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Platform Decking CSCS card

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House builders, Insist on the FASET Platform Decking CSCS Card

Access Platform Decking Systems have become more widely used in the House Building Industry. As a result, It made sense for the Platform Decking industry to look to become recognised and regulated by a trade association.

Why bother with a Platform Decking CSCS Card?

In an Industry where the Health and Safety of operatives is paramount. The Site Manager has to be sure the contractors being used to install Platform Decking are competent. The CSCS Card scheme provides the Site Manager with quantifiable proof of training and assessment. Therefore, the construction industry as a whole benefits. Operatives & employers also benefit from holding the Platform Decking CSCS Card. Especially relevant is the fact that they have a recognised trade occupation within the CSCS card scheme.

G&M Safe Deck Ltd has been involved in a committee and working group setup by FASET, the Temporary Safety Systems & Safety Netting trade association. The goal of this committee was to bring the major manufacturers of Platform Decking Systems to the table.  FASET tasked the committee with designing a standardised training scheme and best practice guide. As a result, the committee has set the standard for Platform Decking nationwide.

Why Platform Decking, Won’t Bean Bags do?

The health & safety of operatives, visitors and the public is a primary concern for Principal Contractors as well as Employers and Clients. Platform Decking provides the user with an effective method of fall prevention. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that work at height is avoided so far as is reasonably practicable. Where work at height cannot be avoided he regulation requires that the fall be prevented, If the fall cannot be prevented then the distance and consequences of the fall must be reduced to an acceptable level.

Consequently, those who are responsible for controlling work at height must look to prevent the fall where ever possible. Consequently, in the eyes of the HSE, it is preferable to prevent using collective equipment. That is what Platform Decking does, as well as provide a safe working platform. As is visible in the picture Platform Decking sits as close to the top of the hierarchy of control measures as it is possible to be without avoiding work at height altogether.

How do I get a Platform Decking CSCS Card?

The first step is to contact the manufacturer of the Platform Decking System that you are using. They must be members the trade association FASET to be a part of the scheme. The would be Platform Installers must then attend the FASET Platform Installers Course. Following training and assessment the successful Learner will be able to apply for the FASET Platform Installer CSCS Card. Consequently they will be able to prove their competence in Platform Decking Installation. 

For more information or to book a course for your operatives. Contact us.

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Safe Deck Benefits – What they are!

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Safe Deck Benefits – What are they?

G&M Safe Deck has various benefits over other similar crash deck systems. One of which is the ability to cut down the Safe Deck panel into smaller sizes. Consequently this cuts down on waste.  Enabling the owner to recycle damaged panels rather than discarding them. Another benefit is the ability to pass scaffold tubes through the panel. Therefore reducing the need for alterations during use. Thereby reducing cost along with the risk arising from voids where the decking and scaffolding interface.

Safety DeckingAs seen in the image. Where the scaffolding is installed there is no void. With other crash deck systems there would be a void. There would also be the need to edge protect the void to prevent persons from falling into it. Sadly on most sites this does not happen.

The G&M Safe Deck system has increased the overall safety of operatives who work to install floors or trusses in the house building industry. Consequently the risk of falls from height are drastically reduced where Safe Deck is in use.

Safe Deck benefits – Why? bean bags are cheaper

Whilst it is true that bean bags are a far cheaper option. That doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best option. This is because bean bags allow the fall to occur. Consequently bean bags sit as low down the hierarchy of control measures as you can get. The HSE will always expect any contractor to PREVENT the fall wherever possible. Therefore using a decking system that eliminates the chances of a fall occurring throughout a working area is the way to go. G&M Safe Deck is such a system. As seen in the image above there is no void through which a person could fall. Consequently the work at height regulations are satisfied.

For more information, a quote, hire or a sales call. Contact us.

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Safe Deck half panel – Available now!

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Why a half size panel when the standard full size panel can be cut?

Yes it is true that the full size panel can be cut in half, thirds ,2 thirds  or sixths. This is a result of the fact the Safe Deck panel is designed to be cut down without loss of rigidity or strength. Consequently the panel can be re-used even if it is damaged. Thereby cutting down on waste and loss. The half panel is intended as an addition to the G&M Safe Deck range of products. Further increasing the flexibility of the G&M Safe Deck System.

OK then, so why the half panel?

G&M Safe Deck Ltd care a great deal about our customers and the support we provide them. Consequently we listen to what our customers want. We were asked by our customers for a Safe Deck half panel they could purchase as a separate item as and when they needed them. As a result of this we have gone into R&D and developed a half panel. The Safe Deck half panel has been tested by a UKAS accredited test centre. Consequently we have testing data which proves the Safe Deck half panel has the same loading capability and characteristics as the standard full size panel.

When is the half panel available?

Production is about to start on the half panel with the first production runs expected to be complete by the end of summer. We have orders for this new product, we are expecting the first batches of stock to sell out quickly. So don’t wait put in your orders now to avoid disappointment.

For more information, hire, sales or training please contact us.

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Plasterboard Hatch – New product alert!

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We are excited to announce we have a new product in the Safe Deck range of products. The Safe Deck Plasterboard Hatch.

 

The plasterboard Hatch.

This new hatch will enable the safe passing of materials between floor levels. The safe manual handling of materials between floor levels has always been a concern for employers and principal contractors. Traditionally, materials such as lengths of timber or plaster board have been carried up the stairs. This can be risky and arduous for those carrying materials. Consequently there is a greater risk of musculoskeletal injuries occurring as a result of awkward and unnecessary manual handling.

Why

The manual handling operations regulations 1992 require employers the assess the risk of potential injury caused by potentially hazardous manual handling. Consequently employers need to think about the way their employees are carrying out manual handling operations and risk assess as to whether there is a better and safer way of doing it. So reducing the distance travelled when carrying materials is always preferable where possible, especially when this involves navigating stairs. This is where the Safe Deck Plasterboard hatch comes in.

 

When & How

The hatch is intended for use in floors that have no viable access through for operatives (Safe Deck Hatch) or materials. This due to the fact that often the stairwells have not been cut out. This is the perfect place to put a Plasterboard hatch. Consequently allowing operatives to pass materials up through the floor rather than carrying materials up scaffolding or in some cases up stairs. As a result this enables operatives to reduce their time spent manually handling materials. Consequently they are spending more time actually installing or using the materials for their work.

 

Most importantly the Plasterboard hatch does not have an opening big enough to allow an operative to fall through. So there is no need for any edge protection around the opening. The opening is only 1300mm x 75mm  which is big enough to pass plasterboard and other materials through. Where access for operatives is required the addition of a Safe Deck Hatch makes a perfect combination for access and materials handling.

For more information, hire or sales. Contact us.

Renewed FASET Membership 😍

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Very proud of our renewed FASET membership – the mark of excellence for Platform Decking

Following a full and thorough audit by FASET G&M Safe Deck has been awarded renewed FASET Membership. As long serving members of FASET, G&M Safe Deck Ltd are proud to retain membership to the premier Temporary Safety Systems trade association.

What is FASET?

FASET was founded back in the early 2000’s and is the trade association for the Temporary Safety Systems industry. Members range from installers to manufacturers.

FASET as a trade association administers various training schemes leading to CSCS cards for operatives who can demonstrate their skills and competence through assessment. Inspection courses for the manager are also available.

Consequently, FASET offer the following courses in Temporary Safety Systems

  • Safety Net Rigger
  • Edge Protection Installer
  • Stair Tower Installer
  • Platform decking Installer
  • Soft Landing Systems Installer
  • Safety Net Rescue for Operatives (coming soon)

For the Manager

  • Edge Protection for Managers (coming soon)
  • Stair towers for Managers (coming soon)
  • STEP for Managers (the above combined, available now)
  • Safety Nets for Managers
  • Platform Decking for Managers
  • Soft Landing Systems for Managers
  • Tensioned Access Platforms for Managers
  • Rescue Workshop for Managers

FASET also has committees that produce technical guidance. These committees are formed by experts from the member companies. As A result the guidance produced is of a high standard and is regularly looked to by industry and principal contractors. The guidance is available here.

Renewed FASET members enjoy multiple benefits. Preferred contractor status amongst the major principal contractors. Legal aid, input into FASET committees, ability to set industry standards, access to reduced prices for BSI standards to name a few.

This is a result of the rigorous FASET Platform Decking Audit which covers all of the aspects of being a reputable company. Consequently, Safety Management & Environmental responsibilities are assessed. Along with the company’s ability to manage and maintain their Platform Decking equipment.

Renewed FASET Membership

G&M Safe Deck
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Safe Deck Customer Logo – now in production

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Customer logo – Cavanna homes

As one of the first productions runs using the new logo plates made specially for our customers. New customer Cavanna Homes are sporting their own logo on the G&M Safe Deck panel. It gives us great pleasure to see how well customer logos have come out. 

Safe Deck Branding
Cavanna Homes Branding

Why have your own Logo on the Safe Deck Panel?

We have introduced this service to enable customers to have their own branding on equipment that has been purchased. Consequently identifying the kit as their own.

As a result this increases security, making it difficult for unscrupulous persons to steal and use the panels as they are easily identifiable through this unique branding.

How does it work?

The customer logo is first created on a steel plate. When the moulding process is complete the logo is part of the panel and cannot be removed. As a result, detailed images can be reproduced with clarity.

Whilst our own branding is still in place, the intention was for customer branding to take centre stage, which we believe it does. 

The logos themselves also form part of the anti-slip surface of the G&M Safe deck panel. 

This service is available to all customers who purchase 500m2 of the G&M Safe Deck System. Customers can choose whether to have their logo on 2 or 4 plates on the Safe Deck panel.

The G&M Safe Deck System is available for hire and sale. For a Quote, hire or sales or a quote please contact us.

Alternatively call; 01606 834630 or email to office@gmsafedeck.co.uk 

 

ACCREDITATIONS

Constructionline Gold Member
HAS Accredited Contractor
Safe Contractor Approved
FASET - Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training
Constructionline
CITB