Taking design and safety to new heights
While everyone understands the dangers of working at height, not everybody is familiar with the challenges or solutions on offer. Understanding how protection works, and what’s best for each situation …
Roofing & Maintenance
Is a scaffold tower really your best option?
Scaffolding is a common sight on buildings across the UK, and often the go-to choice when ladders or work platforms are unsuitable. However, in some situations, a full scaffolding solution may …
Big Foot Supplies Custom Support for Acoustic Screening
Big Foot Systems has supplied custom support for acoustic screening on the rooftop of a mixed-use development of luxury flats, offices and retail outlets at Hatton Wall in Holborn, London. The …
Don’t neglect your fixed ladder safety responsibilities
It is a common misconception that due to their static nature, fixed ladders do not need inspecting regularly as with standard ladders and stepladders. However, this is not the case, and …
Why are PVC roof windows more beneficial in demanding climate conditions?
Winters in the UK are a little unpredictable. Winter 2019 was milder than average but UK cities still endured cooler temperatures, sharp frosts and snowfall. With adverse weather battering homes …
How To Stay Safe on Ladders
We’ve all seen hilarious accidents caught on camera for ‘You’ve Been Framed’, some involving ladders. And while the misfortune of others can be funny when we know that no serious …
Full Recovery of Lewisham Hospital Roof with Kemperol
KEMPER SYSTEM’s KEMPEROL® 2K-PUR solvent-free and odourless liquid waterproofing system has been used to refurbish the roof of Lewisham Hospital’s main entrance and outpatient department. Ensuring the project avoided any …
How to work safely around valley gutters
Valley gutters are a common sight on many older, industrial roofs in Scotland. A valley gutter is formed when two sloping roofs meet at opposite angles and form a ‘V’ …
A monumental refurbishment
The multi-million-pound refurbishment of an iconic memorial in New York required design, specification and application expertise. Stuart Hicks from cold-applied liquid waterproofing specialist, Kemper System, explains the process. Dedicated to …
Providing both safety and natural light…
Peacefully residing in the quaint town of Buxton, an elaborate project from Housing 21 proudly stands – named Thomas Fields. Housing 21 are a non-profit organisation who manage retirement homes …
Frequently asked questions about personal fall protection
Personal fall protection is a type of protection which is entirely reliant on the user, available in either ‘fall arrest’ or ‘fall restraint’ form. Examples include lifeline systems and anchors. …
Where to use rooftop step-over platforms
We recently wrote about the benefits of Step-Over Access Platforms and how they provide an ideal solution when navigating around a premise such as in plant rooms and warehouses, however, …
Roof windows transform character of dwelling
In the quaint village of Drymen, Stirlingshire, Paterson Gordon Architecture have transformed an ordinary, unassuming home into a dwelling that would later be visually appealing yet also functional. Inspired by …
Keeping workers safe on industrial roofs
Modern industrial roofs are littered with hazards which could cause injury when carrying out work such as plant maintenance or repair. Obstacles can range from things like cable beds or …
New Rooftop Walkway with Guardrail
We have expanded our range of safe rooftop access solutions with the introduction of Kee Walk with Guardrail. Kee Walk with Guardrail is a cost effective approach to guardrail protection. …
Safety in the replacement window industry
When installing or replacing windows, work at height can rarely be avoided, but following some very simple principles of how to work safely can reduce the likelihood of accidents, which …
How to Select Your Roof Window
With such a vast range of FAKRO roof windows available, choosing the right one for your home can look like an overwhelming decision. However, once you understand both your home …
Larger Roof Windows – More Opportunities
Studies have shown that the average person in Britain spends a minimal eight per cent of their time outside on a week day. With technology advancing at such speeds and …
The hidden danger on Scotland’s roofs
When it comes to working on roofs, many people assume the greatest danger comes in the form of falling over the roof edge. Much has been written, including by us, about …
Can Green Roofs Reduce Storm Water Run-off?
As part of a sustainable drainage system strategy, it is essential that we find and implement alternative solutions to preventing localised flooding. In built up areas 95% of the ground …
High flying refurbishment for Kemper System
The refurbishment of a roof in an exposed location, 35 metres high, can present its challenges. Stuart Hicks from Kemper System explains why a liquid waterproofing system was the best …
Do you know how to recognise competency?
‘Competency’ is a word that comes up often in discussions about work at height and construction in general. But what does it mean for you? If you are the manager …
How to provide safe access in a building
We write a lot about how our Easi-Dec Access Platforms provide safe, rapid access to the roofline level, but we also provide a range of solutions for safe, rapid access …
Dine with natural light
Paterson Gordon Architecture were approached by Mr and Mrs Smith of Glasgow to bring their fresh idea to life. The idea behind the development began when the Smiths were living …
Fixed ladder compliance: what does it mean?
Last month, we wrote about an issue many people tend to neglect: the inspection and recertification of fixed ladders. It is a common misconception that fixed ladders do not need …
Safesite achieves ISO Accreditation
We’re delighted to announce that Safesite has been awarded ISO 9001:2015, 14001:2015 and 45001:2015 certifications. These accreditations demonstrate our commitment to the environment and to providing a high quality and …
Helping to reduce social housing repair costs
When it comes to general housing repairs, Easi-Dec access platforms can help local authorities and housing associations to save money on the hire of scaffolding or access equipment such as MEWPS, …
LRWA appoints a new chairman and vice chairman
The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) has appointed a new chairman – Stuart Hicks, UK marketing manager at Kemper System, and vice chairman – Mark Flello, managing director of …
Big Foot Systems Shortlisted in H&V News Awards for Off-Shore Wind Farm Project
Sussex-based Big Foot Systems is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted in the prestigious H&V News Awards for its involvement in the “Hornsea Project One” Offshore Wind Farm. …
KEMPEROL 2K-PUR stands the test of time
A liquid roofing and waterproofing system, which was the first of its kind to be launched in the UK, has turned 20. KEMPEROL 2K-PUR, which is manufactured by Kemper System, …
Flat Roof Windows – Which one is right for your home?
The engineering behind the FAKRO flat roof window range is both detailed in its design yet simple in its operation. The windows are designed and manufactured to prioritise functionality while …
The dangers of wrongly installed eyebolts
On buildings where access is regularly required using a harness, installing eyebolts such as the Kee i-Bolt range to attach a harness line to is worth considering to make work …
What if work at height can’t be avoided?
By Richard Dyson, Safesite General Manager The work at height hierarchy states that work at height should be avoided wherever possible. Working at height can be deemed a high risk …
Do Green Roofs Improve Air Quality?
Good air quality plays a major role in the health of people living in urban environments. People who live in concentrated urban areas are often exposed to high levels of pollution, …
Three Cheers to Roof Safety
According to the HSE, falls from height are the third highest cause of fatal and major injuries in the food and drinks sector, comprising 20% of fatal accidents and a …
Ensure your Easi-Dec system is safe for 2019
According to health and safety guidelines, employers have a duty of care to ensure that all equipment is in good condition, and that all workers are trained in its use. …
Is your ladder safe to use?
Ladders are a vital part of many work at height tasks, but also contribute to a large percentage of work at height injury statistics. In general, ladders are best used …
Kee Klamp barriers for rail infrastructure projects
Kee Systems has supplied Kee Klamp barriers to construction companies working on railway infrastructure projects. Our Kee Klamp guardrails have been installed in different rail infrastructure locations to provide trackside …
Ensure your systems are safe for 2019
With a new year well and truly in full swing, most people are overwhelmed with everything they need to sort for 2019. It’s tempting to put some things on the …
Green Roofs and the Urban Heat Island Effect
It is generally accepted that it is warmer by a few degrees in urbanised areas than their rural counterparts. This is because of a phenomenon called the ‘Urban Heat Island’ …