Feature News: Solidified menthol blocks drainage system · When unusual substances cause blockages...

NEWSFeature News: Solidified menthol

blocks drainage system

April 2018 Issue

124/7 Tel: 01634 250326 www.mts-ltd.co.uk

When unusual substances cause blockages in drains or sewers, MTS works to devise innovative solutions.Givaudan is a leading fragrance and cosmetic company with a factory in Ashford, Kent, which uses liquid menthol to produce toothpaste.

We were called in after a tank delivering liquid menthol to the plant fractured, leaking the liquid into the drainage system where it instantly solidified. The hard, waxy substance completely blocked an 80 metre length of drainpipe. The diameter of the pipe varied between 100mm and 375mm.

Previous attempts by several companies to clear the blockage using traditional jetting and cutting methods had been unsuccessful.

Following tests on the menthol, our team devised a solution using hot water and gravity.

Using an inline water heater known as a hot box to irrigate the drainpipe with water heated to 110 degrees, we melted the solidified menthol and removed it with a sump pump.

Chris Henderson, MTS Sales Director said; “We cut down on time and expense for our customer through careful planning. We enjoy a challenge and will always do our best to find a cost-effective and efficient solution to any situation.”


MTS in the snow

Three MTS Midlands drivers came to the rescue during the recent severe snowfall.

Shane Thomas, Paul Malkin and Richard Mainwaring fought their way to work at the Worksop sewage treatment works. Finding the weather too cold and dangerous to work safely, as the three left Worksop they spotted a car overturned in a ditch.

Shane, Paul and Richard rushed to pull the driver, an off-duty police officer, out of the car and up the bank to safety. Fortunately there were no injuries, but the man was very shaken. Our drivers passed the officer into the safe hands of the police.

Further south, MTS driver Warren Gilmurray was driving on the A251 to attend a pump-out service for Southern Water. Kent and the surrounding areas were pretty much at a stand-still due to ice and snow, but Warren took the care and time to ensure the sewer was properly restored. A member of the public took the time to email our HQ with praise for Warren’s careful and professional approach:

“… the driver is being extremely considerate and taking the appropriate care. The man deserves a medal. Please pass on our compliments.”

And back at Stanley House in Rochester Kent, employees arriving for work on Thursday 1 March encountered appalling conditions. Thanks to everyone who worked through the challenging weather and to Duane David for the photo above right.


New additions to the MTS fleet servicing Severn Trent Water

We’re continuing to improve and enlarge our fleet at our Midlands depots. Two recent additions to the fleet are a JHL super suction recycling unit and a JHL Superflex jetting and vacuum combination unit.

With a CVS WR2500 liquid ring pump and a six inch suction cassette with lift and telescope, the super suction tanker has excellent vacuum strength suitable for a wide range of tasks. The Uraca KD 718G jetting hose features a 333 litres per minute, 170 bar hose reel and is another fantastic addition to the fleet. State of the art controls allows easy detection of any faults within the unit.

Luke Potts, General Manager of MTS Midlands, said; “We’re more than thrilled with these new units which look great in the MTS yellow livery. We’re keeping our fleet fresh and professional for our client Severn Trent Water and we’re dedicated to supplying the right tools to get the job done.”

The new JHL units join our current Midlands fleet which includes two Kilowhale units, an eight-wheeled Huwer vehicle, a Rioned mini-combi, five 6000 gallon tankers, nine 4000 gallon tankers and two 3000 gallon tankers.

MTS Midlands is fully equipped and prepared to provide a 24 hour, seven days a week service.


Hockford Inlet well clean for Thames Water

Thames Water praised MTS for completing “a thorough job in a harsh environment” for recent cleaning work at the inlet well of Hockford sewage treatment works.

Dan Franks, Dave Marriot and John Oxley made the first site visit for MTS and found the pumps blocked with a substantial amount of waste. The waste had accumulated over several years since the pumps were last cleaned.

It had not previously been possible to divert the flow in order to clean the pumps and, at 150 litres per second, the flow was too dangerous for our crews to make entry into the channels.

Dan Franks, Dave Marriot and John Oxley devised a plan to use two 8 inch Selwood over pumps to control the flow once the penstock had been closed. This enabled our confined space entry team to access the inlet and spend two days thoroughly cleaning the inlet well. The MTS crew also included Shaun Slingsby (top man and counterbalance), Julian Holmes (super suction tanker) and tanker drivers Chris Jackson and Craig Burch.

Before After


Not on mains drainage? You’ll need to know these rules and regulations

If you’re planning to install a new septic tank, sewage treatment plant or cesspool you need to comply with the latest regulations.You can check the differences between a septic tank and cesspool here.

You will need planning permission and building regulations approval for any new installation. If your system was installed after 1 January 2015 you will need to apply for these permissions retrospectively. This isn’t necessary if your system was installed before 1 January 2015.

Cesspools must be maintained and emptied regularly and kept in good condition.

You need to know whether sewage from your system discharges into the ground or into surface water as you may need to apply for a permit under certain circumstances.

In general, for all systems in use before 31 December 2014, you must ensure that:

• You use the correct treatment system;

• Your treatment system meets the right standards;

• Your system is installed correctly and has enough capacity;

• Your system is regularly emptied and maintained;

• If you sell, you give the new owner details of the sewage treatment system in writing;

• If you stop using the system, it is properly decommissioned.

Read our complete summary of the rules and find more information on private sewage treatment rules and regulations on the government website.

https://www.mtscleansing.co.uk/cesspit-vs-septic-tank

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200126/applications

https://www.gov.uk/building-regulations-approval/how-to-apply

https://www.gov.uk/permits-you-need-for-septic-tanks/apply-for-a-permit

https://www.gov.uk/permits-you-need-for-septic-tanks/general-binding-rules

https://www.mtscleansing.co.uk/news/?article=85

https://www.gov.uk/permits-you-need-for-septic-tanks


Apprenticeships at MTS

We’re investing in young people and their future careers through apprenticeships at MTS.

We currently employ six apprentices at MTS, they’re developing their skills and experience in different teams across the business.

Apprenticeships at MTS offer the opportunity to learn on the job and expand work skills in ways that might not be available at college. Apprenticeships vary in length, with each apprentice having the option to extend their placement with us in line with their chosen level of NVQ.

We hope to be able to offer a full time job to apprentices who have done well during their time with us. Tom O’Sullivan completed his apprenticeship successfully and now works in the administration team for our contract work with Severn Trent Water.

Ellie Staples, 17, is an apprentice working in the HR department at the MTS head office in Rochester, Kent. Ellie said; “I wanted an opportunity to get used to being in full-time work, get real-life experience and to earn some money. My mum works in a similar role and I knew I would find HR interesting. I really enjoy meeting new people and knowing that I have made a good start in my working life.”

We have four apprentice workshop fitters currently working with us. Jake Brown and Jack Gorst are based in the workshop at Stanley House on the Medway City Estate in Kent.

Jake Brown, 21, has always been interested in vehicle mechanics and wanted to gain hands-on experience

in the industry. Jake decided to carry on with his apprenticeship after completing the first year and gain a higher level of NVQ.

Jack Gorst, 18, found that he wasn’t enjoying college as much as he’d hoped and wanted the opportunity to learn through experience, while getting paid at the same time.

Jack Durban is working at the MTS depot in Camberley, Surrey. Sixteen year old Jack said; “The best things about being an apprentice are meeting new people, being given more responsibilities and starting to earn money. I’ve been interested in working on vehicles since I was young and I wanted to become more independent and learn new skills.”

Zathras Livermore is 17 years old and working as an apprentice workshop fitter at Irene House in Ashford, Kent. Zathras enjoys learning at his own pace and learning more about the world of work. Zathras said; “As an apprentice you never stop learning, you’re always seeing new things. Each day brings a new and more exciting challenge – it’s never boring and always busy.”

Andrew Humphreys is 22 and working as a finance apprentice at MTS head office. Andrew has always enjoyed maths, working on computers and data entry. Having decided to pursue a career in finance Andrew wanted to learn as much as possible while working full time and integrating into the work environment.

At MTS we’re committed to expanding apprenticeship opportunities in the drainage and waste management industry.

Ellie Staples Jake Brown Jake Gorst Zathras Livermore Andrew Humphreys


We’re hiring!

As part of our company strategy for future growth and development, we’re seeking to substantially increase our workforce.We’re inviting applications from new, existing and previous drainage engineers who wish to join us on this exciting journey.

Numerous vacancies are available for jetting engineers, CCTV operatives, tanker drivers and drivers’ mates to work at our locations across the country. Our network of depots and bases is spread across the south east and the Midlands.

Various shift patterns are available, including a four-on-four-off night shift paid at £14.50 per hour worked.

We offer industry-leading training standards and great advancement opportunities within the company for the right candidates.

If you would like to be considered please submit a CV or letter to [email protected] in the first instance and someone from our HR department will be in contact to discuss suitable vacancies.

For more information on MTS and the work we do you can read the latest news from MTS here and take a look at our newsletter archive.

Rotary Club visit to MTS HQ

Eighteen members of the Rochester Rotary Club recently enjoyed a look behind the scenes at MTS.The group visited the MTS headquarters at Stanley House on the Medway City Estate in Rochester. Hosted by Chris Henderson, MTS Sales Director, the visit started with a presentation on the history of the company and an overview of the work we do.

Following refreshments, the visitors were given a tour of the site. As well as a visit to our onsite workshop where we carry out all our vehicle maintenance and repairs, the group were shown some of the working vehicles including a CCTV survey unit.

Keith Hole, MTS Head of SHEQW, gave a demonstration of the tripod, fall-arrest harnesses and other safety equipment used by our confined space entry crews.

https://www.mtscleansing.co.uk/news/

https://www.mtscleansing.co.uk/news/

https://www.mtscleansing.co.uk/newsletters


A new dawn and a new vehicle

Here’s one of the latest additions to our fleet, the pride and joy of driver Chris Stupple who took this photo.

Charity fundraising at MTS

Thanks to everyone in the company who helped to raise money for our key charities throughout 2017. We raised a total of £634.86 from our monthly dress down days – this was split equally (£106 each) to the following charities:

• Breast Cancer Care

• Demelza House Hospice

• Jeans for Genes

• Macmillan Cancer Support

• Prostate Cancer UK

All proceeds of our Christmas Raffle went to Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance, which with their share of the dress down days’ funds gave a total of £878.86.

Wellbeing at MTSWe were recently approached by Public Health England to give our input on their new employers’ toolkit about drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Our wellbeing champion gave feedback on the content and presentation of the toolkit, which will be published later this month.

Hot on the heels of National Bed Month (March) comes National Stop Snoring Week 23 – 29 April. Snoring can ruin sleep for both the snorer and their bed partner – take a look at the British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association for more information and tests to help identify what kind of snorer you are.

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Bowel cancer screening saves lives but at the moment in some areas of the UK only a third of those who receive a test in the post complete it. Thousands of people are missing out on the best way to detect bowel cancer early when it’s easier to treat and there’s the greatest chance of survival.

People over 60 (over 50 in Scotland) receive a screening test in the post – if you receive one, make sure you take it. If you’re younger, encourage your friends and family to take the test when they receive it.

https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/

https://www.demelza.org.uk/

https://www.jeansforgenesday.org/

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/

https://prostatecanceruk.org/

https://www.kssairambulance.org.uk/

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england

http://www.britishsnoring.co.uk/

http://www.britishsnoring.co.uk/

https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/


Depot Roadshow 2018

Feedback from the recent staff survey requested better communication for all depots, not just head office at Stanley House. We’ve listened to your comments and we’re bringing the Health, Wellbeing and Training Roadshow to every depot this spring. We’ve already spent an afternoon at Ham Hill and we’re waiting for an appropriate date to visit Irene House in Ashford.

Jackie Hall (Wellbeing Champion) and Charlotte Taylor (Training Manager) will be at a depot near you to share information and get your feedback. We’ll be bringing ideas and suggestions on the three key topics you requested through the staff survey:

• Getting more physical activity into your life;

• Managing stress;

• Controlling weight.

Charlotte will be meeting as many staff as possible, putting names to faces and talking about your training and career development. Here are the dates for your diaries:

18 April Camberley

25 April Chickenhall

9 May Goddards Green

20 June Wanlip

If you’d like to see any specific topics or information at your depot visit, please email [email protected]

MTS driver Mindas Dulskas takes third place at the British Armwrestling Foundation New Year Cup

Mindas Dulskas is a tanker driver based at MTS Abingdon. He has worked for MTS for over 10 years and is a member of the Swindon Crusaders Armwrestling Club.Mindas recently took the third place trophy at the “Enter The Lions’ Den” New Year Cup held in Lancashire. Armwrestling has different weight classes and Mindas competes as a Super Heavyweight (110kg and over) right arm wrestler.

Mindas said; “I’ve always been strong and I took part in discus competitions when I was younger. I train regularly with the Swindon Crusaders and enjoy competing against professional wrestlers, such as the European Champion who took part in the New Year Cup. I’m looking forward to the Pro British National Championships in August and aiming to bring another trophy home.”

We wish Mindas the best of luck in his future competitions.

mailto:jackie.hall%40mtscleansing.co.uk?subject=


Photo competition winners

Well done to our two latest winners: Steve Horn for his shot above left entitled “How to divert a train” (yes, the line was safely closed). Craig Woodcock wins for these before and after shots of reed bed cleaning at Bluewater. Keep those photos of MTS and the work we do coming in to [email protected] – there’s a £50 voucher up for grabs every month.

Congratulations Paul Chapman has recently passed his HGV Class 1 qualification. After working in the CCTV and SST divisions at Stanley House, Paul will now driving our articulated lorries. Well done Paul.

Well done and thank you

Crabtree and Norman Road SPS, Thames Water Charlie Webb snr, Andy Gibbs, Ant McNally, Craig Burch, Fraser West, Gary Wright, Karim Carias, Kim Quinnell, Bob Large, Simon Mills, Andy Erbe, Joey McPhail, Terry McPhail, Daniel Franks and Craig Woodcock supervisors, Adam Szydlik, Charlie Web Jnr, Slavik Pedzicki, Keith Aldis.

Cappagh Browne Utilities Ltd Neil Attwood, CCTV operative based at Stanley House. Katy Shaw, Operations Manager at CBUL sent a commendation for Neil’s work.

Hockford Inlet Well, Thames Water Dan franks , Dave Marriot and John Oxley. Lead Operative and Entry team: David Marriot and John Oxley. Entry Top man/CounterBalance: Shaun Slingsby. SST: Julian Holmes. Tankers: Chris Jackson and Craig Burch.

Before After

mailto:jackie.hall%40mtscleansing.co.uk?subject=


Continued...

Littlehampton pump station, MGJV Terry Reed (Supervisor), Craig Burch, Gary Wright and Keith Stocking.

Hogsmill STW, Thames Water Camberley depot: Steve Boughtflower, Julian Holmes, Carlo Farina, Tony Williams, Alan Hutcheon, Wayne Thatcher, Marvin Simon, Mindaugas Dulskas, Graeme Dixon, Ian Bower, Robert Hawkes, Mark Edmonson.

Irene House, Ashford: Terry Elliott and Paul Russ.

Tankers: Andy Gibbs, Michael Field, Chris Salt, Andrew Erbe, Craig Burch, Keith Aldis, Damien Cyinar.

Petersfield SPZ, Southern Water Matt Swift, Thomas Mullett, Glenn Mccubbin, Joseph White, Graham North, George Platt, Pete Caffrey and Terry Jenkins.

Blocked sewer, Clanfield, Southern Water Keith Stocking, Dean Spencer, Jimmy Warren and Colin Hill received a great commendation on Facebook from a local householder:

Thanks to the amazing team who worked through the night on Sunday to clear a blocked sewer outside our home in Clanfield, staying until the job was finally done late on Monday afternoon. These guys are heroes, and a credit to your company. They remained cheerful, polite and friendly whilst wading through raw sewage, and did their utmost to work quietly and keep the traffic moving. Service way beyond expectation. Thank you all.

Abingdon, Thames Water Glen McCubbin, Steve Boughtflower, Robert Hawkes, Neil Parton and Chris Butt.

West Hythe, Southern Water Aiden Punter, Michael Field, Martin Foster, Ross Lander and Slavik Pedziki.

Budds Farm, Southern Water Pete Caffrey and Kyle Reid.

Woolston, Southern Water Jason Welling, Lee Watson, Grzegorz Wisniewski, Antony Reed, Martin Foster, Kim Quinell and Frazer West.

Hersham pump station, Thames Water A personal commendation for Perry Yendell from a member of Elmbridge Council for good communications regarding the ongoing work.

Noke Village, Oxfordshire, Thames Water Tony Williams and Chris Jackson received a special thanks from a resident of Noke Village who emailed to say:

Your tankers have been present in the village working on behalf of Thames Water for several weeks with vehicle movements 24 hours a day. Noke is a small village with a narrow access road and blind bends which has required your tanker drivers to operate in a considerate and responsible manner. I wanted to make you aware of how much effort all the drivers have made to minimise noise and disruption and to ease traffic flows. This has been much appreciated. My Father also lives in the village in a property very close to where the tankers are situated whilst pumping and he has found all the drivers, especially Chris and Tony, helpful and friendly throughout.

Feature News: Solidified menthol blocks drainage system · When unusual substances cause blockages...

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