ASH Drywall

ASH Drywall is proud to announce the installation of British Gypsum Saint-Gobain's innovative "Gypframe Carbon Low" system in its ongoing collaboration with Balfour Beatty plc at the University of Sussex.

This cutting-edge solution is being incorporated into a significant new-build scheme, which will deliver 1,899 modern student bedrooms and extensive communal spaces, enhancing the university's campus with high environmental performance credentials.

The "Gypframe Carbon Low" system represents a leap forward in sustainable construction. Thanks to an updated steel manufacturing process, it boasts up to 58% less embodied carbon over its full product lifecycle compared to standard metal profiles. This substantial reduction will significantly contribute to the positive environmental attributes and operational sustainability of the University of Sussex project.

Sean Ash of ASH Drywall says;

"Collectively as a business, we are thrilled to play our part in promoting more sustainable building practices by integrating British Gypsum's 'Gypframe Carbon Low' system into this vital project for the University of Sussex. The ASH Drywall commitment to delivering high-quality, environmentally conscious solutions aligns perfectly with the goals of this new development, and we are delighted to contribute towards its success."

The new student accommodation will not only provide valuable modern living spaces for students but also set a new standard for eco-friendly construction locally.

We're pleased to announce a new partnership that underscores our commitment to both environmental responsibility and community enrichment. ASH Drywall is now collaborating with Annan School, a local independent primary school in East Sussex, to provide a continuous supply of wooden pallets.

These pallets, which would otherwise be discarded as waste outside of any returns loop, are finding a valuable second life at Annan School. Staff are ingeniously repurposing them as raw materials for the children's woodworking classes, giving young learners hands-on experience and the satisfaction of building. The pallets are also being transformed into exciting new playground features and other outdoor facilities for the children.

Creative Projects Taking Shape

We're excited to share a glimpse of what the students have already created. Take a look at these fantastic projects: a Bug Hotel, a multi-layered habitat providing shelter for insects and fostering biodiversity education, and a Mud Kitchen, an imaginative play area where children can explore textures and engage in sensory play.

Annan School - Bug Hotel

Annan School Mud Kitchen

Annan School - Mud Kitchen Bench

Annan School - Pirate Ship

You can also see the children enjoying the projects by following these links;

• Sycamore Big Castle Build Begins! - Annan School
• Castle Build Continues... - Annan School
• Continuous Woodwork - Annan School
• Castle Build Continues - Annan School
• Castle Build Continues - Annan School

This initiative is a true win-win. It significantly boosts our sustainability credentials by diverting waste from landfills and giving these materials a permanent, useful function. Beyond that, and perhaps even more importantly, it addresses the industry's underlying skills crisis. By introducing local children to core skills like woodworking, we hope to inspire a new generation of workers and contribute to the future talent pool of our industry.

We're incredibly proud to support Annan School in their educational endeavors and look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of this partnership on both the environment and the development of future skilled individuals.

ASH Drywall is proud to announce our collaboration with Morgan Sindall Construction on charitable improvement works at The Ledward Centre in Brighton. This initiative perfectly aligns with ASH Drywall's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy, which emphasises supporting the local communities where we live and work.

The Ledward Centre's mission to be “A safe and inspiring place for LGBTQIA+ communities and their allies" deeply resonates with our values. We believe in creating inclusive environments and are thrilled to contribute to a space that provides such vital support and resources.

We extend our sincere gratitude to British Gypsum Saint-Gobain for their generous contribution of materials, supplied free of charge for this project. Their support, combined with ASH Drywall's complimentary labour and additional sundry materials, makes this project possible.

The improvements will include the development of new collaboration spaces, a café, and enhanced welfare facilities. We are confident these additions will be highly valued and utilised by the local community, while also creating valuable new revenue streams for The Ledward Centre for many years to come.

ASH Drywall is committed to making a positive impact, and we are excited to see the benefits this project will bring to The Ledward Centre and the wider Brighton community.

Respiratory hazards remain a significant threat in the UK construction industry, with dust exposure leading to debilitating and often fatal lung diseases.

Ensuring the effectiveness of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is paramount, and qualitative face fit testing plays a crucial role in verifying a proper seal. By empowering our ASH Drywall Supervisors to conduct these tests, we can significantly improve worker safety and compliance.

Why Focus on Supervisors?

Our ASH Drywall Supervisors are the lynchpin of on-site safety. They have direct contact with operatives, understand the specific hazards present, and can readily implement safety procedures. Equipping them with the skills to perform face fit testing offers several advantages:

• Increased Accessibility: On-site testing eliminates reliance on external providers, reducing downtime and improving efficiency.
• Enhanced Compliance: Supervisors can ensure consistent testing practices and address issues promptly.
• Improved Safety Culture: Demonstrates a proactive approach to worker health, fostering a culture of safety.
• Immediate Feedback: Supervisors can provide immediate feedback and guidance to operatives regarding mask fit.

Key Elements of Effective Training:

The comprehensive ASH Drywall qualitative face fit testing training programme for supervisors encompasses the following:

Understanding Regulatory Requirements:

• Familiarisation with COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations and Approved Code of Practice L5.
• Knowledge of HSE guidance on RPE selection and fit testing (e.g., HSG53).
• Understanding the importance of record-keeping and documentation.