65
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
JUNE
2014
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
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An aerial view of Lwart Química.
A confined space is defined as an enclosed, restricted or
limited space that includes any equipment, machinery or
object in which dangerous liquids or concentration of gas,
vapour, dust or fumes may be present. Skyriders confined space
specialist Rudolf Lubbe notes that confined space expertise is
important in multiple industries including but not limited to: munic-
ipalities, construction, oil and gas, and power generation.
“Numerous workers are injured on an annual basis as a result of
exposure in confined spaces. One of the biggest problems is inade-
quate training and experience to effectively deal with confined space
dangers. It is not only about how many people have been trained in
confined space work, but how many have the expertise to work in
confined spaces and the compulsory back-up of a trained confined
space rescue team,” he explains.
Lubbe points out that there is a large demand for these services in
a diverse range of industry sectors – both in South Africa and abroad.
“The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHASA) includes specific
regulations for confined spaces. Companies and employers involved
in confined space work must include a site-specific confined space
code of conduct in safety plans.”
Skyriders, in conjunction with Height Wise Training Academy – a
IMPROVING
WORKER SAFETY
Confined space expertise is important in multiple industries including to
municipalities, construction, oil and gas, and power generation.
dedicated work at height training provider that is owned by Skyriders
– plans to offer accredited confined space training in the near future.
"I am confident that Skyriders will provide excellent confined
space services, as our teams of technicians are highly qualified,
trained and boast many years of relevant experience in the field,”
Lubbe concludes.
SIKA POSITION
IN BRAZIL
STRENGTHENS
Sika has agreed to acquire Lwart Química a renowned supplier of water-
proofing products in Brazil. The acquisition strengthens Sika’s position
in the Brazilian construction chemicals market and complements Sika’s
geographical footprint in Brazil. Last year Lwart Química generated net
sales of R399-million.
Including the newly acquired production plant in Lençóis Paulista,
Sika now operates five factories in Brazil with a workforce of more
than 700 employees. The acquisition extends the product portfolio
and strengthens Sika’s position in the Brazilian chemicals market.
It also offers cross-selling opportunities, partly through the established
professional contractor customer base and partly through the distri-
bution channel.
LEGRAND
CONCEPT STORE
The launch of the first KwaZulu-Natal ‘Legrand Concept
Store’, which opened in Umhlanga recently, forms part
of Legrand’s drive to boost its specialist electrical solu-
tions offering to contractors, architects, consultants and interior
designers, as well as the end user.
The new Umhlanga outlet, which is owned by specialists in the
electrical sector, Amantha Maharaj and Mike da Silva, provides a
convenient and easily accessible setting for professionals and the
public to discover Legrand’s comprehensive stylish and functional
solutions, which are adaptable to specific requirements.
Legrand’s concept store initiative – which now encompasses
outlets in Johannesburg and Durban, with more stores planned
around the country – significantly enhances brand awareness.
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FROM LEFT:
Mike da Silva, owner of Umhlanga’s Legrand Concept
Store, Johan Bosch, sales manager, Legrand, Amantha Maharaj,
owner of Umhlanga’s Legrand Concept Store and Luk Ivens, general
manager, Legrand SA.
