Building Briefs – July 21st

BAM Ritchies’ Charlene Geddes becomes first woman in UK to achieve Shotfiring qualification

BAM Ritchies’ Charlene Geddes has become the first female in the UK to gain the MPQC Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Shotfiring.

The geography and geo-science graduate from the University of Aberdeen achieved her NVQ qualification last month and has already managed three successful quarry blasts for Bam Ritchies, the geotechnical division of civil engineers BAM Nuttall.

Blasting operations are potentially one of the most hazardous roles within a quarry, as recognised by the Quarry Regulations 1999, and before blasting Charlene carries out a manual and laser survey of the area. Using state of the art profiling equipment and software, she collates the survey and drilling information to place explosives within the borehole, ensuring the blast is safe to fire. The correct choice in explosives and initiation system is essential to the success of the process.

In her role, Charlene fires blasts in quarries primarily for aggregates but also for ornamental stone, the latter needing a different amount of explosives and a change in the charge sequence. The largest amount of aggregate she has blasted in a single blast so far is 80,000 tonnes.

Twenty-seven year old Charlene, who lives in Aberdeen, covers the whole of Scotland in her work for BAM Ritchies. In her spare time she is a signaller in the Army Reserves.

New £140,000 West Dunbartonshire play park opens

A new £140,000 play park has opened in Bonhill, West Dunbartonshire.

The project has been built as part of a £3.2 million investment in play parks across the region. Similar schemes have been developed in Christie Park, St Helena Crescent, Dumbarton Common, Overburn, Tullichewan, Haldane and Goldenhill Park.

Features of the New Bonhill play park include a zip slide, climbing frame, swings, slides and apparatus for toddlers, as well as apparatus for youngsters with disabilities.

Work to start on M77 resurfacing

Work is to begin on a £370,000 resurfacing project on the M77 motorway.

The scheme will address issues with potholes and structural cracking along a 1.35km stretch of the route from Corkerhill to Junction 2. Work will take place overnight from 22 July to 31 July.

West Lothian students learn future construction skills

West Lothian Council has helped a number of young people learn vital skills for a future career in construction.

Eight students took part in the local authority’s multi-trade programme, which aims to provide them with a practical and realistic introduction to the industry.

Organised by Education and mentored by qualified trade operatives from the council’s Building Services team, the participants had the opportunity to observe and take part in a number of trades such as plumbing, joinery and electrical.

In addition, students were also given classroom lessons by qualified trade operatives as well as completing the British Safety Council’s Health and Safety Course. Advice and support was also offered on how to apply for an apprenticeship in the construction industry, with guidance on the council’s apprentice application process and exam.

Three pupils have now been accepted to the council’s apprenticeship scheme as a direct result of taking part in the programme.

Newmachar Church Road to close for three weeks for AWPR work

Newmachar Church Road will close at the B977 near Parkhill for around three weeks from 6am on Monday 24 July to enable the contractor to install permanent safety barriers.

The works form part of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie to Tipperty (AWPR/B-T) project.