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.
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Work at Height Hierarchy of Risk
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.
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.
Friday, 26 March 2010
Range Rover Vogue Fails to Start Through Winter
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
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
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Money vs Safety
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?
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?
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
OHSAS 18001 2007
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.
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.
Monday, 19 October 2009
Churchills go for OHSAS 18001
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.
Friday, 3 July 2009
Concrete Chimney Demolition
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.
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