October 2015 - Andrews Sykes

Sykes Pumps safeguard popular stretch of coastline

Posted Date 30/10/2015

As one of the UK’s most popular seaside resorts, Exmouth Beach in Devon attracts a large number of visitors during the summer months. So when a damaged storm drain caused a sinkhole along the beach, it was of critical importance that the issue was tackled quickly to ensure the continued safety of residents and holidaymakers.

Sykes Pumps are the sole suppliers of pump hire equipment for South West Water and they required an emergency solution to help alleviate a potentially dangerous issue. Fluctuating tides contrived to cause additional problems from an operational perspective, but a regional technician was able to propose an appropriate response a short time after visiting site.

Infographic: the impact of flooding and how it can affect YOU

Posted Date 28/10/2015

At Andrews Sykes, we understand the impact of flood damage and perhaps more crucially, the repercussions of failing to react quickly. Finding the most appropriate solution can often be a complicated process but our direct industry experience allows us to develop specific pump hire and dehumidifier hire packages designed to accelerate your recovery.

Although rainfall is unquestionably the primary contributor to flooding, heavy downpours often combine with other factors to catastrophic effect – as highlighted by the infographic below:

Automotive company call Andrews Ventilation Hire for extraction solution

Posted Date 27/10/2015

In the present day, industrial and engineering processes are subject to strict production standards designed to protect operatives working on site. These legal requirements outline a series of health and safety standards companies must adhere to, meaning appropriate steps are immediately taken when compliance is in jeopardy.

This was the scenario an international automobile firm found themselves in after their production line encountered difficulties. They were attempting to strip a large battery which would directly lead to metal particles and dust being released into the working environment. This situation created an urgent need for a temporary ventilation system in order to avoid the dangers of operatives inhaling contaminated air. At this stage, Andrews Ventilation Hire were contacted to help find a practical solution.

Major Amsterdam hospital reopens after catastrophic flood

Posted Date 26/10/2015

In late September 2015, former Dutch politician Wouter Bos officially reopened one of Amsterdam’s principal hospitals which had been devastated by flooding earlier in the month. The rupturing of a high pressure water main close to the facility had necessitated its immediate closure, and this led to a total of 339 patients having to be relocated.

With a quick response essential and medical operations now at a standstill, Andrews Boilers were contacted to restore heating and hot water supplies as swiftly as possible. A pressing need for temporary installations was brought about by all on-site electrical equipment being deemed unsafe for use.

Large vessel ventilated during restoration

Posted Date 23/10/2015

As the UK’s leading provider of ventilation hire equipment, we are very well acquainted with companies operating within a broad range of industries – including refineries and petrochemical applications. Our commitment to working alongside major clients immersed in this field saw us provide a comprehensive ventilation solution for one of the country’s largest oil producers.

This commitment was perfectly encapsulated when a huge FPSO (Floating Product, Storage and Offloading) vessel docked in the North East requiring vital modification and life extension. Typically, these are out at sea for months on end and return to land only for short periods – meaning the timeframe for work to be carried out is always very limited. It was our client’s intention for this formidable ship (250 metres in length and weighing 53,000 tonnes) to eventually produce oil from an offshore field in the North Sea, with an emphasis on the restoration cycle passing as quickly as possible.

Andrews provide ventilation hire solution at a hydroelectric power plant

Posted Date 23/10/2015

Before building contractors could oversee the renovation of a tunnel in a hydroelectric power plant, a reliable source of ventilation was required on site. Covering almost 1000 metres, the tunnel was extremely prone to poor air circulation despite the presence of large holes at 180 metre intervals.

Like in many similar instances, the air was at risk of becoming too dangerous for workmen because of the large quantities of dust and dirt produced inside the shaft. This air is extremely toxic if not effectively tackled, leading to purity levels falling well below those outlined in relevant health and safety laws.

Sykes Pumps assist major archaeological dig

Posted Date 22/10/2015

At Sykes Pumps, we regularly provide dewatering assistance to clients in the construction industry to ensure building or excavation projects can go ahead. So when the Museum of London Archaeology was looking to pinpoint an 1800-year-old city defence wall near St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, a temporary pump arrangement was sought.

The construction company running the site contacted Sykes Pumps to come up with a solution which could be implemented quickly. This preceded a regional technician meeting with the client the following day, enabling both parties to discuss an appropriate course of action without disrupting ongoing digs.

Andrews Sykes sponsor category at 2015 BIFM Awards

Posted Date 21/10/2015

On October 12, Andrews Sykes attended the 2015 BIFM Award winners ceremony held at the Grosvenor House HotelHouse Hotel, Park Lane. The annual event is hosted by the British Institute of Facilities Management and recognises the industry’s best-performing companies and individuals.

As a Gold Supporter of the BIFM that frequently supports and engages with the organisation’s activities, Andrews Sykes were proud to promote the evening by sponsoring one of the award categories.

The “Impact on the Workplace” award specifically recognises working environments, systems and processes and their influence on delivering sustainable and functional operations. By achieving these targets, the expectation is that businesses can generate an increase in job satisfaction and productivity, thereby enhancing general performance.

Sewage treatment operatives kept safe by Andrews Ventilation

Posted Date 20/10/2015

In waste treatment facilities especially, it is absolutely critical that hazardous gases produced within the plants are removed to ensure conditions are safe for those on site. The build-up of methane in particular can have potentially fatal implications if not addressed immediately, so a calculated arrangement of ventilation fans is essential to carefully eliminate possible dangers.

When maintenance is carried out in such hazardous surroundings, Personal Protective Equipment alone cannot guarantee the wellbeing of those working within them. Confined spaces pose a very prominent risk – particularly when high levels of toxic gas are present – but Andrews Ventilation are experienced in providing solutions that, when deployed, help create appropriate conditions.

Andrews keep children’s play area cool during summer

Posted Date 15/10/2015

Although temporary air conditioning is generally considered the go-to solution when hot weather strikes, a tailored ventilation fan arrangement can be equally as effective in certain applications. So when a leading independent engineering provider contacted us on behalf of a client, we reacted quickly to help alleviate the issue with minimal fuss.

Our customer was looking for some emergency hire equipment to be deployed within a large children’s play area which had begun to overheat when seasonal temperatures rose sharply. After surveying the area, an Andrews technician weighed up all the options available and decided that commissioning a series of ASF21 ventilation fans would be the best course of action.