Steel Erection Work And Fabrication

Modern structures and buildings usually involve some form of steel erection and fabrication. This is in addition to site preparation and laying of foundations.

Prior to undertaking the construction of any metal work it is the usual practice to draw up a works schedule and plan for each stage of construction. This could be listing basic tasks such as the proposed site layout and preparing groundwork by laying a suitable base of hardcore or aggregates, it could also include specifications for cutting metal to size and dimensions for steel sections which are to be welded in place.  The plan could also include a risk assesment as well as structual information for the building in question. 

The groundwork needs to be totally completed before any steelwork is erected or installed in place. Hardcore would be used to provide a sound foundation usually married with a concrete mix. To prepare the foundation for the steelwork it would be common practice to use a piece of equipment such as a vibrating floor plate.

At the time of erection of any steelwork the choice needs to be made as to what tools are needed for cutting and sawing metalwork to match the plans and steel components being used in the structures erection. A combination of tools would be used depending on the thickness of steel involved and the amount of cutting or sawing needed. A relatively new tool capable of cutting through metal is an evolution rage circular saw. This great metal cutting saw is a multi purpose unit designed for easily cutting through mild steel as well as general timber and wood.

Once the metal is cut a steel building or structure would need erecting and assembling by either the use of fixings or welding. The two methods of construction are totally different. Large torque fixings and bolts would be installed with a heavy duty impact wrench, metals being joined by welding would be tackled using a powerful and heavy duty piece of welding gear – normally an engine driven portable welder.

Immaterial which method is used the equipment needed to construct or erect a steel structure needs to be of a high quality and capable of tough work. Most pieces of equipment which fit into this category are available for hire from a specialist tool hire company catering for engineers and construction companies alike.

Seasonal Trends For Equipment In Tool Hire Companies

In the Uk tool hire companies experience seasonal trends for demand of different types of equipment.

Unlike hotter (or colder) countries the Uk with it’s four different seasons creates problems for the majority of equipment hire businesses who try to maintain an even stream of income over the twelve months of the year.

Perhaps the easiest way to explain these trends is by taking UK spring and summer seasons into account. In a traditional year demand for gardening equipment and landscaping tools increases at the start of spring, through all of summer and into early autumn.

In spring and with the start of a warmer climate grass and plants in the garden start to sprout and grow and kick off the start of the traditional gardening season. This instantly creates a seasonal trend for customers wishing to maintain their lawns and gardens and undertake tidying up of flower borders, grassed areas, paths, patios, and other outside areas. Typical pieces of equipment which customers wish to hire are lawnmowers, hedgetrimmers, pruners, tillers, rotavators, and chainsaws.

As the Uk moves through and into summer (the second season) another seasonal trend takes place. Homeowners and tradesmen are busy dealing with DIY projects, exterior decoration jobs, and an increasing number of large projects. This could be a summer overhaul of a boat, a motorcycle, classic car or anything else which the summer months dicate are the best time to complete and tackle it.

Summer creates it’s own problems for companies and the general workplace. The hotter temperatures and climates (especially with global warming) can turn an effective workforce in a downward spiral unless a comfortable working environment is maintained. For office workers, shop workers, and staff working in any hot environment the solution is for the employer to hire portable air conditioning units.  By creating a cool work environment production in the office can be maintained and a healthy and efficient workforce kept happy.

At this time of year climate hire equipment can also avoid a lot of heat related problems for businesses who use a considerable amount of computer equipment such as servers and digital printers.

For the professional landscapers and gardeners this is their busy time of the year. With a pleasant summer season clients choose to have landscaping jobs done now such as block paving, new driveways laid, roof conversions undertaken and a wide multitude of other home improvement projects. This creates a seasonal trend for wacker plates, block paving splitters, and pressure washers.

As can be seen just these two seasons in the UK create seasonal trends for hire equipment and bring business related problems at the same time.

Cashflow, funds to purchase equipment needed to meet seasonal demands, and a greater staff compliment are a few of the problems a hire company has to evaluate and take on board to meet the demands they face. The majority of companies cannot afford to stock equipment which is sat in the workshop because the weather is poor – despite previous history that it would be in demand albeit being reliant on past seasons.

It is not only tool hire companies which are affected by seasonal trends. Event and chair hire companies who cater for weddings and private parties are equally at risk. If the majority of weddings in the Uk are held in the summer then this is when their demand for chairs will be at the highest. The event hire supplier must then ensure they have a sufficient stock of seats and furniture to meet demand and in some cases deliver at a very short notice (usually because of a change of the wedding venue).

As with the tool hire industry this means demand will also usually be far lower in autumn and winter – it is the old situation of supply and demand. Larger companies with an established business will cover the seasonal trends far easier than small and new companies in the same industry.