Members Bulletin–Tech & Training Updates, August 2026
NEW Technical publications
HSGS44 Asbestos Cement Roof Sheets Removal and Over Cladding
This document provides guidance for contractors, designers, and clients considering the options available when refurbishing a roof with existing profiled cement roof sheets (commonly known as asbestos or fibre cement sheets), which requires careful planning due to safety, health, structural, and regulatory concerns. It outlines practical solutions, planning considerations, and safe work practices while emphasising the importance of compliance with health and safety legislation.
HSGS45 Davit Arm and Anchor Systems on Flat Roofs
Davit arm and anchor systems can provide safe access, rescue and lifting support in demanding work-at-height environments, including confined-space and façade access applications. However, where these systems are fixed through or below a flat roof waterproofing system, the long-term safety of the installation depends not only on the physical condition of the equipment, but also on the availability of a complete and accurate system technical file. This document explains the importance of maintaining the System Technical File.
Calling all façade professionals - Have your say on certification and specification in the building safety era
Façade professionals are invited to take part in an independent academic study by Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester. The research examines how product certifications and testing standards, including BBA, UL, BRE, ETA, BDA Kiwa and CWCT, influence specification decisions under the Building Safety Act 2022. It uses rainscreen bracket systems as a bounded example to explore a broader question: what makes a certification credible to the people specifying against it, and how does that change either side of a Gateway 2 submission.
The survey takes 8 to 10 minutes. It is open to estimators, technical managers, procurement leads, facade consultants and architects.
All responses are anonymous. No company or individual is named in any output, and results are used solely for academic purposes. The researcher is employed by a UK manufacturer of fastening systems (EJOT UK Ltd). Responses are held on University of Manchester systems and are not shared with any commercial team. To participate in survey, click here. The survey closes on 4 September.
Health and Safety
World Suicide Prevention Day – 10 September
Observed on 10th September every year, World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) provides the opportunity for people, across the globe, to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention. The importance of the day is perhaps best captured by Mates in Mind.
“This is no longer just another awareness campaign. Now, it must be a call to ACTION.
This is NOT about fixing employees or putting the onus on them to ‘heal themselves’. This is about organisations, particularly Boards and senior leaders, taking responsibility for embedding psychosocial safety in their workplace culture through work design, environmental factors and the workplace itself. It’s about building positive mental health in and through work so that no one reaches crisis point and mental health awareness becomes everyone’s responsibility”. To find out more about World Suicide Prevention Day and access Mates In Mind new free suicide prevention training for construction SMEs and sole traders.
