Edinburgh’s Newest Affordable Housing Development Nears Completion
Edinburgh’s newest social housing project at Lochrin Basin in the Fountainbridge area of Edinburgh is close to completion with the first tenants expected to move into the attractive apartments by early June. Designed and constructed by leading family house-builder Mactaggart & Mickel in partnership with Dunedin Canmore Housing Association, the two 3 – 4 storey blocks, containing 22 affordable 1 – 2 bedroom apartments mark the latest phase in the redevelopment of the site in the proximity of the historic Union Canal. Lochrin Basin is the first venture
into Scotland’s social housing market by Mactaggart & Mickel Contracts. Celebrating its 85th anniversary this year, it was in the mid-1920’s that the quality family house-builder first proudly undertook contract work for the Glasgow Corporation and Western
Heritable. The development at Lochrin Basin is finished in a mix of contemporary, locally procured materials including masonry, glazing and zinc, the apartment blocks provides residents with access to an attractive landscaped courtyard, car parking and bike storage. With construction on the site having started in June last year, the success of the project signifies the robust partnership formed between Dunedin Canmore Housing Association (DCHA) and Mactaggart & Mickel and a shared objective to deliver a sustainable and quality project on time and on budget. Commenting on the
development, Mairi Mickel, Head of Corporate Communications at Mactaggart & Mickel said: “Mactaggart & Mickel is very proud to have worked with Dunedin Canmore Housing Association and Michael Laird Architects to provide
New Ofgem Decision in Force
New Ofgem policies, set to benefit developers by reducing timescales and costs, are due to come into force from 1st April 2010. GTC, the nationwide provider of utility infrastructure to the new-build market, has been working closely with Ofgem to overcome the issue of boundary metering. On 2nd March 2010, Ofgem announced that if upstream regional Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) require boundary metering, it will be at their expense. For the developer, boundary
metering has been very unpopular and has meant that expensive, large and unsightly equipment has had to be installed on most new developments. The considerable size of the metering equipment creates land-take issues, which in turn often incurs high legal costs and adversely impacts timescales. This recent decision overturns
Ofgem’s 2005 position that boundary metering equipment should be funded by Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs). Under the 2005 decision DNOs insisted that metering be fitted at all connection boundaries
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to IDNO networks to measure electricity conveyed. It should be noted that DNOs did not install such metering in respect of developments served by their own network extensions. GTC has actively contested the 2005 ruling as a barrier to true competition. Ofgem also recognised this disparity in its January Connections Review which stated that nationwide electricity connections to an IDNO network stands at 11 % compared with the 77 % of independent gas connections. GTC is delighted with the Ofgem decision and believes that this lead to a dramatic reduction in the need for boundary metering, particularly for low voltage networks. This means that underground point of isolation solutions – such as link boxes in public highways – are a sufficient and entirely appropriate arrangement for connections between the DNO and IDNO network. Recognised industry systems will now be used to record usage. This dramatically scaled-down approach will create savings for all involved both in terms of cost and time.
the City of Edinburgh with a high quality social housing development at Lochrin Basin. From the outset, this project has reflected all parties commitment to partnership working and the highest quality of delivery. With other such projects in the pipeline, Mactaggart & Mickel is firmly committed to working with registered social landlords and others to create new affordable housing communities.” Ewan Fraser, chief executive of Dunedin Canmore Housing Association, said: “It has proven greatly advantageous for Dunedin Canmore to work in partnership with Mactaggart & Mickel, a financially robust family house-builder who have a reputation for building very high quality houses. We are very pleased to have worked with the leading housebuilder on this urban regeneration project that will help meet the high demand for
affordable housing in the capital.” The Lochrin Basin development incorporated Dunedin Canmore’s own design parameters and the one-stop-shop approach of Mactaggart & Mickel’s Timber Systems division. From initial concept, planning and design to on-site delivery and construction, this modern construction method provides the customer with a streamlined, cost-effective and timely build process. While during construction the interior of a traditional brick and mortar house can be exposed to the elements for weeks, Mactaggart & Mickel Timber Systems delivery of a sealed unit on site, complete with services installed, ensures the apartment or house is wind and watertight in just one day.
Dangerous Respirable Hazards Caused by Silica
For workers in professions such as abrasive blasting, quarrying and tunnelling, the risks of injury are clear. However, Katya Chausheva at 3M, the diversified technology company, warns that significant health hazards are also posed to the respiratory system if correct controls are not in place. Crystalline silica is a
fundamental constituent of soil, sand, granite and other minerals which, when disturbed, can break into particles capable of being inhaled. When this happens, the silica dust enters the lungs and causes scar tissue to form, hindering the lungs’ capacity to absorb oxygen – a condition called silicosis. Silicosis is incurable as the lungs cannot be repaired, leaving victims suffering severe shortness of breath. Silicosis can occur in three main
forms depending upon the individual’s exposure to silica, the duration of the exposure and the concentration of the silica. With chronic silicosis, caused by prolonged exposure to medium to low concentrations of silica, symptoms range from fatigue to
chest pain and respiratory failure. Exposure to crystalline silica should be managed through engineering controls, typically local exhaust ventilation. Where further reduction in exposure is required respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is generally worn. When RPE is used employees must be trained properly in its fitting, use, storage and maintenance. A range of RPE is available to
help reduce the risks of crystalline silica. Specifiers can select from disposable or reusable half-face respirators, full-face respirators or powered respirators depending on the level of exposure identified through risk assessment and personal preference. Significant resources are being continually invested by the leading players in the market to deliver products which are effective, comfortable and wearable across a wide variety of applications, with the ultimate aim of ensuring workers do not adjust their PPE and render it ineffective, or even remove it altogether due to discomfort.
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