A day in the life of a BFT installer...

BFT is proud of the work that we carry out for construction projects across the UK.
With half a million pounds invested in our training facility and millions more in our equipment, we are always keen to ensure that our staff have the highest standards of training, have the tools to accomplish the job and enjoy what they do with us.
As well as happy contractors, we want our own staff to feel content and fulfilled in their role within BFT.
That’s why we’ve spoken with one of our installers Wes Green on what life is like within the BFT family.
We hope you enjoy what he has to say!

What is it like and how does it feel working at great heights?

Working at height isn’t for everyone - I personally find them a joy. I joined the firm in 2015 and Matt Auld (regional manager) told me on my first day: “Men that work at height often find that other men want to be us!”

What safety equipment do you have to bear in mind? In terms of personal equipment you have to wear and equipment you operate.

Safety is absolute paramount when working at height and I personally do a kit check before I even go on site. Lanyards and harnesses are an absolute must. BFT have drilled the “safety at its highest” motto into me so much I wore a harness at home last week while mending the shed! I have complete trust in all our machines knowing that our trained and experienced engineers check them before they come out to me.

How scary/nervewracking is it when operating these pieces of machinery? Or any other emotion?

There are no emotions in the rigging game, although I sometimes get emotional when I don’t hit my high standards and daily goals I set myself.

What sort of training have you been through to operate such equipment?

I have been fortunate enough to have received a lot of training since being at the firm including IPAF installers, SSSTS (Site Supervisors' Safety Training Scheme) courses and telehandler to name just a few.

What is the single most important task in your day?

The single most important part of my day usually is to find a decent sandwich shop or cafe for my dinner break. I find a fed well rigger is a happy rigger.

Why do you enjoy your job?

I enjoy my job mainly because it pays well, although I get a great deal of satisfaction out of being the self proclaimed best gang in the firm with my partner Nath. It’s a pleasure to work for BFT as a rigger and long may it continue.

Learn more about BFT

BFT is an industry leading in providing mast climbing equipment for the construction industry in the UK. Examples of projects include cladding removal, maintenance and lots more.
To find out more about BFT or to ask us for a quote, get in touch and we would be delighted to help you.

Understanding the Government Code of Remediation

The Government Code of Remediation is structured into four parts: the scope; undertaking remediation; living with remediation; and general compliance. Each part addresses key aspects of cladding remediation projects, to mitigate fire safety risks that are present within buildings that feature external cladding whilst ensuring the safety and satisfaction of residents. It applies to buildings regardless of occupancy levels, whether fully, partially, or temporarily occupied.

Resident-Centric Approach

The Code puts residents at the heart of remediation. It is a direct response to the Grenfell tragedy, designed to protect residents from potential fire hazards and ensure their concerns are acknowledged throughout the remediation process.

Roles, Responsibilities And Accountability

The Code mandates that roles and responsibilities related to remediation must be clearly outlined and understood by all parties involved in the project. This includes contractors, developers, building owners, tenants, residents, and management companies, so each party knows its duties and is held accountable. Parties involved in the project cannot avoid Code compliance by delegating or subcontracting their obligations.

Effective Communication and Active Engagement

It’s stated in the Code that good communication needs to be maintained from the outset of the project so that residents remain informed and sufficient transparency is achieved. Proper channels should be implemented to ensure that residents can meaningfully engage in the decision-making process. The Code acknowledges potential language barriers and encourages the use of electronic forums to ensure information is disseminated efficiently. Residents should be kept up-to-date with project developments, enabling them to contribute and participate in the design and delivery of the project.

Minimising Impact On Residents

A significant focus within the Code is on minimising the impact of remedial works on residents. Contractors and developers are expected to take measures to reduce disturbances from on-site activity, including noise, dust, and general inconvenience so that disturbances to the residents are kept to a minimum. Balancing health and safety considerations with cost and time factors is another key pillar of Part 3 of the Code. The goal is to create the least inconvenience to the residents and achieve potential cost savings for contractors and developers.

Mental and Physical Health Of Residents

Acknowledging the potential impact on residents' mental and physical health, the Code mandates careful consideration and documentation of these aspects throughout recladding projects. This additional step of record-keeping holds parties accountable for their actions and highlights the seriousness of their responsibilities.

Revaluating Your Access Method

The Government Code of Remediation sets a high standard for remediation projects with a key goal to minimise the effect recladding has on the residents. The core objective of the Code revolves around mitigating the impact on residents' homes and common facilities, while concurrently prioritising the safety and security of the building and its inhabitants.

In this context, the Code calls into question the appropriateness of using scaffolding for extended periods. A two-year presence of scaffolding, according to the principles outlined in the Code, appears incongruent with the commitment to minimise impact and ensure safety, particularly concerning security issues and prolonged inconveniences for residents.