Leads 2 Business Blog

23 Mar 2022

The Role of the CIDB in the Construction Industry

by Sonet van Wygaard | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

Whether you work within the construction industry or not, at some point in time you may have heard of the term CIDB.

If you are an existing subscriber of Leads 2 Business you may have also seen the CIDB tab on our website. The function of this tab is to enable our subscribers to find the perfect leads, relevant to their business quickly and efficiently. This functionality also allows our subscribers to cut their lead time when sourcing new opportunities.

However that still does not answer, what CIDB is and its role, and this is what I aim to do in this blog,

The Construction Industry Development Board is a national regulating framework database, where contractors and construction projects are graded according to financial capacity, for there to be a systematic way to regulate and monitor performance in the industry. The intention of the establishment of the CIDB was to create a fair and enabling environment for growth and development in the Construction Industry of the country.

How does the grading actually work?

There are various grading levels between two to nine and different classes of work, so for someone to qualify for grade 2, it means that their company needs to have completed at least one single large construction project between the values of R 150 000 to R650 000 within the immediate past 5 years. Projects completed more than 5 years ago do not qualify and as such, are not considered by the CIDB. In order to qualify for a higher grading, it means the project values a company deals with should also increase to meet the next value criteria.

The Impact of the Register of Contractors on its stakeholders:

• Helps contractors to make better decisions when tendering, and clients to make informed decisions when awarding contracts;

• Increases the rate of project success and thereby helps contractors to build their own track record;

• Creates a sustainable tendering and business environment for contractors; and

• Helps to level the playing field for contractors.

Where to register?

For grade 1 register online via the CIDB website portal www.cidb.org.za. It takes 48 working hours to process an application and activate a Grade 1 on the system.

For Grade 2 to 9 you can visit your nearest CIDB provincial Office to apply for registration. Grade 2 to 9 applications must be accompanied by the relevant supporting documents. The maximum period for processing Grade 2 – 9 applications is 21 working days.

To view more Articles, please visit our Leads 2 Business Blog.
If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit Leads 2 Business.
To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit Leads 2 Business Wiki.

About Sonet van Wygaard

I started working at Leads 2 Business in 2014. I was part of the Tenders Africa team and moved to Projects in 2019. I love every second of it!

17 Mar 2022

The Future of Tenders & Procurement

by Sasha Anderson | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

Did you notice that since 25 February 2022, there has been a drop in the number of new Tender Notices being published? Although not a complete stop…

What is this a result of?

The previous Preferential Procurement Regulations gazetted in 2017 under the PPPFA of 2000 stipulated that only companies that complied with certain criteria, including a minimum B-BBEE status, could apply for tenders. However, Afribusiness challenged these criteria, advising that it was unconstitutional and also resulted in inflated pricing and poor delivery as many businesses with competitively priced and high-quality products were excluded from tendering.

The Constitutional Court has upheld the SCA’s (Supreme Court of Appeal) 2020 findings that the regulations were inconsistent with the framework for preferential procurement in the PPPFA and the Constitution. The ConCourt and SCA decisions have big implications, especially as procurement by governmental, parastatal and state-owned entities totals about R2-trillion annually.

On 25 February 2022, it was issued that Tenders advertised before 16 February 2022 be finalised with Tenders advertised on or after 16 February 2022 be suspended and No new tenders are advertised. On 03 March 2022, an Advisory Note was published that mentioned tenders of a value less than R30 000 were excluded from this. Further to this exemptions may be requested but are restricted to those who cannot wait for either the new regulations or the ConCourt’s guidance.

The Draft Procurement Regulations were published for comment on 11 March 2022, and the deadline for comment is 11 April 2022. These regulations restore the previous rules, where BEE criteria accounted for a maximum of 20% share in the evaluation of tenders.

What is the current state of affairs?

IT Web notes that “This state of affairs has had a significant impact on government tenders and National Treasury’s offer of exemptions for urgent requirements is unlikely to make much of a difference over the coming weeks.”

At Leads 2 Business we have seen a push for Government Departments and Municipalities to communicate their decisions to potential tenderers. Whether this is to suspend, withdraw or cancel until further notice; or to just postpone and extend dates; in a bid to avoid having to readvertise; various strategies have been employed to meet various procurement needs.

We have also seen errata recognising the Preferential Procurement Regulations ambiguity, and removing these criteria from current tenders. Hence these criteria no longer apply when these tenders will be evaluated and adjudicated.

In summary, some tenders are currently being published whether that be without the regulations in question or to the value of less than R30 000.

Where to from here?

The Draft Procurement Regulations will be referred for review and Cabinet will need to approve the revised Bill before it can be submitted to Parliament. Approval from both the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces will be required before it can be sent to the President to sign into law.

It’s anyone’s guess how long the processes will take and for the Procurement landscape to return to “normal”. At this point, we haven’t noticed any change in the publication of Award Information and perhaps this lull will allow some Departments and Municipalities to work through any backlog they might have or to plan for when this legal knot has been untied. Award Information that is available is being published and providing value to relevant industry players.

Leads 2 Business continues to check our usual sources and the media to keep abreast of the situation, and are updating the tenders with any pertinent information. As Industry leaders for over 20 years we remain committed to providing valuable information for the Building and Construction Industry.

Claire Donaldson | Head of Department Leads 2 Business Tenders

Sources:
Biz News
IT Web
News24
National Treasury
Government Printing Works

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

2 Mar 2022

A Day in the Life of the Tenders SA Department

by Antonette Claassens | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

When I started here almost 14 years ago, all we did was source and add tenders, and then answer the phone. But much has changed over the years.

Have you ever had so much on your mind that you didn’t know where to start? Most days feel like that in the Tenders SA Department. Construction-related Tenders are our Main Focus. Obviously, our main priority is getting information out to our subscribers as soon as we can, but there is so much that goes with that.

Sourcing and adding tenders (from like a hundred different sources) to our website and ensuring our subscribers get them timeously.
While doing all the sourcing and adding, we also have to attend to queries via email, phone calls and Live Support.
Queries regarding Tenders already on our system, Tenders our subscribers are looking for and anything related to our system.
We check hundreds of sources daily to keep our information up to date.
Our subscribers can request all kinds of documents on our tenders. So we also spend time each day requesting Site Registers and Bidders Lists. (These are subcontracting Opportunities)
We often follow up on why Tender Documents are not available yet. (Since the Government does not feel our subscribers’ pressure).
We follow up on Award Details on the Tenders that we have published, so that we can close it off on our website, which then subsequently gives our subscribers another opportunity to subcontract.
Our subscribers also have a feature on tender notices where they can request award details so that we know which tender awards they are interested in.

We are the Leads 2 Business Head Office, and as such we also man the Switchboard, along with other Departments, to answer incoming calls.
With this as another avenue to reach potential clients, we also make the odd sale here and there (if you can believe it). Therefore time is also set aside to train our new subscribers (and the existing ones) on our website. Training/Support is ongoing and free of charge to our subscribers. We also follow up on any account related queries for our own subscribers on behalf of the Accounts Department.

It is like a fast car chasing down a dirt road. This may all seem impossible to be done by each of us in a single day, every day, but we never run out of work and always have something keeping us busy and will keep bringing you the latest Tenders.

About Antonette Claassens

28 Feb 2022

Should You Do It Yourself (DIY) ?

by Chantélle Naudé | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

do-it-yourself
noun, often attributive

Definition of do-it-yourself
the activity of doing or making something without professional training or assistance broadly
an activity in which one does something oneself or on one’s own initiative

First Known use of do-it-yourself 1952,

So, What Does DIY Actually Even Mean?
Obviously “do it yourself” — but is that all?

Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects can be a great way to save money.

The Internet makes projects of all types and complexity seem accessible thanks to a seemingly infinite selection of instructional videos and blog posts. Everything from making a tufted headboard to building a deck seems easy, cheap, and doable.

The truth is that DIY projects aren’t always easy or cheap, and they may involve technical work that’s best left to the professionals.

While there’s nothing quite like the pride of being able to show off something you did yourself, or the satisfaction of knowing you may have saved a significant amount over retail, there are some factors to consider before deciding to do it yourself.

1. You Can’t Replicate the Quality of a Store-Bought Item
2. The Materials & Equipment Cost More Than Buying Pre-Made
3. It Would Take Too Much Time to Make the Cost Savings Worth It
4. It Would Cause You Too Much Stress
5. It’s Something That Should Really Be Done by a Pro

When It Does Make Sense to DIY

1. It Really Does Save Money
2. The Project Is Doable & You Will Enjoy It
3. You Want Something Custom or Heartfelt

In the end, there are far more factors to consider when deciding to do a DIY project than whether it might save you money. While money is certainly a factor, just as important can be your time, enjoyment, and skill level. Next time you’re considering a DIY project, make sure to weigh all the pros and cons.

Are you a DIYer? What projects have you done or are you considering? Are there any projects you’ve regretted taking on?

About Chantélle Naudé

I have been with Leads 2 Business since 2009, from Leads 2 Quotes to Directory. Mom to 3 girls. Outspoken, Fastidious and lover of all things Spicy and Shiny.

15 Feb 2022

A Day in the Life of the Leads 2 Quotes Department

by Cecile Van Deventer | posted in: Construction Chat, General | 0

Upon arriving at the office, a cup of coffee is the first (read: most essential) aspect to attend to. Once the coffee has been made, it is time to read through the emails. L2Q Requests are checked and moved to their folder. The L2Q Requests that have not been uploaded before, are left in order, to be attended to on a first-come, first-served basis. The L2Q Requests that have been uploaded before, are assigned to the relevant person to attend to.

Once the emails have been attended to, it is back to the drawing board. Outstanding bills from the previous day are completed and the next is attended to in order.

PDF bills are converted to excel and then checked word for word and quantity for quantity, before being traded and uploaded. Excel bills are processed and checked before being traded and uploaded.

Buyers are contacted to find out if follow-ups are required on their control lists. Vendors and subcontractors are contacted as required, and feedback is provided to the contractors. Closed tenders are followed up on to find out if they have been awarded and to which company/companies. The relevant companies are contacted to obtained the required information and the awards are updated and sent out.

During the process of working on the bills, control lists and awards, we are required to answer calls on our assigned days. We also deal with telephonic enquiries from L2Q Subscribers, as well as, email enquiries from colleagues and subscribers. We assist with training subscribers on Leads 2 Busines and submit content for our Social Media Publications.

Should there be a day when we are not swamped with bills, we assist where needed, should that be Directory, Tenders or Projects.

We are always busy and love raising the L2B Flag high.

About Cecile Van Deventer

I joined the L2Q Team in 2006, as a L2Q Support Assistant and have been the HOD since 2010. I supervise L2Q Bills, Daily Tender Bills, Control Lists and Directory.

9 Feb 2022

A Day in the Life of the Directory Department

by Nirasha Rampersad | posted in: Construction Chat, General | 0

The Directory Department is most definitely the centre point of the company and is crucial for a systematic workflow

Working in the Directory Department consists of the following:

1. Adding new companies and updating existing companies
2. Confirming companies and all the relevant contact details
3. Updating subscription forms
4. Assisting clients and staff with directory queries
5. Registration of various vendors
6. Assisting clients with failed searches
7. Monthly directory audits
8. Checking if there are any unnecessary duplication
9. Monitoring failed emails
10. Opt-out queries due to Privacy Policy Act

The information on our Directory needs to be accurate at all times. With the new Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI Act), information is much more challenging to obtain which makes information on our platform much more valuable.

To register on the Leads 2 Business Directory for FREE and gain exposure for your business contact the Directory Department Team today on Directory@L2B.co.za with the below info ⬇️

Full Contacts Name:
Contacts Designation:

Full Company Name:
FULL Company Description (Give details of your Trades/Scope of works & detail the services/products):
Reg No:
VAT No:
Branch Name:
E-mail Address:
Website Address:
Postal Address:
Code:
Physical Address:
Code:
Telephone:
Fax:
Cell:
BBBEE Level:
BBBEE Class – Exempt Micro Enterprises (EME), Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSE), or Generic Enterprises (GEN):
CIDB Ratings & Class:
CIDB PE (Y/N):
CSD No:
Capacity (Material &/or Labour):
Serviceable Regions (Africa & RSA):

Please Select from the Available Trades:

Aerial Survey & Mapping	Fencing – Wire Fencing & Products	Pipes & Fittings – HDPe
Access Control & Security Systems	Fencing & Gates – Electrical	Pipes & Fittings – Steel
Access Flooring	Fibreglass	Pipes & Fittings – uPVC & mPVC
Acoustic & Noise Control	Fire Equipment & Services	Pipes & Fittings Other
Agricultural Machinery	Fireplaces	Plasterwork & Screeding
Agricultural Services	Fireproof Doors & Safes	Plastic & Foam
Air-conditioning & Ventilation	Fleet Management & Maintenance	Plastic Sheeting & Liners
Alterations & Maintenance	Formwork	Plumbing & Sanitary
Anti-Corrosion & Acid Protection	Fuels & Lubricants	Power & Energy
Awnings, Blinds, Canopies & Sun Control	Gabions, Geosynthetics & Subsoil Materials	Prefabricated concrete flooring/roofing
Bolts, Fasteners & Cast in Items	Glazing & Mirrors	systems
Boreholes & Dewatering	Granite & Marble	Prefabricated Portal & Pipe Culverts
Builders Merchants & Hardware	Guardrails & Barriers	Pre-Stressing/Post Tensioning
Building Contractors	Heavy Plant	Pumps
Building Management Systems (BMS)	Hygiene Products & Services	Raft Foundation
Building Signage, Hoarding & Advertising	Industrial Catering Appliances	Railway Contractors
Building Small Works	Instrumentation	Rainwater Goods
Carpentry Joinery & Cabinet Making	Instruments	Refrigeration
Carpets, Floor Liners & Synthetic Surfaces	Insulation	Retaining Walls & Systems
Cathodic Protection	Ironmongery	Rock Breaking/Blasting
Ceilings, Partitions, Bulkheads & Drywalling	Jointing	Road Markings
Cement	Kerbing – Extruded & Cast In situ	Road Signs
Channelling Cast Insitu	Kerbing & Ancillaries – Precast	Roofing & Trusses
Chemicals and Gases	Kitchen Cupboards & Vanities	Safety & Protective Clothing
Civil Contracting	Laboratory	Sandblast & Gunite
Cleaning & Catering	Landscaping, Grassing & Horticulture	Scaffolding
Computer Hardware, Software &	Leakage & Service Detection	Shelving & Shopfitting – Aluminium
Networking	Lifting Equipment	Shelving & Shopfitting – Other
Concrete & Asphalt Cutting	Lighting	Shorthaul Transport & Lowbeds
Concrete Sub-contractors	Lightning Protection	Shower & Shower Doors
Concrete Supply & Placing	Lime	Skylights
Construction Chemicalss	Long haul Transport & Logistics	Small Plant & Tools
Crushed Stone, Gravel & Sand	Manholes – Precast Concrete	Stainless Steel Fabrication
Crushing & Screening	Manholes – Premanufactured Other	Steel Fabrication, Engineering & Manufacture
Dam Liners	Materials	Steel Handrails etc & Cast in Items
Dayworks Rates	Marine Construction services	Steel Manufacture
Demolition	Masonry Blockwork	Steel Reinforcing & Dowel Bars
Domestic Kitchen Appliances	Masonry Brickwork	Street & Highmast lighting
Door & Window Frame Pressed Metal	Masonry Stonework	Structural Steelwork Erection
Door & Window Frames Aluminium	Materials Handling &	Surfacing Asphalt Surfacing & Milling
Door & Window Frames uPVC	Dock Levelling	Surfacing Bitumen or Prime Supply &
Door & Window Frames Wooden	Mats & Matwell frames	Distribution
Doors Roller Shutter	Mechanical Spares & Repairs	Surfacing Chipping Sealing or Slurry
Drain & Pipe Cleaning	Medical Equipment	Surfacing Road Crack Sealing &
Dynamic Compaction	Metalwork	Patching
Earthworks & Excavations	Mining, Mining Supplies	Swimming Pools
Electrical Installation	& Processing	Synthetic Sport Surfaces & Tracks
Electrical Materials	Mobile Office & Toilets	Telecommunications
Electrical Reticulation	Mouldings	Tiling
Elevators Escalators & Lifts	Office Automation	Timber Supplies
Engineering, Boilermaking & Manufacture	Office Furniture & Seating	Underfloor Heating
Epoxy Flooring & Coatings	Ornamental Precast Concrete or Cladding	Valve Chambers
Erosion Protection & Pitching	Painting	Valves & Meters
Expansion Joint, Bridge Bearings & Concrete	Paper Hanging	Wall Lining
Repair	Paving	Walling
External or Site Works	Pest Control & Poisoning	Waste Disposal
External Plumbing	Piling – Jacking, Drilling, Grouting &	Water Purification
Fencing – Gates, Doors & Automation	Anchoring	Water Tanks & Reservoirs
Fencing – Palisade	Piling – Slope Stabilisation & Geotechnical	Waterproofing, Membranes & Sealing
Fencing – Precast Walling & Concrete	Piling & Underpinning	Weighbridge & Scales
Palisade	Pipes & Fittings – Cast Iron, Gratings & Covers	Wooden & Laminate Flooring

About Nirasha Rampersad

I started working for Leads to Business June 2017 as Support Assistance in L2Q.

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3 Feb 2022

Contractors Insurance: Legendary Risk Solutions

by Shanna Knezovich | posted in: Construction Chat | 2

Legendary Risk Solutions (Pty) Ltd is a market leader in the Construction and Plant insurance industry with over 15 years of Engineering Underwriting experience and customised insurance solutions and claims management.

Our specialised services and offerings are aligned with the highest of standards and we pride ourselves in our exceptional service deliveries. With the support of our expert and qualified staff, combined with our expanding infrastructure.

Legendary Risk Solutions (Pty) Ltd specialised product offering, offers you:

Construction Related Guarantees
Construction and Engineering Insurance
Plant All Risk
General Business Insurance
Specialist Liability Cover
Commercial Vehicle Insurance
Specialist Liability Insurance

What is the most important insurance for Contractors/Subcontractors to consider?

Contract Works
This policy provides protection for Principals, Contractors and Sub-Contractors, covering construction projects, against physical loss or damage to the works during the construction phase. The projects can range from the construction of domestic dwellings, office blocks, water and sewer reticulation, roads, bridges or any other infrastructure development or process plants.
The policy can also provide protection for the Employers’/Contractors’ Legal Liability, in the event of injury or damage to third party persons or property, arising from the execution of the works.

Plant All Risks
This policy is designed to cover construction, mining and other mobile and non-mobile plant/machinery, against loss or damage whilst situated on-site or in transit to, or from the site. The cover can also apply to plant hired in or out by the employer and can cater for hiring costs following indemnifiable damage to the plant insured.

Machinery Breakdown
The Machinery Breakdown policy caters for sudden unforeseen physical damage to plant and machinery at the insured’s premises/factory. The cover includes damage resulting from dismantling and re-erection of machinery within the Insured’s premises.
The machinery can range from small refrigeration compressors and electrical motors to all types of machines used in mining, manufacturing and materials handling.

Loss of Profit
The policy caters for loss of Gross Profits or Increased Cost of Working (I.C.O.W.), resulting from a reduction in turnover following sudden unforeseen physical damage to plant and machinery covered under a Machinery Breakdown policy.

Deterioration of Stock
The policy is designed to cater for deterioration/spoilage of perishable goods held in cold storage facilities resulting from fluctuations in temperature caused by sudden unforeseen physical damage to machinery, such as the refrigeration plant, where cover is provided by a Machinery Breakdown policy.

Dismantling Transit and Erection (D.T.E.)
The Dismantling Transit and Erection policy provides cover for the movement of machinery between premises and includes the installation, as well as testing and commissioning of new machinery.
The cover can be extended to include Third Party Liability arising from the insured’s operations.

Works Damage
This policy is designed for the protection of manufacturers against damage to their products during the manufacturing process and or the property in the course of manufacturing arising from the impact caused by collision, dropping, swinging, overturning or collision at the manufacturer’s premises.

Computer and Electronics
The above policy provides cover for electronics equipment in its widest spectrum of use. The cover is on an “All Risks” basis, covering fire, theft, surge damage, malicious damage and electrical, mechanical derangement.
The equipment that can be covered by this policy ranges from P.C.’s (desktop computers) to medical apparatus, PABX’s (telephone exchanges), mainframes and laptops.
The policy can be extended to include Increased Cost of Working (I.C.O.W.) and Reinstatement of Data (R.O.D.).

How can companies get in touch with you?

We are linked to all Projects & Tenders on Leads 2 Business. Simply click on the Contactors Insurance button and request a quote from us.
Alternatively, visit our website or contact us on 082 456 6541

About Shanna Knezovich

I started my journey with Leads 2 Business in 2013 as an Account Co-Ordinator. I transitioned into an External Sales position as an Account Executive in 2015. I help professionals within the building & construction industry keep up to date with the latest project and tender information as well as source new business opportunities throughout Africa.

30 Nov 2021

Construction Trends for 2022

by Bianca Edgcumbe | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

What is the definition of a trend? A general direction in which something is developing or changing or something that is popular. While a trend usually refers to a certain style in fashion or entertainment, trends can be found in any industry and seeing as we are in the building and construction industry, we thought it would be fitting to have a look at some Construction Trends in 2022…so let’s go:

1. Updated safety measures – The wearing of face masks is not a new thing at construction sites, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is now the standard to wear face masks on-site as well as having your temperature scanned, workplace cleanliness on a stricter level, coronavirus testing, social distancing and a few other safety regulations. Safety-related technology is also on the increase, which includes a few of the following:

Drones – which can access hard to reach areas.
Robots – which can handle tasks that bring about injuries such as scaffolding construction and bricklaying.
Environmental Sensors – which can detect wind, heat and noise and provide warning signs/signals to evacuate workers and in case of an emergency or natural disaster, move high-cost construction equipment.
Wireless Sensors – Construction workers’ personal protective equipment such as vests, hard hats, gloves will have sensors and trackers instilled in them, and keep track of workers vital signs, movements, slips or falls. This ensures the safety of workers and immediately notifies safety managers when workers are at risk of injury.

2. Green Building – What is Green Roofing? A green roof is a roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium that is planted over a waterproofing membrane.

Green roofs are becoming more and more common. They offer huge environmental benefits, such as Reducing temperatures of the roof surface and surrounding air, providing shade, improving stormwater management, insulating the building reducing the need for air conditioning in summer and providing insulation in winter, improving air quality, and lasts two to three times longer than a normal standard roof.

3. 3D Printing – Definition: Using an automated machine (3D printer), the structure of a construction project is automatically printed on a layer-by-layer basis.

3D printing of homes hasn’t been done on a big scale as yet but there is definitely growth in it. 3D printing is mostly used for building low-cost and emergency housing is usually more affordable and faster than the conventional methods. A few more advantages are reduced material costs, cheaper construction overall, reduced injury, and many more. This is definitely a construction trend to look out for as it also reduces waste, has exceptional turnaround times and has the capacity to mass print designs without changing machinery.

4. Finding and Retaining Workers/Labourers – A shortage of workers is nothing new according to many in the construction industry. Not having enough workers can slow down the construction process hugely, which then affects customer satisfaction and poses consequential risks to companies when taking on new construction projects. So the way of solving the problem and tackling this challenge will include paying competitive wages and benefits, offering bonuses and incentives, worker development, training programs, better tools, etc. These are just to name a few.

5. Smart Cities – In general, a smart city is a city that uses technology to provide services and solve city problems. A smart city does things like improve transportation and accessibility, improve social services, promote sustainability, and give its citizens a voice. A few advantages of smart cities are more job opportunities, better transport services, efficient public services, the decline in crime, improvement of infrastructure, and a few more. However, there are also a few disadvantages of smart cities such as Social control and limited privacy. Smart cities have been defined as “high-tech intensive” urban developments that can link people and data to improve a city’s economy and quality of life.

Sources
Ace Work Gear
Method. me
Wikipedia
Green Builder Media

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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12 Oct 2021

Photography & Drones in Construction

by Claire Donaldson | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

You generally hear them before you see them. You tend to be looking here and there until you spot it. A splayed machine rising near vertically into your line of sight. Hovering. Until it banks and zooms off. No matter what innocuous activity I’m partaking in, I always squint in suspicion at our local neighborhood drone as it zips off over the farm. My dog also tends to get a bark in.

No matter how commonplace drones have become, they’re toys for crying out loud; they still give me the creeps. They do still have an air of science fiction about them. And we all know they have cameras.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV’s), commonly referred to as a drone, are considered aircraft without pilots on board. They are controlled by remote control by a human on the ground (I sincerely hope so, because I’ve seen that movie, and it does not end well for us). They were initially developed by the military, for less than savory undertakings “dull, dirty or dangerous”, but with the development of their technology, and the reduction of cost; their use expanded into non-military applications. They are used for aerial photography, agriculture, product delivery, surveillance and policing, an inspection of infrastructure, science, smuggling, and drone racing (because “of course they are”).

In South Africa, in the commercial sphere to legally operate, you are required to have a Remote Pilots License (RPL) and a ROC (Remote Operator Certificate). There are laws governing the flying of drones, and should you break the law you could be given a fine, have your drone confiscated, or go to jail.

They are, however, proving very useful in a variety of industries.

Drones are being used in the construction industry for inspections and to keep abreast of project progress, as well as to keep on top of site safety and security. Drones and aerial photography are proving cost-effective and efficient. They are used for land mapping and for ground assessment. And although aerial images from high up, and wide angles do come to mind, drones are also used for close-up inspections.

Drone photography is even being incorporated into CAD software. These images are being used for progress reports as well as for accurate measurements.

They are invaluable when it comes to marketing. Often the photographs captured via drones, are stunning. They are arresting not only in their composition but in their sheer uniqueness. We are not used to seeing the world from such an aerial perspective. Plus a lot of the time, the images are unobstructed.

A bird’s eye view has been replaced by a drone’s camera view.

Sources:
Fly Guys
Drone Photography Services
Wikipedia
Robert Lowdon
CAA
Law for All
Baithe

About Claire Donaldson

I started working at Leads 2 Business in February 2005, and have served as Head of Department of Daily Tenders from 2007 until the present. I oversee both the Daily Tenders South Africa and Africa Departments.

17 Aug 2021

Construction Pollution

by Mareez Herselman | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

Our planet has been fighting a non-stop battle against pollution. On our average day today, we do not take note of the damage we cause to our planet. This is a very sensitive topic to most people. Typically we hate to face the reality however at some point it is inevitable to avoid.

Construction pollution involves so many aspects in this topic from Air, water, soil, and/or Noise pollution. This is caused by the materials used, such as harmful chemicals used during the construction. Fossil fuels being one of them produces greenhouse gases that harm the environment.

The most common types of pollution found on Construction sites are dust and diesel emissions. Dust pollution being a very common Construction Site pollution, It may contain Microscopic solids or liquid droplets, they are minute enough to seep into the lungs and cause health issues such as wheezing, Bronchial infections, dermatitis, Asthma attacks and more. It can also contain chemical particles that can cause Long-term Health issues.

Out of 195 Counties, South Africa is standing at 37 on the list of the most polluted, with stats standing at 21.56 Average PM2,5 (Fine particulate matter 2.5) refers to tiny particles or droplets in the air that are two and one-half microns or less in width. It is caused by Car, truck, bus and off-road vehicle exhausts and from operations that involve the burning of fossil fuels such as wood, heating oil or coal. Consideration to our communities around our construction sites plays a role in reasoning to reduce our pollution on site.

Let’s look at ways to reduce Construction Pollution

Time: Consider time management on site. Decrease the amount of time spent on site. Modular construction can decrease time and speed up the process. “Modular construction – is a process where pieces and structures are built off-site in manufacturing plants before being transported to the job site “

Vehicles: Construction sites require the use of machinery. It is a tough one. The use of economic fuel-efficient vehicles “Tier 4 equipment”. The use of this equipment reduces hydrocarbon emissions. Reducing idiling time will benefit in more ways than one. Saving on fuel expenses and reducing Air pollution.

Clean-Up: No one enjoys cleaning up after a long day’s work. So create a cleanup policy, have bins laid out across your construction site, so your workers can have a clean Working environment with no arb wrapper in the midst of your equipment.

Sources:
China Daily
World Population Review
Air Veda
Exak Time
Frame CAD
Tracey Road
Portland Maine Junk Removal
Steadfast Building

About Mareez Herselman

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