August 2018 Newsletter

BEAMA launches ventilation white paper

BEAMA has published its first ventilation white paper entitled Better Ventilation, Better Homes, Better Health, with a raft of measures aimed at solving the issues facing the industry and helping to deliver better indoor air quality in UK homes.

The white paper identifies two main issues facing the industry:

The lack of a joined-up approach towards energy efficiency and ventilation
Poor-quality installations which are ‘plaguing the industry’

The paper calls for compulsory assessments of ventilation provision following the installation of energy efficiency measures, a revision of Building Regulations to refocus on ensuring ‘in-use performance and end users’ needs’ and asks the government to make it compulsory that all ventilation installations are undertaken by an installer who is a member of a competent persons scheme.

BEAMA also call on the government to make indoor air quality a priority by financially incentivising the installation of ventilation improvements and undertaking public education campaigns on the health risks of indoor air pollution and the simple steps that homeowners can take to improve their own home air.

The white paper details four overarching steps that government should take, and outlines how these can be achieved, in improving ventilation and indoor air quality in UK homes:

Improve the focus on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in the Building Regulations
Improve compliance with the current Building Regulations
Avoid problems of poor air quality following refurbishment
Make IAQ a government priority

Keith Ritchie, Chairman of the BEAMA Ventilation Group, said: “As homes are becoming ever more airtight we need to focus on ensuring that the ventilation industry plays its part in helping to deliver good indoor air quality. Energy efficiency improvements are being made in isolation without due consideration to the unintended consequences of sealing up homes and where installations of ventilation are being made, they are often not up to scratch.

“Our white paper aims to tackle all of these issues with a few simple steps that government could take to help ensure better indoor air for all.”

To access the White Paper, please click here.

BEAMA launches ventilation white paper

Source: HVP Magazine

ECS Registered Electrician reaches 10,000 milestone

Over 10,000 ECS cardholders have signed up to become ECS Registered Electricians since the initiative was launched last October, says the JIB.

The JIB established ECS Registered Electrician status to recognise those who are not only working at the industry-recognised Level 3 status, but also have the current edition of the Wiring Regulations.

Following the introduction of BS7671:2018 this month, there will be a transition period until January 1 2019 where both the 17th and 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations will be accepted for a Registered Electrician application. After this point, only the 18th Edition will be accepted.

All Registered Electricians will have until July 1 2019 to update their ECS account with the BS7671:2018 qualification.

“The achievement of 10,000 is a fantastic first milestone and that number continues to grow daily,” said David Thomas. “With the introduction of the 18th Edition, we are set to see even more electricians now opting to become Registered Electrician after gaining their BS7671:2018 qualification.

“Feedback from our cardholders shows that the Registered Electrician status is a highly desired and positive move for the industry, raising not just standards but also the profile of electricians and electrical contracting.”

ECS Registered Electrician reaches 10,000 milestone

Homeowners must ensure gas safety, warns Gas Tag

Homeowners are being urged to check their gas and electrical appliances over the summer months after a survey revealed a basic lack of safety knowledge among property owners.

New research reveals that 66% of homes in the UK have defective gas appliances and 40% of smoke alarms do not work.

There are also over 1.1 million illegal gas installations carried out each year – putting the lives of millions of people at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, fires and explosions.

Leading RegTech company Gas Tag said the summer months are the perfect time of the year to check appliances in the home.

Gas Tag says booking a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit during the summer months will help to reduce the number of gas related incidents during the winter period.

Stephen Ullathorne, co-CEO of Gas Tag, said: “We all know how busy it gets at this time of year, but taking time out from our hectic schedule to ensure our appliances are safe could be a life-saver.

“Research tells us that fewer than five per cent of households put a gas safety check on their to-do list during the summer season, but it really should be the number one priority.”

Gas Safe Register, the official gas registration organisation for the UK, says almost a fifth of households do not have their gas appliances legally checked, meaning as many as 12 million people could be living with dangerous appliances.

As many as 50% of all appliances in the lounge were deemed either at risk or immediately dangerous when audited by the Gas Safe Register.

Homeowners must ensure gas safety, warns Gas Tag

Source: HPM Magazine

Moveable bridge installed at Canary Wharf

The deck of a movable bridge has been installed in Canary Wharf following a 36-hour voyage across the North Sea from its fabrication site in Belgium.

The 28-metre single-leaf bascule bridge will provide a road and pedestrian link between Montgomery Square and Canary Wharf’s new district, Wood Wharf.

Designed by engineers COWI, Knight Architects and Eadon Consulting, the bridge was manufactured by Victor Buyck Steel Construction for client Canary Wharf Contractors.

Twin hydraulic cylinders underneath the eastern end of the steel span will raise the deck to allow large vessels to pass and only in this raised position will the bridge reveal its steel structure and mechanical parts.

COWI engineer Vlad Opanasiuk said: “As intended, it looks like a simple design – but there is nothing simple about this bridge.

“Both the substructure and superstructure required bespoke structural details to achieve the understated appearance envisaged by the architects.

“The deck needs to be light enough to be raised but strong enough to support the crossing vehicles and pedestrians.

“We therefore selected an orthotropic steel deck solution, which is lighter and more flexible than a concrete one, significantly reducing the power required to raise it.

“To create an open space for pedestrians, the bridge has a relatively wide deck. To provide the necessary torsional stiffness and a visually clean soffit, the main longitudinal girders, which run along the edges of the deck, are tapering closed box sections.

“It’s been a fascinating project to work on. Solving complex engineering challenges to bring brilliant designs like this to reality is what makes being an engineer so rewarding.”

The bridge’s location also posed a challenge.

COWI engineer and project manager Musa Chunge said: “The Jubilee Line runs below the waterway and parallel to the bridge so we worked closely with Canary Wharf and TFL to develop a safe piled foundation design for the bridge abutments and the marine causeway that forms the eastern approach.”

Moveable bridge installed at Canary Wharf

Government to fund stalled Carillion hospital

The government has confirmed it will directly fund work to complete construction of the Midland Metropolitan Hospital.

Work stopped in January following the collapse of original contractor Carillion.

The Department of Health and Social Care said: “Under the agreement, the government will provide funding for the remainder of the building work at Midland Metropolitan Hospital.

“The new hospital will be built by 2022.”

Procurement for a new contractor will start in November with a winner chosen before next summer.

Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust had explored the option of a new private finance deal to complete the hospital but there was no appetite in the market.

Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust Chief Executive, Toby Lewis, said: “This is absolutely fantastic news.

“After a huge amount of work by teams across Whitehall and the Trust, and with the voices of local residents, clinicians, and stakeholders having been clearly heard, we are delighted that we now have a definitive, publicly financed plan.

“We will continue to engage with the construction market over coming weeks and build towards a formal procurement by November this year.

“We always said Midland Met would be delivered and the doubters were wrong”

Government to fund stalled Carillion hospital

Tradify launches in the UK

Tradify (www.tradifyhq.com), the powerful job management app for small business owners in the construction industry, has launched into the UK. Tradify simplifies time-consuming administration activities, allowing builders, plumbers and electricians to focus on what really matters.

Already successful with over 10,000 users in Australia and New Zealand, and easy to use, Tradify is designed to simplify everyday administration tasks such as scheduling jobs, completing quotes, tracking materials and sending invoices.

“If you are a builder, plumber or electrician running single or multiple job sites, Tradify takes the hassle out of organising materials and people – and gives you clear information on the profit and loss on a job,” explains Robert Mark, Managing Director of Tradify in the UK.

“For small businesses, saying ‘yes’ to every job brings in money, but also problems, with days spent working while valuable evenings and weekends are spent catching up on paperwork. Tradify helps small business owners streamline these everyday tasks, freeing up time.”

Tradify enables tradespeople to become more professional in their job management, increasing productivity and enhancing their company reputation with customers. Job details and sub-contractors can be set up and managed, with sub-contractors updated on job status, such as task deadlines and materials needed from the merchant or wholesaler, in real time via the Tradify App.

“You can track a job from the initial quote to the final invoice and everything in between, out on site or at the office on your smartphone or tablet,” explains Rob. “Tradify gives you insights into your business which you need to help you grow and become more successful.”

From just £20 per month for one to nine users, Tradify is the business partner every successful tradesperson needs.

For more information visit www.tradifyhq.com

Tradify launches in the UK

Source: Electrical Times

Heating Sector thriving as demand for oil expertise grows

OFTEC registration figures have hit a five-year high and are continuing to rise, underlining the increasing value both technicians and consumers are placing on professional qualifications.

The continued low price of oil compared to electricity, LPG and renewable heating technologies – the other heating options available to off grid households – has seen demand for oil remain strong with many consumers choosing to stick with, or even switch to oil.

Technicians are capitalising on the popularity of oil by renewing or taking out oil registration for the first time, with OFTEC seeing an increasing number of gas technicians expand into the sector to take advantage of the new business opportunities on offer.

It is anticipated the recent announcement by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) that oil boilers will be included in the next round of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO3), will likely spark a further wave of technicians seeking OFTEC registration which is mandatory to work on the scheme.

OFTEC training manager, David Knipe, said: “While many sectors are facing uncertainty about the future, the heating profession is thriving. All the time households need heat and hot water, there will be demand for skilled technicians.

“However, what consumers are looking for is changing. Social media means that incidences of poor workmanship are widely shared and consumers are becoming ever more aware of the risks of employing an unqualified tradesperson. OFTEC registration demonstrates competence and provides homeowners with the peace of mind they are dealing with a professional. This puts those technicians who can legitimately display the OFTEC badge at a distinct advantage when quoting for work.

“With heating technologies evolving and sector and business legislation continually changing, even the most experienced technicians can benefit from OFTEC training and the additional benefits this brings, including free technical advice and regular sector updates. Being able to confidently advise customers on the best solution for their needs could make the difference between winning and losing a job.”

To keep pace with the rise in demand, the number of OFTEC training centres across the country has grown to 88, with the total expected to top 90 by the end of the year.

Heating Sector thriving as demand for oil expertise grows

Source: HPM Magazine

ECA’s #Project18 roadshow a major success

ECA holds successful event series introducing changes to the 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations

Thousands of contractors and installers attended ECA’s #Project18 roadshow events during July, to learn about the changes introduced within the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS7671).

Over a three week period, around 2,000 people attended 14 events held across the country. In addition, these events had the added bonus of a CPD element delivered by one of ECA’s technical experts, supported by leading industry manufacturers. These roadshows also provided an excellent opportunity for ECA members to network with others within the industry.

Most of the events were also supported by a small exhibition showcasing several promotions and products, including stands from roadshow partners Schneider, Eaton and Legrand.

Steve Martin, ECA Director of Technical, commented:

“The roadshows were a superb way for ECA members to easily learn about the changes contained within the latest edition of the IET Wiring Regulations. It was also great to see ECA members networking with each other to build new business relationships.”

Matt Crunden, Training and BIM Manager at Legrand, commented:

“The ECA Project18 roadshow was one of the ‘not to be missed’ events of the year. The quality of the information presented in the seminars was excellent and the event organisation was first class. Legrand Electric Ltd was proud to be part of the roadshow.”

Marc Gaunt, Segment Marketing Manager at Eaton, commented:

“Eaton was delighted to see the levels of attendance by ECA members at this year’s Project18 events. As well as providing a great platform to understand more about the 18th Edition, the events were a fantastic opportunity to discuss pragmatic, layered approaches for our industry to enhance building safety.”

ECA member representative Keith Basing, of Phoenix ME Ltd, commented:

“I have attended a few presentations on the 18th Edition, but this was the best one by far.”

The new Wiring Regulations were published on 2 July 2018, and will come into full effect on 1 January 2019. ECA is providing members with a range of online tools, resources and discounted training to help get them up-to-speed.

Full details of The ECA #Project18 campaign can be found at www.project18.co.uk.

ECA’s #Project18 roadshow a major success

Source: Electrical Trade Magazine

London Mayor’s new boiler initiative gets thumbs up from industry

The Cleaner Heat Cashback announced last week by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has been broadly welcomed by industry.

The scheme, which will allow small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Greater London to apply for a share of a £10 million pot to replace older, working boilers (ten years plus) will help to reduce overall emission rates within the capital.

Customers looking to make the changes are being urged to do so quickly as the allocation of funds will be made on a strict first come, first served basis. All applications will also need to be made online.

Eligibility for the initiative specifies that applicants must be a London-based SME and either own the building or have responsibility for it and permission from the landlord to make the appropriate changes.

Ideal Commercial Boilers believes the initiative is a great incentive for businesses to reassess their current carbon footprint.

Andy Forrest, national sales manager, said: “For those who will have to upgrade their current heating systems there are several incentives available to help with costs. For instance, the initiative offers 30 to 35% cashback on replacement boilers, an incentive that should encourage SMEs to replace older units.

“The added five per cent capital expenditure will be a bonus for those customers who are within an Air Quality Focus Area (areas with high levels of carbon emissions).

Vaillant “highly commended this positive initiative” to incentivise and support SMEs to replace old, inefficient commercial boilers with much cleaner and more efficient alternatives.

John Bailey, sales director, commercial & renewable systems, said: “We would champion a national roll out of this scheme across other cities in the UK as we believe it will help to reduce energy wastage and unnecessarily inflated heating bills, and contribute to the reduction in air pollution to provide a healthier environment for all. We look forward to supporting the installer network in London to deliver this scheme.”

The Builders Merchant Federation supports the initiative, which builds on earlier residential schemes by successive Mayors.

John Newcomb, chief executive, said: “The fact that Cleaner Heat is now aimed at commercial premises signals not only a political determination to tackle poor air quality, but seeks to change the thinking of SME owners towards their day-to-day running costs.

“Significant savings can be made in business costs by upgrading to a modern heating system that our members make and supply. The 30% rate is generous and ought to entice companies to act. Although his offer is confined to the capital, the Mayor has moved to help London firms to cut bills, reduce emissions, improve air quality and encourage further investment.”

The Industrial and Commercial Energy Association believes the scheme is a positive step for businesses, carbon reduction and air quality.

Ross Anderson, director, added: “There is widespread recognition that domestic heating requires decarbonisation but industrial and commercial energy efficiency also needs to be addressed. A commercial boiler scrappage scheme will not only improve London’s air quality, it will also act as a catalyst to spur businesses on to consider additional energy efficiency improvements such as controls.”

London Mayor’s new boiler initiative gets thumbs up from industry

Source: HPM Magazine

Young people encouraged to get on board by 85% of construction industry

The Considerate Constructors Scheme has launched the ‘Spotlight on…the next generation’ campaign to provide essential information and resources to help the industry address the urgent issue of attracting the future workforce.

The survey revealed that although 85% of respondents would recommend a career in construction to young people, 84% feel the ongoing perception of construction as being manual work is the main reason it remains an unpopular career choice.

The survey of the construction industry in the UK and Ireland received around 800 responses, and also uncovered that:

77% view the skills shortage as the most pressing issue facing the construction industry.
72% cite the challenging nature of work as the main benefit of a construction career.
53% know young people who are, or could be, interested in a construction career.

On the subject of what the industry can do to attract the next generation:

37% mentioned changing perception/promoting benefits.
26% suggested engaging schools and colleges.
15% mentioned apprenticeships and training.

‘Spotlight on…the next generation’ – hosted on the Scheme’s Best Practice Hub – has been launched by the Scheme to raise awareness of the wide range of resources, organisations, case studies, key information and guidance available to help construction to attract the future workforce.

The campaign contains a wide range of practical case studies of what organisations have done to help attract more people in to the industry. These include contributions from organisations such as: Balfour Beatty; Class of Your Own; Engie; Hobson and Porter; Kier; Laing O’Rourke; Mace; McLaughlin & Harvey and Wates.

In addition, the Scheme has collaborated with CITB’s Go Construct initiative to produce promotional posters for registered sites, companies, suppliers, clients and professional partners to use to help attract potential workers to consider a career in construction.

With over a quarter (26%) of survey respondents seeing engagement with schools and colleges as crucial to helping address the shortage of workers, the Scheme is pleased to report that 91% of respondents said their site or company engages with schools or youth groups – and 66% have personally visited schools or youth groups to discuss their career.

A key mechanism to help improve perceptions amongst school children, teachers and parents is through the industry’s mascots Ivor Goodsite and Honor Goodsite. In 2017 alone, Ivor/Honor visited over 22,000 school children.

Considerate Constructors Scheme chief executive Edward Hardy said: “The shortage of new entrants in to the workforce is one of the most pressing issues facing the construction industry. With over 400,000 new recruits needed each year to deliver construction projects, we must all take steps to attract the next generation.

“While we do have a great industry, one that is working hard to improve its image – as evidenced by the fact that 85% of those within the industry would recommend a career in construction – we need to do so much more to continually improve our standards in order to drive the perception change much needed to make the industry more attractive.

“The Scheme’s Best Practice Hub is at the epicentre of helping to share best practice across construction. Through the ‘Spotlight on…the next generation’ campaign, we are delighted to use our reach and influence across the entire industry to help provide key resources to address this critical issue.”

‘Spotlight on… the next generation’ will be continually updated with new case studies, resources and guidance. Email enquiries@ccsbestpractice.org.uk with any ideas and suggestions you may have and to showcase any case studies from your organisation.

Click here to read ‘Spotlight on…the next generation’.

Young people encouraged to get on board by 85% of construction industry

Source: Electrical Times

Plans in for Birmingham Commonwealth Games village

Birmingham’s plans to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games have stepped up with the submission of plans for the athlete’s village.

The Commonwealth Games Village, proposed to be built on the site of the former Birmingham City University campus in Perry Barr, would be large enough to accommodate the 6,500 athletes and officials coming to Birmingham in the summer of 2022.

The accommodation will also feature a running track and green spaces and is a short distance from Alexander Stadium where the track and field events will take place.

Glancy Nicholls Architects has developed the masterplan of the Commonwealth Games Village.

After the Games, the Village would provide around 1,400 new homes across a range of different tenures. The development would also include an extra care village for older people and a community centre.

John Crabtree, Chair of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, said: “In the seven months since being awarded the 2022 Games there has been a lot of work done to prepare this planning application.

“Now is the time for anyone with an interest in the regeneration of Perry Barr to look at our plans in detail and give feedback to the city council planners.

“We want the people of the West Midlands to have ownership of the Games and this is one of the first significant ways in which they can do that.”

Plans in for Birmingham Commonwealth Games village

Human Rights Commission warns on flammable cladding

The use of flammable cladding on Grenfell Tower and other high-rise residential blocks constitutes a breach of the residents’ human rights, according to the Equality & Human Rights Commission, and thus exposes public authorities to prosecution under the Human Rights Act 1998.

The Equality & Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has written to the Department for Housing, Communities & Local Government (DHCLG) outlining its concerns about the continued use of combustible cladding in existing buildings and advising the department of its responsibilities under human rights laws to protect lives.

The EHRC is supported by the British Safety Council in its challenge to the government over its failure to protect lives

In a briefing paper on the subject, the EHRC says: “A key issue in the Grenfell inquiry will be whether the building regulations banned the use of polyethylene-based cladding in high-rise residential blocks, due to the risk of fire associated with it. If the building regulations did ban its use, questions will be asked about the adequacy of the systems for monitoring and supervising compliance with those regulations, including in council buildings, to ensure that cladding was installed safely. Both scenarios raise questions about whether the UK has met its duty to protect life. Additional issues arise concerning fire safety regulations, including the installation of fire sprinklers in high-rise buildings.”

The EHRC has expressed its concern that the consultation on the use of external cladding omits any reference to the government’s duty to protect lives under article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights and schedule 1 to the Human Rights Act 1998.

British Safety Council chairman Lawrence Waterman said: “The British Safety Council has participated in the consultation, calling for much tighter building controls, clearer guidance and effective enforcement. The EHRC intervention takes a wider view and supports our long-held and consistent argument that health and safety is a crucial underpinning of the human right to life.”

The EHRC explains: “The right to life is one of the fundamental guarantees in international human rights law. In many respects it is a prerequisite to, and closely linked with, the enjoyment of all other rights. The right to life is protected under international and European human rights treaties, including Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The UK government has signed up to these treaties and has to abide by them at all times.

“Article 2 of the ECHR is particularly important in the UK as it has been incorporated into domestic law by the Human Rights Act 1998. This means that all UK governments and public bodies – central, local and devolved – including all public officials, have to take appropriate measures to safeguard life by making laws to protect people and, in some circumstances, by taking active steps to protect people if their lives are at risk. If they don’t do this, they can be taken to court.”

Solicitor Anjon Malik, construction partner at Gordons law firm, commented: “The Human Rights Commission’s intervention that the use of flammable cladding on Grenfell Tower and other high-rise buildings is a breach of human rights is an issue that the Grenfell Inquiry will not be able to ignore. If it turns out that the use of polyethylene-based cladding in high rise cladding had actually been banned by building regulations but it’s continued use had not been properly monitored, the public will rightly expect those in authority to be held to account. And, unless and until those responsible face the severest consequences, the clamour for heads to roll will continue.”

Human Rights Comission warns on flammable cladding

Source: The Construction Enquirer

UK tradespeople most safety conscious in Europe, finds survey

According to the findings of a recent health and safety survey conducted for Bosch, UK tradespeople are the most safety conscious in Europe.

The poll canvased the views plumbers and other building trade professionals in the UK and eight other European countries including Germany, France, Spain and Italy.

Over 100 tradespeople from the UK were surveyed, with 824 participants across Europe in total.

The results found that 56% of the UK tradespeople said that they stopped work several times a day or even more frequently in order to meet health and safety requirements. Across the channel in France around 35% of workers were stopping a similar amount of times, while in Spain it was 37.5% and in Germany a little over 39%.

The survey also shed light on which tasks trade professionals place most importance on, in terms of using protection. In the UK grinding metal was rated highest, with 46% of respondents flagging it up. After this came drilling concrete and sawing wood.

UK tradespeople most safety conscious in Europe, finds survey

Source: HVP Magazine

Summer Bank Holiday

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July 2018 Newsletter

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July 2018 Newsletter

‘Gas Safe Register urges Summer checks for gas appliances, IET & BSI publish 18th edition of Wiring Regulations, online plumbing product sales set to rise, Facebook to build major UK HQ at King’s Cross, Baxi launches online booking for training and survey of manufacturers indicates construction growth ahead.’

Quick Links

IET & BSI publish 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations

Online plumbing product sales set to rise by over 40% by 2022

City & Guilds endorses exclusive IET Online Training

Police conduct three Grenfell interviews under caution

Facebook to build major UK HQ at King's Cross — Facebook to build major UK HQ at King’s Cross

AEI Cables launches new Total Fire Solutions

Baxi launches online booking for training

REHAU provides to grade data cabling solution for Southampton Students

Vermont lands first tower at £250m Liverpool site

Survey of manufacturers indicates construction growth ahead

Green light for 860-bed Sheffield student digs

Gas Safe Register urges Summer checks for gas appliances

Gas Safe Register is highlighting summer statistics to encourage consumers and installers to check gas appliances “come rain or shine”.

Nearly 1,300 sites were identified as unsafe by Gas Safe Register’s inspections team last summer due to dangerous gas appliances being found, 18% higher than the number of unsafe sites recorded in the previous winter months.

Despite these findings, a survey of more than 2,000 UK adults found that one in five (19%) would only consider getting their gas appliances checked if they stopped working.

The cities with the most unsafe gas appliances last summer were:

London – 277

Birmingham – 89

Coventry – 45

Cardiff – 41

Newcastle – 38

Manchester – 34

Sheffield – 34

Norwich – 33

Edinburgh – 26

Nottingham – 24

Jonathan Samuel, Chief Executive of Gas Safe Register, said: “Our inspections data shows that it doesn’t matter what time of year it is, your gas appliance could still put your health and home at risk if it’s not been safety checked recently.”

Gas Safe Register urges Summer checks for gas appliances

Source: HVP Magazine

IET & BSI publish 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations

The 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations has published. The essential publication for all professionals working in the electrical industry forms the national standard to which all new and amended electrical installations in the UK are to comply. The IET urges all electrical professionals to ensure they are familiar with the changes before the new requirements come into effect from January 2019.

Significant changes include: recommendations for Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) in AC final circuits, requirements for devices for protection against overvoltage, a change to the requirement for the methods of supporting wiring systems within buildings against their premature collapse in the event of a fire and a new Appendix focusing on energy efficiency.

Changes have also been made to the requirements for electric vehicle charging installations with PME supplies (the most common form of earthing in new installations) as well as new guidance for the design and erection of electrical installations that have local production and storage of energy for optimising efficiency.

The changes to BS 7671 come from to the revision of international and European standards, of which the UK is obliged to take on the technical intent. JPEL/64 members represent the UK on many of these international committees and the content to be included is discussed in terms of the impact on UK industry, before a new update to BS 7671 is agreed and published.

Mark Coles, head of technical Regulations at the IET, said, “The IET is the authority for electrical installation in the UK and ensures that JPEL/64, the national Wiring Regulations committee, carefully considers all necessary updates to the Regulations to ensure they best meet the needs of the industry.

“The 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations contains some significant changes to the way all electrical professionals are required to carry out their work in order to safeguard themselves and the public. With this in mind, it is essential that all electrical professionals ensure that they are up to speed with the new requirements.”

BS 7671:2018 and the IET’s suite of guidance are available from www.theiet.org/wiringbooks.

To accompany the 18th Edition, the IET is launching online training for the City & Guilds 2382:18 qualification. The only online training to be endorsed by City & Guilds for this qualification, the Full and Update courses both offer flexible learning. Accessible via an app, the training also includes three full practice exams. More information can be found at www.theiet.org/academy-regs-pr.

IET & BSI publish 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations

Online plumbing product sales set to rise by over 40% by 2022

Online sales of plumbing products in the UK are set to increase by 43% by 2022, according to new research from AMA Research.

The company found that the internet is the fastest growing channel of the overall UK plumbing and heating products market and has experienced strong growth levels in the last 5-7 years. In 2017 alone, the UK internet plumbing market is estimated to have increased by 17% in value terms. However, forecasts indicate that the pace of growth is gradually slowing down over the course of the review period. This change of pace can be partly attributed to market saturation of internet users and fewer new suppliers entering the market.

Despite the current uncertain economic climate with the UK’s departure from the EU, the UK internet plumbing and heating distribution market has continued to grow. With strong demand driven by lower prices and added convenience, internet retailers have been able to capitalise on changing consumer cross-channel shopping habits with a notable shift towards online purchases. Own-label products sold on the internet are performing particularly well.

Shower controls and bathroom taps represent the largest sector of the internet plumbing market with a share of around 23%, followed by bathroom furniture and accessories, baths and sanitaryware, heating products such as boilers and standard radiators and shower enclosures, screens, trays and wetroom products. Towel warmers and decorative radiators account for a much smaller share of the total market.

“Factors such as improved delivery/collection options, the growing range of products available online, along with technological improvements should drive internet sales of plumbing products.” said Hayley Thornley, Market Research Manager at AMA Research.

Online plumbing product sales set to rise by over 40% by 2022

Source: HVP Magazine

City & Guilds endorses exclusive IET Online Training

A new online training resource from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the IET Academy, has launched a comprehensive yet flexible course to get electricians up-to-date with the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018).

David Phillips, director of apprenticeships and technical education, City & Guilds, says, “City & Guilds are committed to the highest standards of skills development and learning in the Electrotechnical industry. We are proud to have collaborated with the IET on this innovative online tool which will upskill thousands of individuals on the 18th Edition. It will enable electrical professionals to get up to scratch on this important new regulation quickly, flexibly and cost-effectively.”

The IET Academy provides the only course prepared by the IET, which jointly publishes the IET Wiring Regulations with BSI. The authors have been carefully selected for their industry experience and knowledge of BS 7671.

Fitting around work, the IET Academy provides a learning solution that doesn’t take electricians away from their job and can be completed anywhere and at any time.

The course, which is suitable for anyone needing working knowledge of BS 7671, including electrical installers, designers, specifiers and those working in the inspection and testing of electrical equipment, will also fully prepare electricians for the City & Guilds 2382:18 exam.

Mark Coles, head of technical regulations at the IET, says, “The 18^th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations contains some significant changes to the way all electrical professionals are required to carry out their work in order to safeguard themselves and the public. With this in mind, it is essential that all electrical professionals ensure that they are up to speed with the new requirements.”

Martin Davies, head of the IET Academy, adds, “The IET Academy’s Wiring Regulations course provides a customisable and flexible approach to technical learning and knowledge, allowing electricians to be in control of how their learning is delivered. This not only ensures that the course is manageable around working hours, but by using an IET course, electricians can be safe in the knowledge that they are familiar with the current requirements for electrical wiring as well as preparing them for their City & Guilds 2382:18 exam.”

The IET Wiring Regulations is an essential publication for all professionals working in the electrical industry and forms the national standard to which all new and amended electrical installations in the UK are to comply. The IET urges all electrical professionals to ensure they are familiar with the changes in BS 7671:2018 before the new requirements come into effect from January 2019.

City & Guilds endorses exclusive IET Online Training

Police conduct three Grenfell interviews under caution

Police investigating the Grenfell Tower fire have started a series of interviews under caution.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that three interviews under caution have been carried out so far and “it is likely that further interviews will take place in the coming weeks and months.”

Detectives are considering offences including gross negligence manslaughter, corporate manslaughter and breaches of Health and Safety legislation.

There have not been any arrests at this stage.

Painstaking police work at Grenfell Tower is nearing completion with a handover of the building due to take place next month.

Over the past year, police have carried out searches, forensic examinations, digital scanning, photography and videography.

Investigations have also included examination by many independent experts of specific aspects of the building construction and maintenance systems backed-up by a series of off-site tests and reconstructions.

Commander Stuart Cundy, said: “The handover of Grenfell Tower by the police will only occur once we are entirely confident that all police work has been completed at the tower and handing the tower over to the responsible body will have no bearing on the ongoing criminal investigation.

“The concerns of the bereaved, survivors and residents as well as the wider community will be central to how the handover takes place.

“We recognise this will be a significant milestone and one that is bound to stir a range of emotions for all those affected by this tragedy.

“As part of our careful planning for a transition of responsibility, we are working closely with representatives from central government and London Councils.”

Police conduct three Grenfell interviews under caution

Facebook to build major UK HQ at King’s Cross

Facebook has struck a deal to locate its UK HQ at the Kings Cross Goods Yard regeneration site, kick-starting another major construction scheme spread across three buildings.

The deal to take 610,000 sq ft paves the way for work to start on 11 and 21 Canal Reach and P2, the last major sites on the long-running regeneration scheme.

While not quite the same scale as the Google HQ at 1m sq ft on the site, it ranks as one of the most significant commercial deals in London this decade – booking 15% of the total 4m sq ft commercial space at King’s Cross at a stroke.

Buildings 11 and 21 Canal Reach have been designed by architect Bennetts Associates and have detailed planning permission, featuring 10 and 12 floors of modern Grade A office space respectively (415,000 sq ft in total).

With expansive double-height receptions and 42,000 sq ft of landscaped roof gardens and terraces, the buildings located in the ‘Western Yards’ of King’s Cross will offer views over Central London.

Contractor BAM is in line to deliver the two curving office blocks on this northern part of the site.

P2 on Lewis Cubitt Square, for which a reserved matters planning application was submitted in June, is designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris. It will provide nine floors of office space (196,000 sq ft), alongside a new theatre for London, a fifth-floor wraparound terrace and retail space at ground level.

Facebook plans to open its new offices in King’s Cross in 2021.

Facebook to build major UK HQ at King’s Cross

Poor van driving bad for business?

Van drivers have been warned to take more care on the roads amid concerns their bad driving could be bad for business.

Experts at one of the UK’s leading suppliers of vans to tradesmen and women LeaseVan.co.uk say poor van driving could be enough to put people off dealing with a company.

They warned customers to ensure vans are driven courteously and that speed limits and other road users are respected at all times.

The van leasing specialists warned that badly driven vans could be costing the sector millions in lost revenue every year – with small businesses likely to be hardest hit.

Examples of bad driving likely to lead to lost business for van drivers include cutting up other motorists, racing away from traffic lights, failing to stop at zebra crossings and pulling out abruptly from junctions.

Because vans are often branded with a company’s logo and contact details it makes it very easy for other road users to boycott a firm if they take umbrage.

The experts are urging more companies to train van drivers on customer service and on how best to represent their employer while out on the roads.

A spokesman for LeaseVan.co.uk said: “Van drivers need to realise that each and every time they get behind the wheel they are an ambassador for their company.

“If they then tear about cutting people up, racing through traffic lights on amber and failing to stop at zebra crossings they are going to create a very bad impression for their company with other road users and the general public.

“Many companies employ drivers without making it absolutely clear to them that they are ambassadors for the brand.

“In some cases these drivers will interact with more members of the public each day than the average salesperson for the company so they should really be given training on how to conduct themselves on behalf of the company.

“If a van is driven badly it’s likely to be remembered for all the wrong reasons and if it’s branded with logos and other details it’s likely to lose lots of orders for the company.

“Branded vans can be very powerful mobile adverts for a firm but if they are poorly driven they could actually be costing sales.”

He said even small businesses such as one-man-band plumbers and builders need to be mindful of how their driving is perceived when out on the road.

But he warned larger firms to ensure all their drivers understand their roles of company ambassadors urgently.

He said: “Small companies with perhaps one or two vans usually understand that they are representing the firm when they are on the way to and from jobs.

“But when a company operates a fleet of vans and perhaps employs hundreds of drivers then the message that drivers are brand ambassadors can get lost.

“We would like to see all fleet operators speak to their drivers and ensure all of them understand the need to drive sensibly and respectfully at all times.

“It’s not just good for business it’s also better for all of us who use Britain’s road network each day.”

Poor van driving bad for business?

Source: Electrical Times

AEI Cables launches new Total Fire Solutions

Cabling leader AEI Cables is taking fire performance to new levels with its Total Fire Solutions range of products for the built environment.

The development of its Firetec range of cables using the very latest in technology and science offers enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support from one source ensuring critical fire-safety circuits can continue to operate in the event of a real fire from 30 minutes up to 120 minutes.

AEI Cables says it has listened to customers – with rising concerns at the number of fires in high-rise buildings in Europe and the Middle East - and developed a range of cabling which is future-proof.

Stuart Dover, commercial manager for AEI Cables, said: “This development of this range of cabling supports the initiative to make our buildings safer and ensure systems can continue to operate in the event of a fire including fire alarms, voice alarms and emergency lighting circuits.

“In a real fire situation, these cables will enable the fire and rescue services to find and evacuate people and help to protect property. At the same time, there is still evidence of non-approved cabling still coming onto the market, and we simply cannot compromise quality of these products being used in these applications.”

The AEI Cables Total Fire Solutions’ package offers Mineral Insulated Cables (MIC), Firetec Enhanced or Firetec Power and the full range of accessories for all fire performance applications.

Applications for Firetec include residential and commercial buildings, shopping malls, airports and protected buildings with a heritage ensuring that fire alarms, sprinkler systems, building monitoring and security systems can continue to operate in a fire.

Successful installation of Firetec has included the Francis Crick Institute research centre in London, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, the White City complex in London and Meadowhall shopping complex, Sheffield.

Categories of fire performance are made up of Categories 1 and 2 for means of escape for 30 minutes and then 60 minutes respectively, and these cables are tested in accordance with all relevant codes.

Category 3 refers to power and control cables meeting the 120-minute test according to the relevant standards. Only Mineral Insulated Cable (MIC) or an enhanced cable meeting the requirements of BS7846 F120 will meet this criteria.

AEI Cables serves key markets in the UK and worldwide including construction, industrial, fire protection, defence, mining and rail.

For advice about the Total Fire Solutions service tel 0191 410 3111 or email enquiries@aeicables.co.uk. See www.aeicables.co.uk

AEI Cables launches new Total Fire Solutions

Source: Electrical Times

Baxi launches online booking for training

As part of an ongoing drive to make training more accessible to installers, Baxi has launched an online booking system for all of its courses.

Installers can now view upcoming dates on Baxi’s website and reserve a place at the courses they wish to attend. Topics include free product training on ranges such as Baxi 600, as well as specialist and accredited training courses including fault finding or Domestic Hot Water Storage Systems (Unvented).

Steve Owen, national training manager at Baxi, comments: “We encourage any Gas Safe-registered engineer to sign up to one of our training courses, and we have made it easier than ever to do with online booking. Attending a course will build confidence in working with our products, which will not only benefit them but also result in a better service for their customers. They also get the opportunity to network with their peers, share knowledge and experiences, and potentially form new business relationships.”

For more information, or to book a course, visit http://trade.baxi.co.uk/trade-area/training.htm.

Baxi launches online booking for training

Source: HVP Magazine

REHAU provides to grade data cabling solution for Southampton Students

REHAU’s PROFILA data trunking has been specified for a high-quality student accommodation development in Portswood, Southampton.

The Vita Student residence – being delivered by the Select Property Group – will provide convenient, city centre accommodation for students attending the University of Southampton and Solent University Southampton.

Select Property Group currently operates 10 student residences across the UK, and each one has been designed and built to meet increasing demand for high-end student living. The company has a standard design for its student bedrooms to streamline costs, installation and maintenance.

The chosen constructor for the Portswood project is Morgan Sindall, who appointed local firm J&B Hopkins to deliver the electrical services within the building. This included the data cabling required for each of the 435 bedrooms.

Andy Hindley, project manager at J&B Hopkins, said, “Select Property Group has a set design for each of the student bedrooms, including the cabling requirements. The data trunking specified by them was very minimal; in each room they wanted a 1m section of trunking which would house the HDMI for the television, a data point, a USB charging point and a double socket. This would be mounted on the wall underneath the desk, around 400mm from the floor.”

Although the specification was very prescriptive, Select Property Group was happy for the contractors to choose their own products to deliver the design vision, so Andy began researching suitable trunking solutions. He had used REHAU products in previous roles and was keen to see what they had to offer.

Andy continued, “We looked at the REHAU PROFILA Data range and it was perfect for what we were doing. It is a good quality product, which would fit in with the high-end spec of the development, but it was also competitively priced.”

REHAU’s high capacity PROFILA data trunking has been designed to meet the requirements of the latest power and data cables. With a depth of 65mm, it is able to handle modern data cabling and power cables with ease.

Andy concluded, “PROFILA was the right product for the Portswood project and our installers have been more than happy to fit it, with no complaints. We are very confident this product will be a fit and forget for us, and we won’t be getting call backs about it.”

The installation of the PROFILA trunking at the Portswood scheme is due to complete later this year, with the accommodation opening to new students towards the start of October this year.

REHAU provides to grade data cabling solution for Southampton Students

Handling the heatwave

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) is urging the industry to ensure that they are informed about the best ways to tackle growing demands in commercial buildings to ensure optimum comfort for occupants during summer heatwaves.

With the weather forecasts showing no let up in the hot temperatures, this is having an impact on some of those who work in commercial buildings. Research undertaken by Harvard University found that those working in hotter buildings performed worse in problem solving and memory tests compared to those with air conditioning.

The BCIA says buildings that feature innovative and effective building controls can help to improve the productivity of occupants by providing a healthy working environment. Many smart and sophisticated building controls allow building occupants to manage their own personal preferences for their workspace in regard to ventilation, cooling and lighting.

According to the BCIA, opportunities are still being missed to take full advantage of the latest smart controls and solutions in today’s buildings, so it is urging both those new and experienced in the industry to invest in training.

The BCIA has recently updated its suite of seven CPD-accredited training courses. Each module has a core focus: for example, BCM01 includes an introduction to ventilation and air-conditioning, while BCM05 covers in more advanced detail the structure and modes of operation of the most common control functions used in ventilation and air conditioning plants. Knowledge gained through these modules can greatly assist improving the comfort of building occupants…

All courses are available to book throughout the year at various UK locations and feature the latest technical developments in the industry.

For further information, please contact Hayley Hopkins: training@bcia.co.uk

Handling the heatwave

Source: PHAM News

Vermont lands first tower at £250m Liverpool site

Developer Elliot Group has appointed local contractor Vermont Construction to deliver the first of three towers on its £250m Infinity development on the northern edge of Liverpool’s business district.

Vermont fought-off competition from Forrest to land the 123 metre tall residential tower which will be the highest of the trio.

Work clearing the Pall Mall site for the 39-storey tower began in April and construction will start in September with an anticipated completion date of spring 2020.

Elliot Lawless of Elliot Group said: “We looked at Vermont’s track record building towers in Liverpool and Salford Quays and it was clear that they had a firm grip on the issues posed by going tall.

“It’s good to be able to maintain our track record of working with a strong local supply chain. Building capacity in the sector will benefit the city overall.”

More than 70% of the apartments in Tower 1 have been sold to UK and overseas investors, with a new price record for the city of £398 per square foot being achieved.

Lawless said: “By setting a new price record it will support the viability of other developments and support the emerging cluster of towers in the north end.”

Vermont chief executive Mark Connor said: “We are delighted to be working with Elliot Group to deliver this landmark building which we believe will set a new benchmark for residential accommodation within the city.

“Vermont are proud to have been at the forefront of regeneration in the city over recent years and the Infinity scheme is a further statement of Liverpool’s progression and investors’ confidence in the city’s residential market.”

Falconer Chester Hall are the scheme architects whilst Savills have been appointed as employer’s agent. WSP are the structural engineers and planning was managed by Zerum Consult.

Vermont lands first tower at £250m Liverpool site

Survey of manufacturers indicates construction growth ahead

After a slow start to the year, manufacturers of construction products saw a noticeable upturn in business in the spring.

The Construction Products Association’s state of trade survey for the second quarter of 2018 Q2 shows that members began to catch up on activity lost to adverse weather conditions during the first three months of the year.

As construction product sales act as an early indicator of wider activity in the supply chain, the survey findings signpost a rise in total construction output levels over the next 12 months.

Heavy side manufacturers reported sales in Q2 rising for a balance of 40% of firms, following two previous quarters of falling sales. For light side manufacturers, 29% of firms on balance reported a decrease, which was the weakest performance since 2012 Q3. This reflects the lagged impact of the industry’s decline in Q1, as light side products such as insulation, boilers, glass and lighting tend to be used at the end of the building process.

Manufacturers anticipate a return to growth in the coming quarters, with 43% of heavy side firms and 27% of those on the light side expecting an increase in sales over the next 12 months. Input cost inflation continues to persist, however, particularly for the energy-intensive heavy side, which is experiencing the pass-through of rising global commodity prices on fuel and energy costs.

Rebecca Larkin, the Construction Products Association’s senior economist, said: “These results fit the profile of construction catch-up from a weather-affected Q1. As we’ve moved from a freezing spring to a hot summer, groundworks and work on external structures has been able to resume, and this has been reflected in increased sales for heavy side manufacturers. The disruption in Q1 is likely to have delayed interiors and finishing works starting on site which is evident in the decline in light side sales during Q2.

“Manufacturers’ product sales, capacity utilisation and new hiring are all still expected to increase over the next year, but price pressure is coming from all directions across fuel, energy, raw materials and labour, which is likely to be felt throughout the construction supply chain.”

Survey of manufacturers indicates construction growth ahead

Source: The Construction Index

Green light for 860-bed Sheffield student digs

Plans for a high-rise 860-bed student scheme in Sheffield city centre have been waved through by planners.

Joint venture developers Bakewell-based Litton Property Group and Edinburgh-based Buccleuch Property plan to build the scheme on the former Stokes Tiles Centre site at Fitzwilliam Street.

The scheme, which will be split into four interlinked blocks ranging up to 15 storeys, is out to tender with Bowmer & Kirkland understood to be among firms seeking to build the project.

Work is expected to start on the project in September and take 24 months to complete.

The landmark project will boast 395 studio apartments, 33 two-bedroom apartments and 417‐12 bed cluster apartments, providing a total of 850 beds.

Green light for 860-bed Sheffield student digs

June 2018 Newsletter

June 25, 2018/0 Comments/in Newsletter /by Hotcost

June 2018 Newsletter

‘UK lighting market sees a 44% increase since 2013, Gas Safety Trust publishes report on advancement of CO poisoning detection, it’s a crucial time for the UK Oil Heating Industry, more than half of construction workers in London from EU and 75% of consumers say that central heating engineers are trustworthy.’

Quick Links

44% increase in the UK lighting market between 20131-17

Gas Safety Trust publishes report on the advancement of CO poisoning detection

ECA offers online activity-based risk assessment service

Crucial time for the UK Oil Heating Industry

LIA & BSI partner to support Commercial Lighting Industry

More than half of construction workers in London from EU

Scotland to require sprinklers in all new social housing

75% of consumers trust central heating engineers, according to Which?

Signify lights up 10 of the 12 stadiums used for World Cup in Russia

Skills shortage biggest concern for sector, according to tradespeople

Local services offered on Amazon and eBay

£400m North West small projects framework launched

44% increase in the UK lighting market between 2013-17

The overall lighting market in the UK was estimated to be worth £2.4 billion in 2017, having increased by 44% since 2013. The key driver for the lighting market is LED lighting which has gained significant share in the non-domestic sector and also started to make inroads into the domestic market. LED technology is likely to promote a period of innovation and expansion particularly in terms of more integrated products, control and lighting solutions. Forecasts are for growth but at a lower rate than in the period 2014-2017 as the uptake of LED’s has increased.

Retro-fitting of efficient lamp products has been crucial to growth rates within the market, and the lamps market has recorded the highest level of growth in recent years. It is expected to continue to outperform the market, due to the introduction of a wide range of replacement, higher value LED and low energy halogen products, although as the prices of these products fall considerably and penetration increases, this sector is expected to slow.

Luminaires dominate the UK lighting market, accounting for 57% share in 2017, although their overall share of the market is gradually declining in response to the high growth of other sectors. The luminaires market is more reliant on the levels of new build and refurbishment activity, particularly in the non-domestic sector. Strong luminaire market growth has been underpinned by investment in street lighting, rising levels of house completions as well as improvements in construction output for both the domestic and non-domestic sectors.

Controls also remain an important sector with high levels of growth and potential for this to continue. This reflects a sustained focus placed on efficiency and cost savings with organisations recognising the need to reduce unnecessary lighting provision. In the supply sector for controls, there has been a shift in focus towards lighting solutions and systems. This demonstrates not only the greater integration along the supply chain but also the significance of automation and control within the industry.

The UK lamps sector has been dominated by a small number of very large organisations who have all invested heavily in the LED sector in order to maintain market share through acquisition, vertical integration policies or organic and technical development. Opportunities are likely to remain within the UK lamps market for those organisations who can offer production scale and those who serve niche or specialist markets.

Home improvement multiples and department/high street stores are significant distribution channels for domestic luminaire sales with a wide range of refurbishment and decorating products under one roof. However, department stores and high street stores have lost market share recently and there has been significant share gain in the online retail sector.

Prospects for the UK lighting market remain positive, although more muted than recent history with annual growth rates of around 4-5% to 2022” said Fiona Watts at AMA Research. “There is potential for growth from the domestic sector as the take-up of LED systems offers increased scope for a reduction in energy-use, improved controls, and as technology prices fall and awareness of benefits increases.”

The adoption of more efficient lighting products which have boosted value underlying growth, have increased life cycle expectations which may have negative implications for the market into the longer-term. Despite the increased demand for LED technologies there has been an oversupply to the global market, especially from developing countries and China. As a result, the global prices of LEDs have fallen significantly and are likely to continue to decline to some extent as wider usage results in more competition.

The ‘Lighting and LED Market Report – UK 2018-2022’ report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk .

44% increase in the UK lighting market between 20131-17

Source: Electrical Times

Gas Safety Trust publishes report on the advancement of CO poisoning detection

The Gas Safety Trust (GST) has published a report which considers current research into new biomarkers for detecting carbon monoxide (CO), and how we can go further to make detection easier and more certain.

Diagnosing CO poisoning is notoriously difficult, as it produces common, non-specific symptoms such as headaches and nausea and mimics other, more common ailments such as flu and food poisoning. Accidental CO poisoning is considered rare, but the GST says that it is not as rare as people think, and it is preventable.

CO is a poisonous gas that you cannot see, smell or taste. This makes it difficult for those exposed to know that they have been poisoned and what they have been poisoned by. A healthcare professional is likely to be the first person to be approached by someone suffering from CO poisoning, and making an accurate diagnosis is important to prevent further exposure.

The most commonly used biomarker associated with the identification of exposure to CO, carboxyhaemoglobin, is now considered less useful than previously thought, and cases of exposure are being missed. The need to identify new biomarkers has been suggested, which will ultimately assist clinicians in making a diagnosis of CO poisoning and help them in their assessment of patient outcome and referral decisions.

In response to this, the GST has published a report which considers current research into new biomarkers, what lessons could be learned from similar areas of study and how we might explore and challenge thinking to answer questions relating to the neurological effects associated with CO exposure. This report, which follows on from a workshop held in September 2017, can be found on the organisation’s CO Portal.

Gas Safety Trust publishes report on the advancement of CO poisoning detection

Source: HVP Magazine

ECA offers online activity-based risk assessment service

ECA explains why its eRAMS service is your route to concise, activity-based RAs and method statements.

For many contractors, drawing up ‘suitable and sufficient’ risk assessments, and then a useful method statement, can be challenging and time-consuming, even though these documents are vital to successful contracting.

eRAMS is a practical online service that allows contractors and maintenance teams to create, amend, store and print activity-based risk assessments, plus method statements and construction phase plans (CPPs). The easy-to-use eRAMS templates are based on extensive field testing, and input from leading contractors and key industry players on industry good practice.

eRAMS has been developed as a response to industry demand by ECA – and it’s already proved to be helpful way beyond electrical or even building services contracting. Customer experience and feedback has shown that eRAMS is a real help to virtually any type of small to medium contractor that needs to ensure health and safety, across a wide range of tasks and activities.

Darren Price, director of West Midlands-based contractor Goodwin and Price, said, “eRAMS is remarkably user-friendly, and a number of clients have told us that our risk assessments and method statements are some of the best that they have seen from a contractor.”

Using the eRAMS Quick Start guide, users can start to produce practical risk assessment information within minutes.

eRAMS features include:

Concise, intuitive RAs, MSs and Construction Phase Plans (CPPs)
Designed specifically for use by contractors and maintenance teams
Activity-based risk assessments – for a wide range of contractor activities
An auto text option, to help users quickly provide essential information on control measures
Ability to print, or save and send RAs, method statements or CPPs electronically
A choice of numerical risk assessment matrices
Ability to add a company logo to printed RAs
Ability to upload useful photos and other images to the method statement.

eRAMs is free to ECA members, and it’s available on annual subscription to other customers at a highly competitive price from CHAS, the industry-leading health and safety assessment scheme. As part of ECA’s partnership with CHAS which aims to help companies of all sizes to achieve essential health and safety standards, CHAS registrants can subscribe to eRAMS with a significant discount.

For more information about eRAMS visit www.eca.co.uk/erams. If you are interested in subscribing to eRAMS, please visit: www.chas.co.uk.

ECA offers online activity-based risk assessment service

Crucial time for the UK Oil Heating Industry

Described as a crucial time for the UK oil heating industry, delegates who attended this year’s OFTEC conference were provided with an update on progress towards developing a low carbon alternative to kerosene in support of government’s decarbonisation plans. The future pathway for liquid fuel heating was the key theme of the event, held on 19th June at The Hilton Puckrup Hotel near Tewkesbury.

Over the last year, OFTEC has looked to highlight the practical difficulties and potential cost to rural consumers of government proposals outlined in the Clean Growth Strategy to phase out high carbon fossil fuel heating, whilst emphasising the viability of low carbon liquid fuels as a practical and cost-effective solution for off-grid homes.

A Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and OFTEC working group has now been established to co-ordinate discussion and action on the future of the off-grid heating sector, with the first meeting held on 3 May in London. In partnership with manufacturers, the trade association has also begun performance tests on various low carbon liquid fuel blends and a 100% biofuel.

Commenting on the current position, OFTEC CEO Paul Rose said:

“The climate change challenge is one we all need to work towards addressing. OFTEC fully supports the Government’s decarbonisation ambitions, although how these are achieved for rural households must be reviewed. Over the past year we have been working hard to progress a low carbon liquid fuel solution which offers a realistic, practical alternative to the current options on the table for off-grid homes which are not fit for purpose.

“Now is the time for our industry to unite, step up and act collectively to meet the significant opportunity decarbonisation brings. This means everyone from installers and manufacturers to fuel suppliers and refiners playing their part. Much progress has been made to date, and against an undeniably challenging backdrop, but we need to keep this positive momentum going and deliver a futureproof solution that works for consumers and government alike.”

OFTEC was joined at the conference by guest speaker Richard Vianello, Renewable Heat Incentive & Heat in Buildings Deputy Director at BEIS. Richard provided a summary of current government thinking on heat policy, including the recent ‘call for evidence’ on the Future Framework for Heat in Buildings, to which OFTEC submitted a detailed response. He said that BEIS had received over 150 responses and, although many stakeholders had very different views, the Government is hoping to issue a formal response in the autumn.

Richard acknowledged the important role of installers in educating the public about low carbon technology and that decarbonisation needs to be a gradual process, but he also pointed out that if the Government is to meet its 2050 targets then it is unlikely that any more oil boilers could be installed after 2035.

Dr Ernst-Moritz Bellingen, Energy Policy Director of the German Institute for Heating and Oil Technology (IWO), also provided an overview of the positive developments in low carbon liquid fuel production.

Guests then heard from Andrew Robertson, co-founder of Clean Energy Consultancy Ltd who was involved in OFTEC’s successful biofuel project (2008-2011) which delivered a 30% renewable liquid fuel called B30K. Andrew talked through the customer journey when opting for renewable heating solutions such as heat pumps and biomass, highlighting the potential barriers to take up in a retrofit situation whilst emphasising the benefits of switching to a low carbon liquid fuel.

OFTEC Chair Niall Faye of Grant Engineering concluded:

“The journey to provide decarbonisation solutions continues. Heat pumps have been promoted by many as the answer to low carbon heating for off-grid homes. However, the poor thermal efficiency of rural homes and the widely evidenced failure of the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) highlights the practical difficulties and prohibitive cost of retrofitting these technologies.

“More cost-effective options must be found and this means a crucial role for low carbon liquid fuels going forward. By drawing together the strengths of our innovative industry, I am confident we will be able to produce an alternative fuel to power off-grid boilers well into the future.”

Crucial time for the UK Oil Heating Industry

Source: PHAM News

LIA & BSI partner to support Commercial Lighting Industry

The LIA (Lighting Industry Association) has announced a partnership with BSI, the business standards company. The LIA and BSI have joined together to combine their knowledge and extensive expertise in assurance and testing within the lighting sector. This partnership will see the two organisations collaborate on and develop product testing and certification solutions.

To celebrate the partnership, a special event will be held at the LIA offices in Telford on June 27, 2018.The event will be an opportunity for businesses in the lighting sector to find out how the BSI Kitemark for Commercial Lighting can help their business in providing:

Competitive advantage
Access to new markets
Faster product testing times
Fewer risks
Faster ‘time to market’ for new products

The BSI Kitemark for Commercial Lighting is a step forward in product safety and quality, which will drive up standards and further reduce the risks of product recalls and returns. It encompasses a wide range of lighting products and of course, includes LEDs.

Whilst recognising the achievements of commercial lighting manufacturers that consistently meet the highest possible standards, the BSI Kitemark also provides an important marketing tool for manufacturers of commercial lighting products.

Speaking about the partnership, Greg Childs, electrical & gas certification group manager at BSI said, “We’re delighted to be working with the LIA in order to help organisations achieve the BSI Kitemark for Commercial Lighting, as well as developing other product testing and certification solutions.

“We’re committed to helping manufacturers deliver lighting products that are highly efficient and safe to use and this collaboration will enable us to continue to help businesses face new industry challenges.

“The BSI Kitemark is a symbol that around 70% of the British public Recognise, and one that has given millions of Britons over the last century the knowledge and comfort that the products they come into contact with are safe and reliable.”

The use of the LIA Laboratory facility means that BSI is able to provide assurance that products will be tested to the highest possible standards by specialists in their field.

Commenting on the new partnership, chief executive of the LIA, Steve Davies added, “Testing to this BSI Kitemark cements the position of the LIA Laboratory as a leading provider for testing and certification within the lighting industry and we are proud to be in partnership with BSI, to support commercial lighting.”

LIA & BSI partner to support Commercial Lighting Industry

More than half of construction workers in London from EU

More than half of the workforce on London’s construction sites is from the EU.

The capital’s biggest house builder Berkeley flagged up the figure in its results today.

Figures reported on the ground by the house builder are higher than government statistics.

Yesterday the ONS published its findings that suggested that foreign workers represent just over a third of the capital’s construction workforce, based on 2016 data.

Estimates from the latest population survey show 7% of the construction workforce from the EU nationally, rising to 28% in the capital. A further 7% working in London construction were made up by non-EU workers.

The Annual Population survey estimated 2.2m people work in construction with 165,000 from the EU.

The ONS report was prompted by growing concern about the impact Brexit could have on construction. It also flagged up concerns about the aging UK workforce, where nearly half are over 45 years old, noting EU nationals were considerably younger.

Berkeley said: “Looking forward, we remain concerned that the impact of recognised skills gap in the UK construction workforce may become more pronounced as the UK exits the European Union.

“While this is hard to predict, it is a fact that over half of London’s site labour comes from the EU.

“This needs to be addressed by a combination of continued access to EU labour, skills training and innovation in construction if the industry is to achieve its medium-term production aspirations.”

More than half of construction workers in London from EU

Scotland to require sprinklers in all new social housing

The Scottish Government has agreed to introduce legislation to make sprinkler systems compulsory in all new social housing of over 10 tenants.

Scottish Housing Minister Kevin Stewart confirmed that the Scottish Government will take forward David Stewart MSP’s proposal for a Members’ Bill to make it a legal requirement for all future new build social housing.

Currently all new high-rise domestic buildings, whether private or social, with a floor over ‎18m must have automatic fire suppression systems fitted.

New legislation would extend this to all houses in multi-occupancy or more than 10 people, including care homes.

Scottish Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “I am very grateful to David Stewart for his work on bringing forward this important issue and gaining cross-party support for his proposal.

“I can confirm that the Scottish Government will implement the aim of Mr Stewart’s proposal and will bring forward legislation as soon as is practicable in this Parliamentary session.

“This is an opportunity to further improve standards in our social housing and this work will be taken forward alongside the recommendations of the two reviews of building standards and fire safety which we will consult on later this summer.”

Scotland to require sprinklers in all new social housing

75% of consumers trust central heating engineers, according to Which?

Just behind electricians, plumbers and central heating engineers are some of the most trusted trades in the UK, according to new research from Which? Trusted Traders.

Which? Trusted Traders surveyed 1461 of its members, asking them which trades they most and least trusted when employing them for the first time, as well as ranking their specific worries about employing traders.

The survey revealed that four in 10 (38%) householders do not trust builders and roofers when employing them for the first time, making these trades the least trusted for domestic building work and repairs.

In stark contrast, 80% of those surveyed said they trusted the electrician they called in to make repairs and improvements in their home. Central heating engineers were also widely trusted (75%), quickly followed by plumbers (73%).

The survey also asked people about their biggest worries when hiring a tradesperson, revealing that the largest concern was that they would not turn up at the agreed time, which was cited by 62%.

Poor workmanship and being taken for a ride were other top concerns, with over half (55%) worrying that a trader would do a bad job and 46% anxious that they would be ripped off.

Here are the full rankings from the Which? Trusted Traders survey:

Electricians	80%
Central Heating Engineers	75%
Plumbers	73%
Carpenters	72%
Decorators	70%
Plasterers	68%
Glaziers	65%
Mechanics	64%
Tilers	61%
Kitchen Fitters	58%
Builders	53%
Drain and Sewer Services	50%
Roofers	48%

75% of consumers trust central heating engineers, according to Which?

Source: HVP Magazine

Signify lights up 10 of the 12 stadiums used for World Cup in Russia

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), today announced that it has lit 10 of the 12 stadiums that will be used as venues for this summer’s soccer tournament in Russia. The stadiums include Luzhniki (Moscow), Krestovsky Stadium (Saint Petersburg), Fisht (Sochi), Ekaterinburg Arena (Yekaterinburg), as well as soccer stadiums in Kazan, Rostov-on-Don, Kaliningrad, Nizhny Novgorod, Volgograd and Samara.

Signify’s LED pitch lighting is used at the Ekaterinburg Arena. The state-of the-art LED lighting provides soccer players and fans with the best quality of light and is ideal for 4K TV transmissions and UHDTV super slow-motion action replays for the billions of television viewers wanting to capture all the drama on the pitch – every bead of sweat, taught muscle and grimace. The LED pitch lighting can also be controlled and synced to music to create spectacular pre-match entertainment.

Signify’s lighting was used to light stadium façades, adding to the atmosphere and spectacle for fans attending the matches. One unique installation is at Moscow’s Luzhniki stadium, where a 39,000 square meter LED media roof was installed, making it one of the largest and most novel media façades in Russia. This façade will build excitement for fans across the city by creating unique light shows, before, during and after games.

“We have more than 80 years of experience in lighting sports events and are recognized as the world leader in sports illumination,” said Sergey Karpov, Head of sport lighting of Signify in Russia. “Through these installations, fans and television viewers around the world will enjoy their favourite game while soccer players on the field will get the optimum visibility.”

Signify became the new company name of Philips Lighting as of May 16, 2018.

Signify lights up 10 of the 12 stadiums used for World Cup in Russia

Source: Electrical Times

Skills shortage biggest concern for sector, according to tradespeople

A shortage of skilled workers and poor training opportunities are the most pressing concerns of the modern plumbing and heating installer, new research shows.

The ‘State of the Nation’ survey, carried out by manufacturer Wavin, drew responses from 149 plumbing and heating installers. It found that over half (56%) of respondents stated that the skills gap is the biggest threat facing the plumbing industry today. However, more than four-fifths (86%) of plumbing professionals would still recommend it as a career, thanks to an abundance of work and high job satisfaction.

The findings also provided a range of additional new insights – when it comes to the perfect customer, it’s all about prompt payment with almost half of respondents (48%) saying this is a much-appreciated quality.

The survey also paints the picture of the modern-day plumber as someone who loves to spend their spare time in the great outdoors, or grabbing a bite to eat in the latest high street restaurant. And, in the world of politics, over a fifth (21%) would like to see renowned actor Idris Elba to take on the role of Prime Minister.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, a cup of tea and a sandwich remain the refreshments of choice, favoured by 47% and 65% of respondents respectively. Meanwhile, football is the sport of choice for plumbers, with the beautiful game preferred by 48% of survey participants.

“It is no secret that the construction industry is in the midst of a skills shortage,” noted Karen Stables, Marketing Manager at Wavin. “Earlier this year, it was revealed that plumbing is just one of many skilled professions where demand outweighs supply, and without intervention, this can only get worse. Our survey only reinforces how large scale the issue is becoming.

“If we, as an industry, are to tackle the issue effectively, we need to look at the reasons behind the skills gap and address those accordingly.”

Skills shortage biggest concern for sector, according to tradespeople

Source: HVP Magazine

ECA debuts first podcast episode

ECA has launched its new podcast with an inaugural episode about Building Information Modelling (BIM). In the first instalment, ECA director of technical Steve Martin debunks six of the biggest myths about BIM:

BIM is just for main contractors or Tier 1 organisations
BIM is just 3D modelling
BIM will cost too much, take up too much time and/or impact productivity
BIM will ‘solve’ clashes and clash detection
Clients won’t know what to do with BIM data
BIM Level 2 compliance is achieved by adopting one standard

The podcast aims to provides answers for common queries like who should use BIM, how to achieve BIM compliance, and whether BIM adds value to small projects.

Listeners can send questions and ideas for future episodes to podcast@eca.co.uk

ECA debuts first podcast episode

Local services offered on Amazon and eBay

Amazon and eBay are now offering tradespeople a way to help local service organisations reach new customers and grow their businesses. The e-commerce giants have each launched their own platform that allows people to find local plumbers, handymen, electricians, etc., giving them direct route to local services.

The Home Services offering from Amazon and Local Services Ads from eBay will complement the products sold on their websites by showing consumers the services that could be used to support installation and set-up of their purchases, such as washing machines and kitchen taps.

The service providers are described as ‘handpicked tradespeople’ by Amazon, and they will give customers upfront pricing and ratings and reviews from verified customers.

Amazon will also offer a ‘Happiness Guarantee’ that ensures if a customer is not satisfied with the completed work, it will coordinate between the customer and the service provider to ensure the job gets done to the right standard or issue a refund.

Scott Webster, General Manager of Amazon Home Services Europe, comments:

We’re thrilled to be expanding Amazon Home Services to the UK as a simple way to book trusted, service professionals.

“Following our successful launch in the US, customers have told us they love the convenience and peace of mind that comes with trusted, professional installation of their products. We’re delighted to be able to offer this same experience to UK customers through a network of handpicked, local tradespeople and service providers.”

The new service will be available across Greater London, Birmingham and Manchester with tradespeople including handymen, electricians, plumbers and home cinema specialists. New cities and services will be added over time.

Not to be outdone by Amazon, eBay Advertising has soft-launched ‘eBay Local Services Ads’, which also lets businesses use the platform for their own ads and offer services to relevant eBay customers in their area. . It is initially being piloted in the UK, with Germany also trialling it this month.

Businesses such as plumbers, hairdressers, DJs and cleaners will be able to use the platform to serve their own ads and offer their services to relevant eBay customers in their area.

Businesses will be able to expand their reach and target customers using eBay’s data and insights on customer search and purchase behaviour. They will also able to engage shoppers earlier in the shopper journey – putting their business in front of people who might not currently be searching for that service, but could be interested in the near future.

This complements eBay’s existing offerings by showing users ads for services that are relevant to the products they’re viewing. It will give them easy access to the services they’re likely to need, and in turn help to convert more sales for its sellers. For instance, if an eBay user is searching for a fridge, they could be shown an ad for the services of a local plumber, breaking down a barrier – in this case, installation – to making the purchase.

Bert Bassett at eBay, who has headed the project, comments:

“eBay wants to become a marketplace for services as well as products – and we think that this is a great place to start. Our Local Services Ads will particularly help small service-based businesses to use our inventory to target local, relevant customers. And crucially, we’re helping them reach users when they’re already in a buying mood, and when we know they’re in the market for a particular service, to deliver maximum ROI.”

Businesses will be able to use eBay Local Services Ads by signing up for an account on the ebaylocalservices.com website. They will be able to:

Upload their own ads to the self-serve platform, or use a format supplied by eBay
Choose who to target based on location and demographics
Segment their audience by product category and searched key words on the website
Choose where the ad appears on eBay’s website

Customers will have access to FAQs, tutorial videos, and contact support services.

Local services offered on Amazon and eBay

Source: PHAM News

Boot lamps, anyone?

A US company that developed LED lights that attach to training shoes for night-time joggers has now developed an industrial version for nightshift construction workers.

Night Shift Shoe Lights is the latest addition to the Night Tech Gear product line, which also includes the Night Runner and the Night Trek.

Attached to bootlaces, Night Shift provides hands-free lighting in low-light work environments with 400 lumens of LED lights. It is claimed that they deliver 90 metres of forward beam and visibility from all sides. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 10 hours, the manufacturer says.

“After 35 years in the construction industry, I know safety is of paramount importance, and Night Shift Shoe Lights help protect those in the workplace from falls and collisions due to dark working conditions,” said Doug Storer, CEO and founder of Orlando-based Night Tech Gear.

Boot lamps, anyone?

Source: Construction Index

£400m North West small projects framework launched

Liverpool-based Procure North West has launched a new small works framework for public building projects up to £1m.

Known as Procure North West (Lite), the framework has been launched after public bodies expressed frustration about the cost of finding firms.

It is estimated that the new framework could be worth up to £400m over four years. There will also be a specialist building services category for projects up to £10m.

The region will be broken down in five lots: Cumbri, Cheshire, Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside with the sixth lot covering M&E works.

Robbie Blackhurst, Managing Director of Procure North West, said: “When we launched the bidding process for the Procure North West (Build) Framework earlier this year it was our intention to establish two frameworks – the now live ‘PNW Build Framework’ for £1m-£100m projects and ‘PNW Consult Framework’ for professional services.

“However, when engaging with public sector bodies across the North West region it became apparent that there are real frustrations with current routes to market when procuring contractors to deliver sub £1m capital projects.”

“The PNW Lite Framework will provide clients with all the benefits, robust performance management, and strict governance of our live ‘PNW Build Framework’ at a significantly reduced fee when contrasted against other regional procurement routes.”

“It was also clear that in instances of major backlog maintenance or building services upgrade projects, clients did not want to procure a contractor to manage a building services installer.

“The PNW Lite Framework allows clients to procure and contract direct with regional mechanical and electrical installers eliminating any profit and profit scenarios when only procuring building services works”

Perspective bidders can register their interest here.

£400m North West small projects framework launched