19 Mar 2018

Interesting facts about Fire

by Debbie Wessels | posted in: Did You Know | 0

Interesting facts about Fire

Doing my diligent research for my blog I found some really interesting facts about fire, and I mean “interesting interesting” not “creepy interesting” like I am a budding pyromaniac looking for ways to burn down the world…..

Hearing the word “FIRE!” would strike fear and panic in anyone’s world. From a young age we are taught to respect (mainly fear) fire, it’s drilled into us how dangerous it can be…..don’t get too close, and more importantly…don’t play with fire (I can still remember that as a child I was told “If you play with fire, you will wet your bed”)…..that saying still pops into my mind when I see people standing around the social fire, maybe poking it with a branch to move the coals around, to get air underneath to make it burn better.

DID YOU KNOW? Fire is a triangle! In order for a fire to burn it needs 3 components: fuel, oxygen and heat. If one is missing, the fire dies! Those three components each have different methods of being extinguished. Fuel: remove the source, the fire dies! Oxygen: smother the fire with dirt, sand, chemical agent or blanket, the fire dies! Heat: cover with water, powder or foam, the fire dies!

DID YOU KNOW? A small candle will burn at 1800 degrees Fahrenheit (1000 degrees Celsius). A candle flame is blue at the bottom as this is the freshest source of oxygen and yellow at the top, partly due to the rising fumes from below which partly suffocate the upper half of the flame.

DID YOU KNOW? The flame is the visible part of the fire. The colour of the flame can be a result of what fuel is being consumed. Sodium colours the flame yellow, calcium red and potassium blue. Oxygen supply can also affect the colour of the flames. Low oxygen will give off a yellow glow and a high oxygen fire burns blue. But that is not all. Temperature can also play a role in the colour of the flames. From just visible to cherry red ranges from 980 – 1800 Fahrenheit (525 – 1000 Celsius), deep orange to clear orange 2000 – 2200 Fahrenheit (1100- 1200 Celsius) and whitish to dazzling ranges from 2400 – 2700 Fahrenheit (1300 – 1500 Celsius). Sounds like a rainbow, albeit a very dangerous rainbow!

DID YOU KNOW? Fire makes water? It’s true. Place a cold spoon over a candle and you will observe the water vapour condense on the metal…(I have not tried this because with my luck it will take a while and I will get my fingers burnt as the spoon heats up)

DID YOU KNOW? Earth is the only known planet where fires can burn! There is not enough oxygen anywhere else…..

DID YOU KNOW? Most house fires start in the kitchen and often start from overheated grease and unattended cooking. Electric stoves are responsible for more fires than gas stoves. Well, if that is not a sure sign that there should be a lot more takeout in my life and less dangerous cooking then I don’t know what is…….

DID YOU KNOW? It is unknown who actually invented the fire hydrant. Ironically the patent was destroyed by a fire in the US Patent Office in 1836.

DID YOU KNOW? Mixing cotton wool and super glue is a big No No (unless you are lost in the woods at night and only have a first aid kit with you which has these 2 items and you need to start a fire to keep warm and protect you from any wild animals). Applying enough super glue (cyanoacrylate) to cotton wool results in a rapid chemical reaction that could release enough heat to catch on fire…. (I was not brave enough to test this!)

Fire is mesmerizing, hypnotic, beautiful, scary, destructive, fierce, calming, consuming…. many many more adjectives come to mind.

Do you have any interesting DID YOU KNOW facts about fire? Would love to hear from you.

Sources:

http://www.scienceforkidsclub.com/fire.html

https://www.northantsfire.co.uk/top-15-interesting-facts-about-fire/

https://www.firerescue1.com/fire-products/Firefighter-Accountability/articles/1206336-9-facts-about-fire/

http://www.amazingfacts4u.com/fire/

http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/fire.html

https://skysaver.com/blog/7-interesting-facts-about-fire/

http://discovermagazine.com/2011/oct/20-things-you-didnt-know-about-fire

http://www.kickassfacts.com/25-interesting-facts-about-fire/

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2011/11/super-glue-chemically-reacts-with-cotton-and-wool-to-generate-enough-heat-to-start-a-fire/

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About Debbie Wessels

I started at Leads 2 Business in April 2008 in the tenders Department and transferred to the Projects Department during the same year. I was appointed Head of Department for Projects from February 2011 to March 2022. April 2022 I started a new adventure as Content Regulator.

12 Mar 2018

Did You Know #DYK: Fire Escape Rules in South Africa

by Bianca Edgcumbe | posted in: Did You Know | 15

Fire Escape Rules In South Africa

So, after reading many different articles and doing some intense researching regarding fire escape rules in our beautiful country, I have come up with the following and hope it will somehow assist you, should you catch yourself in a heated situation 😉

Just a bit of history…Did you know that one of the very first fire escapes was invented in the 18^th century in England? David Maseres invented the machine in 1784 called the “Fire Escape”.

This machine was fastened to a window which allowed a person to descend to the ground, as per the below picture.

Abraham Wivell then created an improved design, which included an escape chute.

Furthermore, the “Enclosed Tubular Chute Fire Escape” became accepted in schools, hospitals and other institutions in the 1930s. It was a very easy form of escape as people would literally just slide down it.

And as time went by, it evolved and became more modernised, such as a modern type of evacuation slide which is the vertical spiral escape chute and is commonly used for bigger buildings and structures. Buildings are getting taller and new fire escape techniques are developing. Elevators have been thought of as a possible fire escape for high-rise buildings. Further high-rise fire escape methods include parachutes, external collapsible elevators and slides.

Now that we’ve looked at the history and where and when fire escapes came into place, let’s have a look at what it means today.

No one wants to see their house or company go up in flames, therefore there are very strict rules and regulations when it comes to fire safety in South Africa. According to SANS 10400: Part T – the Fire Protection Act says the following: “In order to protect your property and the people in it, South Africa has implemented building regulations to ensure that the buildings are designed, constructed and equipped adequately in the event of a fire”. The Fire Protection Act states the following:

The occupants of the building, including disabled people will be protected;
The spread of fire within the building and to other buildings will be minimised;
Sufficient stability must be insured so there is no major failure of the structural system;
The spread of smoke shall be controlled and minimised; and
Adequate means of access for detecting, fighting, controlling and extinguishing shall be provided.

The SANS Act 10400 Part T can be divided into 4 categories:

Safety Distances;
Fire Resistance: Relating to building material such as structural walls.
Requirements for effective fire protection include:

- General requirements,
- Regulations relating to safety distances,
- Fire performance
- Fire resistance
- Fire stability of structural elements or components,
- Protection of openings,
- Provision of escape routes,
- Exit doors,
- Feeder routes,
Emergency routes, dimensions of components of escape routes,
The width of escape routes,
Basements,
Stairways and other changes of level along escape routes,
Ventilation of stairways in emergency routes,
Pressurization of emergency routes and components,
Openings in floors,
External stairways and passages,
Marking and signposting,
Provision of emergency lighting,
Fire detection and alarm systems,
Provision and maintenance of firefighting equipment,
Water reticulation for firefighting purposes,
Hose reels,
Hydrants,
Automatic sprinkler and other fixed extinguishing systems,
Portable fire extinguishers,
Mobile fire extinguishers,
Fire-stopping of inaccessible concealed spaces,
Protection of services shafts,
Smoke control,
Air-conditioning systems and artificial ventilation systems,
Lift shafts,
Lifts,
Firemen’s lift,
Stretcher lift,
Access for fire-fighting and rescue purposes

Rational Designs: Designing of a structure to ensure the level of safety is sufficient by a qualified person.

Now, I think it is very important to have the correct fire safety equipment in your building.

We probably walk pass some of the above items at work every single day and don’t even realise it, but it is vital to know that they are there, where exactly they are and how they are used. It is good to have the necessary equipment to protect the building as well as the people inside it. Therefore, the following equipment will always be helpful:

Alarms – Whether they are heat detectors, smoke alarms or even panic buttons. Heat detectors are generally slower to detect fire than smoke detectors; they are preferably used in smaller spaces where there are higher risks of fire. Smoke alarms are recommended by experts as they detect fires and heat much quicker. Different types of smoke alarms are used such as ionization smoke alarms, which responds to raging fires; photoelectric smoke alarms which respond to a light source; and lastly a combination alarm which is the best recommendation. Ensure that you know where your panic buttons are.

Fire Reels – When outdoors these are generally connected to fire engines or fire hydrants and when inside it is attached the building’s plumbing system.

Fire Extinguishers – Always ensure that you know where these are kept in your workplace as you never know when you might actually have to use one. There are different types of fire extinguishers and the number and type you require would depend on certain circumstances in your building.

Sprinkler Systems – According to Wikipedia, over 40 million sprinkler heads are fitted in buildings each year. Buildings that are completely protected by fire sprinkler systems, over 96% of fire were controlled by fire sprinklers alone. There are different types of sprinklers such as wet pipe systems, dry pipe systems, pre-action, deluge, foam protection, just to name a few.

Fire Exit Signs and Doors – Fire exit signs are a crucial part of an emergency. Proper signage is critical for all fire exits and fire doors. Fire Regulations have stated that fire exits are very clearly marked and should show even when there are power outages.

In the case of an emergency, the last thing you want is for people to run around hysterically. The calmer the people, the calmer the entire situation. Next, let’s have a look at what precautions we can take in the event of a fire:

Plan your escape plan. Learn your building’s evacuation plan and ensure that fire drills are done regularly;
Ensure that your building’s evacuation routes are displayed;
Never lock or block fire exits or doorways, halls or stairways;
Know the sound of your building’s fire alarm;
Display emergency numbers near telephones;
Know where your assembly point is.

In conclusion, ensure that you follow all the rules and regulations required by the government and that your fire equipment and systems are regularly tested and serviced. If you ever do find yourself in a heated situation, always be prepared, react immediately, get out of the building and stay out…

Sources:

sans10400.co.za/fire-protection/

www.fireco-sa.com/south-african-building-regulations-fire-protection.html

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/fire-safety-workplace

About Bianca Edgcumbe

I started working at Leads 2 Business in May 2013 in the Africa Tenders Department. I worked my way to the Leads 2 Quotes Department in September 2016 and have been there ever since.

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5 Mar 2018

Did You Know #DYK: How To Extinguish Different Kinds of Fire?

by Roxanne Mustard | posted in: Did You Know | 2

How To Extinguish Different Kinds of Fire?

Did you know that in order for a fire to exist there must be four elements present? The four elements are namely oxygen to sustain combustion heat to raise the material to the correct temperature, fuel to support combustion and a chemical reaction – (Oxygen + Heat + Fuel) = Chemical reaction. This very simple formula will determine the extinguishing agent you need to be using in order to put out your fire.

How many people just run for water when there is a fire?

Unfortunately, it is not that simple!

Let me simplify the concept of fire and how we can extinguish these fires:

Types of fire:

Class A – Ordinary combustion, these are flammable materials and these fuels the source e.g. Wood, cloth, paper and even your basic day to day trash.

Class B – This fire source uses flammable liquids e.g. petroleum, different kind of tars, oils and even paint.

Class C – Energized electrical equipment/components e.g. Computers, servers, motors, transformers and our daily appliances.

Class D – Combustible metals e.g. magnesium, titanium, sodium, lithium and potassium – these are mainly present in a laboratory environment.

Class K – Cooking oils and greases – We all cook meals with either vegetable or animal fats and these are the components that can start this fire.

Now that we know about and understand the different classes of fire, let’s discuss our different options for extinguishing these fires.

The different types of fire extinguishers:

Water – The water extinguisher has a cooling effect on the burning agent causing the fire to burn more slowly.

Powder – Dry powder extinguishers smother the fire and form a barrier between the fuel and the oxygen that is allowing the fire to ignite.

Foam – Foam extinguishers have a cooling effect on the burning agent, creating a barrier between the flame and the fuel that is causing the reaction.

Carbon dioxide – CO2 Extinguishers suffocates the fire allowing it to kill off the oxygen that is reacting with our fuel source.

Wet Chemical – Wet Chemical extinguishers work by creating a layer of foam that prevents the oxygen from fuelling the fire. It creates a cooling effect and kills the fire.

The last thing we will be discussing to solve all your fiery situations are which fire extinguisher types to use for the different classes of fire:

Type	Class A	Class B	Class C	Class D	Class K
	Combustible Materials	Flammable Liquids	Electrical Equipment	Combustible Metals	Cooking Oil & Gas
Water	√	x	x	x	x
Foam	√	√	x	x	x
Dry Powder	√	√	√	√	x
CO2	x	√	√	x	x
Wet Chemical	√	x	x	x	√

Sources

http://surreyfire.co.uk/types-of-fire-extinguisher/

http://www.strikefirstusa.com/2016/05/five-classes-of-fires-fire-extinguishers-stop-them/

http://www.femalifesafety.org/types-of-fires.html

About Roxanne Mustard

My Name is Roxanne Mustard and I started working at Leads 2 Business in September 2016. My role in the Leads 2 Business team is as a Regional Content researcher in the Projects Department.

1 Mar 2018

L2B Blog: History of Hard Hats

by Sasha Anderson | posted in: Construction Chat, Construction Events, Did You Know, General, Safety | 0

.History of Hard Hats

Hard Hats; a common symbol of the Construction Industry, but have you ever stopped to wonder about the History behind this safety accessory?

History

According to Prescot Valley Tribune, “The Hard Hat originated with Edward Bullard, a WWI veteran. He brought a steel helmet home after the war. This metal headgear was the inspiration to revolutionize industrial safety. Bullard’s father worked in the industrial safety business for 20 years and sold protective hats, but they were made of leather.

Construction of the Hoover Dam, which began in 1931 was the first project in which construction workers were required to wear Hard Hats. Later, in 1933, the construction site of the Golden Gate Bridge became America’s first “Hard Hat Area”.”

The first Hard Hats were made from:

Leather
Canvas
Steel
Aluminum
Fibreglass
Plastic
and finally today’s High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).

Functionality

The function of the Hard Hat is pretty obvious. If worn and fitted correctly it provides limited safety from shock, perforation, fire, water and heat.

Hard Hats also provide a form of identification.

A wearer can use colour coded Hard Hats to differentiate between job titles/responsibilities:

White – Managers, Engineers, Supervisors/Foremen
Blue – Electricians, Carpenters and other technical operators (besides civil workers)
Green – Safety Officers
Red – Fire Fighters
Yellow – Labourers
Brown – Welders and workers with high heat application
Grey – Site Visitors

These colour codes are general and could change according to the Project.

Over time Hard Hats, like most things also need replacing. As a wearer, you should inspect your Hard Hats before each use. Your support strap should also be replaced annually and the entire hat every five years. Hard Hats may also allow for the attachment of safety accessories; most noteworthy are face shields, respirators, hearing protection and work lamps.

Future

Today’s Hard Hat hasn’t changed much since the 1960’s and has become a staple of safety, but they may be getting an upgrade in the future.

According to Sourceable, “In Australia, RMIT has developed a system whereby sensors can be embedded onto safety glasses, helmets or boots and can monitor and inform workers of impending danger…”
Sounds really interesting, after all, technology is a part of our every day lives and why not safety too.
Industry leaders can achieve much by ‘upgrading’ the Hard Hat. For example, by monitoring and assessing stats you can take precautions; not only in the present but also in the future through behavior analysis. But this may also present issues; like how much monitoring is too much when it comes to privacy and tracking? What are your thoughts?

In conclusion, the future sure looks safe when it comes to Hard Hats. The History of Hard Hats was certainly an interesting topic to research and blog.

Finally

Do you have any Hard Hat stories or facts you’d like to share? Or do you frequently use one?

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_hat

https://www.pvtrib.com/news/2018/jan/26/ask-contractor-history-hat-protects-workers/

https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/what-colours-are-safety-helmets-hard-hats-on-construction-sites

http://www.civilology.com/helmet-color-code-construction/

https://sourceable.net/smart-hard-hats-next-trend-construction-safety/

About Sasha Anderson

Millennial Mom + wife living the hash-tag life. Reach out if you want to talk: L2B, social media, construction, technology, marriage, parenting, popular culture and travel. Remember: If You Fail - Fail Forward

26 Feb 2018

Did You Know #DYK: BEE Amendments

by Jako Liebenberg | posted in: Did You Know | 0

BEE Amendments

For more information please contact:
Jako Liebenberg
Email:jako@ldsw.co.za
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jako-liebenberg-a2325552/

Glossary
EME – Exempted Micro Enterprise: Enterprises with an annual turnover less than R10 million or are recently formed or incorporated entities that have been in operation for less than one year. (Start-up enterprises).
QSE – Qualifying Small Enterprise: A business with an annual turnover more than R10 million but less than R50 million.

GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 1 DECEMBER 2017
NOTICE 931 OF 2017 – CODES OF GOOD PRACTICE ON BROAD BASED BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
http://www.beesa.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Amended-Construction-Codes-Final-1-12-17.pdf

About Jako Liebenberg

Jako is a qualified Chartered Accountant, Registered Public Auditor and Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Consultant. Jako has a passion for Business Development and has a hands on approach in this regard.

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19 Feb 2018

Did you Know #DYK: The Role of the EIA Consultant

by Marlaine Andersen | posted in: Did You Know | 0

Did you Know #DYK: The Role of the EIA Consultant

Most large construction projects, require an EIA – Environmental Impact Assessment Study to be undertaken before the project can go-ahead. This study is carried out by EIA consultant/s.

What is an EIA and why does it need to be done?

Diagram explaining the EIA process:

An EIA is a process that is carried out to determine the impact the proposed development will have on the environment before any construction commences.

Environmental Approval (Record of Decision) from the relevant Authorities is required before the project can proceed and construction can commence.

The EIA process consists of various studies that are undertaken on the piece of land that the development is going to take place on. These developments can include, construction of a dam, a new underground or open pit mine, a power station, shopping mall, office block, residential complex, new warehouse or industrial plant, even the construction of a new road or highway, pipeline and railway line, all require an EIA.

In addition to the EIA, various specialist studies can be undertaken. The aim of the specialist study phase is to provide information on the positive and negative impacts associated with the project alternatives.

These specialist studies can consist of:

Traffic Impact study, which would be undertaken to determine how the additional traffic to the proposed development (like a shopping mall) would impact the area, if additional roads would be needed to handle the traffic volume,
Heritage Impact Assessment, this is done if there are graves on the land that may need to be moved, etc.

Depending on what sort of development is taking place (shopping mall, power plant, underground mine) and its location will determine what sort of EIA process is undertaken. Some EIA can take a few months and some can end up taking a few years. Part of the Environmental Impact Assessment process, includes a Public Participation Process and this process involves meeting with the public, keeping them informed of the proposed development, what exactly is going to happen, how they will be affected (sometimes people have to be relocated to make room for the development, like a dam). This public participation process also enables the public and affected parties to air their grievances about the proposed development.

Sometimes a project will receive an Environmental Authorisation, but an Environmental Activist Group might appeal the decision – for example, construction of a coal-fired power station, that they feel is harmful to the environment and should not be allowed to be constructed. There is an appeal period once the EIA is granted and members of the public or activists who are against the construction, can appeal and sometimes additional studies are then requested to ensure that the project can be constructed safely without causing irreparable damage to the environment.

Some projects, due to their sensitive nature, are not granted Environmental Authorisation as it is felt that the damage caused by the project at the proposed location is harmful to the environment, for example, construction of a mine in a wildlife area. If Environmental Authorisation is not granted, and the Developer appeals the decision, provides additional information, proving the project is viable and will not harm the environment, it may still not be granted and then the project cannot go ahead and will have to be scrapped.

Once Environmental Authorisation is granted, a letter granting the authorisation is issued by the relevant department, the project can then proceed and construction can commence.

Once Environmental Authorisation has been received, the EIA consultant’s work on the project is Done. Finished. The Client and/or Private Developer will move ahead with the project by appointing the various professionals like Engineers, Architects, Quantity Surveyors etc to start preparing bills of quantities and moving ahead to the actual construction of the project.

The EIA consultant is NOT involved with the preparation of the tender documents, drawing up bills of quantities, the tender process or anything to do with the actual construction of the project.

Basically, the long-term aim of EIA is to promote sustainable development by ensuring that development proposals do not undermine critical resource and ecological functions or the well being, lifestyle and livelihood of the communities and peoples who depend on them.

Sources : (Diagram)
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/practice-environmental-impact-assessment-eia-faisal-soomro-gradiosh-/

About Marlaine Andersen

Leads 2 Business Advertising Co-ordinator and Digital Designer

12 Feb 2018

Did you Know #DYK: CPD Points and how it works

by Larry Feinberg | posted in: Did You Know | 0

CPD Points and how it works

In order to understand what CPD is and what CPD is meant to achieve, we should ask ourselves the important question: “when does day to day learning and development for qualified professionals come to an end?”

CPD stands for Continuous Professional Development and as the name implies, it means that a professional’s development and learning is continuous (never-ending). The modern-day view holds that CPD is of such fundamental value to our society that it has now been embedded into law.

The law states that each registered professional, in each profession, invest part of their time every year towards developing themselves as professionals – failure to earn the required amount of CPD points per an annum, and the professional may stand to lose their license to practice! The strict adherence to CPD that the law requires is designed to ensure that all industry professionals remain on the cutting edge of the latest technological developments, information and trends, and take their development and learning very seriously.

Consider this – Would you feel comfortable to pay for a consultation with a medical doctor who has not invested in their own professional development and is not abreast of the latest information, new medications or treatments within the medical industry?

This same example cuts across all professions. It is just as important for all professionals to provide their clients with the best professional services and advice as it is for the medical doctor to provide you with the best healthcare advice.

Clients, using professionals in all spheres of commerce should feel safe in the knowledge that professional service providers such as doctors, lawyers, quantity surveyors, etc are continuously learning and evolving in lockstep with their profession.

In order to ensure that all professionals comply with the mandatory CPD regulations, the Act provides for the establishment of a Professional Council overseeing each profession. Part of the Councils duties involves performing a regulatory role that ensures that each practising professional submits evidence of their CPD. All professional Councils are empowered to police their own profession and ensure compliance with (all aspects of) the Act – this obviously includes compliance with the CPD obligations that each professional is required to achieve on an annual basis.

For more information on ASAQS please visit:
Website: http://www.asaqs.co.za/
Facebook: The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors

If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit our website.

To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit our Wiki site.

To view more articles, please visit our blog.

About

Larry Feinberg’s strong executive and project management experience and track record in successfully managing large and complex professional member-based organisations led him to become the Executive Directors of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors in 2011. He is currently responsible for the development and tactical implementation of the ASAQS board strategy and policies, as well as being ultimately accountable for the oversight and smooth operational management of the entire organisation. Larry’s experience includes collaborating with local government, interfacing with industry stakeholders, providing educational opportunities, and developing professional industry specification documentation and products aimed at delivering value for ASAQS members.

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5 Feb 2018

Did you Know #DYK: What is an API?

by Taryn Duckham | posted in: Did You Know | 0

What is an API?

What exactly is an API? You make mention of this at a dinner party and you are likely to hear a pin drop! This is strongly contrasted in tech circles and management meetings where APIs are valuable and possess a positive impact for businesses. So, what is the real definition of an API?

An API stands for Application Programming Interface.

An API is a software intermediary that allows two applications to talk to each other. Think of the API as a messenger that delivers your request to the provider that you’re requesting it from. Then it delivers the reply back to you. What is important about this process is that the API defines functionalities that are independent of their respective implementations. This allows those implementations and definitions to vary without compromising each other.

Wow, technical overload! So for those of us who are computer scientists or programmers, what on earth does that mouthful mean?

Here is an API Illustration most of us can relate to:

Consider your mobile phone, each of us have the ability to make a phone call request irrespective of the kind of phone we own. When we make a call request we get a response from our service provider that connects us to our friend. Your phone model doesn’t really matter. The phone we use is related to what we need the device to do in correlation to our tasks.

In our example, the phone we use has the screen layouts we prefer based on our business needs. On a website this means we can change the “look” or how the numbers display on our phones. However, we are accessing the same information or performing the same task – making a call. All without affecting how another persons phone works.

It does present an interesting business choice, do you buy an existing phone model off of the shelf? Or design your own because of a unique business need such as integration with a company CRM or Sales database?

An API presents long term benefits for companies. Specifically those who need to track end to end processes under one software solution.

At Leads 2 Business we offer an API service. Allowing your business to design their own interface to access our Project and Tender information. Get your tech team to contact us and we can connect you. We also offer our off the shelf service. It has our interface that we have designed as part of our normal subscription.

API Information dressed for your business.

To illustrate the concept of an API a little further we would like you to meet Data-Bob. He represents the data that we as a company provide to your organisation through our API. Your development team then designs the interface so that it fits with your corporate requirements.

If you are still feeling lost as to the practical implementation of an API? Here’s real world example:

The next time you book a flight you will have “front row seats” to interacting with an API! Whether you search from the airlines website or an online travel service that collates the information from multiple airlines, you will need access the airline’s database to see if there are any seats available, what the subsequent cost might be based on the date, flight time and popularity of your destination.

To obtain the information you need to book your flight, the application has to interact with the airline’s API. Then in turn takes the airline’s response to your request and delivers right back to the travel application you’re using. Through each step, it is aided by the interaction between the application and the airline’s API. Enabling you to perform everything from seat selection, to payment and booking.

How is API information delivered?

When you connect to our API, you will need a username and password. The data is delivered in an XML format. XML is a marked up version of plain text that is easy to access by computers. A comparison can be drawn between information that is obtained in comma separated value or .csv files. When you open the file it appears as a long string of values, however when you import it into excel, the values neatly populate columns and rows depending on the comma sequencing. A similar function occurs when an XML file is pulled. The mark up tags in the file allow your development team to populate the various rows or columns of information within your CRM package, creating a seamlessly integrated solution for your company. It’s an exciting approach and it offers streamlined processes and optimal efficiency for companies.

Where to from here?

I hope that this has assisted your understanding of what an API is, as well as how it can work for your business.
If you require any further information, please feel most welcome to contact us on 033-3431130 or email our IT team on Support@L2B.co.za

About Taryn Duckham

I am a lover of awesome design, customer centricity and the art of influence. Being able to effect this through analysis, written or visual content and front-end design is part of my work, my great love of creatively solving problems that reach across as many parts of Leads 2 Business as I can.

29 Jan 2018

Did you Know #DYK: Who would benefit from which Project Stages?

by Candice Erasmus | posted in: Did You Know | 0

If the Construction Industry is your bread and butter it is imperative to know where you fit into the Project Lifecycle and at what stage you would get involved. Before we can see who fits in where we need to understand each stage correctly by looking at the Project Synopsis.

Conceptual – These are the very early stages where the Project is still only an idea or concept.

Key factors to consider at this stage are:
• What are we building?
• What studies need to be done such as Feasibility?
• Is funding secured?

Environmental Consultants, Town Planners & Geotechnical Consultants would benefit most from this early stage.

Procedural – This stage is where the securing of various applications occurs. The developer will also start looking at appointing his Professional team.
Key factors to consider at this stage are:
• How far is the EIA?
• What is the address of the new Development?
• Does the new development require rezoning?
• Are there any appeals?

Market researchers, Town planners, Property Developers and Quantity Surveyors would benefit most from this stage.

Design – This is once an Architect and/or Quantity Surveyor has been appointed. The full design team will now start drawing up the plans as well as the Bill of Quantities for the new development.
Key factors to consider at this stage are:
• What Professionals still need to be appointed?
• How many levels will the development have?
• What the value of the entire project?
• When will this be going out on Tender?
• What type of Tender will it be?
• How many Tenders are needed?

Individuals that offer Professional Services that would benefit most at the design stage of a Project. This includes Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Engineers, Interior Designers, Landscape Designers & Project Managers.

Tender – The Tender stage of a Project is different to a notification to Tender. The Tender stage of a Project refers to the Main Civil and/or Building Tender that will need to be finalized before construction can go ahead. There are different Types of Tenders which will need to be established, namely, Open Tender, Invited Tender & negotiated Tender.
Key factors to consider at this stage are:
• What type of Tender is it?
• Will the civil tender and building tender be separate?
• Ensure all approvals have been received?
• When will the site inspection be?
• When is the award anticipated?
• The anticipated date construction will need to commence?

Main civil and building contractors will benefit most from this stage as they will want to be awarded the development by the company in charge. Vendors, Subcontractors & suppliers will also benefit from this stage as they will have the opportunity to price to the Contractors tendering in hope of being used once the Award has been made for the development.

Awarded – The main contractor has now been appointed and needs to finalise all the subcontractors and suppliers before construction can commence.
Key factors to consider at this stage are:
• When is completion due?
• Have all the terms & conditions have been met?
• Are guarantees and surety in place?
• When can we start on site?

Subcontractors and suppliers will benefit most from the Awarded stage of a Project. They will now have a company they can negotiate with for business to supply or subcontract through.

Underway – The contractor is on site and construction has commenced.
Key factors to consider at this stage are:
• Are we on schedule?
• Ensure timing is correct?
• Is there a change in scope of works?

Since construction has commenced all the relevant subcontractors will be involved at this stage. Companies such as furniture manufactures, facilities management, IT / Telecom companies, security & cleaning would benefit once the building is almost complete as this is the time when these smaller necessities fall into place. Certain subcontractors would also only fit in during this late stage as they will assist with the personalization of the building before the keys are handed over.

Sources:

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Underway Construction

About Candice Erasmus

I have been working at Leads 2 Business for 10 years of which 8 have been as the Sales Manager. I enjoy every aspect of my job and strive to hold the L2B flag high in all I do.

22 Jan 2018

Did you Know #DYK: Why should I subscribe to Leads 2 Business (L2B)?

by Pauline Rainbird | posted in: Did You Know | 2

Why should I subscribe to Leads 2 Business (L2B)?

Introduction

Leads 2 Business, which was established in 1999, is a web-based construction information company that publishes project and tender leads. We have 19 years experience in supplying you with reliable, current and viable leads. #experiencedoescount

Reasons to subscribe to L2B:

1. Saving your Time and Money:

At a touch of a button you will have access to Leads, opportunities and valuable information within the building and construction Industry, to possibly improve and expand your business.

L2B will help you to manage your time efficiently and save you money, as you will not have to try find and purchase various newspapers and search websites with tender notices. We will do all that for you (trust us, we know, it is a mission). We do this by sending you a ‘Daily Advisory,’ which is an e-mail you receive on a daily basis, with all your Leads, specific to what is of interest to you, neatly listed in specific categories, where you will click on the lead of interest and will take you through to the full lead on our website.

The advisory includes:

Projects https://www.l2b.co.za/Projects/Private-Construction-Jobs and

https://www.l2b.co.za/Projects/Project-Development-Phases

Tenders https://www.l2b.co.za/Tenders/Tenders-In-South-Africa and

https://www.l2b.co.za/Tenders/Tender-Africa

Awards https://www.l2b.co.za/Tenders/Tender-Awards

Any updates on Projects and Tenders you are monitoring – Monitoring a tender or projects means that you will receive any updates on this lead, eg. if the closing date has been changed, cancelled or any other change that has been made. The monitored item will be easy to find as all your monitored items will be filed together.

2. Fear of Missing out (FOMO):

This advisory ensures ease of mind, as we don’t want you to miss out on any leads. If you are going away on business, and will be out the office, you will still receive your advisory and have access to the system, with your username and password. You can also view previous dated advisories, and search the system. You can view the L2B system by using your laptop, tablet or mobile phone as our system is compatible with these devices.

You can set reminders for site meetings and closing dates, either to be received via e-mail or sms. You can make your own personal notes on each lead and monitor leads of interest, which can be viewed altogether, and if there any updates on these leads you will receive this in your advisory. You can also create individual monitors to monitor various leads.

3. Be in the Know

L2B will assist you to be in “the Know” by supplying you with the 4 W’s:

Who is building,

Who is doing the actual work on the Project?

Who is in the professional team, e.g.: Architects, QS, Contractors.

Who do I contact with questions about the Tender/Project?

What,

What are they constructing? A hotel? Office? Roads? Schools?

Where

Where is the project happening?

When

When is the site inspection date, closing date, award date and commencement date?

Therefore giving you the opportunity to offer your prices, at the right time, and possibly winning a contract.

4. It’s all about you (No Contract)

If you wish to cancel your subscription, all you have to is give 14 days written notice, as we know that times can get tight and you can always resubscribe. And we can even possibly offer you a cheaper package.

5. Extra Mile

Staff at L2B will go the extra mile for you, as we want you to be the best you can be. If you succeed, we succeed.

We want 2018 to be your best year yet , so in order expand your business, subscribe to us and let us go the extra mile for you.

Please click here for further information on what Leads 2 Business has to offer.

Sources for images:

Question Mark

Animation pressing button

Fear of missing out Animation

Animation holding W

It’s all about you

2018 image

If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit our website.

To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit our Wiki site.

To view more articles, please visit our blog.

About Pauline Rainbird

I have been working at L2B since March 2011 and my current position is Deputy Head of Department - Africa. When I am not working I am either riding my bicycle or spending time with my dogs.

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