Construction sector safety app will set new standards

Construction sector safety specialist Lucion Services is partnering with Northumbria University to develop an innovative new app to directly connect building plans and drawings with data from asbestos surveys and laboratory analysis information.

The new NexGen app forms part of a new approach to Building Information Modelling (BIM) systems and is being undertaken as part of an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project.

As part of the KTP with Northumbria University, Lucion Services has seconded developer Alexei Holgate to work on the project which will provide a new and technically advanced way of completing safety and risk management assessments in buildings.

The new software will present users with a 3D image of a building, including floor by floor and room by room representations allowing users and surveyors to flag-up the presence of asbestos or other safety hazards more accurately and efficiently.

The new app design aims to reduce human error, eliminating the risk of mistakes made with traditional paper-based plans and subsequent problems associated with the inspection of buildings.

Alexei, who is 22 and has a first class honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northumbria University said: “The app will revolutionise the way professionals and businesses survey buildings for asbestos and other hazards, and it also means that industry professionals will be able to rely on higher levels of accuracy through direct access to detailed site information.

“The partnership between Northumbria University and Lucion Services has allowed me to become lead software developer and engineer on developing the NexGen app and I am delighted to be involved in this exciting project.”

Lucion’s current NexGen BIM database already allows users to access asbestos and building safety information including site survey reports and historical data. Linking this to the 3D visualisation of sites, buildings and individual rooms will bring new levels of detail for more accurate risk management considerations.

Patrick Morton CEO of Lucion Services, explained: “Because of the potential risks associated with exposure to asbestos containing materials during refurbishment or building works, it is essential that clear information is provided to everyone involved in the supply chain or with access to a building.

“The new NexGen app is designed to meet this need. In doing so it will help to set new standards in the development of effective risk and safety management assessments in the construction sector.”

Continuous growth since its formation in 2002 has enabled the Gateshead-headquartered Lucion group to build a 295-strong workforce around the country. The company operates from a network of 11 regional offices and provides a range of occupational safety, risk management, consultancy and training services in the field of asbestos and hazardous materials.