Monthly Archives: October 2011

Builders, Building, Building Energy Efficiency, Construction, Construction Equipment, Construction Tools, Contractors, Heaters, Home Improvement, Services

Tool-Net Urges Power Tool Users To Be Safe

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Nearly every home in the country has an electric drill but today the power tool experts, Tool-Net, suggested that very few users are aware of basic safety precautions that should always be taken when using their drill. Those who do not follow these precautions run the risk of having an accident that could hurt them or damage their drill.

Tool-Net highlighted the risk that loose clothing, jewellery or long untied back hair can pose. Any of these can easily be snagged in the drill as it rotates. Whilst these should be avoided safety goggles should be worn as these help prevent damage to your eyes caused by filings or shavings that are created by drilling. Whilst the heat of a drill bit can burn hands those who choose to wear gloves should make sure they are tight fitting.

The main area of risk when drilling is that caused by the drill slipping. Tool-Net outlined five simple steps that will greatly reduce this risk. First is to use a centre punch to start your drilling and to apply even pressure throughout. Second is to secure the material you are drilling in a vice. Third is to use a drill frame if you are drilling harder materials such as metal. Fourth is to make a pilot hole if you are drilling a screw into wood. The fifth rule is to always double check that the drill bit you have selected is sitting correctly and is held tightly by the chuck.

Both corded and cordless drills have specific rules that Tool-Net urged users to follows. A common way that corded drills are damaged is through careless treatment of the electrical cord which can be damaged if strained through being tripped over, used to pull a plug out of a socket or used to carry the drill itself. Cordless drills can easily be damaged if the incorrect charger is used to charge the drill or if it is charged in temperatures beyond those recommended by the manufacturer.

A Tool-Net spokesperson commented that “drills are an essential power tool and following these simple rules will help users avoid the risk of accident, injury or damage to their drill”.

Via EPR Network
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Builders, Building, Cement, Construction, Construction Materials, Supplier

STAR Concrete Pumping Hires New General Manager

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STAR Concrete Pumping Company is pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. Barclay Branch from Regional Sales Manager to General Manager. Mr. Branch is a native Houstonian with 22 years of experience in the concrete industry providing STAR with a wealth of practical experience as it continues its expansion into new and challenging markets. The responsibilities of the highly coveted leadership position include strategic planning, corporate team building, equipment delivery logistics, and organizational accountability, while focusing on improving company services, growth, and sustained profitability.

Since its acquisition by Abacus Financial [http://www.Abacus-Financial.net] in early 2011, STAR Concrete Pumping continues its pursuit as a national leader in the concrete delivery and placement services industry. Mr. Branch will champion the company’s rapid growth while continuing its transition into new industry technologies. STAR Concrete Pumping is the 3rd largest concrete delivery and placement service in the United States.

At STAR Concrete Pumping, Mr. Branch has served various leadership positions in sales, operations, and management, excelling in every field throughout the entire organization.

Upon acceptance of his new position, Mr. Branch stated, “I am humbled to have been selected to this leadership position of trust. It is my personal goal to further organize and develop STAR into America’s single source concrete placement provider, while pursuing the highest levels of professionalism and technology within the concrete pumping industry.” With Mr. Branch’s years of experience, leadership, and talents, STARmay now focus on capitalizing and sustaining its vertical growth success.

His passion for the industry started while working part time for his father Clair Branch at Hydro Conduit during summers throughout high school and college. In 1989, he relocated to Delaware to assist with the construction of Middletown Concrete Products and managed production of the small bore machine. He returned to Houston in 1993 and held various positions with increasing responsibility and developed a specialty in the concrete pumping industry. In 1998 he started Branch Concrete Pumping, LLC with Gary Nichols and Rusty Hicks and served as managing partner and General Manager until 2005.

Mr. Branch maintains strong ties with the local community, devoting personal time and precious resources to a variety of needed charities. He is a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a Vice Chairman on the Breeders Greeters Committee and Committeeman on the Speakers Committee with his wife Lauri. He is an avid horseman and enjoys riding with his daughter Shelby Claire.

Via EPR Network
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Builders, Construction, Construction Equipment, Construction Tools, Electrical Utility, Home Improvement, Remodelling, Renovation, Restoration

Aggreko Builds Reputation For Construction Solutions

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Aggreko, the global leader in temporary power and temperature control solutions, provided a temporary heating and dehumidification package to main contractors FCC Elliott Construction to assist in the construction programme of the new 312 bed South West Acute Hospital at Enniskillen in Northern Ireland.

Aggreko initially supplied six 125 kW IDF heaters and 12 1600 KT dehumidifier packages to dry and heat the clinical and ward blocks of the new hospital – to 6C – to enable painting of the interiors. Moisture and temperature control equipment was also supplied in basement corridors to protect electrical equipment and busbars from moisture.

The temporary dehumidifiers were deployed on site in sequence to remove excess moisture from each block of the hospital. Flexible ducting took hot air from the temporary heaters to each floor, and polyducting was suspended from corridor ceilings to distribute air throughout each floor area.

Howard Sharp, Construction Director at FCC Elliott Construction, said: “Aggreko provided an effective temporary moisture and temperature control solution which is assisting us to continue to deliver this high quality healthcare facility on time and on budget. Their technical expertise and professional, high standard of service throughout the project has been invaluable on such a large, high profile scheme.”

Martin Byrne, sales manager at Aggreko, said: “It is vital that construction programmes run according to schedule, particularly on major developments, as delays can have a huge impact on project costs. Our temporary dehumidification and temperature control equipment, which is available for hire ensures the correct conditions for electrical installations and internal finishes such as paint and floor coverings, assisting contractors to deliver projects to meet their clients’ requirements.”

Via EPR Network
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Builders, Construction, Construction Equipment, Construction Tools, Electrical Utility, Home Improvement, Remodelling, Renovation, Restoration

Call Centre Dials In Aggreko Rental Power

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Aggreko, the world leader in the provision of temporary power and temperature control services, proved the reliability of rental power when a customer’s own back-up generator failed and an alternative power supply was required urgently.

Good Fellas’ national call centre in Port Elizabeth relies heavily on consistent and reliable power to run its advanced telecommunications and IT equipment, which is in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The company’s standby power plant failed during a weekly test and parts needed to repair the generator were not readily available.

Without standby power in place, the call centre was wholly reliant on power from the national grid, which had experienced power cuts in recent times. Being without a back-up power supply meant the risk of serious financial losses, so the management of Good Fellas looked for an alternative solution.

Aggreko was contracted to provide a standby generator of 60 kVA, which was installed on site immediately. Aggreko’s wide range of generators, from 10 kW up to 1250 kVA, means that customers are able to hire the exact amount of power required whenever necessary.

Jonathan Bishop, Chief Executive, Good Fellas, said: “The power package Aggreko installed was so reliable that we took the decision to continue renting from them for the long-term. The team provides fantastic support and regularly tests and maintains the equipment, ensuring we have complete peace of mind.”

Martin Foster, Country Manager, Aggreko South Africa, commented: “The upkeep and maintenance of power equipment, such as generator rental can become expensive and inconvenient for a company when power is not its core business. Aggreko takes over that responsibility, leaving our customers to get on with their day job. We look forward to growing our relationship with Good Fellas in the future.”

Via EPR Network
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