CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS
the last two years, particularly as we did not really have the opportunity to test the forms in practice before they were enshrined in the Irish Code.” One feature of the Irish Code, though, he is sorry will not
feature in the British Standard. “It was important to us that the Code was not just written for qualified engineers or consultants. We wanted the guys on the site to understand not just their responsibilities but the importance of getting things right. That’s why we built in the information boxes with the little anchor cartoon figure. We wanted it to be friendly in delivering sound practical advice to really improve practice on the site.” “There is still a massive learning curve for people to go
through,” says Bryan, “and its not just the guys on the site. We’ve had ETAs since 1997 but we still come across people out there, including engineers, that have never heard of an ETAG.”
“ It’s all about knowledge and understanding. The Code has highlighted the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in the connection.”
So can he feel the effect of the Code? “Yes, definitely but it is
a slow burn. There is still a resistance from some people that feel it is complicating their lives and want it to go away.” The other criticism is that the Code is potentially anti-competitive. Bryan Carroll does not see it that way. “Actually it takes away a lot of the smoke and mirrors that were used before. It’s all totally transparent and provides a system to make informed and accurate change decisions.” “It’s all about knowledge and understanding,” Bryan continues.
“The Code has highlighted the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in the connection. Now if you are negligent there is no question that you are legally liable. Hopefully, that will encourage people to go and learn something.” The Code, however, has not yet found its way onto the
curriculum of the national colleges around Ireland, something Bryan Carroll contrasts unfavourably with technical education methods in Germany. “The trouble is the anchors are a tiny percentage of the total cost of a project. People get all excited about the specification of major components but forget it is the anchor bolt that is holding it all together.” He has concerns also about the superficiality of understanding
on occasions. “On one hand it is a great thing that the younger guys are computer literate. The risk is that they don’t necessarily understand what is behind the software they are using. As I always tell them at CPD seminars, the software from whichever
96 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012
manufacturer is only a fancy front end calculator for a European guideline and technical approval structure, which also needs to be understood. There are still too few people at the top end trying to educate people and promote best practice.” In the face of the incredibly tough economic environment in
Ireland over the last two years does he feel the presence of the code has helped to resist the inevitable temptations to substitute lower performance or safety products to reduce costs? “Yes, definitely,” he says. “If you look at our own business, there has been a disproportionate impact from the economic crisis. Where we have found it very tough is with the commodity products. We have been far more effective at holding onto the structural and safety critical business because we are seen to possess a real technical expertise in these products. The Code has helped to create a recognition that the cost of getting it wrong is actually much greater than the cost of using approved fixings. It’s not just the risk of an accident, it is the potential commercial cost of having to go back and put things right.” So it was worth the massive effort he personally put into the
project? “It’s the carrot and stick situation. I was there out of true passion and love of anchors. I felt this should be treated as a document to regulate, to improve and to enforce best practice in the industry – not something that sat on the shelf gathering dust until some fella gets it wrong, when it is taken down and used to hit him over the head.” That disappointment, though, is tempered. “The more
responsible players in the industry have definitely started to push it and you can see good effects slowly coming through.” One thing is for sure, Bryan Carroll remains as passionate
as ever about promoting best practice in the industry, however long it takes.
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