Demolition

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Demolition

Demolition is the destruction, knocking down, pulling down, tearing down, flattening, razing, levelling, bulldozing, clearance, obliteration and annihilation of buildings and other man-made structures, however, it has been known that when one is stricken with immense hunger, one can demolish a whole pizza in one sweep.

Demolition contrasts with deconstruction, which involves taking a building apart while carefully preserving valuable elements for re-use purposes.

Demolition Plan:
For small buildings, such as houses, that are only two or three stories high, demolition is a rather simple process.
The building is pulled down either manually or mechanically using large hydraulic equipment: Elevated work platforms, Cranes, Bulldozers, Backhoe Loaders & Hydraulic Excavators.

 

Backhoe Loaders

Basic workhorse machine that allows for multiple attachments.
Short reach machines.
Can work in moderately small areas

Hydraulic Excavators

They provide for longer reach and power.
A step up from the backhoe.

 

 

Larger buildings may require the use of a wrecking ball, a heavy weight on a cable that is swung by a crane into the side of the buildings. Wrecking balls are especially effective against masonry but are less easily controlled and often less efficient than other methods. Newer methods may use rotational hydraulic shears…

Used for cutting steel, cable and rebar and silenced rock-breakers attached to excavators to cut or break through wood, steel, and concrete. The use of shears is especially common when flame cutting would be dangerous.

For larger buildings or structures, however, it is imperative to make sure there is a plan in place. One thing about construction projects is that just as they went up, someday they must come down.

When that day arrives and the building has become unsafe or just seen better days, it’s time to call in the demolition experts.

First they need to assess your needs as there are many different factors involved in a building demolition and several different ways to go about it. Once your needs are determined, a plan is created. The plan will include how the demolition is to be carried out as well as all the equipment that will be used to do it. The ultimate goal is to get the building demolished in the safest and most efficient way possible. These decisions will depend on the size of the building, the building materials, the reason for the demolition and the location of the building.

Some methods that will be considered include:

1. Implosion

Large buildings like the World Trade Centre, tall chimneys, smokestacks, bridges, and increasingly some smaller structures may be destroyed by building implosion using explosives or terrorist trained pilots. Imploding a structure is very fast—the collapse itself only takes seconds—and an expert can ensure that the structure falls into its own footprint so as not to damage neighbouring structures. This is essential for tall structures in dense urban areas.

Any error can be disastrous, however, and some demolitions have failed, severely damaging neighboring structures. One significant danger is from flying debris, which, when improperly prepared for, can kill onlookers.

Another dangerous scenario is the partial failure of an attempted implosion. When a building fails to collapse completely the structure may be unstable, tilting at a dangerous angle, and filled with un-detonated but still primed explosives, making it difficult for workers to approach safely. A third danger comes from air overpressure that occurs during the implosion. Stephanie Kegley described shock waves by saying, “The shock wave is like a water hose. If you put your hand in front of the water as it comes out, it fans to all sides.” When cloud coverage is below 1,200 feet, it reacts like the hand in front of the hose. The wave from the shock fans out, instead of up toward the sky. If the sky is clear, the shock wave, a wave of energy and sound, travels upwards and disperses, but if cloud coverage is low, the shock wave can travel outwards, breaking windows or causing other damage to surrounding buildings.

Controlled implosion, being spectacular, is the method that the general public often thinks of when discussing demolition; however, it can be dangerous and is only used as a last resort when other methods are impractical or too costly

2. Deconstruction

A new approach to demolition is the deconstruction of a building with the goal of minimizing the amount of materials going to landfills. This “green” approach is applied by removing the materials by type material and segregating them for reuse or recycling. With proper planning this approach has resulted in landfill diversion rates that exceed 90% of an entire building and its contents in some cases. It also vastly reduces the CO2 emissions of the removing of a building in comparison to demolition.
Timber waste can be shredded using specialist timber shredders and composted, or used to form manufactured timber boards, such as MDF or chipboard.

3. Selective Demolition

This is used rather than flattening structures in one fell swoop which maximizes efficiency by reducing waste, repurposing reusable materials, and lessening environmental impact. This approach works hand in hand with Deconstruction.

Carrying out the plan
Once the plan is set, the demolition company will know the method, the equipment that’s necessary, the approximate cost, how much debris there will be, how it will be dispersed at the site and how long it will take to clean up. Back up plans and emergency plans will also be part of the overall demolition plan. After the plan has been finalised the company must get all necessary permits so they are safe when the demolition is carried out.

Like any job before the fun stuff begins there’s the preparation work that needs to be done and so site preparation is just as important as the demolition itself. The building must be completely cleaned out of the utilities like gas, water and electricity as well as the removal of hazardous materials.

After it’s all planned, legal aspects are covered and the site is ready, the demolition is scheduled and carried out. To some people seeing a building demolished is a thing of beauty.

The co-ordination and expertise that goes into pulling it off just right is truly staggering. In a lot of ways the building going down isn’t really an ending but a new beginning…

 

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demolition
https://theconstructor.org/structures/demolition-methods-process-buildings-structures/13941/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backhoe_loader
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Excavator

 

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About Helga Venter

My name is Helga Venter. I started with the company in 2004 and was promoted to Financial Director in 2007.

Safety when using heavy machinery

posted in: General 3

Safety when using heavy machinery

heavy machinery

One of the main dangers on the site is the heavy machinery used for various projects. Safely operating these machines is of the utmost importance. Staying calm and alert throughout the day will allow for more productivity and will translate into a positive working environment for all those around you. If you work in construction, you know that working on a construction site can be one of the most dangerous and hazardous jobs out there. Proper safety starts and ends with your decisions and how you conduct yourself.

TRAINING
It is of paramount importance that all operators have identifiable and verifiable training on heavy equipment before operating. Accidents can occur to both the newly trained and seasoned veterans.
Workers should be trained on the proper procedures to safely operate all pieces of equipment they will be working on. Training should be conducted as a combination of classroom and practical hands-on instruction. Topics that should be covered include safety, hazard identifications, safety features of the equipment and safe manoeuvring of the heavy equipment.
Workers should be trained on how to safely mount and dismount and the proper start up procedure for each piece of equipment. They should have a clear understanding of lifting loads and load capacity for the equipment they will be working on. Retraining and refresher courses should be conducted as needed, especially if a worker is observed operating equipment unsafely or in a manner other than its intended purpose. Only trained workers should be allowed to operate equipment for any reason.
Working with or around heavy equipment should be part of your overall safety program. All workers should be trained on the dangers and hazards of working with heavy equipment. Staying knowledgeable and safe with your equipment is a sure-fire way to make sure you’re protecting yourself and your co-workers.
Conduct a visual inspection before use
Visually inspect heavy equipment before each use to ensure it’s in good operating condition. Equipment must be inspected at least once a day before operating. This must involve walking around with a checklist of components to check for good working order.

KEEP THE AREA CLEAN
Ideally, you can cordon off the area with barriers to keep workers from accidentally getting in close proximity to operating equipment. If you are moving or operating equipment near workers use a spotter, using radio or hand signals to communicate, to keep your blind spots clear. This is especially important when backing up. Yes, the equipment will have backup alarms, but they often go unheeded on construction sites due to their prevalence.
Blind spots
Operators of heavy machinery have to be 100% sure that no one is behind them or in their blind spots when moving, even if this involves getting out of the machine and checking. If vision is limited, have a spotter stand in a safe, visible position to guide and direct you. Inform those working around you for the day of your blind spots and require them to make eye contact with you before coming in the equipment’s vicinity. High visibility vests are mandatory on all sites.

 

COMMUNICATION
In all aspects of life, communication is perhaps the most important way to drive results and meet deadlines. When working with heavy machinery, communication is just as important. Creating safety policies and procedures for your machines and making sure you constantly communicate them can save lives and money in the long run.
Stay on top of workers who are not working with safety procedures in mind, and make sure they know about all of your policies.
Be in constant communication with those working around you. A two-way radio is the best form of communication, if that option is not available then use hand signals from a spotter who has been properly trained. Communication with operators should be touched upon at every safety meeting and reinforced by the foreman on site.

 

SEATBELTS / PPE
Wearing your seatbelt in heavy equipment is just as important as wearing one in a moving motor vehicle. There is no excuse for not wearing it at all times. Not only can it save your life, it will keep you firmly in your seat. Always wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, sturdy boots and hard hats.

 

LOADING / UNLOADING EQUIPMENT
Always be sure to be on level ground when loading or unloading your equipment. It greatly reduces the risk of rollovers or sliding off the low-bed ramps. If unloading on a busy jobsite or high traffic area, make sure people are clear of the unloading area and use a spotter to guide you.
Overhead and Underground Hazards
Before work begins on any jobsite, over-head obstructions such as power lines and low clearance should be identified and flagged. Underground utilities like water, sewer, gas, and electrical need to be located by the appropriate department and marked with colour coded paint. Play it safe when getting close to the underground utility and hand dig to uncover. When leaving dugout holes that workers or the public can fall in to, be sure to set up barriers and snow fencing.

 

LOCK-OUT / TAG-OUT
According to OSHA, employers must train and have procedures in place to ensure that before any employee performs servicing or maintenance on a machine where unexpected start-up or release of stored energy could occur and cause injury, the machine or energy source must be rendered inoperative. This includes hazards such as pinch points, attachments, and raised loads. Picture warnings, locks, and tags must be utilised to prevent any incidents.

LOAD LIMITS
Always be aware of the load limits of varying equipment when operating different machines throughout the day. Depending on the equipment set-up and size the load limits can change. When lifting objects with a machine make sure loads are secure with the proper rigging attachments, and always inspect to ensure they are in good working condition. As with most equipment operations, confirm that all workers are at a safe distance when lifting and moving loads. When loading and unloading equipment at the site, make sure you do it on level ground to avoid rollovers when getting it on or off the truck or trailer.

WALK-AROUND INSPECTION
Equipment must be inspected at least once a day before operating. This must involve walking around with a checklist of components to check for good working order. Hydraulic hoses, undercarriage, oil levels, stress points, etc. are all areas that need to be inspected and reported to the maintenance/safety department before machine start-up. Using a cloud-based mobile device to complete a task such as this can greatly improve communication and response time between operator and mechanic.

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS
When operating heavy equipment, you need to mindful of the area you are working in and any obstacles you may encounter. Overhead power lines should be deenergized, or if that’s not possible, establish barriers to avoid making contact with them. If digging, make sure that all underground utilities, such as sewer, water, gas and electrical, have been identified and clearly marked to avoid damaging them and creating delays and more work.
Whenever possible, workers should be kept out of areas where heavy equipment is in operating. Operators should be aware of their swing radius, especially when working in tighter spaces, to avoid hitting other workers, bystanders, or other vehicles or equipment in the vicinity.

ENTERING AND EXITING EQUIPMENT
This one should go without saying, but based on the number of injuries workers suffer each year, but there is a right and a wrong way to mount and dismount from heavy equipment. When climbing onto equipment, always maintain three points of contact just like you do when climbing a ladder. Never carry anything with you as you enter or exit.
Never enter or exit equipment that is moving or in operation. Make sure you completely shut off the equipment, engage the parking brake and release any pressure from hydraulic controls. Make sure to take the keys with you to avoid any unauthorized use.
Only use equipment for its intended purpose
Each piece of equipment was designed to perform a specific task. Excavators aren’t cranes and wheel loaders weren’t made to carry workers in the bucket and used as an aerial lift. Pick the right piece of equipment for the task at hand and use it as the manufacturer intended.
Don’t overload or overwork equipment. Be mindful of the payload or lift capacity of the equipment. This may require getting a bigger piece of equipment if what you have isn’t enough to get the job done. If lifting material, make sure all riggings are properly secured. Don’t try to go too fast when operating equipment, especially on slopes.

SLOW IT DOWN
There always are deadlines on any project, which is why you experience stress to get the project done. Unfortunately, one of the largest causes of accidents on construction sites is due to people moving too quickly. Avoiding an injury or accident is as easy as taking your time, and making sure you’re being safe and smart about the machines you’re using.

 

Sources:
http://www.ehstoday.com/construction/5-tips-safely-operate-heavy-machinery
https://nektardata.com/top-ten-heav y-equipment-safety-tips-for-incident-prevention/

Heavy Equipment Construction Safety Tips

 

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About Lola Govender

My name is Lola Govender. I have been working at L2B for 14 years and am very passionate about our business.

The importance of dry and wet hire

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The importance of dry and wet hire.

Did you know that you get what is called “wet and dry hire” when hiring equipment?

I knew none of this and this topic had me stumped for a good couple of hours.

Did you know that wet hire is when you hire your equipment with an operator and all you would need to keep the equipment fully operational, this also includes the diesel you would need throughout your project?

Where dry hire is when you just hire the equipment and not the operator and added benefits.
This also means that the diesel is not included: however you do get the machine with a full tank of diesel but when you return the machine you need to return it with the same amount of diesel as it arrived with.

After some reading I do see that both wet and dry hire are good to have in their own way depending on what type of project you are busy with and how big your project is.

The advantages of wet hire:

• Cost effective (bigger projects).
• Operator has knowledge of equipment.
• The diesel that you would use is included in the hire of the machine.
• No added cost when equipment needs repairs keeping cost down and your project on track.
• Removes the stress of hiring other people to operate the equipment.
• One quote – one price.

dry and wet hire

The advantages of dry hire:

• Save money by keeping your labour within the company.
• Not many people on site.
• When you use someone that works for you they have an understanding of how you work and what you are wanting done on site.

dry and wet hire

Wet and Dry hire both have benefits depending on the given situation. When planning your next project make sure to take all aspects in to account when hiring machinery.

Sit down and think of what you need done – Will it be better to get wet or dry hire?.

 

Sources:
• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/wet-hire-vs-dry-whats-best-general-hire-group/
• https://blog.plantminer.com.au/pros-and-cons-of-wet-and-dry-hire
• https://www.humehire.com.au/wet-hire-dry-hire/

 

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About Tamika Mays

I started working at Leads 2 Business the 7th March this year. I have been working in the Leads to Quotes department where we deal with the contractors on a day to day basis. We help the contractors get the pricing they need for the contracts. The construction industry is an ever evolving industry and I love learning new things every day. Leads 2 Business is an amazing company to work for and is filled with amazing staff.

“Gandaganda Matiyo, Gandaganda Matiyo!”

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“Gandaganda Matiyo, Gandaganda Matiyo!”

A typical child that grew up in a township like myself would remember this rhyme when spotting a Gandaganda.

Okay, today’s blog‘s focus is not only on the Gandaganda (Tractor) but on All Heavy Plant and Machinery or better known as “Heavy Duty Vehicles” i.e. Heavy Trucks, Construction Equipment, Heavy Vehicles and Heavy Hydraulics, (things one would not normally think of if you’re not exposed to the construction industry).

These Machines can be referred to as a Foundation to any building structure from conceptual stages right until completed. I say so because of its involvement in the process from ground works until we see the beauty of the structure. With the growing industrialization of Construction works, the role on site, equipment and machineries is vital in achieving productivity and efficiency. This making the works seem much simpler while reducing the amount of manual labour.

 

The use of heavy equipment has a long history: The ancient Roman engineer Vitruvius (1st century BCE) gave descriptions of heavy equipment and cranes in ancient Rome. The pile driver was invented around 1500. The first tunneling shield was patented by Marc Isambard Brunel in 1818

From this Gandaganda,

To this.

Heavy equipment is used in different ways and can be divided into four major components:

• Earth – moving Equipment
• Construction Vehicles
• Material Handling
• Construction Equipment

There are several variations of construction equipment, but the ones listed below are the most commonly used by contractors.

1.Excavators

Excavators are large construction equipment that can be available over wheels or tracks.

Functions: Material handling, digging of trenches, holes and foundations, Brush cutting with hydraulic attachments, Demolition, Rough grading, Heavy lifting and pipe installation, Mining and River dredging

2.Backhoe Loaders

Backhoe loaders are very similar to tractors with a slight difference: They contain an adjustable shovel in front and a small bucket at the back used for digging.

Function: They can move dirt, backfill, dig trenches and place smaller pipes into place. One of the best attributes of backhoe loaders is that they are tyre mounted and they can be used in urbanized areas and patios. The bucket in the back can be modified using different attachments allowing you to dig trenches of different widths.

3.Bulldozers

Bulldozers have a wide flat blade in front that can be operated using two hydraulic pistons allowing the blade to be moved in limited angles or depths

Function: They are normally used to push piles of earth and for rough/fine grading depending on the size of the bulldozer. Its weight can be used to crush larger boulders among other actions.

4.Asphalt Paver

Asphalt Paver is a piece of construction equipment used to lay asphalt on roads, bridges, parking lots and other such places.

Function: It lays the asphalt flat and provides minor compaction before it is compacted by a roller.

 

Now when you see a Gandaganda, or such machines as mentioned above, respect them and the people sitting behind them, as the world is a beautiful place because of their existence!!

 

“Gandaganda Matiyo,Gandaganda Matiyo!”

 

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About Michelle Ngubo

I have been working at L2B since March 2014 and my current position is Tenders Africa Deputy HOD and Classy is the best word that describes me.

The Energy Revolution in Latin America

posted in: General 2

The Energy Revolution in Latin America

Energy Revolution

Latin America leads the world in clean energy. In 2014, according to the International Energy Agency, Latin America produced 53 percent of its electricity from renewable sources compared with a world average of 22 percent.
For 7 months Costa Rica was powered entirely by renewable power, and Uruguay was very close in doing the same.

How has Latin America made so much progress towards using renewable energy?

Latin America’s move towards a clean energy solution on solar and wind is driven by the environment which they live and the reality of the economic situation in Latin America.
Over 34 million people in Latin American lack access to electricity and as the population grows the gap between those with power and without will only widen.
Many countries in Latin America still depend on fossil fuels for their power generation. However, Venezuela, Mexico, Colombia and Argentina have all seen oil output decline.
This trend, combined with government budgets constrained by the cost of fuel subsidies, has encouraged private investment in clean energy generation in many of the region’s countries.

What is pushing this clean energy revolution?

Higher living standards and the rise in demand for power from a growing population has spurred the government to increase energy generating capacity. Targets have been set for renewable energy and financial incentives for solar and wind suppliers have been set. The mountain ranges, surrounding Islands and grasslands are ideal for producing wind energy and it is readily used in Latin America, for instance in 2014 wind captured 84 and 86 percent of renewable energy investments in Brazil and Mexico.

What can we expect in the future?

The future of wind and solar power looks strong in Latin America. As James K Alford notes, “Today, 19 countries have legislation in place that set targets for the percentage of renewable electric power on which the country will rely in 10, 15 or 20 years.” These range from 25 to 100 percent.

The great strides Latin America has made in the renewable energy landscape shines a light on Africa and the great potential for growth we have on this continent.

Sources:
https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/Latin-America-Monitor/2017/0212/Latin-America-leads-the-way-in-clean-energy

 

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About Barry West

I am a software developer.

Press Release: JG Afrika’s water management interventions help alleviate pressure on Cape Town’s strained water system

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Press Release:

A school in drought-stricken Cape Town has reduced its water use by more than 90% and will continue working with JG Afrika to further mitigate its reliance on a strained municipal water-supply system.
The leading firm of consulting engineers and environmental scientists commenced work on the first phase of the school’s water-management project in November 2017 and completed it in December that year.
Initial measurements of the success of the water-saving interventions were undertaken between January and March 2018.
Already exceeding initial expectations, a further decision was taken by the school board to work with JG Afrika in rolling out similar programmes at its two other learning institutions in Cape Town.
Benjamin Biggs, a civil engineer and urban water-management specialist at JG Afrika, has been involved in the project since the baseline assessments were undertaken at the school. He will also participate in the larger rollout of water-saving interventions at the other institutions.
Biggs says that it is important to first focus on reducing water use before looking to supplement municipal supply with alternative sources.
“We were able to implement immediate measures at the school that would yield outstanding results early on. Our experience in several other projects has demonstrated that this upfront work can play an important role in mitigating, or even eliminating the need for more costly and longer-term measures,” he says.
Importantly, this step also helps drive changes in water-use behaviour in a water-scarce country, and Biggs compliments the client for the proactive efforts already taken to use water efficiently before it implemented a larger demand-side management programme.
About 400 people, including educators, administrative staff and students participated in the initiative, starting with basics such as flushing toilets sparingly and reporting water leakages.
JG Afrika saved an additional 80% to the already low drought use by focusing on reducing high-use applications at the school.

These interventions were selected based on the findings of the baseline assessment, which combined historical information including utility bills, as well as physical inspections of the plumbing fixtures and equipment.
The outcome was used to model water flows to understand end-use quantities for various applications and determine the site water balance, which is the flow of water in and out of a system. This allowed JG Afrika to identify high impact areas to address and assess possible solutions to reduce municipal water use on campus.
Prior to the programme, the school sourced as much as 1 064 kl/month from the municipality, with up to 70% of this water used to flush toilets in the ablution blocks.
As part of the first phase of the programme, all toilet flushing devices were replaced with water-saving mechanisms, and similar interventions were taken at other existing plumbing fixtures, including leaking washbasin taps.
As part of this full turnkey service, JG Afrika works closely with select installers and plumbers, which were placed on standby during the baseline studies to ensure swift turnaround times.
Moreover, all of the water-saving technologies deployed in the programme have been tried and tested by the team of water experts at the JG Afrika office.
These include the mechanisms that facilitate a quick and cost-effective means of retrofitting existing toilets to provide immediate water savings of up to 60%. This is in addition to the aerators that are used to limit flows through the taps, reducing water use from 10-15 l/min to only 1 l/min in bathrooms.
Another technology implemented in many of the initial phases of JG Afrika’s other projects is low-flow showerheads that provide as much as a 50% reduction in water use without forgoing the comfort of conventional fittings.
“We first ensure that we have identified all of the available so-called ‘low-hanging fruits’ available to us. Importantly, many of these technologies can be installed without having to make any major refurbishments to an existing building and can therefore be installed at a minimal cost to the client. This is a major consideration for JG Afrika on all of its water-management projects,” Biggs says.
The next phase of the programme will entail installing a rainwater-harvesting system with treatment at the school. Water tanks are used to store harvested rainwater where after is it treated and pumped for use in applications, such as toilet flushing, irrigation and topping up the swimming pool.

Combined with those actions undertaken during the first phase, the system will reduce the school’s reliance on municipal water supplies by up to 95%.
This strategy is in line with JG Afrika’s approach of first reusing all available water on site before abstracting from the groundwater aquifers.
The entire system can be installed in less than a month and therefore, can be operational ahead of the wet winter period in the Western Cape.
Depending on rainfall levels and irrigation requirements in summer, the school may pursue a third phase that will allow for water savings in excess of 95%. This entails installing a borehole on site to replenish stores of harvested water in the tanks.
The combined three phases will result in cost-savings of R150 000 per year under drought water restrictions and R450 000 per year under pre-drought conditions, while the school will be able to recuperate its investment in three years.
While cost savings have provided a major incentive for pursuing sustainable practices in the past, the severe arid conditions in many parts of the country have played a large part in motivating the importance of water management.
Biggs says that demand-side management (DSM) projects are now being viewed as a necessity, similar to those energy-efficiency programmes that were implemented during previous periods of load-shedding in South Africa.
Moreover, it has elevated the importance of water in sustainability programmes. In the past, water, energy and waste management were often undertaken in isolation of one another.
“Water is now being treated as a resource, as opposed to only a right by responsible South Africans. At the same time, policymakers have realised the need to explore solutions that provide the resilience they need for drought periods such as these. This is demonstrated by new policies and legislation in Cape Town that promote decentralised alterative supply systems to augment centralised infrastructure that do not have the flexibility to cater to increases in demand, or arid climates,” he says.
Biggs reports to both the municipal infrastructure and sustainability divisions of JG Afrika’s Cape Town operations. Headed by Chris Wise and Sally-Anne Käsner, these divisions continue to experience a high demand for their combined skills and capabilities.
JG Afrika’s key differentiator is its multi-disciplinary skills and capabilities that has allowed for a multi-disciplinary approach to water-management. This is applied on all of the company’s projects that span single buildings through to large university campuses and towns.

Each site is unique, and the experts’ water-sensitive designs consider all of the various components of the urban-water cycle, as opposed to the isolated approach taken on so many water-management programmes in the past.
This is also in line with the firm’s focus on providing a diverse source of supply and, in so doing, increasing resilience.
Emphasis is also placed on matching the quality of the water to suitable applications. Biggs says that this is also a significant departure from traditional thinking in South Africa where high-quality drinking water is still being used to flush toilets and for irrigation purposes.
In addition to working closely with academic institutions to apply the latest theoretical studies in practice, JG Afrika’s team of experts applies extensive experience and learning as well as using insights from international best practice, in its designs. This includes experience from countries, such as the United Kingdom, United States, Australia and Singapore, which all have policies and regulations in place that guide the efficient use of their water resources.
Biggs says that he is also proud of the part that JG Afrika has played in its own DSM programme at its office in Pinelands.
“We practice what we preach,” says Biggs. “As early as 2011, JG Afrika implemented in its own DSM programme at its office in Pinelands, and weekly readings confirm that we have reduced our water consumption by nearly 70% simply by installing low-flow taps and showers, waterless urinals and efficient toilets and irrigation. We will be taking further steps in the short-term to enhance this performance.”

 

About George Harris

I started my incredible journey at Leads 2 Business in 2006. I am the Content Director, custodian of an amazing research team responsible for unearthing hidden gems of information.

Water Conservation

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Water Conservation

Water Conservation

What is Water Conservation?

Water conservation includes all the policies, strategies and activities to sustainably manage the natural resource of fresh water, to protect the hydrosphere, and to meet the current and future human demand.

As simple as it sounds and as much awareness as there is out there about water conservation, how many of us are really being proactive about saving this life source?

Devastation hit the Western Cape when they had that dreaded day zero looming. What can we do to avoid this going forward? It’s as simple as starting from home because every drop counts… and this for sure has truth behind it.

Here are some simple tips on how we can conserve water in our homes:

Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. We don’t realise how much water is actually wasted when the water is left running and we are busy trying to reach every one of our 32 pearly whites for those of us that have that many left.

Take shorter showers.
So, instead of reflecting on the origin of life and the universe for 25 minutes rather take a “one song” shower. Sing your favourite song in the shower and try to finish before it ends, even better leave out the chorus.

If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s…you know the rest! I won’t get too descriptive.

Fix your leaks – give the plumber a call…

If you are not a plumber you could attempt DIY but then again this could make matters worse, not only will there be more water wastage but it will cost you even more.

So don’t be a cheapskate and don’t let your wife get the thrill of saying “I told you so!”

– Use a shower bucket, you know how we always waiting for the water to heat up and all that water is going down the drain rather stick a bucket under the faucet and use the saved water to flush the toilet or water your plants.

– Save water and shower together!

They always say save the Best for Last…

– Save water Drink Champagne. 

These are just a few tips that you can use to conserve water.

You may ask, why should we? Besides the glaring fact that water is life, here are a few more benefits to water conservation:

– Saves you money… cha-ching! Yes, your pocket can benefit as well as the rest of humankind.
– Protects drinking water resources
– Reduces the need for costly water supply and new wastewater treatment facilities.
– Maintains the health of aquatic environments.
– Saves energy used to pump, and treat water.

The shortage of water can have devastating consequences –
Not enough water for farmers to produce food, feed their livestock and that in turn puts their livelihood at risk as well as impacts the prices of those good in the market.
Less water also means sewage does not flow, and mosquitoes and other insects breed on stagnant, dirty water. The result is deadly diseases and other infections.

 

So let’s all work together and Conserve Water to make a difference.

 

Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_conservation
https://www.care2.com/greenliving/20-ways-to-conserve-water-at-home.html
http://www.ecotechwater.com/Health/Water%20Consevation.html

 

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About Sharika Raman

I have worked for Leads 2 Business from January 2015. I started in the Leads 2 Quotes Department for Directory, in January 2020 I was promoted to the Deputy Head of Department for Leads 2 Quotes and in July 2021 I was promoted to the Accounts Department as a Debtors Administrator. I enjoy time with my family creating memories, I like to socialize but also enjoy time to myself so I try to keep a balance by indulging in some quiet time when I can. I see myself as a realist, amazing wife and awesome mom…I am sure my family would agree.

Does Load shedding cost your business money?

posted in: General 0

Does Load shedding cost your business money?

Since the reinstatement of rolling blackouts, businesses big or small, as well as customers, have suffered alike. Most businesses are left handicapped for hours. With Eskom being the supplier of 95% of our power, it has become a prerogative that businesses consider alternative power generating sources. Some places go two days without electricity, where stage 1 blackouts suddenly became stage 2 blackouts.
NERSA (National Energy Regulator of South Africa) reported that during the period of 23 days of load shedding in 2008, the SA economy lost an estimated R50-billion, which is almost R2.17-billion per day. With load shedding expected to worsen in years, it is time for businesses to buckle up, especially as small businesses make up a significant percentage of the GDP (Gross domestic product).

According to research, small and medium-sized enterprises make up 91% of formalised businesses. This shows that the survival of our economy rests on the performance of small to medium business enterprises. In order to help prevent the economy from being severely affected by the effects of load shedding, businesses must come up with survival strategies.

There is a serious impact on those industries that need continuous electricity supply for their production.

“It is difficult to cost the financial impact of load shedding ahead of time due to uncertainties about how often it will occur; however the city has identified certain risks in terms of:

– The direct stress on infrastructure elements, such as substations
– The risk of water pumps not being able to provide pressure to higher lying areas, and/or not filling reservoirs adequately, thus risking the availability of water. The cost is lower service to our residents and/or having to spend money on larger pumps and larger reservoirs
– The risk that if sewer pumps are unable to operate there would be overflows into our streets and rivers. The cost is the health risks and clean-up costs, and/or the need to provide standby generators
– Traffic light disruption can cause traffic disruptions if the problem is widespread in a particular area. The direct cost is the economic impact. The other cost is the need to provide uninterrupted power supplies at each intersection.

Furthermore, as people take steps to protect their needs through alternative energy supply, we will see a gradual decline in electricity sales, and therefore a smaller pool of people paying the rates that fund the distribution network’s maintenance.

The cost of maintaining the grid does not decrease in proportion to each customer that converts to alternative energy sources. This could make our current system of electricity supply unsustainable economically.
There are three ways to evaluate if load shedding is negatively impacting your business.
It is important to evaluate how load shedding is affecting your business and how to work towards finding the best solution to keep your business running when the power goes out. When evaluating your business, you will need to look at these three key loss areas; customers, money and time. Puzzled why just these three? Simply because these are your business’ most valuable assets.

Are you turning your customers away?
Most shops have to shut during load shedding – to the detriment of their customers as well as their cash flow. Every time a customer approaches your business and is turned away because you cannot service them, you inconvenience them as a result. Coupled with a decrease in sales, an inability to cater to customers decreases the value of your business. Also, the reason for shut down is the prevention of theft, which causes the business much more loss.

Is your business losing money due to damaged stock?
If you run a business that has machinery or refrigeration to keep produce fresh such as a restaurant, butchery or frozen yoghurt shop, it will be a challenge to not throw out stock due to load shedding. Businesses such as Deli’s amongst many that rely on suppliers for produce; stock delivery is severely impacted as there are serious health hazards and implications involved in delivering stock that is damaged. There is inter-dependency between businesses that are interrupted by power cuts and sums up to major monetary loss. Having alternative power is now a necessity for every business.

Is productivity diminished due to lost time?
In today’s world, many businesses rely on electricity-dependent machines which can be a downfall when customers want to transact with cards. The majority of customers prefer to make use of credit cards, debit cards and prepaid cards, it is important that you start thinking of ways to not miss out on these sale opportunities. Mobile payments may help your business to switch from barely breaking even to making as much money as you can during these crunch times. Another time-related issue your business may be faced with is a lack of productivity due to wasted time sitting doing nothing during the scheduled load shedding periods. If your employees are not being productive, lost time will directly impact your profit margins.

On a positive note, your business can be saved.
Start thinking of ways to minimise the effects of load shedding and save your business from major financial risk. These are crunch times for businesses but there is a way out. Thinking smart, creatively and remaining calm can get your business back to where it needs to be; the top. Once you have identified the risks, you will be able to build a load shedding contingency plan specific to your business’ needs and stay powered.

Conclusion:

• Load shedding is greatly destroying the economy.
• Some social factors like aggressiveness in people, restlessness, lack of concentration on work due to load shedding, etc are sometimes dependent.
• Load Shedding is disturbing the normal routine of people, business and causing economic disaster.

 

Sources:
http://www.fin24.com/Economy/Poor-load-shedding-plans-affect-businesses-20150128

What effect will load shedding have on South Africa’s economy?

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About Devika Suresh

I started at Leads 2 Business in January 2010 (12 Years ago). I am presently Deputy HOD of L2Q. I started in the Daily Tenders Bills department and worked my way up to the L2Q department.

The History of Security

posted in: General 2

The History of Security

Security must be one of the oldest and largest sectors in any industry. We are all so reliable on security, we can’t even say it is only for the individuals who can afford it, the sad reality is, it is a must in today’s world. But have we ever thought how security actually began?
The home alarm system as we know it today obviously wasn’t present during the Stone Age. Cavemen used other means of protection to keep predators at bay. Initially, they used branches and rocks and later on they created slingshots, bows and arrows.
As time progressed, domesticated wolves were used to protect homes. People would rescue abandoned wolf cubs and raise them to protect their possessions. Eventually, this leads to the guard dogs we know today.
In ancient Egypt, around 3150 BC, people would dig trenches around their dwellings, towns, and fortresses. These trenches, also known as moats, were filled with water and used to protect the people from intruders. With the growth of businesses and business ownership during the mid-1700s, people started using security guards to protect their properties. Royalty also used security guards for their personal protection. Today, the human touch is still used to offer protection.

One of the alarm systems that closely resemble home security alarms today was the electromagnetic alarm in the mid-1800s. This alarm was used by wealthy people to secure their possessions. Electromagnetic sensors were placed in doors and windows, and when an intruder crossed them, they would set off a loud alarm and scare off the intruder.
It wasn’t until after World War I that Americans really started prioritising safety and protection. People started using the services of door shakers, yes can you believe it? If you paid for this service, a guard would “shake” your door handle at nighttime, to make sure that it was locked, today I am afraid things will turn very ugly if someone had to shake your door in the middle of the night. Years later, in 1966, a nurse named Marie Van Brittan Brown invented the first video home security system and the ability to open a door with a remote control. Yes, you read right, a nurse! These were the first major developments leading to the home security systems we know today.

In the early 1800’s, there were no established law enforcement agencies or federal authorities to chase down outlaws across territorial lines. They were also inadequately equipped to go after criminals escaping the state or country which were responded to by the introduction of the security industry. The Vigiles Urbani who guard the city of Rome was said to be the origin of security personnel. Security guards were called “Watchmen” in the old days or middle ages in Europe.
The security industry that we know today was founded in 1850 by Allan Pinkerton with the establishment of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency based in Chicago. This swiftly became one of the industry’s largest and most prominent security agencies. One of the main clients of the agency were railroad operators or companies which were usual victims of crooks who robbed passengers and trains of cargo and personal items.

Security guards had a more comprehensive role aside from private policing which include investigating crimes, guarding railroad shipments, giving security advice to businessmen who became frequent victims of lawless criminals.
Regulation of the security industry commenced in 1915, wherein the state of California provides licensing and regulation of private security guards under the Administration of the State Board of Prison Directors. They said regulation was brought about by the increasing number of private security agencies and personnel mushrooming in the state and in the United States.


The private security industry in South Africa is an industry providing guarding, monitoring, armed reaction, escorting, investigating and other security-related services to private individuals and companies in the country. Over the years there has been tremendous growth in the private security industry, not only in South Africa but also in the rest of the world.
The private security industry in South Africa is among the largest in the world, with over 9,000 registered companies, 450,000 registered active private security guards and a further 1.5 million qualified (but inactive) guards; many times the available personnel than the combined South African police and army.
Studies have shown that South Africa had 2.57 private security personnel for every police employee. This is attributed by some to the country’s relatively high levels of crime to a lack of public funds from Parliament towards the South African Police Service (SAPS) or to an increasing trend in many countries towards government outsourcing of certain security functions. Others have suggested the number of high-wealth individuals in South Africa in comparison with the rest of Africa has led to the growth of the industry.

Like I always say “Safety starts with awareness, Awareness starts with you!”

Sources
https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Stone-Age/353814
http://freecourses.iimra.com/wp-content/uploads/large-icon-11.png
http://cngubaneinc.co.za/practice/forensic-investigations-unit.html

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

My journey started in 2015 with Leads 2 Business, as an Account Executive, and gradually grown to take the role of being the Client Liaison Officer (CLO) since 2018. Assisting in the delivery of our services and insuring our clients expectations and requirements are exceeded.

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