Kelly Bros’ solar-powered message signs are silent in operation.

Burners of various sizes are available for tackling road defects of different magnitudes.

Another product on show designed to tackle HAV was the HAVi from Real Edge. The small vibration meter attaches to hand-held equipment using a Velcro strap or a cable tie and it indicates when permitted exposure levels are reached or exceeded. The user keys in the quoted vibration rating for the tool they will be operating, and the meter displays their dosage under the HSE’s points value system as it

GenQuip unveiled the Diesel Hybrid Groundhog welfare unit.

accumulates

during the working day. Details can be logged as a record of exposure. Real Edge’s Andy Mee says that the HAVi is now being specified by AMEC for its sites.

Select Surveys of Wrotham showed its ground penetrating radar systems as a non-intrusive solution for the location of both metallic and non-metallic objects and services. The equipment can also be used to identify culverts and other obstructions that cannot easily be located by using traditional signal transmitting devices.

The Innovations Day provided GenQuip with the opportunity to give the first public showing of the new Diesel Hybrid version of its popular 3.6m Groundhog mobile welfare unit. It is effectively a cross between the existing diesel version and the 12V model. The latter has batteries enabling all heating and electrical equipment to be operated without needing the engine-driven battery charger, which will typically cut in for only one hour in every eight hours.

Reduced fuel usage

On the Hybrid, which carries a lower price tag than the 12V model, the generator will be required to run for approximately two hours in every eight, and would also be needed if equipment such as the unit’s microwave oven and kettle were being used along with the heating and lighting systems. However, whenever the generator is not running at full load, any extra capacity is used for charging the batteries, helping to achieve an estimated 60% reduction in fuel usage compared against a conventional generator driven unit.

Kelly Bros of Yate displayed models from its environmentally friendly range of variable message signs with solar panels. As well as being

21

The Heras Streetwise barrier system is made from recyclable steel.

used alongside traffic management, roadworks or the control of incidents, they can be effective in delivering road safety campaigns through inbuilt radar speed control technology. The text and graphics on the LED display can be changed remotely, and the signs operate silently with no fuel being consumed.

In addition to displaying temporary fencing products designed to reduce trip hazards and to give improved stability, Heras promoted its Streetwise barrier system. Made from lightweight steel that is fully recyclable, the panels are secured using a specially developed hinged coupler that can be fitted without specialist tools. Anti-lift twist- action footplates are incorporated for enhanced security so that individual sections cannot be lifted independently. Integral reflectors and courtesy boards are also supplied.

Communicating with customers

Speaking during the Innovations Day, Fraser Pithie, Senior Operations Manager with Severn Trent Water, explained the importance of recognising two aspects relating to adopting new working practices: the products that get jobs done effectively, and the need to communicate information about maintenance work clearly to members of the public. “We need to understand how these tasks impact on consumers, who are less interested in new technology than issues such as where they can park their cars or place their wheeled bins for emptying.

“All the good work achieved in increasing efficiency and sustainability will be adversely affected through poor CRM (customer relationship management) if we fail to liaise effectively with people. Customers have a legitimate interest in our business, and associated street works, and so we should engage with them and work with them.”

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