Environmental Sustainability

Danaher & Walsh Civil Engineering is committed to potentially using battery-powered technology, so we can see where it can support safer, cleaner and more efficient site delivery.

As part of this commitment, we recently trialled a battery-operated backpack concrete poker. The trial took place during a carriageway reinstatement scheme.

The equipment provided an alternative to a traditional petrol-powered concrete vibrator. It also helped us assess how low-emission plant can support highways, infrastructure and public realm works.

Testing Low-Emission Site Equipment

The trial involved a battery-powered concrete poker during a concrete infill operation. The work took place in front of newly installed highway kerbs, within an existing carriageway.

Concrete pokers are used to compact fresh concrete. They help remove trapped air and improve the strength of the finished material. This makes them an important tool in kerbing works, reinstatement works, highway maintenance and small-scale civils schemes.

One of the main benefits is the removal of direct exhaust fumes. Unlike petrol-powered equipment, the battery-powered unit does not produce exhaust emissions during use.

As a result, it can help improve air quality for site operatives. It can also reduce the impact of construction activity on nearby residents and businesses.

This is especially useful in urban areas, residential streets, confined spaces and live highway environments.

The equipment also produces lower noise levels than petrol-powered alternatives. Therefore, it can help reduce disruption on public realm schemes, town centre works and sensitive sites.

Lower noise can also support better communication between operatives. In turn, this can improve awareness and help teams work more safely.

Improving Safety, Wellbeing and Site Working

The trial showed several health and safety benefits for the site team:

The backpack harness helps spread weight across the body. This can reduce strain during manual handling tasks.

The battery-powered system also removes the need for a generator. Therefore, there are fewer cables and less equipment within the working area.

This helps reduce trip hazards around the work zone. It also creates a safer and tidier site setup for operatives, supervisors and the public.

Removing petrol fumes can improve the working environment. Operatives are not exposed to direct exhaust gases during the task.

Lower noise levels can also support workforce wellbeing. For example, they can help reduce site stress and support better hearing protection.

Together, these benefits help create a safer and more comfortable place to work.

Creating Social Value Through Innovation

Social value is not only about donations, volunteering or community projects.

It is also about making site choices that benefit people, places and the environment. Cleaner equipment can support workforce welfare, reduce emissions and limit disruption.

Innovation in civil engineering does not always need to be large-scale. Small changes to plant, tools and working methods can still create real value. This trial shows how modern construction equipment can support safer and more responsible delivery.

Battery-powered equipment can also help reduce fuel use on site. In addition, it can support more efficient working methods on small and medium concrete works. This includes carriageway reinstatements, kerb lines, footway works and public realm improvements.

Following the successful trial, Danaher & Walsh has identified the backpack concrete poker as a practical option for selected works. We will continue to review where battery-powered tools can support safe systems of work, lower-carbon delivery and improved site efficiency.