BENEFITS OF STEEL VS OTHER MATERIALS

Over the past couple of centuries, steel has become one of the most popular materials when building throughout the world due to it’s many excellent properties. However, you may often wonder if cheaper materials or ones which are even more readily available are better for use within your construction project. Here at Process Steels we are experts in the production and erection of steel structures and are believers that this is the best option for a variety of projects.

CAST IRON

This material was originally one of the most popular when it came to the construction industry. This is due to it’s high resistance to impact which is a key factor when building a structure. It is also resistant against twisting or morphing due to a change in temperature which can often happen in this country. However, over time the material can suffer and historically many cast iron bridges collapsed with some ending in catastrophic circumstances. Therefore, these structures were reinforced with steel to give them stability.

WOOD

A chosen material for many houses particularly in the United States of America, wood is a great material for a quick fix. It is extremely accessible and you can order a flat pack house within barely any time at all. However, there are the obvious risks that come along with timber structures including a substantial fire hazard and also during high winds they are susceptible to a large amount of damage.

BRICK

The majority of homes throughout the United Kingdom are built from brick and it has become an extremely popular choice for housing. However, for construction purposes, using brick is extremely long winded and can take a lengthy period to lay. This costs a large amount in manual labour and can this can therefore be extremely impractical.

STEEL

The quick erection of steel is one of the advantages of using the material for construction. It is also extremely reliable as it does not corrode and will last for many years to come. It is therefore a sound investment and one that we at Process Steels can help you get started.

We have a range of steel products available including H, C and I beams for Cheltenham and the surrounding areas. To get in touch with us give us a call on 01215 265 757 or visit our contact page.

HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS OF WAREHOUSES

Alongside the usual electrical, fire, noise and handling regulations that concern most working environments, warehouses present a variety of additional concerns due to the use of machinery and workplace transport in what can be a confined space.

Employers have a responsibility to carry out full risk assessments according to the 5 steps identified on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website. Risk assessments will take into account such factors as trip hazards, possibly harmful substances, the need for personal safety equipment and the potential risks of working at height.

Roger Bibbings, an advisor at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, says that ‘risk assessments are a process of continual improvement, and a site survey can highlight potential hazards you might otherwise miss.’

The Health and Safety Executive

A report released by the HSE shows that almost half of all work related injuries that occur in warehouses result from manual handling, with a further third resulting from collision with moving, falling and stationary objects. The HSE publishes several guides to warehousing and storage safety on their website, as well as advice on risk assessment and a convenient and easy to use ‘toolbox’ that contains information on all aspects of health and safety.

Health and Safety Checklist

Maintenance of warehouse equipment, proper use of equipment and, of course, a well constructed warehouse all contribute to health and safety good practice.

A checklist will include:

Behaviour: workplace training, good management and responsible staff will minimise the risk of negligent or reckless behaviour causing accidents. Employees should be aware of regulations and the code of conduct that they should abide by.

Vehicle Operation: use of workplace transport requires specific pathways and access points to be clear of obstructions. The need for complicated manoeuvres should be reduced, and employees should maintain an awareness of the routes and frequency of traffic.

Maintenance and Use of Equipment: many accidents occur from improper use of equipment and from faulty equipment that need.

When it comes to building your warehouse, talk to us here at Process Steels as we can provide you with RSJs to build your project. Call us today on 01215 265 757 or visit our contact page.