The TRA’s Party Wall Spandrel Panel guide is currently under review. Members who are producing two-layer plasterboard party wall spandrels are asked to get involved and give their input towards these changes. Spandrel panels are an offsite manufactured product, put together in quality-assured factory conditions before being delivered direct to site. Internal spandrel panels can … Continue reading “Spandrel Panel Guide Review”

Talentview Construction launches to attract apprentices  The Construction Talent Retention Scheme has launched its eagerly awaited Talentview Construction (TVC) platform to match construction firms with young job seekers. TVC is the new Government-backed and Construction Industry Training Board industry levy-funded scheme to help young people find their first jobs, apprenticeships and traineeships in construction and … Continue reading “Talentview Construction launches to attract apprentices”

The new Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) has been issued to enable construction product manufacturers to prove their willingness to provide high standards of product information and prioritise product safety.  As a response to the Hackitt review of building regulations and fire safety following the Grenfell Tower disaster, the 11-clause code aims to promote … Continue reading “Code for Construction Product Information published”

Two recent reports from the Health and Safety Executive  provide stark reminders of the need to operate within strict safety protocols at all times. Three workers sustained serious injuries after falling through a temporary stairwell cover on a construction site because it wasn’t identified as temporary and therefore not treated as such. One worker, at … Continue reading “HSE Safety Prosecutions”

One of the hot topics discussed by North, Midlands, Southern and Scottish TRA members at the recent regional on-line meeting was the delays created by the shortage of lorry drivers in the UK. The recent queues at petrol stations have highlighted that the UK needs 100,000 lorry drivers to solve the shortage caused by a … Continue reading “Domino effect as logistics compound materials and labour concerns”

Photo credit: Vida Wood A new technical card has been issued by the TRA to discuss the use of alternative timber grades during the softwood supply shortage. The card describes how TR26 grade became the predominant requirement for the trussed rafter sector in the UK. Timber suppliers have specialised in this grade as it’s economically … Continue reading “Can C24 grade timber help us through the softwood shortages?”

The recent announcement from the Government to delay to the deadline for introducing UKCA marking until January 2023 is good news for TRA members. Those who manufacture metal web joists will be able to continue with the CE mark until statutory requirements for UKCA marking are put in place. TRA chief executive Nick Boulton said: … Continue reading “UKCA reprieve for metal web joists”

The TRA is delighted to announce the dates for the long-awaited AGM and annual dinner, and regional meetings. Keeping in contact with members is hugely important and we want to ensure they are up-to-date with the market, technology and legislation. Meetings provide an open forum to communicate ideas and views and allow us to support … Continue reading “Regional meetings by zoom but live AGM is back”

As a member of the Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI), the Trussed Rafter Association has participated in developing a market statement intended to calm fears about the current demand/supply and price imbalance of structural wood. The partner associations within the CTI do not believe the current situation is a ‘new normal’ that will continue into … Continue reading “Timber supply tension will ease given time, say major associations”