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Access Covers

Three brands, one objective – safe access all areas

Building Products Index Ltd access covers, Access Panels Leave a Comment

View the Bilco UK, Profab Access and Howe Green entries on BPindex

Visit the Bilco UK, Profab Access and Howe Green websites

Visit the Access 360 website

Access 360 Header Image - 3 brandsThree of the UK’s leading access specialists have come together to form the Access 360 portfolio, providing a total manufacturing solution for roof, ceiling, wall and floor access products for the construction industry.

Access 360 comprises Bilco UK, Profab Access and Howe Green.  These well-established brands all have a strong reputation for delivering innovative solutions to address the challenges of safe access within a building or external environment.

The brand identities have been updated, reflecting the holistic offer that Access 360 presents to the market, to represent the synergy between the brands and the complementary nature of the products.

Bilco UK is a horizontal access specialist supplying the commercial market with standard and bespoke roof access hatches, ladders, smoke vents and floor doors. Founded in the USA in 1926 the company has been operating in the UK since 1989.

Following the acquisition of Bilco by the Tyman Group in 2016 Bilco UK became part of home security specialist ERA in April 2017.

Howe Green was acquired by Bilco UK in 2017. The company manufactures fabricated floor access covers, linear drainage, tree pit covers and bespoke metalwork from a manufacturing facility in Hertfordshire. Incorporated in 1983 Howe Green access covers are specified across a diversity of industry sectors.

In August 2018 Profab Access, a leading manufacturer of vertical access panels, riser doors and steel doors was acquired. Established in 2001 Profab employs a team of 71 and operates from a 46,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and distribution facility in Warwickshire.

The strategic acquisitions of Howe Green and Profab Access were designed to strengthen Bilco UK’s “Safe Access All Areas” proposition. The three companies serve the same market, working with architects, specifiers and building service professionals to provide trusted, high quality, safe access solutions.

James Fisher, Managing Director of Access 360, explains the rationale behind the creation of Access 360 and the new brand identities. “Since the acquisition of Howe Green and Profab Access we have been promoting our ability to provide an unparalleled range of access solutions. From an operational perspective it soon became obvious that we needed a name and an identity that could encompass all three companies, whilst retaining the established and trusted brand names.

“We have members of the team whose responsibilities cover the three brands, including myself, our Sales Director, Technical Director, Marketing Manager, SHEQ Manager, New Product Development Engineer and our sales force.

“The name Access 360 represents what we have to offer the construction sector – products that cover the complete spectrum of access solutions.  We have a new brand mark for each company to illustrate how the brands, and respective products, complement each other.  We are delighted to present Access 360 to the world and to announce the bringing together of three brands with one specific objective – safe access all areas.”

To find out more about the range of products available from Access 360 please visit www.access-360.co.uk.

Why you should use Howe Green Access Cover Skates to lift heavy floor access covers

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Quite simply – by using a pair of Howe Green Access Cover Skates you will make- light work of moving heavy access covers!

A safer option

Cover Skate copyHealth and safety is a major consideration for all building owners, facilities managers and contractors. The Howe Green Access Cover Skate removes the need for operatives to manually move heavy manhole covers and access covers when accessing concealed services. By reducing the requirement to handle heavy objects the risk of injury is greatly diminished. With up to a 300-kilo lift from each Howe Green Access Cover Skate you will benefit from a powerful floor access cover lifter.

Easy to use

Howe Green has over 36 years of experience in the architectural building services sector. Product development at the company is driven by the needs of the customer. Solutions to complex challenges are designed and manufactured to be easy and simple to use. The floor access cover lifter is no exception to this philosophy. Watch the Access Cover Skate video to see just how easy it really is to lift an access cover with the Cover Skate.

Ready for action

Unlike other manhole and floor access cover lifting devices the Cover Skate is supplied ready to use. There are no parts to assemble and complex diagrams and instructions to follow!

Portable

The Howe Green Access Cover Skate is compact and lightweight. Each Cover Skate weighs just 3 kilos and they are very easy to carry around in a work bag or toolbox. The convenience of being able to transport the Cover Skate makes it the perfect choice for large sites and organisations with multiple sites.

Versatile

The Cover Skate has been designed to be used with the whole range of manhole covers and floor access covers available from Howe Green. However it is highly versatile and, by using different lifting keys, can accommodate manhole covers from other manufacturers. By specifying the name of the manufacturer you require when you place your order the correct lifting keys will be supplied with your access cover lifter.

The Cover Skate comes in two different sizes to accommodate access covers of all dimensions.

Robust

The Howe Green Access Cover Skate is manufactured from 1.4003 stainless steel and is corrosion resistant. As it does not rely on hydraulics it is also very low maintenance.

Will save you time and money

Lifting manhole covers and floor access covers with the Howe Green Access Cover Skate will require just one operative as opposed to the two operatives needed with more traditional lifting devices. A reduction in manpower equals a reduction in cost. The time taken to generate a return on investment for the Cover Skate is very short.

James Fisher, MD of Howe Green comments, “Our Access Cover Skate is tried and tested. It has proved a valuable asset for our customers as it saves a lot of time. It is also a much safer way to lift heavy floor access covers. The Access Cover Skate is especially beneficial in locations where regular access is required to concealed services. It is ideal for airports, railway stations, schools, hospitals, offices and factories. If you have floor access covers in your building the Cover Skate is an absolute must.”

Howe Green creates “specials” for centre of collaboration and creativity

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Howe Green, one of the leading brands in the specialist horizontal access market, has supplied products to the £150 million National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC) built on the University of Warwick campus.

The distinctive 33,000m2building, with state of the art equipment and world class facilities, provides a centre for research, innovation and technology development in the UK automotive sector.  Academics, engineers and designers have been brought together under one roof to create the technologies and products of the future.

The space within the four storey building has been designed to facilitate collaboration, creativity and the cross fertilisation of knowledge and ideas. It also acts as a shop window for advances in British design and engineering.

NAIC with Credit copyHowe Green supplied around 400 floor access covers for use throughout the centre to provide safe and easy access to building services concealed under the raised flooring.

The Howe Green bespoke 7500 Series Medium Duty Stainless Steel covers were specified by award-winning architects Cullinan Studio.  The specification required that the covers were manufactured with a reduced depth, instead of the standard overall frame depth of 75mm.  The reduction in depth enabled the access covers to be infilled with the same flooring used elsewhere in the raised floor system – calcium sulphate floor panels, with the stone pre-bonded.

The floor access covers were installed by Lindner, the market leader in raised flooring systems.  Calcium sulphate floor panels are ideal for sustainability as they are manufactured almost exclusively from recycled materials – an important consideration for the NAIC’s BREEM excellent rating.

The Technical Department at Howe Green are frequently called upon to help develop a bespoke solution to an access challenge. Established in 1983 the company has a gained a real insight into designing and manufacturing access covers that can deliver the right aesthetic whilst fulfilling the required performance criteria.

The 7500 Series Medium-Duty Floor Access Covers are available in a range of standard sizes from stock.  They can be manufactured in stainless steel or aluminium as single covers, duct runs or multipart units. With a performance loading suitable for up to 5 tonne pneumatic tyre wheel load the covers can be used in areas with pedestrian traffic, cars and light delivery vehicles.

If you would like to find out how Howe Green can provide safe access to concealed services for your next construction project please get in touch, call 01920 463 230 or visit www.bilcouk.co.uk.

Howe Green provides innovative access solution for NHS’s newest hospital

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Howe Green Ltd, the UK’s leading manufacturer of floor access covers, has supplied nearly 70 covers to Chase Farm Hospital in Enfield. The £200 million redeveloped hospital became fully operational last autumn. It is the newest and most digitally advanced hospital in the NHS estate.

Chase Farm offers patients a range of services including an out-patient department, an urgent care centre, an older person’s assessment unit, an endoscopy unit, a chemotherapy day unit, eight operating theatres, a dedicated day surgery area and 50 surgical in-patient beds.

Howe Green’s Visedge Series Flexible Floor Access Covers and 7500 Series Medium-Duty Aluminium Floor Access Covers were specified for the project by international architects IBI Group.

The covers were supplied to established, Enfield based contractor, Galldris.  Technicians from Galldris installed the Howe Green access covers throughout the 20,000 square metres of internal flooring, including the plant room and endoscopy unit. The Visedge covers were infilled with vinyl flooring.  The floor finish for the 7500 Series varied depending upon the location of the cover.

The Howe Green access covers enable safe and easy access to building services concealed under the flooring of the hospital.  The covers can be removed, safely and easily, for maintenance purposes with the use of lifting keys.

The Visedge Series provide a durable, lightweight, non-rusting access solution for flexible sheet flooring systems in environments with pedestrian footfall, wheeled trolleys and sack trucks.  Double sealed, the Visedge covers are ideal for a busy hospital where the highest standards of hygiene and security are required.

7500 Series Medium-Duty Aluminium Floor Access Covers are used for all types of hard floor finish, including ceramic tiles, terrazzo and wood.  They offer a heavier loading than the Visedge, with a five tonne pneumatic tyre wheel load suitable for cars and light delivery vehicles.

The Visedge and 7500 Series are available as a single cover, a duct run or as a multipart unit.  Standard sizes are available from stock and bespoke sizes can be manufactured to order with no time or cost constraint.

Howe Green has supplied many hospitals over the last 35 years including South Mead Hospital in Bristol and Queen’s Hospital in Romford.

If you would like to find out how Howe Green can assist with your requirement for an innovative, practical and cost effective solution for accessing concealed services located under flooring please call 01920 463230 or visit www.bilcouk.co.uk.

New RIBA Accredited CPD from Howe Green Ltd

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181029 Image for CPD PRHowe Green Ltd, the UK’s leading manufacturer of fabricated metal access covers, has recently launched a new CPD seminar.

The CPD – “Safe Access All Areas: Floor Access” has been accredited by RIBA and is listed on the RIBA CPD website – www.ribacpd.com.

The aim of the CPD is to help architects and specifiers gain a greater insight into the key considerations when specifying floor access covers.

Floor access covers provide a safe and easy way to overcome the challenge of accessing building services concealed under floors.  As a small part of an overall construction project floor access covers are often an overlooked element of the building envelope. However, the consequences of specifying an access cover that is inappropriate for the environment where it is being installed can have far-reaching, and costly, implications.  Choice of materials, such as stainless steel or aluminium, loading performance, floor finish and fire rating are examples of just some of the different design parameters that need to be considered when specifying floor access covers.

Health and safety remain at the forefront of specification in the construction industry. The CPD outlines how floor access covers can be moved safely and in line with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (MHOR) 1992, CDM 2015 Regulations and Building Regulations.

Floor access covers may seem a simple, straightforward product to specify however getting the specification right for the intended use and ensuring the requirements for both performance and aesthetics are met can be fraught with complexity.

James Fisher, MD of Howe Green, explains, “For over 35 years Howe Green has built an incredible amount of expertise and knowledge in the niche area of floor access covers.  This new CPD is an opportunity to share our learning with fellow building services professionals.

“We are committed to providing architects and specifiers with all the necessary tools to ensure the correct specification of access covers.  The more information and resources that we can make available the better informed their decision making will be when it comes to specifying the right access cover for the installation environment. ”

Howe Green’s Business Development Managers, Chris George and Richard Fletcher, will be responsible for delivering the CPD. Classified under the RIBA Core Curriculum by design, construction and technology the hour-long seminar aims to cover general awareness of specifying floor access covers.

If you would like to find out more about the CPD or make a booking for your company please call Sue Marler on 01920 463 230 or email cpd@howegreen.co.uk.

Howe Green bespoke access covers fit for the challenge at underground station

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Howe Green Ltd, the UK’s leading manufacturer of fabricated metal floor, wall and ceiling access covers, has supplied over 850 specially designed and manufactured floor access covers for an underground station.

Duct Runs Credit copy 2An access solution was required in order to provide safe, secure and easy access to building services concealed beneath the floor within an elevated concourse building.  The Howe Green bespoke duct covers were designed based on the 7500 Series Medium-Duty Floor Access Covers.  With a 69mm depth the access covers were manufactured with an extra thick baseplate and reinforcements to meet the demands of what will be a highly trafficked area.

The access covers were installed by the award winning DMC Contracts Ltd, specialists in the installation of floor finishes.  Over the last fifteen years Howe Green has developed a strategic partnership with DMC for the installation of its access covers and has worked on many projects with DMC.

The covers were infilled with two different types of flooring dependent upon their location. The main duct run in the station concourse uses Conservation Smooth pavings from Marshalls.  The access covers in the other areas of the station are infilled with Granazzo.

The 7500 Series can be also be supplied as a single cover or as a multipart unit.  The duct covers supplied for the underground station were specially made to order however standard sizes are available from stock.   Fire rating is an option with up to a 3 hour fire rating BS 476: Part 20 1987 on stainless steel single covers or 2 hours on duct and multipart covers if required.  The covers can also be supplied double-sealed to meet the highest standards of hygiene and security.

The 7500 Series can withstand up to a 5 tonne pneumatic wheel loading and is resistant to rust and corrosion.

If you have a requirement for an access solution that can rise to the challenge of a highly demanding environment and provide safe and easy access to concealed services please call 01920 463230 or visit www.bilcouk.co.uk.

6 reasons why the specification is so important within construction

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“In our experience, you cannot underestimate the value of a comprehensive specification. It has the ability to minimise risk and uncertainty, improve compliance, as well as saving time and money.”

James Fisher, MD Bilco UK & Howe Green

Circular Access Cover insitu copyCall into either of our offices in Bury St Edmunds or Ware and we guarantee you will hear the “S” word before the kettle has finished boiling to make you that welcoming cuppa!

The specification, and being specified, is fundamental to our ongoing success. Everyone in our team knows and understands that fact.  And, they fight hard to ensure that the Bilco and Howe Green brands are in the frame whenever it comes to the specification of roof hatches, smoke vents, safety ladders, floor doors and floor access covers.

When you are a well-established brand with a track record for quality products and innovative solutions it is easier to get your product specified.  Throw into the mix the depth and breadth of speciality access expertise within our team and you can tick another box off the credentials that architects, specifiers and building services professionals are looking for when it comes to deciding which products to specify.

Why is the specification so critical in our industry?

There are many reasons why buying decisions are based on specification but in our experience these can be distilled into 6 main areas:-

  1. Clarity

Developing a specification provides clarity and precision on exactly what is required. A good specification will have taken into account the desired performance, suitable material, usage of the product, aesthetic appearance, installation environment, life expectancy, life cycle impact and cost.

  1. Minimise risk

An accurate specification helps to minimise the risk of dispute and the potential for legal action on a project further down the line if anything goes awry. As it is an intrinsic part of the contract documentation the specification is legally binding in the event of any dispute or litigation. According to a report by Arcadis the “ value of disputes within the UK construction and engineering industry grew by around a third during 2016 to an average value of £27 million.”

  1. Improve compliance

Statutory compliance is essential to avoid legal implications and penalties. For example the specification can outline which Building Regulations or Health and Safety legislation with which a product needs to comply.

  1. Peace of mind

Given the level of disruption caused when something goes wrong with a project, in terms of time and money, it is surprising that there are still those in the construction sector who do invest in producing a detailed specification. An accurate specification provides an audit trail for a project and can provide peace of mind for stakeholders. The end client has the assurance that due diligence has been followed in the selection of the product.

  1. Enhanced efficiency

A clear and accurate specification enhances efficiency in all aspects of a construction project – from improving channels of communication to providing clear instructions to the team responsible for the delivery of the project.

  1. Saves time and money

Accurate, well-constructed specifications make life easier for everyone involved in a project.

A right first time approach ensures that costly errors and delays can be avoided.

Need some help with your specification?

Pick up the phone and talk to our technical team, we are always happy to help.  If you are specifying roof hatches, smoke vents, safety ladders or floor doors then please speak to the Bilco technical team on 01284 701696.

If you require help with specifying floor access covers, wall hatches, linear drainage, tree grilles or bespoke architectural metalwork then you need to speak with the Howe Green technical team on 01920 463230.

Alternatively take a look at the Downloads and External Resources sections of our product pages to access BIM Objects, NBS Specifications, CAD Drawings, Submittal Drawings, Technical Data Sheets, Installation Guides and Brochures.

 

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – for the stressed and overworked!

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We are all aware that CPD is obligatory for architects in the UK. With Chartered Members of the Royal Institute of British Architects having to undertake 35 hours of learning every year,    20 of which must come from the 10 mandatory RIBA Core Curriculum topics, just how easy is it to satisfy this requirement?

Bilco Carl Sutterby presenting Bilco Access all Areas CPD to CABE South West regionThere are certainly plenty of ways for architects and building services professionals to fulfil their obligation when it comes to CPD.  From reading articles, watching videos, going to seminars and roadshows to participating in workshops, conferences, organised factory tours and courses. It would appear that the opportunities to gain those all-important CPD points are endless. However, when you are a time poor architect trying to achieve some semblance of work life balance it can be challenging.

Stressed and overworked

Just how stressed and overworked architects actually are was highlighted in last year’s AJ Life in Practice Survey.  The survey found that one third of architects were regularly working more than 45 hours per week.  15% of 40-49 year olds were clocking up in excess of 60 hours work per week!  Given that, in England and Wales in 2015, the average age for fathers was 33.2 years old and 30.3 years for women those working the longest hours will also be the ones with young families.  The survey revealed that for those architects with children the impact of having too much work was the biggest concern in their job.

Making the right choices

Against the backdrop of long hours and a culture of high expectations, making the right choices when it comes to CPD is essential.  The most obvious way to guarantee efficient use of time is to select only RIBA assessed and approved CPD presentations.  These presentations have been vetted by RIBA to ensure they meet stringent criteria.  Not only is the quality of the CPD verified, architects can also earn double CPD points if a presentation is RIBA approved.

RIBA Approved CPD from Bilco UK

Bilco was established in the US in 1926 with Bilco UK set up in 1989 to serve the UK and European markets.  Bilco UK is a horizontal access specialist supplying standard and bespoke access solutions including roof access hatches, floor doors, ladders and smoke vents.  Following the acquisition of Howe Green Ltd in March 2017 Bilco UK can now also offer floor, wall and ceiling access covers, panels and hatches, linear drainage and bespoke architectural metalwork.

Bilco UK has run more than 500 CPD presentations over the course of the last decade.  The focus of the Safe Access All Areas RIBA and CPD Certified presentation is on designing an appropriate safe solution for an access requirement.

The CPD is delivered by Bilco UK’s team of experienced Regional Sales Managers and usually takes around one hour.

70% of the CPD presentations are delivered in-house, primarily to architect practices but also more recently to the Building Control departments of local authorities.  By presenting the CPD at the audience’s place of work the time input for the attendees is kept to an absolute minimum.  There is no travel time or expense incurred. The in-house CPD is the most cost and time effective option for busy architects and building services professionals. Visit the website for a list dates and locations for the rest of 2018. http://www.bilcouk.co.uk/cpd-seminars

From Inverness to Redruth

The remaining 30% of the CPD presentations are run as part of an extensive annual programme of ‘Meet the Expert’ CPD events organised by Direct Contract Exhibitions (DCE).  These free roadshows take place across the UK and provide those involved in building and construction with an easy way to keep on top of their CPD.

The events offer a minimum of six CPD eligible problem solving product presentations contributed by leading industry experts, including Bilco UK, on a wide range of specialist topics.  The geographic spread of DCE events attempts to keep travelling time to a minimum and to ensure that there is a relatively “local” session for anyone wishing to attend. Refreshments and lunch are also provided free of charge.

Feedback

The team at Bilco UK take their responsibility in assisting architects and those involved within building services with the enhancement of professional knowledge in the specialised area of safe access very seriously.  In addition to being audited by RIBA, as an approved CPD provider, Bilco UK also use a feedback form to continually assess relevance and delivery standard. Visit the website to read what attendees have to say. http://www.bilcouk.co.uk/cpd-seminars

Further information

If you are interested in organising a Safe Access All Areas CPD presentation for your team please get in touch with the Bilco UK –  call 01284 701696.

If you would like to attend a DCE Meet the Expert event please visit our website to see the programme of events for the rest of 2018. http://www.bilcouk.co.uk/cpd-seminars.

Specifying Bilco and Howe Green products for your next project just became even easier

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Leading access brands Bilco and Howe Green have recently launched a new website – www.bilcouk.co.uk.

New website screenshot - BilcoThe website is designed to provide easy access to all the resources an architect, specifier or building services professional would need to include Bilco and Howe Green products in their next project.  The significant investment in the new site acknowledges the importance that Bilco UK attributes to the role of the specification in the construction industry.

Howe Green Ltd, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of floor, wall and ceiling access hatches, was acquired by the ERA Group in March 2017 and incorporated into the Bilco range of horizontal access products to support Bilco’s proposition for “safe access all areas”.

The new website contains the full product range for both brands – Bilco roof access hatches, floor doors, smoke vents, ladders and roof safety products and Howe Green floor access covers, wall access panels, tree grilles and linear drainage.  The website provides a wide range of resources including specifications, submittal drawings and technical data sheets in addition to links to external resources such as NBS specifications and BIM files.

To coincide with the launch of the website a new brochure has been printed.  The brochure contains detailed information on floor access doors, floor access covers, wall and ceiling access and safety ladders.  Again the aim is to make it easier for architects and specifiers to establish the information they need to create an appropriate specification.

Managing Director of Bilco UK Ltd and Howe Green Ltd, James Fisher, comments, “Since the acquisition of Howe Green we have been working to bring the Bilco and Howe Green brands together to deliver our ‘safe access all areas’ proposition.   The new website helps us to present our full range of speciality access products in a way that is not confusing for customers who in the past may have only worked with either Bilco or Howe Green.

“We have brought together two premium quality, long established brand names to deliver a very strong offer to the building services market.  Our goal is to make life easier for architects, specifiers and contractors though a combination of quality products supported by high levels of technical expertise and ease of access to information.”

If you would like to find out more about the Bilco or Howe Green specialty horizontal access products please visit www.bilcouk.co.uk.

From west to east with Howe Green access covers

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Howe Green has supplied over 400 access covers to Tier 1 contractors working on Europe’s largest construction project – Crossrail. The new Elizabeth line will comprise 118 kilometres of track running through London and the South East and is set to reduce average journey times significantly. The Elizabeth line will open in December 2018 when services commence through central London.

Tier 1 contractor Laing O’ Rourke has specified over 60 of Howe Green’s 7500 Series Multipart Stainless Steel Floor Access Covers for Tottenham Court Road station.

Howe Green 7500 Series Stainless Steel Multipart Floor Access Cover - Crossrail - amendedThe large 4 part units were precision made to order to ensure that they would be a perfect fit.  Installed by specialist stone contractor Vetter UK, the covers have been infilled with granite to match the surrounding area.  Supplied with barrel lifting points the covers fit flush with the flooring to reduce the risk of slip and trip hazards.

The 7500 Series can withstand up to a 5 tonne pneumatic wheel loading and can be supplied as a single cover, in duct runs or as a multipart.  Standard sizes are available from stock or can be custom made to order if a specific size or loading is necessary.   Options are available for a 3 hour fire rating BS 476: Part 20 1987 on stainless steel single covers or 2 hours on duct and multipart covers if required.  The covers can also be supplied double-sealed to meet the highest standards of hygiene and security.

For more information please call 01920 463230 or visit www.howegreen.com.

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