Health and Safety

Better Safe, than Sorry.

Health and Safety isn't about producing mountains of paperwork, signature sheets and red tape.

Health and safety is about behaving in a way that means you can return home to people that love you at the end of the working day. As a Health and Safety manager I see my role as guiding people towards doing the right thing, thinking before doing, assessing their own safety and that of others.

Encouraging people to realise that preventative measures, taking extra time to set up and check equipment is safe and correct, having and using the right equipment for the work, is all good practice for ensuring that everyone stays safe and well, is all part of the job; but accidents, can and do happen. The unexpected can occur and it can happen to anyone. There is no predicting what could happen only preparing for and preventing what may happen.

What I do at Scott Anson Painters and Decorators as a Health and Safety Officer?

 o Dedicated Health and Safety Manager
Scott Anson Painters and Decorators Ltd. has a dedicated Health and Safety officer. The company has invested in a NEBOSH NGC as the first step to having a trained and competent Health and Safety professional on staff.

o Site specific risk assessments / method statements
We produce site specific risk assessments for all projects prior to starting, using site specific information from the client, principal contractor in order to minimise risk to our workforce and others for whom we have a duty of care.

o Vehicle and ladder checks
Regular Vehicle and ladder checks assist us in taking care of the two greatest hazards for our staff. As all of our staff drive many thousands of miles each year there is a greater risk of incident than the average driver. Vehicles are inspected by the drivers each week. Any work at height carries a risk and so our staff conduct checks on ladders, steps and hop ups at each use and we have recorded 3 monthly checks on all out ladder stock.

o PPE provision and checks
We provide PPE for all our staff and conduct regular checks on dust masks. Our staff also undergo regular Asbestos Awareness Training and Dust Mask Face Fit testing.


o CITB Green Laborers card as a minimum requirement for employment
Our sub-contractors must have a valid CSCS card and all of our staff have a Skilled worker card as a minimum requirement.

The Importance of Colour in Dementia Homes

The Importance of Colour in Dementia Homes

The importance of colour is important in everyday life for everyone, but even more so for those with dementia.

Colour has an impact on mood and feelings, with different colours and tones meaning different things to different people.

Contrast is the most important part of living with dementia. This helps draw attention to hazards, key features and helps people recognise important places.

Coloured doors are important to help people identify their own bedroom as wells as easily identify bathrooms. If the door is the same colour as the wall, then those with dementia will walk straight past and not see the door.

Highlighting the edge of steps with colour draws attention to the danger that the stairs my pose.

Hiding the exit doors is also important to make sure individuals don't leave the premise if they become confused.

Importance of Colour:
Blue - make the room feel bigger and have a calming effect, which would be used for quiet areas and bedrooms.
Red - warming colour which would make room feel smaller to be used in activity areas to improve brain stimulation - increasing brain activity and stimulate production of adrenaline.
Green - reduces activity in the central nervous system so helps people feel calmer.
Yellow - like red helps increase brain stimulation to trigger memories.

2018 Trends

As we approach the end of the year, have the predicted trends of 2018 been fulfilled?

There were 4 areas in which the trends in Dulux colour forecast covered:

• Kinship
• Essential
• Escapade
• Reflect

Each of these brought a different vibe and edge, allowing for varied trends within 2018.

ESCAPADE trend - channels the holiday feeling, bringing vibrant colours to brighten and open up the space.

Bringing tropical accessories within this trend will also be beneficial in creating an abroad feeling.











ESSENTIAL trend - within this, simplicity and relaxation takes form, in the calming colours of greys and neutral browns.

A pop of colour, in a bright blue or crimson red, will bring warmth throughout the colour scheme.









KINSHIP trend - finding your inner zen will help with this trend. Looking at spiritual wellness with a celebration of cultural heritage.

Bring in a mixture of textures, patterns and colours, which will make you feel happy. This palette of colour brings together earthy tones with neutral shades to help create this balance.











REFLECT trend - sophistication, elegance and timeless are three words that are overlooked in the current environment, when everything is so fast paced.

Take a step back and create a relaxed feel, using rich colours, to create a classic and indulgent look.

Specialist Coatings

Specialist Coatings in Commercial painting

There are many Specialist Coatings that are important to consider when painting any space.

We are able to apply these coatings to all kinds of industrial and retail settings:

• Industrial units
• Shops
• Hotels
• Bars
• Restaurants
• Offices
• Hospitals

The most important three being:

• Fire retardant paints
• Anti-graffit
• Anti-damp

Fire Retardant:
Fire Retardant coatings are perhaps the most common painted coating currently, especially due to the media coverage in recent times. They are most frequently used in public buildings, new builds, public facilities and on large scale industrial spaces. Many company's will need this to comply with safety legislation or for another layer of fire protection.

Anti-graffiti:
Anti-graffiti paints are important for preventing paints that are used to vandalise walls. The paint stops the ink, aerosols or other paint from bonding to the surface of any area. The coating can be used internally or externally and is common in tunnels, schools, stations and public areas, so that if graffiti was to occur in these places, it is able to be washed off and therefore is cheaper than having to repaint the whole wall.

Anti-damp:
Anti-damp can be applied to interior walls and ceilings to prevent or reduce dampness. The coating is designed as a primer coat which has an active component which combines with moisture and dampness. Anti-damp coatings prevents mould growth and discolouration, however does not cure the cause of dampness.

Taking Decorating Inspiration from Autumn

Decorating Inspiration from Autumn
Take inspiration from Autumn this September and use the autumnal colours to redecorate your house, office space or shop. Autumn is the season of toasty fires and curling up at home with a pumpkin spiced latte, as well as wrapping up for long walks through the trees.



Deep reds and purples, as well as green and yellow should be your main focus if you are thinking of going for autumn colours. Not all of these colours will match and compliment each other or it may look too overpowering if used all in one room.

Pantones prediction for Autumn/Winter Trends in Fashion can be transferred to the painting world as well - including colours such as Russet Orange and Red Pear, which can be contrasted with Quetzal Green and Ultra Violet.

Patterns such as leaves could be incorporated into wallpaper designs or used as stencils over painted walls. Plaid and wood are also patterns and textures that could run through the room to add an Autumn feel. These would be best in calming autumn colours, to bring a sense of tranquility to the room.

As well as the actual decorating of the walls, why not take inspiration from Autumn with the way you accessorise the house. This would bring is an extra layer or detail highlighting vibrant colours of yellow, or the rusty burgundy that autumn is known for.

If you think you would like to decorate your space inspired by autumn, get in contact today!

Job Opportunity: Painter and Decorator

Painter and Decorator

Must be fully qualified, time served, experienced and able to produce quality work.
Has to work to a good standard.

A valid CSCS card is essential as is a driving license .

Tools, PPE etc. will be provided for successful candidates.
Company vehicle will be provided.


Benefits:
Private company health scheme
Paid holidays


PLEASE REPLY WITH:
Relevant Experience & Qualifications
Confirmation of when you could start onsite.


We have work lined up already, and we are looking for painters who will commit to us for the long term and produce top quality work.


Required Experience:
Painting And Decorating: C&G qualification / NVQ level 2

Required license or certification:
Driving Licence
Skilled Worker CSCS Card (minimum)
Asbestos Awareness Certificate (not essential but would be an advantage)


Please ensure that a valid contact number is sent with your application
**NO AGENCIES PLEASE**
Job Type: Full-time

To Apply - send the above information to contact@scottansonpainters.uk

Job Opportunity: Finance Assistant

Finance Assistant / Apprentice Finance Assistant



Scott Anson Painters and Decorators Ltd are a very well established, successful family business with over 20 years’ experience in the industry, based in Sheffield S2.


Our business ethos and reputation is built upon integrity, trust, honesty and providing consistency in our excellent levels of service and reliability.


We value our staff and the talents that they bring to the business to ensure that we remain a successful, well regarded employer within the industry
.

We are looking for a Finance Assistant, an individual to join our small, friendly team, who will grow with us and become an integral part of the business.


You will receive intensive professional support from our experienced team to develop your skills and confidence in your abilities.


This is a valued position for someone who is willing to learn, ambitious in progressing their career and will have the ability to work on their own initiative once comfortable within the role.


We are happy to accept interest from individuals with established skills or from those who are looking for an apprenticeship (Level 2 AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Foundation Certificate in Accounting) or possibly Level 3.

The work will be varied with some administrative duties alongside the accounts work.

If you are interested in this position please contact us to express your interest along with your contact details including full name, email and contact number.

Contact@scottansonpainters.uk
0114 283 5990

Benefits of Commercial Decorating

In a commercial setting, it is important to make sure your customers feel like they are in a clean and safe environment. This can be achieved in many ways, but by having clean walls and atmosphere it makes the area more inviting to potential clients, whether this be in the property market, student accommodation or retail setting.

By decorating you are:

• Maintaining the quality and prolonging the life of buildings
• Making properties more appealing to potential tenants
• Allowing for the opportunity of higher rental prices 

By creating a new and fresh feeling within the housing sector, the interest of the property will increase and the potential for selling and renting therefore will rise. Renters or buyers are more likely to see the potential if they are presented with a clean space when looking round.

In a retail setting, a perfect paint colour and coat can benefit the sale of items due to the shop and building looking more appealing causing a confidence in items within the store.

Overcoming problems:

By applying specialist coatings such as stain block, walls can be protected from stains, such as cigarette smoke, which allows for walls to stay pristine to allow for minimal redecorating.

Fire retardants are another important specialist coatings, which can range from between 30 minutes and 240 minutes worth of protection when applied on wood, timber, steel, cast iron and fabrics.

Why not really finish your property by calling Scott Anson Painters and Decorators Ltd.  We can transform a property from something satisfactory to something really special which prospective tenants or buyers will compete to rent or buy. The initial investment can be recouped within just a few months of your property being leased!

This summer we have taken on many projects including student property redecorating including Allen Court in Sheffield - which is shown below.

Archer Project

The Archer Project is a new partnership that Scott Anson Painters and Decorators Ltd. has made, where a monthly donation is being given to aid in the work that the Archer Project does.

As a company we decorate many houses and new build properties in the Yorkshire and Humberside region and we feel that it is important to support people who do not have a safe place of their own to call home.

This Charity supports the homeless in Sheffield, whether this is being on the streets, in half way homes or sofa surfing, the Archer Project allows everyone to gain structure in their lives. 

The charity allows for a 1:1 support system to be set up for the homeless allowing them to address their issues which may range from a broken family to substance abuse or poor mental or physical health issues.

The Archer Project has been supporting homeless people for over 25 years, providing showers, laundry services, breakfast, lunch and food parcels to take away as well as in-house medical and dental clinics.

The project supports between 70 and 90 people per day.  As well as providing meals etc. they engage with people to help them to live stable and fulfilling lives, to help them from sleeping bag to employment.

We look forward to starting our partnership with The Archer Project.

To donate to this charity follow this link: http://www.archerproject.org.uk/donate.php

Exterior Decorating

Scott Anson Painters and Decorators Ltd. have a high skill level and flexibility for all types of job. No job is ever the same. Each client receives a tailored quote and work plan to suit the requirements of job.

External decorating includes a range of services, from metalwork railings and gates to masonry and render surface coatings. We take time to make sure that the required surfaces are prepared, to make sure that when painting, the highest quality is met.

Tips for preparing:

1.      Clean the area

Remove any surface dirt and loose paint as well as any loose masonry.

2.      Repair damage

Fill any small crack and holes and rub down with sandpaper when dry to create a smooth surface.

3.      Seal and prime

Seal and prime surfaces that are porous or that are powdery with masonry primer, getting to every edge and surface to create a stable surface for painting.

4.      Prepare the work space

Protect pipes, windows or any other surface that you are not painting by wrapping news paper around or tape to stop any splashing.

Tips for painting external walls:

1.      Stipple action

When it comes to textured walls – hold the brush at 90 degrees and stippling the paint onto the surface.

2.      Start at the top

Start painting at the top and work down so that the newly painter surface doesn’t get splashed.

3.      Head for the unpainted area

Apply a paint loaded brush to an unpainted area and work towards the painted area in short horizontal and vertical strokes.

4.      Evenly paint

Try and rotate the brush to ensure the surface is evenly coated and everything is covered.

What to do with left over paint?

DO NOT EMPTY DOWN THE DRAINS.

Read the individual instructions of the paint and dispose accordingly.

If you have any external painting work that you would like to be completed by our skilled painters, get in touch at contact@scottansonpainters.uk

Trussell Trust Foodbank

Scott Anson Painters and Decorators Ltd. are supporting the Trussell Trust. As a company, we will be donating food each month to the Handsworth Foodbank, in order to support those that may be struggling to support themselves with food. This is a charity that is tackling hunger in the UK, which is a larger problem than many think. In the UK 1 in 5 of the population live below the property line.

As part of the Trussell Trust, the Handsworth Foodbank supports families and individuals in crisis by providing 3 day food parcels. For people to access the food parcels, individuals discuss their needs with agencies in which they received a voucher for them to present when attending the foodbank in order to receive a food parcel.

The Trussell Trust operates 425 foodbanks across the UK - providing emergency food and support for people in crisis. The charity completely relies on the donations from members of the public given at 'food drives' and local collection points.

To get involved in this Charity see: https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/

Sheffield Children's Hospital

For many years, Scott Anson Painters and Decorators Ltd has supported the Sheffield’s Children Hospital. The money that the charity raises goes towards equipment that the NHS does not cover, such as life-saving equipment, funding vital research and providing a comfortable environment for the patients and their families.  Money raised in 2017, allowed a multi functional defibrillator to be designed specifically for children, allowing the correct impulse to be given to children dependent on their size.

The work of this chairty is so important to make sure that the patients feel as 'at home' as possible, so that they forget where they are. This is done by using the donations for distraction toys, swimming aids in the hydrotherapy pool, Giggle Doctors, portable sensory units, and playrooms.

 

A play tower has been installed in the new wards at the Hospital this year, which brings a distraction by creating something exciting and adventurous.

Within the new ward, 72 beds were installed, some being shared and others being single rooms, with new entertainment systems within the single bedrooms. This allows an individualisation for the children allowing them to feel comfortable as well as allowing the parents to feel relaxed.

Artfelt has also been a large part of the new wing, bringing a bright colour and adding commissioned artwork to distract the children as well as being an interaction while waiting.

We are proud to continue to support this charity, and are excited to see them continue to grow and gain strength to support the patients and their families.

To donate to this charity click the link: https://www.tchc.org.uk/donate/

SCOTT ANSON NEEDS YOU!

We are looking for experienced painters that have a keen eye for detail to become Sub-contractors.

If you have a Valid CSCS Card and a Valid Driving Licence then look no further.

At Scott Anson Painters, we pride ourselves in our high quality work. We are a national company, doing commercial, industrial, new build and regeneration works as well as shops and private work.

This work is fast paced and deadline driven, and already have work lined up for painters who are willing to commit to us for the long term and produce top quality work.

You are required to have:

• Driving Licence and Own Vehicle
• Skilled Worker (Blue) CSCS Card (minimum)
• Public Liability Insurance (minimum £2 million limit of indemnity)
• UKATA Asbestos Awareness Certificate (or can be provided in training)
• FFP3 face mask - face fit tested (can fit test your mask)

If you believe that you have the skills that we are looking for, then email your CV to contact@scottansonpainters.uk or take a look at our website. 

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

The new regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy will come into force on 25^th May 2018.

You may be aware of the changes involved through the recent Facebook Cambridge Analytica scandal and the updates Facebook are making to comply with the new EU law.  In the UK, the regulation replaces the previous 1995 data protection directive, since then the digital world has boomed and the European Parliament have introduced the update to match our ever improving modern technology. In real terms, the regulation determines how our data can be gathered, used, and destroyed at request. Everything from your smart watch to your employer collects data on you and the regulation has been created to protect people from that data being used without your permission or getting into the wrong hands. Digital searchable data falls under the “right to erasure” or what is commonly called the right to be forgotten, but even paper documents must be labelled and filed accurately so that a person can request all data on them to be securely destroyed unless it’s required to be kept by law, such as for banks or for archiving purposes such as historical and scientific data.

Whilst the regulation primarily focuses on digital data, physical paper documents require equal amounts of protection and security to prevent a data breach. Only staff who work with the data should be able to see or have access and all files should be kept in secure lockable units or filing cabinets. Communicating the changes to staff is important so they understand their accountability and rights to access certain data.

Data on the move is another area which requires additional attention, an unsecured USB drive, backup CD or even paper files can be easily left on desks, fall out of bags or pockets or generally misplaced. It is vital that all documents that fall under the regulation are looked after with care and attention to ensure their safety.

Data requests between companies must also be treated with care and confidentiality. If data is sent about an individual, the person must first be asked permission for their data to be shared, then the receiving party must explain why they want the information, what it will be used for and the measures they will take to protect then destroy it.

Any company that fails to comply with the new regulation can be fined up to €20 million or 4% of the total worldwide annual turnover depending on the nature and gravity of the infringement. For any business, big or small, the fine could be devastating.

Here at Scott Anson we already have strong data protection for both our operatives and clients, however to comply with the new legislation we’ve implemented a few small changes to our policies and procedures so that we have confidence in all data being safe and secure.

Understanding the Colour Wheel in Painting and Decorating

When it comes to decorating and interior design, using the colour wheel can help you in understanding colour schemes and how to use them in your home or office.

Primary colours: Red Yellow and Blue, the base colours from which all other colours are made from.
Secondary colours: Orange, Violet and Green. These are the colours made by mixing the primary colours.
Tertiary colours: These are the colours made by mixing two of the previous colours, either a primary and a secondary colour, or two secondary colours. 

To decide on the colour for the space first think about the look you want to achieve, is it to be a cosy relaxing room, an inspiring work space or a romantic boudoir. If you’re wanting to keep current accessories or furnishings, then have a look at the key colours they contain as your starting point.

Harmonious colour schemes use colours that sit next to each other on the colour wheel, so if you have a red sofa you could look at working with orange and yellow or violet and magenta.
Monochromatic colour schemes use the same colour in different shades and hues. To match that red sofa you may want to try a salmon red feature wall and accessorise with dark red cushions.
Complimentary colours are those which sit opposite each other on the colour wheel, for decorating it can provide interesting uses of colour to add depth to a room. Match that red sofa with a pale mint green or rustic vintage green wall and dark green and white stripe cushions.
Contrasting colours are two colours from different segments of the colour wheel. You won’t find them in interior design very often as they can be quite uncomfortable to look at. The best example of how uncomfortable these colours can be is the Chromostereopsis effect using bright red and royal blue. On 2D flat images red appears to be closer and blue further away which causes a “flashing” effect as your eyes struggle to understand what they are looking at. You more than likely wont want your walls painting in red and blue stripes unless you want any visitors to feel that visual discomfort.

If you’re having difficulty trying to match colours then most paint companies have guides on their websites. Dulux lets you start with your main colour choice, asks which room and surface it’s for then shows you the palate you can work with, they even have their own app called the Dulux Visualizer where you can try colours on your room through the app. Crown let you view their paints by colour section and Farrow and Ball even offer a colour consultancy service if you’re really struggling. If wallpaper is more your style then Graham and Brown also let you view the wallpaper by colour scheme.

Colour psychology

It can be useful to understand the basics of colour psychology and the most appropriate colours you could use for the space depending on how it will be used.

• Red – Is known for increasing appetite, you’ll find many restaurants use red colour schemes for this reason. It can be associated with danger so may be used to accent danger points in offices, it’s also associated with passion so can be a popular choice for bedrooms however it can be a little overwhelming so try to use sparingly. Pink shades of red have a more aesthetically pleasing and soothing effect.
• Blue – Dark blue is known for decreasing appetite; some people use blue kitchen ware to help them eat less. Light blue is a cooling calm colour making it a great choice for summer houses or conservatory’s. It’s also been shown to improve concentration and stimulate thinking making it a good colour for study space or offices, keeping people calm yet also promoting productivity.
• Yellow – The joy of sunshine is passed through the colour of yellow, it’s a bright, positive, fun and optimistic colour. Use it as a highlighting colour or for a bright welcoming lounge or hallway to start and end your day in a good mood, however too much yellow can cause heightened tempers and tantrums so limit the use in rooms you spend a lot of time in.
• Green – The colour of nature, growth and balance. The right shade of green can create a relaxed laid back feeling like being out in the countryside, however a murky dirty green can make people uneasy and promote negative energy. A natural green colour scheme would turn a living room or bedroom into a relaxing retreat.
• Orange – Believed to aid digestion, lung function and increase energy levels. It can promote invigorating excitement and enthusiasm so would make a great colour for a gym or workout space. Accessorise with orange for areas and objects you use on a daily basis to encourage the positive psychological results. For people who are already bold and confident orange can bring out arrogance and flamboyant tendencies. Use in larger rooms with plenty of light as orange can make a room look smaller.
• Purple – Lighter purples and lilacs can bring a similar calming quality to blues but without feeling as cold, a bright purple is associated with creativity, luxury and royalty however dark purple can evoke sadness and frustration.
• Black – A dramatic colour that absorbs all light and reflects very little back. It’s associated with death and depression however black can be used to soften vivid bright colours with patterns or accents. If used sparingly it can transform a room and look very modern and sophisticated.
• White – Often white is just used as a neutral base colour before a tenant personalises the space, however it can be used by choice to make the most of natural light and create a serene environment. It can however risk looking clinical and sterile so if you prefer white walls then accent areas with a little colour or pattern to break up the potential starkness of the white.
• Ceilings - For ceilings, a colour lighter than the walls will make the ceiling appear higher, where a darker ceiling will make it feel lower and smaller, although this can be used to create a cosy feeling.

A post shared by Dulux (@duluxuk) on May 3, 2018 at 9:01am PDT