning protection designers are fully certificated and as part of very specialised and qualified team work under two renowned and highly beneficial quality systems: UKAS OHSAS 18001 and ISO 9001 both with LRQA. All directly employed site engineers are qualified to a minimum NVQ level 2 industry standard an achievement unparallel in the lightning protection sector.

Churchill Specialist Contracting offer two types of lightning protection the conventional Faraday cage type installation and the Pulsar ESE System of lightning protection that conforms to the European code NFC17-102 1995.

The BS EN 62305 2006 standard is split into 4 parts, Part 1 outlines the theory behind the protection methods that the other 3 parts require. Part 2 looks at risk management in installation and calculates the risk of loss of human life, loss of service to the public, loss of cultural heritage and loss of economic value. The third part details the protection measures required as a lightning protection system comprises of 3 main components, an air termination network to capture the lightning protection, down conductors to take the charge down to the ground and an earth termination system to disperse the lightning current safely to earth. Part 4 of the standard is the requirements to lightning protect electronic systems from a lightning electromagnetic impulse. Many modern systems need protection from the threat of lost and destroyed data, equipment damage, and repair work for remote and unmanned stations, loss of production and most importantly the reduction of a potential Health & Safety hazard.

Churchill Specialist Contractors offer onsite training via the OSAT route in the nationally recognised qualification NVQ. To qualify and work towards these qualification candidates must have 2 years Approved Prior Learning (APL) experience. As all Churchill’s directly employed engineers have this NVQ qualification you can be assured you are working with experienced and competent engineers.

So while lightning protection can be installed by contractors in closely related sectors such as electricians, alarm engineers etc if you don't want to take advantage of complete lightning protection installation services it is always worth having an inspection by a fully accredited company like Churchill Specialist Contracting to ensure lightning protection system will be effective and comply with all relevant standards.

Lightning Protection - Metal Theft

2011-11-09T03:01:00.000-08:00

The theft of metal is continuously on the increase and whilst ever scrap prices remain high unfortunately it is a trend that will continue to blight so many including schools, hospitals, hotels, railways in fact any building or structure fitted with lightning protection.

Lightning protection systems commonly consist of copper or aluminium and why PVC sheathing can be fitted to take away the initial obvious presence of either copper or aluminum thieves very quickly get to know and become more aware of where and how lightning protection systems are installed.

Lightning protection systems are installed to almost every new commercial building constructed in the UK however where new modern constructions allow the use of structural steels to be incorporated reducing the opportunity for theft, existing structures do not always have this luxury. As a result external copper and aluminium down conductors are installed and unless they are adequately protected become a very soft target for thieves and vandals.

As a conductor we have recently witnessed a huge increase in the amount of enquiries from local councils, hospitals and businesses requiring stolen down conductors replacing, often security at schools and hospitals is in adequate so any additional precautionary measures need to be considered.

To prevent the theft of copper and aluminium down conductors Churchills supply and fit vandal/theft guards that are simply fitted over the down conductor secured with anti vandal fixing thus fully protecting the downtape conductor and preventing theft/damage.

The vandal/theft guards are economical and quick to install and offer a complete deterrent against theft or vandalism.

For more information on the supply and installation of this very simple but highly effective product please contact us on 0844 504 9998 or visit our web site where guards can be purchased for self installation.

Earthing Equipment

2011-10-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

An essential requirement of all modern day structures and systems is an efficient and effective earthing system with a suitable earthing system being a key part of any lightning protection installation.

All earthing systems require specific key components in order for them to be beneficial, with lightning protection the designer planning the earthing system must decide on the conductor type to be used of which there are three commonly used types of conductor:

- Flat tape

- Solid Circular

- Stranded Cable

Above ground there is a choice of conductor materials that can be used, albeit the choice is often between copper or aluminum, however below ground the most appropriate conductor material is copper, this is mainly because copper possesses greater anti corrosion properties.

Earth rods and earth plates are commonly used as Earth installations, the primary function of earth rods is to take advantage of lower resistivity soils at greater depths than standard excavation will allow. Earth plates are used to attain an effective earth in shallow soil where ground conditions are not conductive for installing earth rods.

All effective earthing systems also rely on connections and joints that provide good electrical conductivity with high mechanical strength. Joints and connections that are poorly chosen and incorrectly installed will potentially damage and compromise the performance of the earthing system.

A high quality electrical connection is required, exothermic welding is a straight forward method that uses no external power or heat source. Connections are created using the high temperature reaction between powdered copper oxide and aluminium. Correct connections will never loosen and are highly conductive and have exceptional corrosion resistance.

Compression connections may be used in circumstances where exothermic welding is not suitable for creating long-lasting connections. Very sturdy joints can be provided by compression connectors, they can be buried in the ground or in concrete.

When permanent connections are not appropriate, the ideal method is mechanical clamps. Mechanical clamps are more often used on smaller scale installations where periodic disconnection for testing is required. Top quality mechanical clamps are manufactured from high copper content alloy and will as a minimum posses mechanical strength, outstanding corrosion resistance and conductivity.

It's crucial that all earthing systems receive frequent inspection and testing, installation inspection pits enable easy access to earth electrodes and conductors. A reliable and convenient way of providing a common earth point is via the use of earth bars, integral disconnection links mean the earth bars can be isolated for testing purposes.

In areas where necessary resistance levels are difficult to obtain, Earth electrode backfills can be used, these products such as Marconite or Bentonite effectively enhance the electrodes surface area thus reducing its resistance to earth.

The Importance of Lightning Protection

2011-04-28T04:54:00.000-07:00

Lightning strikes are one of the most common occurrences on Earth and they happen everywhere on the planet and often are sudden and severe.

Lightning Protection is a consideration for all business owners, but it is something that often gets overlooked. Insurance is often the first place many business owners turn, but it may not be the best option instead the best option is to try and prevent damage/loss from occurring in the first place and lightning strikes are one of the most preventable disasters. Lightning can destroy entire neighborhoods, one strike can quickly turn a building into an inferno if the conditions are right, beyond fire damage lightning can cause electrical problems which can be very expensive to repair and cost businesses lost production time.

One of the easiest ways to remove the destructive force of a lightning strike is to channel the energy somewhere safe, if the lightning is directed into the earth without passing through non-conducting materials, like wood, brick, or concrete, damage will often be minimal or completely avoided. When this path is created, it is called earthing, Earthing is easily the most effective way to protect a building but it can't completely protect the electrical systems contained within a building.

Electrical components in a lightning struck building are vulnerable to damage even when a building is well grounded. If electrical items such as computers are damaged it can have a significant cost to a business. One way to prevent damage to electrical systems is via the installation of a Faraday Cage, a network/grid system that is designed to protect every part of a building and direct any strike through to earth. A second way to prevent damage to electrical systems during a lightning strike is to fit surge protection. Surge protectors are useful for dealing with extra electricity that can occur after a lightning strike. Surge protectors divert excess electricity before it can damage occurs within an electrical system contained within a building, surge protection is reliable and very cost-effective.

With lightning being one of the most common natural occurrences on the planet, it could be considered foolish to allow your business to remain unprotected.

The Advantages Of Earthing Systems

2010-12-06T07:32:00.000-08:00

In the United Kingdom, an earthing system identifies the electrical potential of the conductors relative to the conductive surface of the Earth. The world is a conductor rated at reference (zero) potential, referred to as earth in the UK. People are in direct contact with earth, so when something within a person’s reach becomes charged to a different voltage from earth a shock hazard occurs. The earthing process connects all parts which could become charged to the mass of earth to provide a path for fault currents which are a shock hazard. Earthing prevents a potential difference between earth and earthed parts, while allowing the flow of a fault current which will cause the operation of the protective system in place designed specifically to simply reduce the incidence of a shock hazard and provide protection in the case of lightning strike.

In the past, earthing was considered a black art, a practice with no scientific value, but regarded as necessary due to lore or tradition. Currently proper earthing processes are established through scientific methods to best predict electrical current dissipation under fault conditions and the consequent voltages possible. To design adequate earthing system specific information is gathered and evaluated: 1) expected fault current and its characteristics, 2) fault current duration, and 3) soil resistivity. The analysis of this information, best practice engineering, and utilization of industry standards create a dependable solution to reduce the hazard of electrical shock.

In the UK, the following technical standards are utilized to create earthing systems:
1. BS 7430: 1999 – British Standard Code of Practice for “Earthing”
2. IEEE 80 – Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding
3. Electricity Association Technical Specification (EA TS) 41-24
4. Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
5. Electricity Supply Regulations 1988

The services of a reputable lightning protection and earthing systems contractor should provide services including design, supply, installation, commissioning, test and inspection, plus maintenance of the systems after installation. Such specialists devoted to providing a comprehensive service for lightning protection and earthing systems in the UK can be found at Churchill Specialist Contracting Ltd. These specialists include engineers and installation teams with vast knowledge and experience and the sectors most comprehensively qualified and certificated operatives both on site and managerial level. All projects undertaken by CSC Ltd are completed in accordance with UK Codes of Practice and the new European standard BS EN 62305: 2006 “Protection Against Lightning and BS 7430 “Earthing.”

How to be a Rope Access Technician?

2010-11-01T03:39:00.000-07:00

Rope access is typically used on projects that are difficult or costly to access with traditional scaffolding, cranes, or other types of mobile platforms. The modern twin rope access techniques used today see each rope having a separate anchoring point and fail safe descent mechanism. There are usually two rope access technicians working together so they can assist each other in the event of an emergency or alternatively self rescue, workers are generally very well experienced in the use of ropes and would have passed rigorous testing that they must regularly update proving their ability and understanding of safe systems of work. The equipment used is inspected regularly and kept in top condition.

When inspection or repair work is required on a tall structure that cannot be accessed by another method, modern rope access technicians are used for this type of work, today many off shore oil platforms maintain full time rope access workers for inspection, maintenance repair and construction requirements.
The techniques and applications for the use of rope access lends itself very well to the steeplejack and lightning protection industry, the recent surge in the use of modern twin rope access has seen a requirement for more steeplejacks and lightning protection engineers to familiarise themselves with what is considered a more user friendly system when comparing twin rope access to the more traditional heavy duty bosun seat method of rope access historically employed by steeplejacks

Lightning Protection Systems

2010-09-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

Many children have a natural fear of thunder; let’s face it, it can be quite scary. As we get older we learn about the cause of thunder and how destructive lightning really can be. Lessons that the people at the lightning protection system team at Churchill Specialist Contracting Ltd know all about. The harm that lightning can cause to people is very well known, we have all heard the horror stories; organ failure, blindness, deafness, neural damage, it even causes death in one third of cases. Builds and other structures are not immune to similar damage, and as in the case of human beings it can be prevented.

As health and safety issues become increasingly common in the work place, it is only right that companies follow OHSAS guidelines to ensure not only the well being of their employees, but also take a vested interest in the well being of their property and assets. Lightning can not only cause massive damage to the exterior of a build, it can wreak havoc with internal electrical systems. Computers and data storage devices can be destroyed, losing weeks, months or even years of important records and information which in itself can cost millions to replace.

It is important to understand the magnitude of the energy unleashed by lightning, often exceeding 100 million volts and 40’000 amperes. This power can create huge amounts of heat in water saturated, porous materials used in the construction of buildings, causing them to explode as the water content is flash boiled. The solution: to provide a low-resistance path for the lightning circuit. Churchill Specialist Contracting Ltd is staffed by time served and experienced engineers who are highly skilled in lightning protection and earthing systems, from design and testing to installation. They also offer an alternative to the conventional Faraday cage type installation, the Helita “Pulsar” ESE system of lightning protection that conforms to the requirements of a European code, the French code of practice NFC17-102. 1995.

2010-09-23T06:05:00.000-07:00

Whether you have a contractual requirement to gain certification to OHSAS 18001, or one of the growing numbers of organisations looking to reduce the overall risks to the organisation and demonstrate good governance, there are a number of key benefits with implementing a certified OHS management system. These include:

a structured approach to hazard identification and risk management which can contribute to the provision of a healthier and safer working environment and the avoidance of a high proportion of accidents and occupational health problems – this should help reduce lost time through employee illness and injury
the management of health and safety becoming more transparent and effective by translating the outputs of risk assessment, audits, inspections, legal reviews and incident investigations into action plans to minimise the risk of accidents
improved staff morale, potential reductions in liability claims and lower insurance premiums
increased credibility from having an OHS management system independently assessed

In the world of contracting employing an organisation accredited to OHSAS 18001 provide unrivalled confidence that a business not only has safe systems of work in place it also takes very seriously it’s role and responsibilities in protecting the well being of it’s own employees together with those who have a potential to be affected by it’s undertakings.

In a world demanding a requirement for accreditations and compliance it is very easy for the value of OHSAS 18001 to be lost amongst a plethora of more easily available and less stringent and demanding alternatives, OHSAS 18001 has always been and will remain the pinnacle for all organisations serious about their health & safety & occupational health obligations.

As more organisations wake up to the value of OHSAS 18001 more emphasis will be placed on a requirement by blue chips to seek to employ accredited companies, as this spreads only then can the construction world benefit from reducing injury and fatalities which blights the sector.

Why compromise, employ an OHSAS 18001 accredited contractor and discover the future of contracting......

Summer Lightning Protection

2010-08-16T04:01:00.000-07:00

The summer can bring with it a plethora of thunder and lightning storms, which can cause costly damages to businesses. If a business is hit by lightning it can cause a lot of damage and expense that some business owners simply cannot afford.

Businesses protect themselves from the risks of lightning damages by installing a Lightning Protection and Specialist Earthing system. This involves employing a team of highly trained engineers and certified (Passport of Safety) professionals who provide a range of services including design, supply, installation and commissioning. The engineers at Churchill Steeplejack will assess the site requirements and conditions, as well as test and maintain the lightning protection systems to ensure they operate safely and reliably throughout their lifetime.

The different systems that can be installed include a Faraday Cage or the ESE Pulsar 'Early Streamer Emission'. The systems work by delivering a gain in efficiency. The ESE Pulsar is able to capture the lightning stroke and push it downwards into the ground, which will prevent damage. Compared to other systems, the ESE Pulsar requires very few conductors leaving less of an impact on the structure of the building and a much shorter installation time period. It is also one of the most cost effective protection systems against lightning. Churchill Steeplejack recommends this system for structures that have a single air terminal. The radius of protection will extend to at least 100 meters. Large sites can often benefit from this type of lightning structure. Buildings that are set in urban areas with a small amount of space should use the Helita Pulsar system.

Another option for a lightning protection system is the BS 7430 "Earthing". This system is very safe and is installed by experienced engineers. The engineer will carefully look over the site and examine the conditions before the installation process. This is to make sure that the systems are reliable and safe. One of the factors examined is the soil resistivity. This is usually determined by using a tool called a "Wenner".

It is important for business owners to protect their structures against lightning as the damages could be very severe. Lightning protection systems not only prevent costly damages but more importantly they protect the safety of employees and people in the surrounding area of the structure.

The Impact of Lightning Strikes on Businesses

2010-07-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

Lightning is said to strike the ground around 8 million times a day and the impact that this can have on businesses can be very severe.

According to a survey carried out by a German insurance company, lightning accounts for 27.4% of damages to electronic equipment. Studies carried out by French insurance company AXA have also concluded that after a fire, one out of every two businesses ends up having to cease trading within five years. This is due to the damages it causes to real estate and IT Equipment etc., which prevent the company from continuing with their business.

Furthermore due to the impact of global warming and the change in climate, scientists have predicted that this is likely to increase the risk of extreme weather conditions, with as many as double or triple the amount of lightning strikes by 2050. Moreover the increased use of silicon-based, micro-controlled devices across our society are making businesses more and more at risk to the threats of lightning.

Insurance companies do not as yet encourage Lightning protection measures to be adopted as standard practice. To protect a business from the damage that could potentially be caused by lightning strikes, Lightning protection systems can be put in place. This system works by diverting the flow of electricity away from the structure and passing it through into the ground.

It is of vital importance that companies are properly protected against the risks of lightning destruction, as it has the potential to seriously affect a business. A disciplined and systematic approach to lightning protection should be adopted as this will reduce the risk, ultimately reducing the costs to a business.

Lightning and Earthing Protection in the UK

2010-06-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

Everyone in the world has seen the tremendous power of lightning. It is beautiful but its power can be very destructive. Lightning strikes on average 2100 people a year and one third of those strikes have ended in death. Those individuals who have survived these strikes suffer from damage to the eardrums, vision, lungs, organs and the nervous system. Lightning protection for your building will help lower the risk to the people in your buildings. There are quite a few systems to help prevent damage to buildings and the people who are nearby.

Grounding structures against lightning is a good thing to start out with. This is generally an electrode that is buried in the ground. The electrode attracts currents and the electrical energy away from buildings. This helps reduce power surges to equipment inside and outside a building.
A Lightning Rod is the most common type of electrical storm prevention. It can usually be seen on top of tall buildings, where tall metallic poles attract the electrical currents. Though they are great at conducting the electrical currents away from the actual building it does not protect against power surges inside the building.

Downconductors are structures that are built at least 10 feet into the ground around the outside of a building. It draws the electrical energy away from the building and into the ground. It helps prevent a flashover, which is an unintended electrical discharge, which can damage buildings or personnel nearby. Bonding is a form of downconductor that protects metallic structures like AC, Gas, water pipes, and signal lines and prevents them from attracting lightning. Transients and Surges help protect against electrical surges. It stops currents and blocks energy from traveling through wires. To get the full efficiency of this protection it should be paired with lightning rods or external building protectors. These will help prevent damage to any kind of electronic device that can occur during a lightning strike.

The last defense is a Detection which is a warning system that protects buildings and power lines before an electrical storm occurs. It can be used to disconnect power lines or keep them on standby for need. This does help reduce damage from lightning strikes but it does not use all the necessary information about electrical storms.

As you can see there are many different forms of lightning protection. It is vital that buildings be equipped with these safety measures to ensure that the occupants and the building are secure from lightning strikes. Choose a company that uses high quality material and is equipped for dealing with any need of your business. Churchill Steeplejacks is the experienced company for you.

The Importance of Lightning Protection

2010-05-24T05:21:00.000-07:00

The Importance of Lightning Protection

Lightning strikes approximately 2100 people a year worldwide and one third of those strikes, called strokes, result in death. The people that live are never quite the same. Physical and emotional difficulties tend to plague them the rest of their lives. Heart attacks, burst eardrums, optical impairment, damage to the lungs and other organs, as well as the nervous system are quite common.

Golfing, boating, swimming, standing under a tree, talking on the phone, using water and operating electrical appliances seem to be the activities which draw the greatest number of strikes. Air travel is relatively safe; planes usually have an aluminum outer shell, which is a good conductor of electricity. Lightning is potentially hazardous to all electrical devises. There is a variety of lightning and sudden surge protectors on the market today. Grounding any structure is important. Grounding permits dispersion of electricity and conduction into the ground, where it is less harzardous.

The importance of lightning protection cannot be stressed enough. It is difficult to make lightning protectors for individuals, because people represent constantly moving objects. The greatest available protection for human life is to remain indoors. If a person is out of doors, then it is vital either to be in a car touching no metal, or to be at the lowest elevation possible, such as a valley. Be aware. Listen for the timing between lightning and its resultant thunder. Fifteen to thirty seconds between the two offers a warning that the strike is extremely close. Therefore, finding appropriate shelter as quickly as possible is necessary. Water is a good conductor of electricity due to its positive molecular charge. If there is a “downed” power line lying in water, it can be fatal to walk through that water.

Can a fraction of one second change a person’s whole life? We all know the answer to that question is “yes!” It is a good idea to become learned on the subject of lightning. It is a great idea to do the research and understand the importance of lightning protection “before it strikes!”

Chimney Inspections

2010-04-13T07:33:00.000-07:00

The inspection of single flue industrial chimneys is regulated by the HSE document GS53 and the ATLAS guidance booklet that builds upon the HSE document GS53.

The self supporting single flue steel chimney has commonly been used for a period in excess of 35 years during which time many have seen a change over from serving coal to oil through to the modern day gas fired boilers. This change over in fuels has left its own legacy creating very corrosive environments, this coupled with the effects of the UK climate has led to a large number of this type of structures ultimately failing, hence the HSE Guidance Note GS 53 was published in 2001.

For multi flue industrial steel chimneys the inspection guidance issued for single flue steel chimneys does not apply, the inspection of a steel multi flue chimney i.e where the waste gases do not come into direct contact with the main supporting structure, is covered in Appendix A of BS 4076 :1989.

At present there is currently no inspection guidance for concrete or brick chimneys, however due to the harsh environments and processes related to their use it is prudent to regularly inspect concrete and brick chimneys to ensure they remain in a serviceable condition.

A chimney inspector must be able to prove competency and experience with a minimum preference of being industry qualified via the NVQ route.

Work at Height Hierarchy of Risk

2010-04-07T02:51:00.000-07:00

Via risk assessment the use of a mewp to facilitate access to structures should always be the access method of choice particuarly for the completion of surveys.

In the uk truck mounted MEWPS can provide access up to working heights upwards of 70 metres.

During a recent meeting between the hse and the steeplejack federation ATLAS the hse voiced their concerns into the mindset of the steeplejack industry in relation to risk assessments for working at height and our industries continued insistance to survey structures using traditional ladders as apose to MEWPS.

Wherever it is practicable to do so Churchills always look to employ MEWPS for completing surveys of structures up to 70 metres, unfortunetly industry as a whole needs educating in relation to the Work at Height Regs it is only then that the additional cost for the use of MEWPS will become broadly accepted.

Range Rover Vogue Fails to Start Through Winter

2010-03-26T09:16:00.000-07:00

Somewhat embarrassingly the one year old range rover vogue owned by Churchills MD has broken down for the fourth time in three months leaving him stranded yet again.

Land Rover have been unable to locate a problem that completely drains power from the battery when temperatures fall below zero, having had two new batteries installed the car continues to not start in the mornings.

Land Rover continue to deny there is an issue with the car (try telling our MD that when the second time it wouldn’t start almost caused him to miss a flight for his family holiday) and reject any request to swap the vehicle.

It would appear land rover are prepared to simply bury their heads in the sand until the next cold snap comes along towards the rear of 2010 and if our MD still owns the car get ready for more head scratching sessions as they search in vain for the cause behind the vehicle not starting

Money vs Safety

2010-03-25T05:44:00.000-07:00

Can it really be true that in difficult financial times money men are potentially placing their employers at risk?

During the recent financial climate as an organisation who supply to many blue chip organisations, councils and government establishments throughout the UK it has been very disconcerting and somewhat alarming to witness the swing in the ethos of many in relation to the awarding of their contracts on a heavily cost weighted basis.

The steeplejack & lightning protection industry has taken huge strides in recent years to improve both it’s professionalism and quality of service within the construction sector, in the main this has been achieved by a change in the mindset of business owners with particular emphasis being placed on training and development and also a reduction in the amount of sub contractor labour otherwise known as ‘price work’.

All the hard work and gains made by many in our sector is now seriously under threat as the money men within awarding organisations look to cut costs by awarding contracts seemingly compromising on the level of training achievement and accreditation that is otherwise available.

The steeplejack sector in particular has long been an industry where little encouragement is required for those businesses less willing to train and achieve to take full advantage of such an opportunity, a fact that many of the long established steeplejack business will echo.
The outcome? - Sadly whilst those companies’s in our sector who have failed to invest in the development of their business benefit from an increase in activity those who have invested heavily in their business are left fighting a battle for contracts and as part of that battle face an uphill challenge in convincing the money men of the folly of their ways.

A tender recently received by Churchill’s issued by a UK council stated that the tender evaluation process would consist of 60% cost & 40% ability, in the world we live and in particular in our potentially high risk sector should the aforementioned ratios stated in the councils tender not require exchanging?

OHSAS 18001 2007

2009-12-08T08:41:00.001-08:00

In theory the attainment of OHSAS 18001 2007 should serve to provide a springboard for any organisation to expand their market share via clearly being able to demonstrate to potential clients their proven and documented approach to health & safety in the work place.

However the sad truth is that organisations including blue chips fail to fully grasp the importance of such an accreditation and those that do are slow to promote a preference to working with companies who have achieved OHSAS 18001 2007 throughout their organisation.

This can be vey frustrating, listening on one hand to organisations promoting their values and approach to H&S but in reality experiencing their failings in ensuring companies holding such accreditations are actively promoted from within.

The most frustrating scenario is the one of familiarity, often large blue chips operate as satellites and the selection of a contractor can often be purely based on experience e.g having used a particular company for years.

Regardless of this Churchill Steeplejacks are still very proud to be the first Steeplejack company to be accredited to this standard.

Churchills go for OHSAS 18001

2009-10-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

Churchill Steeplejacks (UK) Ltd are on course to be the first organisation operating in the steeplejack and lightning protection sector to obtain the coveted OHSAS 18001 Standard.

What is it?

OHSAS 18001 is the British recognised standard for occupational health and safety management. The standard can be adopted by any organisation wishing to implement a formal procedure to manage the risks associated with health and safety at work. The standard is designed to clarify an organisation's impact on health and safety issues, as well as to help reduce the risk of accidents and any breach in legal requirements.

The History of the OHSAS 18001 Standard

The OHSAS 18001 standard was developed to bridge the gap where no international standard existed for occupational health and safety. Development involved input from a number of leading bodies, including certifiers, trade bodies and expert consultancies.
The first version of the standard appeared in 1999 and was based on a number of existing standards (including BS8800:1996) that had been developed by the leading national certification bodies.
The current version of the standard is OHSAS 18001:2007. This supersedes OHSAS 18001:1999, which is to be phased out by July 2009. Thereafter it will no longer be recognised.
Despite not being an ISO standard (although it is currently in the process of being elevated to this level), OHSAS 18001 has been designed to be compatible with the ISO 9001 (Quality) and ISO 14001 (Environmental) standards, thus helping organisations to achieve an integrated management strategy.
The OHSAS 18001 standard specifies a number of key criterion for an organisation to demonstrate and includes:-
Planning for hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control
Structure and responsibility
Training, awareness and competence
Consultation and communication
Operational control
Emergency preparedness and response
Performance measuring, monitoring and improvement

Benefits of an OHSAS 18001 System

Most organisations pursue OHSAS 18001 certification to qualify for a tender or to achieve preferred supplier status: e.g. for a Local Authority. However, there are many other benefits that can be gained, including:

Reduced risk to employees, customers and suppliers
Reduction in the costs associated with accidents at work
Enhanced staff morale and motivation
Demonstrate legal compliance
Reduced insurance premiums
Competitive advantage
Enhance status

We can now demonstrate that our delivery is managed efficiently and responsibly, and that they can provide a reliable service free of the downtime associated with work-related accidents and incidents.

Concrete Chimney Demolition

2009-07-03T04:13:00.000-07:00

The removal of 3no 60m steel flues from within the reinforced concrete windshield at the old Roche site in Welwyn Garden City was safely completed with the use of a 300 ton mobile crane.

The 3no flues were removed to facilitate the felling of the concrete windshield which was dismantled in a piece meal small fashion with all dismantled concrete falling to ground inside the chimney for retrieval at the base.

Churchills used their in-house crane capabilities utilising Crane Appointed persons and Competent Slinger banksman to complete this phase of the job

The demolition of the concrete windshield started week commencing 15th June using Churchills specialist demolition rig and concrete cutting methodology which has been employed to demolish 2975m of reinforced concrete chimneys with wall thicknesses ranging from 150mm to 400mm

The 60m reinforced concrete chimney at the old Roche site in Welywn Garden City was reduced by 40m in only 20 days, the base 20m will be demolished using a high reach machine.

The reinforced concrete wall with an average thickness of 200mm was demolished with total efficiency using Churchills tried and test concrete cutting methodology.

Photographs depicting the chimney prior to the installation of our demolition rig are shown below.

To view a list of similar contracts completed by Churchills please visit our web site and go to our Demolition & Dismantling page and click on the PDF download.

Power Station Chimney Re Lining Project

2009-07-01T00:49:00.000-07:00

In December 2008 Churchills were appointed directly by e-on and mobilised to site to commence with the removal and replacement of 2no 110m tall brick flues housed within a 107m tall concrete windshield.

The removal of both brick linings was completed through the Christmas holidays to ensure a hand over date of March 2009 remained achievable.

During the removal of the brick linings the internal cast concrete ring beams that supported the internal brickwork at regular intervals throughout their height were found to have eroded beyond repair. Working with e-on engineers Churchills designed replacement ring beam supports to be installed in conjunction with the re bricking of both vertical flues.

Exposed to some of the coldest temperatures in recent years and now having to work night shifts through January, February and March to remain on programme Churchills installed internal access platforms to facilitate the re building of both flues and completed on time and within budget.

Churchills Accreditation

2009-05-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

A total of ten Churchill Steeplejacks operatives have successfully achieved the SSSTS accreditation for site supervision.

This level of commitment to training will ensure that all Churchill sites will have the construction industry requirement in relation to on site supervision. Add to this the following minimum requirement for a Churchill Steeplejacks (UK) Ltd site based team and our clients have arguably one the most highly trained and qualified workforces at their disposal;

The following are all managed by a team consisting of two NEBOSH in construction departmental managers

SSSTS
CSCS Industry Gold Card
CCNSG Passport to Safety
Quarry Passport
NVQ Level 2 Steeplejack/Lightning Protection Engineers
NVQ Level 3 Advanced Steeplejack
IPAF
Confined Space Working
NDT Dye Penetrant Testing
Abrasive Wheels
Mobile Towers
Safety Harness Inspection
PAT Testing
LOLER Equipment Testing
Appointed Person
Asbestos Awareness
Rescue & Recovery at Height
Slinger/Banksman
First Aid
Safe Earth Testing
Safe Road Digging

Concrete Chimney Refurbishment

2009-04-20T03:46:00.000-07:00

A 60k project to refurbish 2no 45m reinforced concrete chimneys at The University of East Anglia has been completed within program and within budget by Churchill Steeplejacks (UK) Ltd

The project was completed over a twelve week period with a three man team in attendance and included the replacement and repair of the capping arrangements, concrete repairs to each windshield, lightning protection upgrade and the application of a protective paint system.

A steel support framework was also installed around the summit of both chimneys to provide structural support to the upper regions of each windshield.

The cold weather conditions experienced during January and February 2009 delayed the application of the paint product which required temperatures of 5 degrees and rising, following the completion of the contract the chimney windshields will remain free of maintenance for at least the next seven year period.

Steel Chimney Emergency Callout

2009-04-14T00:50:00.000-07:00

A steel chimney located at Eastwood Comprehensive School in Nottinghamshire fell victim of the strong winds that hit the county during the earlier hours 23rd March 2009.

Churchills received an emergency call out request from the school who feared the chimney was in imminent danger of falling over, Churchills dispatched a three man team to site together with a mobile crane and successfully dismantled the chimney just in time to preventing it falling into classrooms below.

Once the chimney had been successfully dismantled Churchills then set about arranging for the manufacturer and installation of a temporary smaller chimney section to be fitted to the remaining base section of the chimney to ensure the school could continue to provide hot water and therefore remain open.

From receiving the emergency call all of the aforementioned work was safely completed within a 12 hour period.

This was possible due to Churchills possessing in house Crane Appointed Persons who were able to plan and manage the lifting operations with minimum notice coupled with our fabrication capacity.

These photographs depict the chimney in it's precarious position upon our arrival to site.

The importance of the inspection and maintenance of this type of insulated steel chimney has been recognised by the Health & Safety Executive who together with the steeplejack federation A.T.L.A.S have issued guidance notes detailing a thorough inspection criteria. Unfortunately whilst this particular chimney had been regularly inspected it would appear that the inspector had not completed the survey in accordance with the aforementioned recommendations.

SPECIALISTS IN HIGH RISE DEMOLITION & STRUCTURAL MAINTENANCE

2009-04-01T00:25:00.000-07:00

In 2004 Churchill Steeplejacks (UK) Ltd were awarded the contract to complete the external refurbishment of a115m tall concrete cooling tower at Ratcliffe On Soar Power station.

Following the successful completion of the contract that saw Churchills provide, install and maintain all motorised access cradles and complete the contract with no sub contract element the contract was extended for the following four year period to include 6 of the 8no cooling towers at Ratcliffe on Soar.

Each cooling tower project involved up to 12 operatives working on a tower at any one time from the motorised access platforms suspended from the summit of the tower

One of the biggest challenges faced was how to ensure safe access and egress for all operatives working on the tower together with ensuring systems for effectively rescuing and recovering operatives within a twelve minute period from any position on the tower were in place at all times. This was successfully achieved via the deployment of a full time rope access team positioned on the scaffold at the summit of the tower.

Over 56000 man hours were engaged and in excess of 5000 temporary anchor locations were installed to complete the six towers, all being completed within program, within budget and most importantly without incident.

Suspended Access Platforms in operation

Installation of access scaffold around the full circumference

Churchill Steeplejacks Obtain CSCS Platinum Standard

2009-03-26T04:24:00.000-07:00

Churchill Steeplejacks UK Ltd are the proud recipients of the CSCS Platinum Award that recognises a companies achievement in attaining more than a 90% ratio of it's workforce being CSCS accredited card holders.

Churchills have achieved the highest award available from CSCS with a 100% attainment level for it's employees with not one of the 40no cards being a minimum general workers accreditation and with all being industry related.

Boasting 2no NEBOSH in construction departmental managers, 12no SSSTS site based Operatives and one of only 2no NVQ level 3 Steeplejack assesors/trainers in the country this recognition by CSCS highlights further the companies passion for training it’s staff ensuring we possess the most highly trained, skilled and qualified workforce operating in our sector.

Pectel Group in Administration

2009-01-16T00:36:00.000-08:00

The Pectel Group formed in 1982 entered into administration 12th December 2008 becoming Churchill Steeplejacks (UK) Ltd largest debtor since the formation of the company in 1994.

On the day Churchills completed extensive decommissioning work to the disused 45m concrete boiler chimney at the University Hospital Birmingham administrators Zolfo Cooper of Manchester were called in.

Formed in 1982 as an asbestos removal firm the growth of the Pectel Group saw them include no fewer than 12 Limited companies at the time they entered into administration with over 250 employees nationwide.

Traditional Profession conforming to Modern Ways

2008-11-12T07:22:00.000-08:00

The traditional steeplejack profession remains a peculiarity in this modern high tech world, with stringent legislative requirements for working at height bringing about trade groups such as ATLAS, IRATA, PASMA and IPAF, the steeplejack industry that previously relied on experience mixed with a certain amount of bravery has been forced to reinvent itself.

As part of this reinvention process the steeplejack industry now operates its own NVQ based qualification with it’s very own training college based at the Construction Skills Bircham Newton site in Norfolk. Possessing an NVQ qualification is not a pre requisite for employment in the steeplejack sector, however the number of steeplejacks whose only claim of competency is through industry experience is rapidly dwindling. Like many traditionally based industries the process of changing the mindset of both employees & employers a like could be likened to turning an oil tanker around.

The experienced modern day Steeplejack Foreman will be able to recall a time in his youth when the wearing of a safety harness and attachment at all times to a means of preventing a fall was unheard of. These experienced long serving Foreman have witnessed vast improvements in their working environment over a period of 20 years and whilst bravery will always be a prerequisite for a steeplejack thankfully stupidity and unnecessary risk taking will not.

It is without question that the Steeplejack industry has become a much safer sector within construction, with an NVQ Level 2 & most recently level 3 in Advanced Steeplejacking (constructed by Churchill Steeplejacks very own Health & Safety Manager Darreth Crane) now available the mindset required for anyone wanting to make a career steeplejacking has changed forever.

As a modern company operating in the steeplejack sector all 23no Churchill Steeplejacks site based operatives have completed or are currently enrolled on an NVQ Level 2 Steeplejacking qualification. Coupled with 10no Foreman who also posses the Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme qualification our company wide CSCS Gold Standard and a raft of 3rd party training qualifications’ ensures our workforce is not only highly qualified but most importantly are adequately trained and competent to complete any task safely whilst working at height.