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The following are posts with the 'Ai Solutions' tag:
1 October 2019
We all have a digital life today; IT is in everything we use. There has been a physical change to the way we operate with things like EPOS, emails, online shopping, music, cameras, games, mobile phones, tablets, laptops – to mention a few – are all integral to the way we function. Even now 'big data' says what our buying habits are and what trends are happening, it's all scary stuff isn't it? However, there are many positives to the digital world and one of these is digital BIM. BIM...
[Read on about Digital Life / Digital Construction]
30 September 2019
We were lucky enough to visit the OFFSITE Expo at the Rioch Arena in Birmingham recently. Within the construction industry we are now being more careful about what effects our buildings have on the environment. The event showcased new materials that are ecologically friendlier; the aim is to try and encourage more thoughtful design and building practices. This particular event concentrates on technologies and materials that are manufactured for use within the construction industry. This includes...
[Read on about Off Site Expo 2019]
19 September 2016
We are finally able to unveil our new look website to the world. We hope you find the information you need and we look forward to hearing your feedback. If you would like to know more about CDM2015, or managing asbestos in your properties, please contact us on 01525 850080 or via our Contact page.
[Read on about Ai Solutions Website]
30 July 2015
ToolKit Compliance System from Ai Solutions works with Windows 10 to provide a comprehensive solution for all of your projects, properties and structures. Windows 10's updated design, cloud connectivity, great hardware and solid foundation will further improve your experience using ToolKit CS™. ToolKit CS™ with its integrated knowledge base, document templates and competency management, provides a comprehensive solution for all of your projects, properties...
[Read on about Announcing ToolKit CS support for Windows 10]
18 March 2015
The March 2015 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available. CDM 2015 - The Countdown Has Begun... The CDM 2015 countdown has officially started here at Ai Solutions. There is a sense of excitement and a flurry of activity - all to get ourselves ready for the big change. Are you ready?... Asbestos ToolKit Lite To expand our portfolio of products for you to choose from we have introduced ToolKit CS™ Lite for Asbestos Management... Read on about CDM 2015 and Asbestos ToolKit Lite...
[Read on about Newsletter - March 2015 - CDM 2015 Countdown, Asbestos ToolKit Lite]
7 January 2015
The January 2015 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available. We start off the new year with CDM 2015. Asbestos is going to have it's own feature in our next newsletter and keep looking out for new blogs! We now have confirmation from the HSE that the CDM (Construction [Design and Management]) regulation changes are planned to go live in April 2015... Read on about CDM 2015 in our January Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - January 2015 - CDM 2015 special]
8 April 2014
2014 Health and Safety Conference - 30th April, 2014 @ The RAF Club, Piccadilly, London Welcome & Introductions Shirley Radford - Director (Ai Solutions Ltd) --> Update from the HSE including latest statistics David Carr - Managing Director (Callsafe Services Ltd) Asbestos Prevention is Better than Cure Chris Earl - Director (Qualsurv) Plan ahead. Plan for the Event David Wood - Director (Plansafe Solutions Ltd) Successful Collaborative...
[Read on about Agenda - 2014 Ai Solutions Health and Safety Conference]
5 March 2014
Background The Government policy of 'copy out' from European Directives requires any change to existing Directive-based legislation to comply with this policy unless there are strong arguments for doing otherwise. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has stated that the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) should be revised based on 'copy out' from the Temporary or Mobile Constructions Sites Directive 92/57/EEC (TMCSD). However, the package should avoid a reduction in standards,...
[Read on about Why Does the HSE Wish to Remove the CDM Coordinator?]
21 February 2014
First – what does BIM mean? In short, BIM (Building Information Modelling) is the process of designing and building collaboratively, using coherent computer models rather than separate flat drawings. The BIM Task group states that "The UK Government has embarked with industry on a four year programme for sector modernisation with the key objective of: reducing capital cost and the carbon burden from the construction and operation of the built environment by 20%. Central to these ambitions...
[Read on about To BIM or Not To BIM?]
29 January 2014
Dave Carr, PgD, MIIRSM, DiPSM, RFaPS Managing DirectorCallsafe Services Limited Dave has had a varied career, having started as a Marine Engineering Artificer in the Royal Navy and subsequently working in the topsides and subsea construction and maintenance of North Sea oil and gas installations. During this period Dave performed many roles, including planning engineer, fabrications engineer, construction manager, quality assurance manager and technical author for health and safety management systems.
[Read on about Conference 2014 Speaker Synopses]
22 January 2014
Callsafe Services are currently seeking to expand our team and have vacancies for an experienced CDM Coordinator and a Construction Health and Safety Trainer. CDM Co-ordinator The CDMC position is to support our recently renewed contract with a major client throughout England, but would also be available for support to our other CDMC appointments. Ideally, the person required would also be an experienced and qualified trainer. Must be RMaPS (CDMC) Must be CMIOSH or MIIRSM/FIIRSM Must have...
[Read on about Job Vacancies at Callsafe Services Ltd]
21 January 2014
Current fire legislation requires that almost all workplaces undertake a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and that the responsible person takes steps to protect the safety of occupants, visitors and those in the immediate vicinity. This covers issues such as; who is responsible for ensuring compliance, their legal obligations, the necessity for fire risk assessments, ensuring the assessment is undertaken by a competent person and how to tell if your assessor is competent? This webinar,...
[Read on about Webinar Fire Risk Assessment September 2013]
16 January 2014
BREAKING NEWS: You can now register and pay for Conference Tickets online. Click here for more information....
[Read on about Health and Safety Conference 2014]
10 January 2014
Most of the duties under CDM2007 are qualified by the term "so far as is reasonably practicable". This is a judgement in which the quantum of risk is weighed against the cost to eliminate or reduce the risk. Where the risk is high, then the resources used to overcome that risk may also be considerable. This balance judges the risks to the health and safety of people against the costs involved in eliminating, reducing or controlling those risks. This means that having identified a risk associated...
[Read on about What is "Reasonably Practicable"?]
27 December 2013
The L127 (The management of asbestos in non-domestic premises) and L143 (Work with materials containing asbestos) have been merged into one ACOP. This will make it clearer for dutyholders to understand compliance in a holistic fashion. You can download a free copy or purchase the publication for £15.00. See Managing and working with asbestos for more information.
[Read on about Revised Asbestos ACOPs]
10 December 2013
In 2010, we reported that The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Welsh government had approved the release of the psyllid Aphalara itadori (louse) to help stop the spread of Japanese Knotweed. Three years later, scientists are hopeful as the louse has overwintered well over the last two years. This is no quick fix as it is reported that it could take several years for positive results to be seen. Until then house owners and alike will have to let the louse fight...
[Read on about Is Japanese Knotweed Facing Its Nemesis At Last?]
28 November 2013
I've written about asbestos before, including cases where companies have ended up in court through negligence or ignorance. Recently, another company has been served a huge fine after putting people's lives at risk (Fines imposed for asbestos exposure at former factory in Poole), and so it may be worth revealing a few unpleasant truths about asbestos, and exposing some common myths. It's too easy to go along with commonly held myths. We encounter these on a regular basis within the world of health...
[Read on about The Truth About the Dangers of Asbestos]
26 November 2013
This is the story about Jack and his house, which needed a refurb. Watch the story unfold by watching one of our first animations ...
[Read on about This is the house that Jack built in 1952....]
15 November 2013
Having recently visited the IIRSM Conference in Birmingham we were very pleased with the conference as a whole but particularly interested in the update from Judith Hackitt, the Chair of the HSE. Judith stated that much about the implementation of the regulations is misrepresentation and as health and safety professionals we are all guilty of adding fuel to the flames. What the HSE does is good, it provides an essential job. Real health and safety it about the important parts of the work, the risk...
[Read on about 2014: Change in Regulations, Behaviour, Culture]
9 October 2013
ACROSS 1. _________________ is central to the CDM Process (4 10) 3. Control of Asbestos Regulations are a duty to manage and not to __________ (6) 5. Notice that could be served on a business with unsafe working practices (11) 9. It is responsible for more work-related deaths in the UK than anything else in the past three decades (8) 10. 16 is the minimum age to work on a _____________ site (12) DOWN 2. Workers have a right to a safe working _____________...
[Read on about Health and Safety Crossword]
9 October 2013
Matthew specialises in Health and Safety and has many years of expertise within the construction industry. He joined Plansafe Limited as a Health and Safety Consultant and went on to become a Director of the company in 2001. Matthew undertakes a vast array of differing work within the company. He has assisted Clients with the design and implementation of Health and Safety Management Systems for such diverse bodies as a local College, an NHS Trust, construction and engineering companies, the telecoms...
[Read on about CDM Co-ordinator Profile - Matthew McVeigh]
2 October 2013
Over the last couple of years 'Big Data' has become more important to understand and deal with. Many companies have been able to embrace the swell in information that needs analysing. Others, for whatever reason end up leaving the most valuable information at their disposal in the ether. Awareness is definitely one reason companies are not addressing the issue. Understanding the merits of analysing such data is one way of overcoming any fears or concerns of dipping into the soup of data. Despite...
[Read on about Big Data and Management Software]
12 June 2013
The Ai Solutions Application Development Forum (ADF) was held on June 11th 2013. Some new and refreshing ideas have come forward from our clients, thank you. As ever, whether it is CDM or Asbestos related, we want to ensure that our customers get the most out of their ToolKit CS™ software. With new technologies imminent we want to utilise them and take the product forward into the future. We will of course ensure that product stays in line with any changes in legislation so you can rest...
[Read on about Ai Solutions Application Development Forum (ADF) June 2013]
6 June 2013
The June 2013 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: June Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - June 2013]
17 May 2013
In the news recently, campaigners have expressed fears that thousands could miss out under a new compensation scheme for those with the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of internal organs, notably the lungs, and almost always arises from exposure to asbestos. Asbestos has been used in the past within construction and is within many of our schools and older buildings. For more on this article see Asbestos compensation scheme criticised by campaigners on...
[Read on about Government Mesothelioma Compensation Scheme]
9 May 2013
The May 2013 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: May Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - May 2013]
22 April 2013
Asbestos is the UK's biggest workplace killer. The three main types of asbestos - blue, brown and white asbestos - can still be found in the workplace. There is no safe level of exposure and all types are dangerous. Around 4,000 people die each year from mesothelioma and asbestos related lung cancer - 11 people for every day of the year. This is greater than the number of road accident deaths. Before the death rate declines, up to a quarter of a million people in Britain may have died from asbestos...
[Read on about Asbestos Management Help]
8 April 2013
We are very pleased to announce that both Shirley (Radford) and Theo (Gray) are now Directors and majority shareholders of Ai Solutions Limited. This is the culmination of more than a year of planning and gradual handover and we consider it to be a large milestone in the 18 years the business has been in operation. This change in circumstances to Ai Solutions does not affect any arrangements we have in place with our customers or suppliers. Both Shirley and Theo have been providing support and stability...
[Read on about Ai Solutions Ltd]
4 April 2013
The April 2013 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: April Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - April 2013]
5 March 2013
The March 2013 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: March Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - March 2013]
20 February 2013
ToolKit Compliance System from Ai Solutions works with Windows 8 to provide a comprehensive solution for all of your projects, properties and structures. Windows 8's beautiful new design, cloud connectivity, great hardware and solid foundation will further improve your experience using ToolKit CS™. ToolKit CS™ with its integrated knowledge base, document templates and competency management, provides a comprehensive solution for all of your projects, properties...
[Read on about Announcing ToolKit CS support for Windows 8]
6 February 2013
The February 2013 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: February Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - February 2013]
1 February 2013
Once again we have been listening to our customers and are proud to announce that we have published our latest addition onto our web site - the Health and Safety Community Forums. This FREE new service allows our customers and followers to have the support of experts to address those questions or issues you come across during your CDM or Asbestos related activities. All you need to do is enter one of the forums, Asbestos or CDM, and add in your query and one of our experts will advise you. To enter...
[Read on about Health & Safety Community Forums]
29 January 2013
For those of you that follow Ai Solutions we would like to remind you that we have other sources where you can access information regarding Health and Safety blogs, CDM and Asbestos. This includes Twitter, Linked In and Facebook. If you use these other forms of media then please feel free to connect with us.
[Read on about Health and Safety Social Media]
28 January 2013
For those among you who would like more information about managing the asbestos in your own building(s) the HSE has published a web site detailing 'how' you should do this. The web site is a step by step guide to all the duties regarding best management of asbestos www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos. Additionally Ai Solutions has help and guidance regarding Asbestos and the CAR12 regulations on our web site; this includes an extensive knowledge base that has been written by experts in the field. Come and visit...
[Read on about Managing My Asbestos]
19 January 2013
The HSE has recently issued a press release regarding a hospital trust failing in their duties in regard to asbestos management. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust had an asbestos survey that clearly showed there was asbestos in the door surrounds but, despite several site meetings between the Trust and the contractors, no information on the location or condition of any asbestos was given to the contractors. For more...
[Read on about Hospital trust failed in their Asbestos Management duties]
11 January 2013
The HSE are prosecuting a Swansea engineering firm and contractor after recent investigations revealed several breeches, one included the failure to appoint a competent CDM-C. It was also noted that during the demolition works an asbestos insulation board (AIB) covering a steel column was damaged, and a Wall Colmonoy employee was told to tape plastic bags around it. Work continued in the building for several months with the AIB debris left lying on the floor until an unannounced visit was carried...
[Read on about Swansea Contractor Orders Workers to Tie Plastic Bags Around Exposed Asbestos]
9 January 2013
The January 2013 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: January Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - January 2013]
7 January 2013
Ai Solutions continue to work hard to provide 'best value' for our customers and this New Year we are proud to announce that we can now offer a 'Complete CDM-C service'. The CDM-C Service and Consultancy is an option we can provide to aid you in effective CDM management. We will provide a fully qualified and competent CDM-C to manage your project from design start through to handover of the health and safety file. This allows you to fulfill your duties as a Client as well as providing you with peace...
[Read on about Ai Solutions CDM Co-ordinator Service]
3 January 2013
Staffordshire County Council has been handed a court bill of £15,000 after admitting liability when dangerous asbestos fibres were released into the nursery of a primary school in Cheslyn Hay. Work was being carried out at the school when some board was misidentified and put into a skip. The contractor involved was also fined however they stated that 'only a small amount of fibres were released'. For more on this story please visit www.expressandstar.com Ai Solutions can help you manage your...
[Read on about £15k Fine for Asbestos Fibres found in Nursery School]
3 January 2013
The met office prepares to reveal whether 2012 was the wettest year on record in the UK. Their analysis indicates that the heavy rainfall we are experiencing is creating "an upward trend" and that this type of extreme rainfall is the normally the sort of downpour you would expect once in 100 days. This will have a long term effect in the construction industry as flooding will be a normal occurrence and we will have to consider the risks involved during works. Additionally as homes flood more...
[Read on about Extreme Rainfall]
12 December 2012
Loughborough University were asked to produce a report on why the Olympics was so successful; identifying factors which have contributed to the London 2012 Olympic Park being delivered on time, on budget and with an exemplary health and safety record. Their report "Pre-conditioning for success Characteristics and factors ensuring a safe build for the Olympic Park" highlighted the more human factors like respect, trust, clarity, pre-emption, challenge, consistency, collaboration, motivation, empowerment,...
[Read on about The Secret of Success]
6 December 2012
The December 2012 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: December Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - December 2012]
4 December 2012
For those concerned about working on sites where there may be Asbestos; the HSE has provided excellent guidance to assist your decision making process regarding to non-licensed work; follow this link for further information hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/a0.pdf. If you require further assistance regarding your Asbestos portfolio then please call Ai Solutions in the first instance on 01525 850080. We have a wealth of experience to offer you as well as software to help manage your ACM registers.
[Read on about Asbestos: Guidance for Non-Licensed Work]
8 November 2012
The November 2012 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: November Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - November 2012]
6 November 2012
One of our long term partners, Callsafe Services, is celebrating their 25th anniversary. The company originally formed by Bruce Calder, now owned and managed by Dave Carr, has been providing health and safety services to the construction industry for many years, being incorporated as Callsafe Services Limited in October 1987. Dave works with Ai Solutions and provides CDM training and Health & Safety support / Guidance. The team at Ai Solutions send our best wishes to Dave and his team...
[Read on about Happy Birthday Callsafe Services]
4 October 2012
The October 2012 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: October Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - October 2012]
4 September 2012
The September 2012 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: September Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - September 2012]
9 August 2012
The August 2012 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: August Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - August 2012]
6 August 2012
For those of you who would like to know more about Asbestos the World Health Organization has a lot of useful information about asbestos related diseases. At Ai Solutions we support the elimination of asbestos within construction. However we are a long way from achieving that due to the amount that has already been used. Asbestos based products are banned from new construction but refurbishment of buildings means our contractors come across it all the time. If you have an old building the chances...
[Read on about Elimination Of Asbestos-Related Diseases]
3 July 2012
The July 2012 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: July Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - July 2012]
8 June 2012
The June 2012 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: June Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - June 2012]
26 May 2012
The Safety & Health Practitioner reports that the CDM regulations will be re-drafted for reissue in 2014. Details will be presented to the HSE board in December 2012. However, the Executive indicated that the new Regulations are likely to be based more closely on the requirements of the EU Temporary or Mobile Construction Sites Directive. The Löfstedt report recommended that an ongoing review of CDM 2007 should consider a clearer expression of duties, a reduction in bureaucracy and suitable...
[Read on about CDM Regulations re-write for 2014]
25 May 2012
East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Sheffield City Council, who are part of the Yorbuild framework have picked 55 consultants from more than 1,000 who applied for a place on the YORconsult framework. East Riding are customers of Ai Solutions and are long term users of our asbestos management software. Steve Taylor (East Riding of Yorkshire Council) is one of Ai Solutions' Excellent Practitioners; he was put forward for this award because of his work in implementing a system for East Riding to manage...
[Read on about YORconsult Framework]
25 May 2012
We read that nearly one in five construction sites failed safety checks during a national initiative to improve construction site safety. This is a slight improvement on previous years which is good news, but is this trend down to less construction work being carried out? The investigation was carried out by HSE staff and concentrated on high-risk activity including working at height and ensuring sites were in 'good order', being clean and tidy with clear access routes. If you would like Ai...
[Read on about 1 In 5 Construction Sites Fail Safety Checks]
21 May 2012
Birse Civils has been confirmed as winner of a £26m contract to build all the roads and technical infrastructure at Center Parcs new holiday development at Woburn. Ai Solutions are very interested in this particular Center Parc as it is local to us.
[Read on about Center Parcs Civils Deal]
21 May 2012
Around one in five workers over 55 regularly works from home, according to a TUC analysis of official figures published on Friday to mark National Work From Home Day, organised by Work Wise UK. The TUC analysis shows that the number of home workers has grown steadily during the past decade. For some time now technology has improved to the point that working from home is like 'working in the office'. Those of you who use the Ai Solutions Hosted Solution will already know that you can manage...
[Read on about TUC - Older 'Home' Workers]
18 May 2012
The Safety & Health Practitioner (SHP) has written an interesting article regarding the CDM2007 regulations. At a panel discussion at the Safety & Health Expo they agreed that Communication, cooperation and competency are fundamental to the successful application of the Construction, Design and Management (CDM) Regulations. This is our mantra at Ai Solutions and we have been advocating the benefits of the CDM regulations as far back as 1994. Our ToolKit CS™ CDM management system...
[Read on about What Lies Beneath the CDM Regulations]
17 May 2012
The Bournemouth Echo reports that a local builder has been fined after carrying out demolition work on a house. He negated the requirement to carry out an asbestos survey before commencing work. Self-employed Stuart Pearson was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for not having a pre-demolition survey to check all asbestos had been removed from the building. This type of work is very dangerous, along with this the removal of the asbestos must be carried out by professional removers.
[Read on about Verwood Builder Fined - Asbestos Risk]
16 May 2012
In Northern Ireland the construction sector remains under extreme pressure despite a marginal improvement in its downward trend, according to the latest RICS Construction Market Survey. It seems that we are still getting mixed messages regarding construction work in the UK. In London there are plenty of large projects happening, mostly due to the Olympics as well as the length of time that a lot of larger projects tend to take to complete. It is not the same story in the rest of the country as many...
[Read on about Construction Still 'Under Pressure']
4 May 2012
The National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC) are fighting the late payment culture we are suffering at the moment. Although a historical thing, more and more businesses are going bust due to their cash flow issues. The NSCC have launched their 'Fair Payment Campaign' to highlight the issues to improve payment practices in the construction industry. With backing at the highest level, the campaign calls for proper and timely payment and the removal of retentions throughout the supply chain...
[Read on about NSCC Fair Payment Campaign]
3 May 2012
Many of our readers will know that we advocate the management of Asbestos and that we believe it is a 'top-down' approach. A recent court case judgment may have far reaching ramifications for UK companies and their subsidiaries. The court has ruled in favor of an asbestos sufferer who sought damages from a "parent company". The case will mean that more liability will be placed on parent companies and may mean some high cost lawsuits. If you would like to have an asbestos management system in place...
[Read on about Historic Asbestos Case]
2 May 2012
Many of our readers know that we advocate sharing of information and collaboration of work, so it is good to see more collaboration going on. The Circle Housing Group is aiming to hand the removal of asbestos to three specialists. Circle own more than 63,000 homes and is running a tender for their asbestos removal programme. If you are interested visit their website www.circle.org.uk. Asbestos is a key area for those organisations who have a large portfolio of buildings. With the Control of Asbestos...
[Read on about £30m Asbestos Removal Collaboration]
1 May 2012
The May 2012 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: May Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - May 2012]
3 April 2012
The April 2012 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: April Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - April 2012]
13 March 2012
Official launch at Ecobuild - 20-22 March (Stand number S2742) A new online service has been launched to make life easier for clients and CDM Coordinators and to provide additional safeguards. The Collaborative Construction Compliance (CCC) service provides a single online system to manage CDM and asbestos management and compliance; contractor assessment and accreditation; waste planning and record documentation. It is designed to cut costs and reduce the burden placed on clients and CDM Coordinators.
[Read on about New online service reduces the burden for Clients and CDM Coordinators]
13 March 2012
The March 2012 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: March Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - March 2012]
9 February 2012
Professor Ragnar Löfstedt Director for Kings Centre for Risk ManagementKings College London Ragnar is well known in the industry, in particular for risk management. His pedigree is substantial, having studied round the world he had added to his knowledge and experience regarding risk management within several arenas including renewable energy policy, trans-boundary environmental issues (acid rain and nuclear power), telecommunications, biosafety, and the siting of building of incinerators,...
[Read on about Annual Conference 2012 Speaker Synopses]
9 February 2012
The February 2012 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: February Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - February 2012]
3 February 2012
According to a recent survey within the construction sector, Britain's construction companies are more optimistic about their prospects than they have been for eight months. At Ai Solutions we believe there are a lot of 'mixed messages' going around at the moment. Some areas, like the larger scale projects, seem to be commercially active; the large number of cranes on the skyline is proof of this. However could this be due to the fact they take so long to procure and implement? On the other hand...
[Read on about Expectations Soar in UK Construction Industry]
31 January 2012
As reported in Health and Safety Practitioner, the number of directors and senior managers prosecuted under section 37 of The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA 1974) has risen by 400% in the last five years. This is according to unofficial figures released by the Health and Safety Executive in response to a freedom of information request. The figures, albeit not validated, show that 43 directors, senior managers and company secretaries were prosecuted under this key legislation in 2010/11...
[Read on about How Robust Is Your Health & Safety Assessment?]
31 January 2012
Please find below an extract from a letter received by a client site from the Environment Agency. It appears that a survey is being conducted to determine waste levels from construction sites with Site Waste Management Plans (SWMP) being used as the source of information. It is always possible that the Environment Agency will take further action if a plan is not compliant. We are currently undertaking a short study in your area to assess whether the information in Site Waste Management Plans...
[Read on about Stop Press: Environment Agency Update]
4 January 2012
Our readers will know that, being local, we are very interested in Bletchley Park and have held our Annual Conference there in previous years. We support our local heritage and are proud of the achievements of Alan Turing and the code breakers who helped shorten the Second World War. We are delighted to tell you that internet giant Google has donated £550,000 towards Bletchley Park's plans to create a world-class heritage and education centre. The grant will also enable The Bletchley Park...
[Read on about Google Donate to Bletchley Park]
3 January 2012
The January 2012 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: January Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - January 2012]
20 December 2011
On the HSE web site we found an interesting document which outlines their plan of work from 2011 through 2012. In particular we noted their target sectors include:- Asbestos Small Sites/Projects Refurbishment Major clients/projects We think that covers most of our readers! it will be interesting to see how they will achive this. If you are interested in reading more about the HSE's plan go to HSE Work Plan 2011-12.
[Read on about HSE: Plan of Work 2012]
16 December 2011
SGP Property and Facilities Management is saving more than £100,000 per year and improving quality and safety standards through outsourcing its supplier assessment. The company, which last year managed more than £1 billion of property spend and £170 million of maintenance spend on behalf of its customers, partners with Altius Vendor Assessment (www.altiusva.com) to ensure contractors are fully assured. This minimises risk and liability for both SGP and its clients. By contracting...
[Read on about Quality and Safety pays through expert supplier assessment]
15 December 2011
At a meeting in early December it was announced that the HSE has been given government clearance to recommence the Health and Safety Executive's award-winning 'Hidden Killer' asbestos campaign which was put on hold due to a freeze on government-funded campaigns. This is good news for 2012; we believe this particular campaign was excellent, warning construction workers, particularly those involved in maintenance and refurbishment work, of the dangers of asbestos. For more on the HSE and other updates...
[Read on about HSE Updates: Asbestos]
7 December 2011
This year's annual Charity Christmas Puzzle has now been posted, and is available to download. This, the 21st annual Puzzle that Gordon Gray has set, has a theme designed to help completion and will appeal to people who enjoy doing Crossword puzzles, such as in the Daily Telegraph (though it is not a Crossword puzzle). Puzzlers have plenty of time to find the answers and Puzzles should be returned, with donation, by 22nd January 2012. Four winners will each receive a £30 prize.Everyone who...
[Read on about Christmas Puzzle 2011 - Snakes and ladders]
6 December 2011
The December 2011 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: December Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - December 2011]
2 November 2011
We are pleased to announce that one of our partners, Waste Plan Solutions Limited, has won the prestigious 'Small Business of the Year Award' from the East Midlands Centre for constructing the Built Environment (emcbe). Waste Plan Solutions Ltd works in environmental consultancy within the construction industry and specialises in writing Site Waste Management Plans. The judges were looking for a company who could demonstrate a strong commitment to health and safety as well as improving management...
[Read on about Waste Plan Solutions wins Small Business of the Year Award]
1 November 2011
The November 2011 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: November Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - November 2011]
28 October 2011
Many of our customers will recognise Bletchley Park as a venue we have used for our annual conferences in previous years. For those of you that are interested on Saturday 12 November 2011 there is a code-breaking, cryptography and programming Conference being held at Bletchley Park with all proceeds to the Bletchley Park Trust and The National Museum of Computing. The Bletchley Park Trust is delighted to announce that the keynote speaker for the Annual ACCU Conference 2011 will be prestigious 2006...
[Read on about Bletchley Park: Codebreaking Conference]
24 October 2011
One of our new partners, Altius, has recently won the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) award for Innovation and Technology for their system Altius Vendor Assessment. They have been running for a number of years now and have a new and innovative approach to vendor assessment. At no cost to the Client the Altius Vendor Assessment system can provide all the vendor assessment needs along with direct requirements of the Client. As for the vendors (Contractors, CDM-C's etc.) it gives...
[Read on about Vendor Assesment: Altius]
5 October 2011
The October 2011 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: October Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - October 2011]
6 September 2011
The September 2011 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: September Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - September 2011]
4 August 2011
The August 2011 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: August Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - August 2011]
1 August 2011
We have noticed that there are still a lot of 'falls from height' being reported within the construction industry. Much of this occurs because of bad planning and lack of proper and detailed risk assessments. Is this lack of risk asessments because we are all being too lazy, or that due to a lack of resources at the HSE, we think we can 'get away with it'? We would hope not! Even so, the fact that someone can, and does, get injured should make us realise how the 'good practice' of doing a risk...
[Read on about Construction: Falls From Height Still a Common Occurence]
5 July 2011
The July 2011 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: July Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - July 2011]
7 June 2011
The June 2011 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: June Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - June 2011]
3 May 2011
The May 2011 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: May Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - May 2011]
6 April 2011
The April 2011 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: April Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - April 2011]
2 March 2011
The March 2011 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: March Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - March 2011]
21 February 2011
The TUC February newsletter reports that the government has been told that the UK version of a European Union-wide law on asbestos safety is illegally lax and must be amended. The UK legislation currently focuses on the measurement of exposure to asbestos and not enough on the how the material will be affected by the work itself, while the directive deals with both exposure and the material. TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said "this is another nail in the coffin of the myth that the HSE has...
[Read on about UK Asbestos Law not up to EU Standard]
8 February 2011
The February 2011 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: February Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - February 2011]
20 January 2011
A very serious accident recently occured when a crane hit a cherry picker and the basket was knocked to the ground leaving Alexander Struthers, a steel erector, with multiple broken bones. Following the case being heard at Lanark Sheriff Court, Health and Safety Executive Inspector Eve Macready said: "This completely avoidable incident has had an enormous impact on Mr Struthers' life. "Duty holders have an obligation to ensure all work at height is properly planned and a proper risk assessment...
[Read on about Working at Height: Cherry Picker Struck by Overhead Crane]
11 January 2011
The January 2011 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: January Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - January 2011]
7 December 2010
The December 2010 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: December Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - December 2010]
3 November 2010
The November 2010 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: November Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - November 2010]
5 October 2010
The October 2010 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: October Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - October 2010]
30 September 2010
SHP (Safety & Health Practitioner) has reported that the positions of the HSE and Environment Agency are still to be decided, according to a leaked Cabinet Office document on reform of public bodies. The coalition government has pledged to slash the number and cost of public bodies primarily, it claims, to increase accountability. But the programme is also designed to cut costs and supports the aims of David Cameron's Big Society plans by encouraging alternative, devolved, or non-state models...
[Read on about HSE & Environment Agency Under Threat]
10 September 2010
The HSE are running 8 free, open forums across Great Britain to get a broad range of views from large audiences on the extent to which the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007) have met HSE's aims for the regulations which came into force in April 2007. Frontline has been commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to evaluate the impact of these regulations on the construction industry in Great Britain. If you wish to register to attend one of these forums...
[Read on about HSE: Open Forums on CDM Regulations 2007]
3 September 2010
The September 2010 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: September Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - September 2010]
4 August 2010
The August 2010 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: August Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - August 2010]
3 August 2010
Introduction ToolKit™ Compliance System (CS) is for managing Asbestos or CDM, the Construction (Design Management) processes to meet the Health & Safety Executive's regulations. Available via the web, all our options offer storage of all operational data regarding asbestos or CDM projects on a single database. Information, document management and knowledge management are all available by authorised users including the 'client's' administrative team. ToolKit CS™ Entry Level ToolKit...
[Read on about New ToolKit CS price option]
7 July 2010
The July 2010 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: July Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - July 2010]
2 June 2010
The June 2010 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: June Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - June 2010]
5 May 2010
The May 2010 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: May Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - May 2010]
7 April 2010
The April 2010 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: April Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - April 2010]
7 April 2010
Watching the BBC News recently, I saw a family discussion about homework and how parents 'can no longer help their children' because they don't understand the teaching method now used for maths being taught to infants. A young girl, maybe a five year old, playing at a computer screen, stated whimsically that 'in the olden days, people used to work things out on paper'. Well, I can resonate with a number of issues there! In the not-so-olden-days, only some 16 years ago, I well remember presenting...
[Read on about Paper - a Whymsical View]
1 April 2010
Update 1: From 6 April 2010, if you are responsible for ensuring that conventional tower cranes used on construction sites are thoroughly examined, you must give the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) certain information about these cranes. Businesses responsible for ensuring that conventional tower cranes used on construction sites are thoroughly examined by a competent person must give the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) information about such cranes. Click to read more about this Tower Crane...
[Read on about Regulation Updates]
2 March 2010
The March 2010 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: March Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - March 2010]
2 February 2010
The February 2010 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: February Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - February 2010]
5 January 2010
The January 2010 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: January Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - January 2010]
4 January 2010
Our approach has become a holistic one with the provision of our Compliance System for the Construction Management and Design Regulations or the Asbestos at Work Regulations or both. The Compliance System may or may not include our ToolKit CS™ computer systems software, hardware and the associated networking and external hosting; all are available from us as a single suppler but none are mandatory in the solution we provide. Our aim is to allow you to develop your Compliance System to meet...
[Read on about The Ai Solutions Compliance Approach]
1 December 2009
The December 2009 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: December Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - December 2009]
5 November 2009
The November 2009 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: November Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - November 2009]
6 October 2009
The October 2009 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: October Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - October 2009]
8 September 2009
The September 2009 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: September Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - September 2009]
4 August 2009
The August 2009 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: August Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - August 2009]
21 July 2009
We have been involved with the theory of joined up working for a number of years; more importantly, we have been even more involved in its practical aspects. The concept is capable of delivering enormous benefits, primarily in reducing the cost of improving Health & Safety management and ensuring compliance. So we can do what the law requires, save money and save lives in one hit! Which is why, for instance, Transport for London (TfL) have been so keen to promote integration and a good attitude...
[Read on about Save Cost, Improve Safety & Improve Compliance by Working Together]
7 July 2009
The July 2009 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: July Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - July 2009]
7 July 2009
Our unique Hosted Subscription Service offers: No capital outlay Internet Access Always available to authorised users from anywhere in the world Always up to date Freedom from IT Constraints Software and Data on our secure server Automatic Updates /upgrades No demands on your IT department Ongoing Training and Support Including all aspects of : CDM & Asbestos Regulations Guidance documents for the organisation and management Procedure design and implementation ...
[Read on about Essential ToolKit]
2 June 2009
The June 2009 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: June Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - June 2009]
5 May 2009
The May 2009 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: May Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - May 2009]
4 May 2009
Your focus is Health and Safety. You need to comply with CDM regulations and you want to ensure effective communication and project management. But you may not want to spend your time managing the IT required or taking your place in the queue for your organisation's IT resources. That's where hosted ToolKit CS™ comes in. ToolKit CS™ is a comprehensive and effective CDM management and compliance system, developed over the last fifteen years. We install, maintain and update the...
[Read on about Manage CDM Electronically Without Managing IT]
1 April 2009
The April 2009 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: April Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - April 2009]
5 March 2009
The March 2009 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: March Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - March 2009]
4 March 2009
Ai Solutions have a number of events planned for the coming months, including: ToolKit CS™ Pre-Release Workshop: Our half yearly pre-release workshop will take place at Leighton Buzzard on Thursday 19th March 2009 from 09:30am-12:00noon. Annual Conference: Our next annual conference at the Royal Air Force Club, Piccadilly London will be held on Tuesday 12th May 2009. Starting at 9.30 for 10am, the theme of this year's conference is 'Refreshing CDM Management'. --> MARM: Our next Major...
[Read on about Upcoming Events]
4 February 2009
The February 2009 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: February Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - February 2009]
3 February 2009
Management Summary Delegates generally agreed with the goals, listed below, except to argue that the first two should be reversed, thus emphasising the importance and need of strong leadership. During detailed discussion communication was, inevitably, the main feature seen to require constant attention. Communication of a 'safety culture' in which the workplace wanted to comply was mentioned time and again. There was a preference to this rather than one in which the workforce are compelled to conform...
[Read on about Goals for the Health & Safety of Great Britain Strategy]
2 February 2009
The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) defines Joined up Working as "the term to describe collaborative working across organisational boundaries to tackle shared issues&" and recognises that it is becoming increasingly common in the public sector where joint action and exchange of information is required to support the efficient conduct of public sector business. The HSE, in their Health and Safety of Great Britain Strategy consultation document, are seeking to improve Health and Safety performance...
[Read on about Working together across London]
1 February 2009
There is no doubt that financially, we are all in for a rough time over the coming months. Expenditure will be questioned; income will be analysed. The state of the nation's health will be monitored as we go into 'intensive care'. Debate will abound; action will be scarce. Will we weather the storm? Will I have a job next month; sorry next week? Now there is a positive side to this scenario which hopefully will be less grim than the picture painted here for most of us. This is a time to take stock...
[Read on about Cost Saving in Recessionary Times]
20 January 2009
Ai Solutions has a simple plan for 2009! We want to get CDM working together across London. We have been involved with the theory of joined up working for a number of years; more importantly, we have been even more involved in its practical aspects. The concept is capable of delivering enormous benefits, primarily in reducing cost improving Health & Safety management and ensuring compliance. So we can do what the law requires, save money and save lives in one hit! Which is why, for instance,...
[Read on about CDM Working Together Across London]
7 January 2009
Ai Solutions Ltd is delighted to welcome Fred Robinson to the team. Formally an Assistant Director of the London Borough of Hounslow, he has joined the company to spearhead a new Ai Solutions initiative: "CDM working together across London". Fred is a chartered civil engineer, a member of APS, and has a very successful pedigree in Local Government at senior level. He has been instrumental in implementing effective CDM management and auditing across the London Borough of Hounslow. His brief with...
[Read on about Fred Robinson]
6 January 2009
The January 2009 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: January Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - January 2009]
8 December 2008
The December 2008 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: December Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - December 2008]
6 November 2008
The November 2008 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: November Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - November 2008]
7 October 2008
The October 2008 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: October Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - October 2008]
9 September 2008
The September 2008 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: September Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - September 2008]
5 August 2008
The August 2008 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: August Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - August 2008]
3 July 2008
The July 2008 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: July Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - July 2008]
2 June 2008
The June 2008 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: June Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - June 2008]
6 May 2008
The May 2008 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: May Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - May 2008]
16 April 2008
The HSE is planning to introduce an interactive electronic F10 form. [HSE Construction Infonet - April 2008] We have been in conversation with Andrew East who says that the new form is unlikely to be made available until the end of June and that in the meantime original forms can be used. The important thing is that the relevant information is given. There are a number of people who are under the wrong impression that the new form should be used now. Users should continue to use the 'old' one....
[Read on about New Electronic F10]
1 April 2008
The April 2008 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: April Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - April 2008]
4 March 2008
The March 2008 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: March Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - March 2008]
5 February 2008
The February 2008 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: February Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - February 2008]
8 January 2008
The January 2008 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: January Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - January 2008]
4 December 2007
The December 2007 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: December Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - December 2007]
6 November 2007
The November 2007 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: November Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - November 2007]
5 October 2007
The October 2007 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: October Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - October 2007]
1 October 2007
He continued, "We stopped work on site immediately during 244 inspections because we felt there was a real possibility that life would be lost or ruined through serious injury. It is completely unacceptable that so many lives have been put at risk. Our inspectors were appalled at the apparent willingness to ignore basic safety precautions. "The simple fact is that despite knowing what they should be doing, too many people are prepared to allow bad practices to continue, even though last year 39...
[Read on about One third of refurbishment sites dangerous]
4 September 2007
(Not a lever-arch file in sight) The promise of the paperless office has been making headlines for many years. The benefits of electronic storage have long been seen as a potential cost and time saving exercise, albeit not always easy to achieve. Bradford Metropolitan District Council has had the dream of an electronic Health & Safety File since the HSE's original Construction (Design and Management) Regulations of 1994 came into being. Ai Solutions Ltd, suppliers of their ToolKit CDM software...
[Read on about Health & Safety File for the 21st Century]
3 September 2007
(Not a lever-arch file in sight) The promise of the paperless office has been making headlines for many years. The benefits of electronic storage have long been seen as a potential cost and time saving exercise, albeit not always easy to achieve. Bradford Metropolitan District Council has had the dream of an electronic Health & Safety File since the HSE's original Construction (Design and Management) Regulations of 1994 came into being. Ai Solutions Ltd, suppliers of their ToolKit CDM software...
[Read on about Health & Safety File for the 21st Century]
3 September 2007
The September 2007 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: September Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - September 2007]
1 August 2007
The August 2007 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: August Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - August 2007]
6 July 2007
Falls through fragile roofs and fragile rooflights are a major cause of death and injury at work. A company director was recently sentenced to 16 months imprisonment for not acting to prevent a fatal fall through a fragile rooflight. This link to a safety alert advises building companies on how to prevent injury and comply with legal requirements. Follow this link for more on fragile roof safety..
[Read on about HSE Advice - Working at Height and Fragile Roof Safety]
6 July 2007
This Advice helps you identify the risks involved with minor roof work choose the right access equipment to do the job and considers Working conditions, Height, Surface, Ground, Weather and the type of task you are undertaking. Follow this link for minor roof work/roof edges.
[Read on about HSE Advice - Working at Height on minor roof work/roof edges]
6 July 2007
This information sheet is aimed at users of mobile access towers (also known as tower scaffolds or towers). It will also help those who select and specify such equipment. Select this link to find out more using ladders safely.
[Read on about HSE Advice - Working at Height & using tower scaffolds safely]
6 July 2007
On average 13 people a year die at work falling from ladders and nearly 1200 suffer major injuries. More than a quarter of falls happen from ladders. HSE's key message is that that ladders should only be used for low-risk, short-duration work. What do I need to know? The Work at Height Regulations (2005) came into force in April 2005. Employers have a duty to assess the risks, plan and supervise all workers who work at height. You will find guidance about the regulations in the working at height...
[Read on about HSE Advice - Working at Height & using ladders safely]
4 July 2007
The July 2007 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available. In this issue: HSE Continues to Cut Staff Local Authorities and HSE Working Together Keep a Sense of Proportion When It Comes To Risk £135,000 Asbestos Claim ToolKit CS™ September Release ToolKit CS™ Training Scheduled Events Buying Electronic Copies of the ACoP See our July Newsletter for more.
[Read on about Newsletter - July 2007]
5 June 2007
The June 2007 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: June Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - June 2007]
14 May 2007
Conservative leader David Cameron yesterday did a u-turn on his opposition to regulations that could play a key role in improving health and safety in the construction industry. Mr Cameron had put forward an Early Day Motion calling for the Construction (Design Management) (CDM) Regulations 2007 to be annulled, something that Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) felt would be misguided. However, at the debate, Andrew Selous MP, who was speaking in favour of the motion, said that...
[Read on about CDM Early Day Motion]
2 May 2007
The May 2007 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: May Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - May 2007]
18 April 2007
The slide sets from our recent seminar at the RAF Club are now available for download from our Powerpoint Presentations page.
[Read on about Seminar Slide Sets]
3 April 2007
The April 2007 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: April Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - April 2007]
6 March 2007
The March 2007 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: March Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - March 2007]
2 March 2007
The ACoP is out and available to purchase from HSE books for £15. So there are no more excuses, you now have all the information to prepare for CDM2007! Lets us hope they have enough printed in store for everyone as it's only 5 weeks until the regulations come into force.
[Read on about The ACoP is out!]
8 February 2007
I can confirm that the revised regulations have now been signed by the Minister. It is perfectly normal for Regulations to form an appendix of the ACOP as those familiar with the 2001 ACOP will be aware. The Regulations can of course be sourced as a stand alone document. The ACOP has been approved by the HSC. There has been a very long and open consultation with the revision of these Regulations with full opportunity for all to express their views. I have no intention to grow a...
[Read on about CDM2007 regulations are signed!]
6 February 2007
The February 2007 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: February Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - February 2007]
15 January 2007
Three workers have been found dead in a shipping container on a building site in Berkshire. The bodies of Kirpal Singh, 30, Manjit Singh, 35 and 21-year-old Gurdeep Singh Deol, from Southall, Middlesex, were found on the morning of 22 December at the site where St James Homes is building a multi-million pound urban village in Manor Farm Road, Whitley. Initial tests showed the men died from carbon monoxide poisoning. One theory is that instead of going home on Thursday the trio spent the night in...
[Read on about More deaths on building site]
11 January 2007
The new CDM regulations come into effect in April. They are "the most radical change to construction health and safety legislation since 1994, the year when the existing CDM regulations came into effect," according to John Malins, associate at law firm Davies Arnold Cooper. The new regs make those with the greatest control and influence over a project, namely the project team, responsible for health and safety. They also introduce a new role of co-ordinator in place of the planning supervisor who...
[Read on about Construction (Design and Management) Regulations ]
9 January 2007
The January 2007 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: January Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - January 2007]
12 December 2006
The Powerpoint slide sets from our 12th December seminar are now available to download. See CDM 2007 Powerpoint Slides.
[Read on about CDM 2007 Seminar Slide Sets]
4 December 2006
The action to improve electrical safety on the borough's sites came two months after the electrocution of scaffolder Ralph Kennedy on a Camden construction job. Mr Kennedy's relatives welcomed the HSE intervention but said it was 'a little bit too late'. An HSE spokesperson told local paper the Camden New Journal last week: 'The investigation is ongoing but this action is to make sure that nothing similar happens while we are investigating.' June Loughran, the aunt of Mr Kennedy, who was 24 when...
[Read on about HSE Action Too Late]
24 November 2006
The slide sets from our recent seminars are now available for download from our Powerpoint Presentations page.
[Read on about Seminar Slide Sets]
7 November 2006
Latest statistics from the HSE about Injuries and Ill Health in Construction. Follow this link: Latest Statistics.
[Read on about Work Related Injuries & Ill Health in Construction]
1 November 2006
The November 2006 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: November Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - November 2006]
1 November 2006
Demolition is treated the same as all other construction work, notifiable only if the work lasts longer than 30 days or 500 person days of construction work. However regulation 29 requires a written plan to be prepared before work starts detailing the arrangements for all demolition. A file is only required for notifiable jobs. Regulation 17[3] b refers to notifiable jobs and is therefore not applicable. For projects where there is an existing file and some non notifiable work is done and there...
[Read on about Clarification on Non-notifiable and Notifiable projects]
1 November 2006
We all know that CDM2007 is on the horizon nevertheless some of us have a few concerns over possible changes in the ACoP. A lot of people are beginning to put together training courses, power point presentations etc. on the basis that the material that was presented to the HSC and approved and accepted by the HSC is now written in stone. We need to know that what we are preparing and delivering is consistent and true to the guidelines. However, we now have reassurances from Andrew East at the HSE:- "The...
[Read on about Concerns over possible changes in the ACoP]
30 October 2006
Effective key performance indicators (or metrics) are a valuable tool for triggering corrective action. Often however, metrics are worthless since they do not provide worthwhile indications of performance, particularly when this performance is below acceptable levels. The key to this is that a KPI should normally have a trigger level set on it that is used to initiate some corrective action. If no trigger has been set then the metric is ineffective. If no one has defined the level on the metric...
[Read on about Key Performance Indicators (KPI's or Metrics)]
23 October 2006
About 200 people gathered in Tower Hill in the City of London as the £100,000 "Building Worker" was uncovered. The Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (Ucatt) had the sculpture made as part of a campaign for a new corporate killing charge. Sculptor Alan Wilson created the figure which sports a hard hat, weighs 300kg and holds a spirit level. Ucatt general secretary Alan Ritchie unveiled the sculpture, which is close to the Tower of London, during a ceremony on Wednesday.
[Read on about Bronze memorial for dead workers]
18 October 2006
The final draft of the Regulations and ACOP have been submitted for approval to the October meeting of the HS Commission. Subject to approval the Regs will be launched in April 2007. With the finalising of the Regs and ACOP attention now turns to realising the benefits that this revision will bring. My team are looking at the operational implementation of CDM. This is an important period to ensure that the new messages from the regulations are understood. The revised regulations will require a major...
[Read on about CDM2007 Regulations final approval]
17 October 2006
Hello and welcome to the official Ai Solutions Blog. What we are going to talk about Each of the teams here will be talking about the following topics on a regular basis. News about new and updated Ai Solutions products (when new versions, updates, service packs etc. are released) Tips for how to make better use of features within our products Discussion of our current marketing activities Appearances at conferences, exhibitions, etc Often requested support issues Success stories...
[Read on about The Official Ai Solutions Blog - Welcome!]
1 October 2006
The October 2006 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: October Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - October 2006]
1 October 2006
Our regular six monthly product update is now on release to our customers. The update, code number 11f, includes: New Knowledge Base Viewer CDM Enhanced CDM Management Console and Statistics Automated update of Project events Personnel website and email addresses more visible within Projects Ability to select Explorer folder during Project Wizard Asbestos Enhanced Management Console and Statistics Export Item Data to CSV from within each Property...
[Read on about ToolKit Compliance System Update]
1 October 2004
We received an outstanding result from the recent survey conducted by TNS Prognostics on behalf of Microsoft. We are delighted with the outcome and would like to say 'Thank you' to all the customers who responded so positively. Here are some of the comments; "I cannot think of any way of improving an already excellent relationship" "I have a very good relationship with the firm and the staff." "The company has all the hallmarks of a truly personal service" "The after sales service is excellent" "Always...
[Read on about Customer Satisfaction Survey]
10 January 2004
I thought that you would like to know that HSC have agreed that we should proceed with the revision of the CDM and CHSW regs. The ambitious aim is to publish a consultative document next Spring. As far as possible I want to move forward by consensus, involving as many interested parties as possible. The high level objectives for the revision, agreed with CONIAC and endorsed by HSC, are to improve the management of risk by: simplifying the regulations to improve clarity and so making it easier...
[Read on about Managing Asbestos in Premises]
29 September 2003
A recent report in the Yorkshire Post makes some shocking revelations about people who have contracted mesothelioma. The Yorkshire Post report pulls together information from the HSE and the Trades Union Congress and claims 'to come just months after a Yorkshire Post investigation revealed fears over a new wave of victims, people who have had no direct or obvious contact with asbestos, but have still developed the disease because the now-banned fibre was so widely used'. According to the Yorkshire...
[Read on about Yorkshire Post Report on Asbestos Victims]
16 September 2003
I thought that you would like to know that HSC have agreed that we should proceed with the revision of the CDM and CHSW regs. The ambitious aim is to publish a consultative document next Spring. As far as possible I want to move forward by consensus, involving as many interested parties as possible. The high level objectives for the revision, agreed with CONIAC and endorsed by HSC, are to improve the management of risk by: simplifying the regulations to improve clarity and so making it easier...
[Read on about Health and Safety Commission go-ahead for revision of CDM & CHSW]
10 September 2003
Control of Asbestos at Work Regulation 4 Duty to Manage Asbestos The HSE is seeking the views of duty holders on progress of the new duty as part of HSE's one-year review of the operation of the new duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises. As you may be aware the Government gave a commitment during the House of Lords debate in December 2002 to review the new duty by the end of this year, though it does not become law until 21 May 2004. HSE has therefore prepared a short questionnaire...
[Read on about HSE Questionnaire]
1 August 2003
We are introducing a new series of free briefings & demonstrations about asbestos management and our software solution ToolKit CS™ Asbestos. Taking place at Leighton Buzzard, we have some dates available during the next 6 weeks and details are available on our web site or from us direct if you prefer to call us. This is an opportunity to get to know us, our solutions and benefits to evaluate how we can help your business manage asbestos successfully, cost effectively, within the legal...
[Read on about Briefings and Product Demonstrations]
10 July 2003
The main group of workers that need protection from asbestos whilst performing their duties are maintenance and installation engineers. The new Regulation 4, the Duty to Manage, in the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 will require that this group of workers will have access to all the information concerning asbestos within the premises they are working on. And that applies to all buildings in the workplace - with or without asbestos. Computers are the obvious vehicle to give anyone...
[Read on about Asbestos Alert for Maintenance Workers]
10 June 2003
Time is running out for the non-domestic property owners with new duties under the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002. With deaths exceeding 5000 per year in the UK from asbestos related diseases, the UK government have acted to protect the most at risk; maintenance workers and anyone who has the potential to disturb asbestos unknowingly. The HSE have tried to ensure that all people responsible for non-domestic premises have time to plan and formulate their policy for managing asbestos...
[Read on about When Access To Instant Information Could Save Lives]
1 February 2003
We will shortly be announcing the agenda for our first joint seminar with Heald Solicitors in Milton Keynes to be held on 6th March 2003. The agenda will be of interest to anyone concerned with both the legal aspects of the new asbestos management regulations and how they need to be managed. Heald Solicitors have an established construction based team well aware of the new legal requirements; Ai Solutions have their new Asbestos ToolKit CS™ ready for installation for the management of your...
[Read on about Asbestos Law Unmasked]
10 November 2002
As suggested in the HSE Discussion Document Revitalising Health and Safety in Construction. "To make a real difference in health and safety, we must identify and tackle all relevant factors. We need to think widely and not restrict our ideas to those traditionally perceived as health and safety issues." (DD para. 12) Over recent years, a great number of initiatives have focused in general on improving the industry and in particular its appalling health and safety record with very mixed results.
[Read on about Slightly More Radical Rethinking Construction]
10 October 2002
Ai Solutions Ltd have just launched their new asbestos management software called Asbestos ToolKit CS™. They will be demonstrating the new product at the SHE exhibition together with their updated market leading CDM software. The new asbestos legislation requires that if you own, occupy, manage or have responsibilities for premises which may contain asbestos, you will either have: A legal duty to manage the risk from this material OR A duty to co-operate with whoever manages that...
[Read on about SHE Editorial: New Regs - New Software]
10 July 2002
This article is available in the following formats: Microsoft Word (348 kB)
[Read on about Asbestos Campaign News - July 2002]
10 May 2002
This article is available in the following formats: Microsoft Word (370 kB)
[Read on about Asbestos Campaign News - May 2002]
1 May 2002
Come and see our new Asbestos Management Software at the Interbuild Exhibition at the NEC Birmingham (Sunday 9 June - Thursday 13 June). Our Compliance System helps manage health & safety risks for the new Asbestos Regulations. CDM ToolKit™ 2000 and Asbestos Complete™ will also be available. Tickets are available from Interbuild; free if booked in advance through their web site. Located with our overseas partner, GEO Instruments on Stand 4F173, we are again in the IT for Construction...
[Read on about Asbestos ToolKit CS from Ai Solutions]
10 April 2002
This article is available in the following formats: Microsoft Word (342 kB)
[Read on about Asbestos Campaign News Special]
11 February 2002
Ai Solutions have now completed the installation of a major software upgrade of their CDM ToolKit™ in one of the UK's premier regional power companies. Seeboard Power Networks maintain and upgrade the electricity network for the major part of the south east of England. The company decided some time ago that they needed to formalise their approach to the Health & Safety Executive's Construction (Design & Management) regulations. They wanted to ensure compliance throughout the group....
[Read on about Seeboard Power Networks Case Study]
10 February 2002
This article is available in the following formats: Microsoft Word (871 kB)
[Read on about Asbestos Campaign News - February 2002]
4 October 2001
Welcome Good morning!! Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to our first Construction Industry Seminar! I recently read a quotation from a certain software provider who said: "Our biggest competitor is the status quo"; it took me a moment to work it out ... I don't believe they were talking about the aging pop group; simply 'indifference'. By coming here today, you have each demonstrated that you want to hear about change in the construction industry and I am sure you are not going to be disappointed...
[Read on about Construction Industry Seminar Welcome Address]
11 August 2001
This article is available in the following formats: Microsoft Word (121 kB)Adobe Acrobat (PDF) (806 kB)
[Read on about Asbestos Campaign News - August 2001]
10 August 2001
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published guidance on how to survey workplace premises for asbestos [containing materials] and how to record the results. "Surveying, sampling and Assessment of Asbestos Containing Materials" has been produced as a standard for people carrying out - or commissioning - asbestos surveys in buildings. The guidance (known as MDHS 100) will form an important element in HSE's overall strategy to prevent people from dying from asbestos related disease, and will...
[Read on about Guidance on How To Survey Buildings for Asbestos]
10 June 2001
Ai Solutions Ltd release a new version of their CDM document management software. Installed throughout the UK, the audited management system can be easily tuned to the needs of any business. The new version includes substantial improvements to the on-board word processing functions, version control and keystone tasking for project management. The product is fully integrated with the cdmuk.com project management web site. Projects can be published to the web and groups of external organisations can...
[Read on about CDM ToolKit™ 2000 SR6]
5 April 2001
Welcome to our CDM Seminar / User Forum. It is really good to see so many of our customers here, a high number of whom support each user forum we have. We are also pleased to welcome for the first time some non-customers. We have taken the decision to broaden the audience for this particular Forum, as we are very pleased to have a varied and distinguished group of speakers including Steven Taylor from the HSE. I hope you will enjoy what promises to be an interesting and informative agenda. The...
[Read on about CDM Seminar Welcome Address]
10 March 2001
THE DUTY TO MANAGE ASBESTOSAN AWARENESS CAMPAIGN Setting the Scene Asbestos is the biggest occupational health problem ever encountered in the UK, and it is a problem that is set to get worse over the coming twenty or so years. The fifteen year plus latency period of asbestos means that positive efforts made now to reduce the effect of this killer disease will not be realised for some time. However, to do nothing is not an option. Asbestos was used extensively in building materials in the UK...
[Read on about Asbestos Awareness Campaign]
28 September 2000
The following transcript is reproduced with the permission of Stephen Wright who spoke at our User Forum 28th September 2000. Stephen is a policy section head at the HSE and is responsible for the consultative document regarding the proposed revisions to the ACoP for the CDM Regulations. Bringing Major Changes To The Construction Health And Safety Law Framework Some people have been ignoring their CDM responsibilities. Some have been producing mountains of paperwork without adding anything...
[Read on about Proposed Revisions to the ACoP for the CDM Regulations]
28 September 2000
The Keynote Speech delivered by Anne Marlow, Director, Ai Solutions Ltd; A very warm welcome to our user forum. We are delighted to see so many of our regular CDM ToolKit members, many of whom have been with us for a number of years. We are also pleased to welcome some new members. Our team is the same as always, David, Theo, Charles (the I.T. brains) and myself (the non I.T. brain) As always we want the day to be as relaxed, participative, and informal as possible. We hope that all our...
[Read on about User Forum Keynote Speech]
11 September 2000
Managing CDM will now be cheaper and easier than before with the launch of an Internet based 'pay-as-you-go' service. For as little as £1 per day project teams and clients can set up easily accessible documentation and keep up to date with the latest changes to a project. cdmUK.com is a new e-commerce service launched by Ai Solutions, it is based on six years experience with their highly successful CDM ToolKit™ 2000, a PC based CDM document management system. cdmUK.com enables clients,...
[Read on about New Internet Service for the CDM Community]
10 September 2000
"Mouchel, the major consulting engineering group, and Ai Solutions, developers of the CDM ToolKit™ 2000 software, have teamed together to provide a new e-commerce service for everyone involved in the HSE's Construction (Design & Management) Regulations. The new service will use a newly developed version of the CDM ToolKit™ currently installed throughout the UK with many local authorities, large corporates including Mouchel and other organisations providing planning supervisory services.
[Read on about cdmUK.com]
10 February 2000
The latest edition to the CDM practitioner's armoury completes the document management cycle for any project. The Construction (Design & Management) 1994 regulations from the HSE oblige building project clients to provide a health & safety file. The file should determine the long-term safety management aspects of the completed site. The CDM ToolKit™ 2000 Maintenance Manual product facilitates the production of a combined Maintenance Manual and Health & Safety File. The Maintenance Manual...
[Read on about CDM ToolKit™ 2000 Maintenance Manual]
10 November 1999
Ai Solutions have now released their latest version of the CDM ToolKit™ 2000 software that helps construction industry professionals control and manage the HSE Construction (Design and Management) 1994 regulations. This latest release is the result of 5 years continuous development of the well-known market leader. In use throughout the United Kingdom with large Organisations including Seeboard Plc, many local authorities, consulting companies and smaller enterprises, the CDM ToolKit™ 2000...
[Read on about Market Leading CDM Software - New Release]
10 April 1999
Guidance for employees on wearing respiratory protective equipment for work with asbestos Why is asbestos dangerous? Breathing in asbestos fibres can lead to asbestos-related diseases. These are mainly cancers of the chest and lungs and they kill more people than any other single work-related cause. There is a long delay between first exposure to asbestos and the start of disease. This can vary between 15 and 60 years. The vast majority of people now dying from asbestos-related diseases...
[Read on about Asbestos Dust Kills]
10 April 1999
Essential advice for workers carrying out: Building maintenance Building repair Building refurbishment Building services Asbestos: The hidden killer! Are you at risk? What does this leaflet tell you and who is it for? This leaflet tells you where you are most likely to find asbestos and how to protect yourself when working with it. It will be particularly useful for anyone involved in building maintenance, repair or refurbish-ment work, for instance, plumbers, carpenters and electricians.
[Read on about Working with Asbestos in Buildings]
1 August 1996
Managing asbestos in workplace buildings : the hidden killer! Are you putting others at risk? Managing asbestos materials in workplace buildings If you own, manage or have responsibilities for a workplace building which may contain asbestos, you need to think about the risk of exposure to workers and others who may use the building. It is your job to manage that risk. A sound management strategy will help to ensure that you do not put others at risk. This guidance will help you decide how you...
[Read on about Managing Asbestos in Workplace Building]