Berkeley Homes
Noise Control for Hoist Operators
Hoist operators are subject to high levels of mechanical and plant noise on site throughout the day. Following guidelines this contractor has implemented noise dampening methods on their site using inexpensive materials readily available on site. To reduce the clanging of chains they have introduced a robust tape wrap, they have also utilised expansion foam used in brickwork joints for...
Temporary Fire Doors
Metal temporary fire doors are specialised doors made of durable steel. They provide fire protection, containing smoke and flames during emergencies. These doors have a specific fire rating (E60) which means they can withstand containing a fire for up to 60 minutes. They are low maintenance, reusable and over a long period of time will become cost effective. They also...
Using DataVision to Virtualise Data and GoPro Usage
The DataVision system is used for our logistics company on site to plan, record and review all delivery activities on site at each of our delivery gates. This allows the operatives to accurately, without the need for paper, control delivery schedules and record any incidents that may occur during the delivery. This system can be used across various screens and...
Minimising Impact on Local Wildlife
On this project they have invested and continue to invest in the green spaces and wildlife areas in their development. Every roof is finished with a green or brown roof, along with logs piles and other habitats promoting wildlife. In 2020 the project won the prestigious Sir David Attenborough award for its commitment to enhancing biodiversity. Systems are in place...
Monarflex Recycling
Being able to recycle Monarflex sheeting is a big problem in the construction industry. We have been in contact with Terracycle, recycling specialists who are capable of collecting and recycling our site’s Monarflex sheeting. This sheeting is re-used where possible but when it is not possible to reuse, we are now sending it away for recycling. To find out more,...
UV Reactive High Visibility Vests
On our site we are aware that our workers need to be protected from the sun, especially with the recent spell of hot weather. We have provided externally working trades with High visibility vests that are UV reactive. These vests change colour temporarily to indicate when the UV levels are dangerously high for a persons skin.
Tower Crane Torquer
The torquer is a lifting accessory, which allows the user to control suspended loads and the orientation of the load in mid-air in order to lift and land in tight spaces without clashing with other objects and structures. This accessory is one of only two in the country, which if implemented more widely will reduce the risk of lifts clashing...
Magnetic and Spray Can Tethers for Working at Height 
Magnetic Tethers: As part of our working at height safety procedures, we require all items on a leading edge to be tethered, including small nuts and bolts. These are very challenging to tether in a conventional way, due to their size and sometimes awkward shapes. Therefore, we decided to introduce magnetic tethers for all work at height. The majority of...
Trade Day and the Next Step for College Students
Berkeley Homes arranged a trade day for Mid-Kent college students in order for them to meet key trade contractors, learn more about construction sites and take part in a series of practical competitions that offer them a snapshot of what it is like to work on a construction site and develop their trade skills. There were many different site activities...
Language Translator Devices
We have bought language translator devices to aid in our inductions and to help out in general site activities for operatives that struggle with English. This is being rolled out to Site managers to use on site as well. This will be useful to aid health and safety on site as well as creating better relationships on site.
Road Safety Week with CEMEX
Ahead of National Road Safety Week, over 1,000 local school children enjoyed a day of interactive workshops and classes to teach them about staying safe as cyclists and pedestrians. The team from Southall Waterside, including representatives from Berkeley and building materials supplier CEMEX, visited three primary schools in Southall in their third annual road safety campaign. The events also marked...
Solar Pod Generator
At Berkeley West Thames in Southall, we are committed to lowering emissions from our activities on site. As such, we encourage all our trade partners to strive towards our carbon objectives and targets. To this effect, FM Conway have brought to site a solar generator, the Autosmart Solar Pod, to power their welfare cabins. The Solar Pod charges batteries all...
Women into Construction
Berkeley West Thames, West London College (WLC) and Women Into Construction (WIC) teamed up this summer to offer women an opportunity to kick start a career in construction by hosting a four week training programme at the West London Construction Academy (WLCA), located on Berkeley’s Southall Waterside development. The programme provided an insight into the vast career options available within...
Tool Tethering Learning Hub 
On this project they have come up with the idea of a Tool Tethering Learning Hub to help their operatives with understanding the importance of tool tethering to prevent injuries and near misses from occurring. Something they we stand by is ‘Nothing touches the floor’. This is very important as the site is a high rise frame with many of...
Re-usable Fabric Door Handle Covers
At South Quay Plaza we are committed to minimise our use of disposable plastics, following the CCS ‘Spotlight on… plastics and packaging’ learning toolkit. As part of this we have developed a plastics and packaging minimising strategy. Our latest initiative challenged us to review the different types of disposable plastic protection we use on site and find an alternative. A...
