Contamination: A Dirty Problem

The article discusses contamination arising from fire, water damage, and storms, emphasising its diverse forms like soot, odors, water-related issues, mold, and asbestos. It stresses the urgency of identifying and addressing contamination promptly to reinstate properties while minimizing costs, showcasing Hawkins’ expertise in forensic investigations and specialised techniques for mitigation and restoration.

Concrete – Hard Lessons

Image of concrete column with mangled piping

Jamie Paterson discusses the issues found within reinforced concrete and how they affect the durability and life-expectancy of reinforced concrete buildings.

Beware the Repair

Picture of unused white appliances

Second-hand domestic appliances can appeal to the budget-conscious, environmentally-minded, or bargain lovers alike. Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and eBay, all offer inexpensive used appliances; however, these appliances come with no guarantees and no certainty over the provenance of the appliance.

Open Plan Office Acoustics (BS ISO 22955)

Open plan office with screening

To that effect, BS ISO 22955:2021 “Acoustics – Acoustic quality of open office spaces” aims to give guidance in the design and construction of open office space for acoustics and its cognitive effects.

Defining Spaces in Public Address and Voice Alarm System Design

Image of Person Looking at Announcement Board

While a Public Address System is used to convey general information or paging, they often double-up as a Voice Alarm System, used to convey emergency or safety information, such as “beware of unattended packages” or evacuation guidance in emergencies. Voice Alarm Systems must be designed and perform to the minimum requirements set out in British Standards.

Scaffolding: Collapses and Falls

Picture of building site with scaffolding

Work at height, including the erection of scaffolding, is a hazardous activity, and regrettably, injuries occur during scaffolding work. To provide guidance in preventing this, the NASC issued a pocket booklet, with the current (as of 2022) version being titled ‘SG4:22 Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations’.