WASTE/RECYCLING


don’t reach the same high temperatures as a surface exposed to flames. Put simply, concrete doesn’t add to a fire’s fuel load, and very few other materials can argue the same. What’s more, precast interlocking


concrete blocks don’t emit any toxic gases or fumes, are resilient to smouldering materials, and – if properly designed and manufactured – can be described as ‘fire-proof’. By using freestanding interlocking


concrete blocks as fire breaks, not only can the costs and inconvenience of permanent footings be avoided, but the blocks can be easily dismantled and reassembled by untrained personnel, allowing firms and organisations to keep up with changing recycling trends, storage needs and commercial demands. They can also enable businesses to make much better use of their sites because they can be made into temporary bay walls and segregation bays. It’s important to follow the guidance of


the British and European Standards, as well as the British Precast Concrete Federation, who all focus on the constituent ingredients of the concrete, with only blocks comprising of less than 1% organic constituents with no recycled material, classed as being Class 1A Fire Resistant based on clause 4.3.4.4 of EN 13369. There are many variants of blocks


currently available on the market, including some substandard blocks which independent tests have shown contain hazardous materials and which can be up to a third the strength of UK-manufactured blocks. These can be imported but they will not be fit-for-purpose for use in freestanding fire breaks, so it’s really important for any company considering their use as part of a fire risk management strategy to do their research beforehand and to call on a UK company they can trust. My belief is that we need to replace


PPG29’s one-size-fits-all approach by introducing alternative methods to prevent, mitigate and control fires, and physical fire breaks absolutely deserve their place in any plan.


Doing nothing and maintaining our


insular focus on PPG29 guidelines at the exclusion of all other risk mitigation strategies is not an option for many in the sector, and certainly for those who have suffered issues in the past. The time is absolutely right for new


guidelines to be developed, but until then, I urge businesses to speak with colleagues, their local fire safety officers and with the wider community, to help evolve outdated guidance into something that’s ready for the months and years ahead, and not just until new revisions are made,” concluded Owen. For further information contact 01952


588885, e: postmaster@eliteprecast.co.uk or visit www.eliteprecast.co.uk


ECOACE PREDICTS A BAG FREE FUTURE


The cool and contemporary EcoAce is the latest addition to the growing line up of custom-built internal recycling bins from Leafield Environmental.


D


esigned in partnership with Bath Spa University, the EcoAce has cut out handles to allow lifting to central collection points and can be


used with or without bags. Its space-saving tapered design easily fits into any modern setting and the colourful lids can be adapted for up to eight different waste streams. A black EcoAce base can be made from 100% recycled plastic – a totally sustainable recycling solution. Dr Julian Greaves, Sustainability


Manager Bath Spa University said, “the bespoke design service was one of the reasons we chose Leafield because we were unable to find exactly what we wanted elsewhere. We asked for a good quality, robust, affordable recycling bin with a ‘bag free’ option as part of our strategy to increase recycling rates to at least 80% by 2016.” Leafield MD Phil Maddox said, “our bespoke design service works well because we listen to our clients and provide support from first brief and design stage through to installation.”


“EcoAce is ideal for organisations looking for good quality and great value for money without compromising on style.”


FEATURES 1.


2. 3. 4.


5.


6. 7.


*Black bases only can be made from 95% reclaimed plastic.


Available in two sizes – 52 L and 62L Prices from just £61.50 per bin (52L) Cut out handles in the body of the bin allows for use with or without a bag. Deal for low volume or heavy waste recycling.


Suitable for internal use. WRAP colour coded apertures and waste streams include general, mixed, plastic, cans and paper with graphics as standard.


8. 9.


Oval aperture in lid suitable for a number of different waste streams Optional extra label and colour customisation


Dimensions: H:560, Dia: 425mm Aperture Dimensions: H: 225, W: 290mm Bag: Minimum liner size 13” x 23”x27” (available from most swing bin liner manufactures)


For more information contact: call 01225 816511 visit www.leafielddirect.com e: Julie.daniels@leafield-environmental.com


PUBLIC SECTOR ESTATES MANAGEMENT • MAY 2014


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