NEWSWORTHY
STABLE PLATFORM FOR CONSTRUCTION SITES
SGB-Cape , a division of WACO Africa and a leading provider of industrial scaffolding safety equipment and services is proud to add QuikDeck to their fleet of access solutions . The QuikDeck Suspended Access System is a revolutionary solution for construction and repair projects that require a stable and safe work platform . It is a modular system that can be assembled and configured to fit into almost any shape or size , and can be built in the air or on the ground before being hoisted into position . This makes it a versatile and efficient solution for a wide range of projects , from bridges and offshore platforms to boilers and industrial pipe racks . One of the key advantages is its
safety . QuikDeck can be assembled
and disassembled quickly and easily , with minimal manual labour required . Each component can be handled by one person and requires no special tools or skills to assemble . It has a load capacity of 366kg / m ², which means that it can support weight and is better suited for heavy-duty construction and repair projects .” Another advantage is its flexibility . The system can be leapfrogged and relocated as work progresses , which allows for a more efficient and effective workflow . QuikDeck ® is a product from US scaffolding leader Safway and meets all USA federal safety and health requirements and complies with South African National Standards SANS51808 , SANS10295 and conforms with SANS 10085-1 . www . sgbcape . com
SA ’ S LANDFILLS ARE FILLED WITH CONSTRUCTION WASTE
When it comes to the dilemma of South African landfills running out of space , all relevant role players must acknowledge the significant impact of the construction industry .
According to Mpendulo Ginindza , President of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa , many local landfills are filled with construction waste rather than household waste .
Enforcement , rather than legislation , is the crux . Construction waste includes broken concrete , ceramics , wood , metals , and bricks , and construction debris , which includes tiles , plaster , roof material , doors , and pipes . “ Construction waste generally consists of materials used to build and then becomes waste during demolition or renovation of buildings , roads , bridges , and other similar structures . It is all considered debris .”
She further explains that construction waste is heavier , bulkier , and takes up more space than other sorts of waste , primarily household waste , which is a significant problem .
Despite the use of modern waste management technologies , Ginindza asserts that landfilling is still South Africa ’ s most dependable waste management option at the moment . “ But when not properly managed , landfills provide a number of health problems to local communities through air pollution , leachate outbreaks , vectors carrying diseases , and odorous gas . There are already quite a few landfills that don ’ t meet the minimum standards . The South African waste legislation is adequate ; it is the application and enforcement that seem to be a challenge .“
Focus on Now and Future An immediate change would be to separate general waste from construction waste . To create permanent change , role players need to explore reuse options , to then reduce the amount of waste that is landfilled . The first step would be using smart technical knowledge and approaches to maximise airspace . Waste should be diverted for fast , practical gains . This can be done by increasing the efficiency of the current landfill systems , using dynamic compaction techniques , researching different expansion levels , finding alternate waste diversion methods , and choosing appropriate waste-to-resources programs .”
Ginindza concludes by emphasising that the construction industry produces a lot of waste and that it needs to recognise that it has a significant role to play in resource management .
“ They need to support the waste industry by fostering the principles of 3Rs : Reduce , Reuse , and Recycle .”
6 News Watch