ErP Directive heats up boiler industry Published: 26 September, 2016 One year on from the introduction of the EU Energy related Products (ErP) Directive, the heating industry has made significant progress in meeting its goals, according to distributor F&P Wholesale Shane Knight, category director for heating at F & P,
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched an open consultation on the future use of its landmark Art Deco HQ building in central London. The first part of the consultation strategy is an online survey, to be followed by focus group sessions to gather more detail. RIBA Client
Hiab, part of Cargotec, has launched its renewed HIAB light range loader cranes with a capacity from 4 to 11 tonne meters. This range of HIAB loader cranes combines strength and reliability with ease of use. Four options for remote and manual control systems ensure that the customer can choose
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is urging UK contractors to face up to the significant human rights risks in their supply chains, with the launch of a new report that finds both British and foreign workers at risk of exploitation. Construction and the Modern Slavery Act, tackling exploitation in
Despite the regulations the landlords must follow, there has been new research that claims that gas safety checks are slacking within the UK’s five million privately rented properties. It’s also, not just property owners that are slacking, small business energy users are also in the firing line as one in
Dealing with a broken appliance? From your oven to your dishwasher, when your appliances stop working, it’s important to contact an experienced, qualified repair specialist to bring them back to working condition. The best appliance repair specialists tend to quote fair, realistic prices and complete their work to a high
A huge fire which broke out at a recycling plant facility for the second time in two month was “an accident waiting to happen”, according to a councillor. The Daily Post reports that David Wisinger, Flintshire county councillor for Sandycroft and Queensferry, said that had the wind been blowing in
ErP Directive heats up boiler industry Published: 26 September, 2016 One year on from the introduction of the EU Energy related Products (ErP) Directive, the heating industry has made significant progress in meeting its goals, according to distributor F&P Wholesale Shane Knight, category director for heating at F & P, Primaflow & Connections, believes the 2015 legislation forced manufacturers, installers and distributors alike to re-examine the efficiency of their space and water heating products. “Initially there was confusion across the industry, in terms of what the implications of the legislation would be,” he said. “But, one year on, we’ve worked hard to clear the older, non-compliant products and focus on supplying energy-efficient boilers, and investigate new technologies. “The industry supply chain is quite interlinked, so we’ve had to keep open dialogue with both manufacturers and installers so that we can make sure we meet the challenges set out in the new legislation.” The ErP directive, introduced in September 2015, set out targets to reduce the EU’s energy usage by 20% and increase renewable energies by 20%, by 2020. The directive applied to all domestic and commercial heating products, as well as renewable technologies. Under the new legislation, all products are required to be labelled according to their energy rating, from A+++ to G. Mr Knight said the directive, coupled with a drive for continued innovation, means the type of products available are likely to change dramatically over the next few years. “The heating industry has had to adapt to many new developments, particularly with developers of newbuild homes opting for more energy efficient options. Many manufacturers are conscious of the fact that gas boilers may not be the main source of heating by 2020 and are investigating new initiatives such as ground force heat pumps and solar heating. “The directive is one of many changes in legislation that has impacted the industry, and it remains important that all organisations adapt and respond positively,” he added. “There is still more advancement needed to reach the EU targets and everyone needs to play their part.” Source link
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched an open consultation on the future use of its landmark Art Deco HQ building in central London. The first part of the consultation strategy is an online survey, to be followed by focus group sessions to gather more detail. RIBA Client Advisor, Sarah Williams said: “This survey is the start of a detailed process which will include defining the role that 66 Portland Place plays in the RIBA’s long term vision and values. Our detailed consultation will gather views and ideas from our members, staff and other users of the building including visitors, neighbours, meeting room clients, cultural partners, sponsors and patrons. “I encourage everyone to participate to help us shape the use of this important building for the next 80 years.” 66 Portland Place is open to the public and RIBA members alike and is home to the British Architectural Library, Architecture Gallery, RIBA Bookshop, President’s Office, RIBA Council Chamber, first floor Bistro and ground floor Café/Bar and has a number of dedicated spaces available for private hire events and conferences, including the Jarvis Auditorium and the Florence Hall. In 2015 RIBA’s administrative staff relocated to modern office space at 76 Portland Place. To participate in the survey and learn more about the consultation for 66 Portland Place at: www.architecture.com/Reimagining66PP ENDS Notes to editors: 1. For more press information contact: Howard Crosskey howard.crosskey@riba.org +44 (0)20 7307 3761 2. 66 Portland Place was designed by George Grey Wornum. He was the winner of the competition to design the new headquarters for the RIBA, which attracted submissions from 284 entrants. Building work commenced in mid-1933 and completed in time for RIBA’s 100th anniversary, enabling a move out of the overcrowded conditions at the former headquarters, 9 Conduit Street, London. At a time of heated debate about what architectural style we should be using and during an economic downturn, Wornum’s building opened on time and on a reduced budget. The feedback was positive. He had successfully combined Classical and Modernist elements, and provided the institute and its members a completed building fit for purpose and adaptable to changing needs. Wornum worked with a range of artists and craftsmen to create the decoration in the interiors and on the facade. Many of these details carry symbolic significance, for example the main entrance is flanked by two bronze doors depicting ‘London’s river and its buildings’. There are also references to the British Empire, reflecting the idea that in 1934 the RIBA was a focal point for architecture in the Empire. In 1970 the building was Grade II* listed, one of the first ‘modern’ buildings to be listed to recognise its unique architectural qualities. The six storey, steel framed building faced in Portland stone (the two upper floors were added in 1958) contains a series of spaces which vary in size and function. The building survived World War II unscathed and has only experienced minor modifications since it was extended in 1958. The most recent change has been the creation of the Architecture Gallery on the ground floor, opened in 2014. 3. A Reimagining 66 Portland Place Steering Group will facilitate the process of the project and report back to back to RIBA Council on development and progress. The group is made up of representative from the senior team and council members and includes: Sarah Williams, S Williams Architects – Client Adviser Albena Atanassova, RIBA Associate Councillor and Ambassador for Young Architects Christopher Ash, Chair RIBA Premises Sub-committee Jane Duncan, RIBA President Tim Bailey, RIBA Councillor and Board Member Stephen Hodder MBE, RIBA Immediate Past President Martin Pascoe, RIBA Head of Projects and Building Strategy/House Architect Vinesh Pomal, RIBA Councillor and Ambassador for Young Architects Elena Tsolakis, RIBA Member and Ambassador for Culture Alan Vallance, RIBA Chief Executive (Interim) 4. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members www.architecture.com Follow us on Twitter for regular RIBA updates www.twitter.com/RIBA Posted on Thursday 4th February 2016 Source link
Hiab, part of Cargotec, has launched its renewed HIAB light range loader cranes with a capacity from 4 to 11 tonne meters. This range of HIAB loader cranes combines strength and reliability with ease of use. Four options for remote and manual control systems ensure that the customer can choose between the systems that meet specifically the level of precision needed when operating a crane. “When we started the development of this HIAB loader crane series, we wanted to ensure that the renewed equipment will make work easier for the operators, keep it safe and increase efficiency, as we have learned that these are our customers’ priorities when choosing a loader crane. The unique X-4 SPACE system on the light range loader cranes enables the operator to handle the crane with the greatest ease and with higher load cycling speeds” says Jan Vink, Director, Light Range Loader Cranes, Hiab. As the HIAB light cranes are made with durable high-tensile steel, they combine low weight with the capacity to deliver heavy loads. Also, an external display gives a better overview of the active crane and service status. Depending on the choice of control system, a range of features are available for improving capacity, durability, flexibility, as well as safety. These features include Semi-Automatic Folding system, Load Stability System and remote control systems. “To avoid unnecessary downtime in our end customers’ operations, HIAB light cranes are designed for easier everyday maintenance. Key parts and components that require regular attention are located where they are easy to access. A good example is the integrated oil tank in the crane base, which can be installed without rearranging truck components and is quicker and simpler to reach. Also, these new models can be configured with various options, to enable easy mounting on the truck chassis. The whole installation is designed for the lowest possible overall weight,” Mr. Vink continues. The light range loader cranes come with the market’s only two-year warranty as well as a five-year warranty for the steel structure, as with other HIAB loader cranes. “The reliable performance and productivity are guaranteed through the offering of our comprehensive service network,” Mr.Vink says. “At Hiab, we set the standards for the loader crane industry. We want to be the number one loader cranes brand and partner to our customers, offering the best solutions on the market. Over the past two years we have renewed successfully both our medium-range cranes and now light range cranes. The positive feedback from our customers ensures that we are on the right path with our development work,” concludes Joakim Andersson, Senior Vice President, Loader Cranes, Hiab.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is urging UK contractors to face up to the significant human rights risks in their supply chains, with the launch of a new report that finds both British and foreign workers at risk of exploitation. Construction and the Modern Slavery Act, tackling exploitation in the UK is published as the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) and National Crime Agency (NCA) jointly lead a national enforcement campaign involving police forces and other agencies aimed at tackling labour exploitation. NCA analysis has identified construction as one of the most common sectors for labour exploitation in the UK. Criticising the industry’s slow response to the Modern Slavery Act, CIOB’s report highlights the aggressive business models that are creating an environment for unethical procurement and recruitment practices, and the systemic auditing failures that are allowing criminals to infiltrate major projects undetected. Problems are set at the top of supply chains with lowest cost tendering, abuse of the retentions system and late payment pricing out ethical practice. The situation is creating an imbalance of power that leaves all nationalities vulnerable to exploitation. Illegal activities such as blacklisting are also believed to be continuing, despite recent high profile court cases. Major contractors in construction typically have long and fragmented supply chains, with little visibility beyond tiers one or two. They are also heavily reliant on temporary migrant labour, a significant indicator of risk. Nevertheless, the report found examples of complacency and disbelief that major projects were vulnerable to criminal infiltration and human trafficking. This contrasted with incidents of modern slavery being found on major UK infrastructure programmes, PFI hospital projects, power plants, recycling centres, renovation projects, demolition sites and local authority schemes. The report highlights: How industry is conflating immigration checks with modern slavery checks. This is ineffective because many people trapped in modern slavery have a legitimate right to work in the UK. Severe weaknesses in commercial auditing models, with auditors disincentivised to report problems to the police. Poor transparency in supply chain reporting standards, with many eligible companies failing to produce a modern slavery report in the first annual reporting cycle. A significant number of published statements do not follow minimum legal requirements, including being visible on the company homepage and being signed off by a board director. A tendency for companies to water down their modern slavery statements to remove mention of risk, against the spirit of the Modern Slavery Act. Examples of sharp practice, with major players defaulting to legal compliance exercises that push responsibility onto their less well-resourced suppliers. This is also against the spirit of the legislation. Construction and the Modern Slavery Act includes interviews with a number of leaders and influencers, including: Independent anti-slavery commissioner Kevin Hyland OBE The late Paul Broadbent, former chief executive of the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) Leading barrister Caroline Haughey QC Chief constable for Devon and Cornwall Police and national policing lead for modern slavery Shaun Sawyer Justine Currell, executive director of Unseen and the Modern Slavery Helpline The report explores the legal, investor and social pressures for driving change. It also highlights examples of industry best practice as well as platforms for information sharing, such as the GLAA’s construction forum. Strategies for rehabilitating survivors of slavery are included through the Co-op Group’s Bright Future programme. CIOB is calling for a new industry narrative: asking contractors to acknowledge that every supply chain is at risk and collaborate more widely to combat crime. It is launching a Routemap to Fair Business which sets out steps for raising standards for all workers and suppliers, encouraging a more proactive approach to tackling systemic issues. Chris Blythe OBE, chief executive at the CIOB said: “It’s time to get real about the challenges facing UK construction. Contrary to public perceptions, modern slavery is not confined to small illegal operators. Criminals are attracted to big business because of the greater profits that they can earn. Unscrupulous labour providers, operating in the grey area of the law, are also creating misery for thousands of British and foreign workers. “We need to change the conversation that we have with clients, our peers and the media. Suppliers and labour agencies should be rewarded for finding and reporting problems, contractors need to promote fairer business models and clients need to be more explicit about their ethical expectations. This goes to the heart of professional leadership. We need to empower everyone working in this industry to act, share and collaborate for the greater good.” Independent anti-slavery commissioner Kevin Hyland OBE said: “The construction sector is recognised around the world as one of the highest risk industries for workers to be exploited in forced labour. It is therefore crucial that construction companies take meaningful action to prevent this crime from taking place within their operations and to ensure that anyone working in the sector within the UK or abroad are protected from abuse. “This new report from the CIOB builds on its previous good work highlighting the issue. It provides clear ways for responsible companies to tackle slavery and ensure their labour supply is protected. I hope to see many construction businesses taking up its recommendations and making real changes, so that it can set an example to other high risk sectors.” Roger Bannister, interim chief executive of the GLAA, said: “There are huge profits to be made for those unscrupulous enough to exploit vulnerable workers and the building industry is extremely lucrative for them. We have carried out operations targeting those who traffic migrant workers into the UK and then force them to work on construction sites, often with false IDs. “The protocol we developed in the autumn with the construction industry was a step in the right direction with some big names committing themselves to share information and play their part in tackling exploitation. We’d like to see more companies put their name to it and work with the GLAA in helping eradicate slavery altogether.” Andrew Wallis OBE, CEO of anti-slavery charity Unseen, which operates the Modern
Despite the regulations the landlords must follow, there has been new research that claims that gas safety checks are slacking within the UK’s five million privately rented properties. It’s also, not just property owners that are slacking, small business energy users are also in the firing line as one in five are failing to have an annual gas safety check which could invalidate their insurance. It’s important that gas safety is taken serious and it’s not just about ticking the right boxes. A poorly fitted gas appliance can cause fuel leaks, fires and even explosions, as well as carbon monoxide poisoning. As a result, landlords who fail to comply with gas safety regulations can face tens of thousands of pounds in fines. With so many properties in the UK, and many lives-at stake, are the UK’s gas safety rules simply too lax? And how can landlords make sure their premises stay safe? Are we doing enough when it comes to gas safety? Currently, the gas safety regulations that impact landlords differ from place to place. Under the Landlord Licence Scheme, landlords must prove they’ve met the legal requirement for an annual gas safety check in all their properties before they can let them out. However, just 40 local authorities across the country currently operate a Landlord Licence Scheme in their area. This discrepancy has created a ‘postcode lottery’ when it comes to gas safety. It’s true that most landlords are quite aware of what’s required to keep their properties maintained and their tenants safe – yet there are still many properties being neglected by landlords who carry out suspect DIY heating repairs or skipping annual gas checks altogether. What’s more, with 7,500 unregistered gas fitters responsible for 250,000 illegal gas jobs in the UK every year, rogue traders are still very much a problem nationwide. As well as the limitations of the current rules and regulations, there’s also a lack of awareness amongst energy users to contend with. For example, a shocking number of small businesses that are using mains gas are failing to stay on top of gas safety in the workplace. In fact, a recent survey found that 23% had no idea that their gas appliances need to be checked on an annual basis – and a worrying 18% haven’t had a visit from a Gas Safe Engineer in the last year. What gas safety regulations mean for landlords With so many factors at play, the landlord’s role in keeping properties gas safe is crucial. So, how can landlords ensure their premises are fit for purpose – and keep energy users in the loop? Business gas supplier Flogas Energy gives a rundown of the steps to take: Keep all gas appliances and systems properly maintained This means always using a Gas Safe registered engineer to service your boiler and any other gas appliances, and to maintain any gas pipework and chimneys or flues. The manufacturer’s instructions should outline how often appliances should be serviced, but if these are not available then the Gas Safe Register recommends servicing once a year. Appliances owned by tenants don’t fall within this remit, and neither do flues that connect only to tenants’ appliances. Carry out an annual gas safety check You must arrange for a full gas safety check once a year – this is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer and covers all gas appliances and flues. Again, you don’t need to organise checks for any of your tenants’ own appliances (or flues that connect only to appliances owned by the tenant). Keep a record of all checks (and provide copies) All gas safety checks carried out in your property must be recorded on a Landlord Gas Safety form. As well as keeping a copy for yourself (for at least two years, or until a further two checks have been carried out), you must provide your tenants with their own copy within 28 days. For new tenants, it’s at the start of the tenancy, and for any rental periods shorter than 28 days, simply display the record in a prominent place in the property. What’s new in 2018? As of April this year, new regulations have been introduced that allow landlords to arrange their annual gas safety check up to two months in advance without impacting on the expiry date of the existing certificate. You can now arrange a new check any time within 10-12 months of the last one – and when the old certificate runs out, the new one will simply run for the next year. If for any reason you need to carry out a gas safety check less than 10 months (or more than 12 months) after the last one, the expiry date will be a year from when your new certificate is issued. It’s worth noting that landlords who make use of the new rules must keep their gas safety records until two further gas safety checks have been carried out. This new ‘MOT-style’ approach allows landlords to arrange a new check in plenty of time before the old one expires (without shortening its lifespan) – instead of rushing to book a visit from a Gas Safe engineer just before the deadline. It also makes it easier to keep track of renewal dates, as these stay the same each year. Because of this, the new 2018 rules have been welcomed by landlords. They’re a way to uphold the very highest gas safety standards – whilst making the checks process more flexible and straightforward all round. To find your local Gas Safe registered engineer, visit: www.gassaferegister.co.uk.
Dealing with a broken appliance? From your oven to your dishwasher, when your appliances stop working, it’s important to contact an experienced, qualified repair specialist to bring them back to working condition. The best appliance repair specialists tend to quote fair, realistic prices and complete their work to a high standard. Less reliable appliance repair technicians, on the other hand, often deliver lower quality results, often at an inflated price. This makes choosing the right individual or company an important task if you’re dealing with a damaged or non-working oven, microwave, washing machine or other device that’s in need of appliance repairs. Below, we’ve listed four techniques that you can use to choose the right appliance repair service and avoid overpriced, low quality service providers. Check for a workmanship guarantee Repairs aren’t supposed to bring your appliance back to life for a few days or weeks. Instead, a thorough repair should provide lasting results that keep your appliance working as it should for the long term. Appliance repair specialists that stand behind their work usually offer a guarantee of one year or longer, giving you confidence that the repair you’re paying for is worth the money. Before you choose any appliance repair service, check that they offer a workmanship guarantee for completed jobs. If there’s no guarantee, it’s usually worth searching for a repair provider with a more confident approach to their work. Check reviews from previous customers There’s no substitute for honest feedback, especially when you need to compare several service providers. If you’re looking for an appliance repair specialist, an easy way to narrow your search down to the very best is by using a website like Reviews.co.uk, which lists user reviews for a variety of companies and service businesses. If a repair business has a strong rating with numerous positive reviews, it’s usually a worthwhile choice. If it has a weak rating or numerous negative reviews from previous customers, it might be best to look for an alternative provider. Look for a no fix, no fee policy If an appliance repair provider can’t fix your appliance, you shouldn’t be required to pay for their services. Despite this, many appliance repair companies will charge you a call-out fee even if it’s not possible for their technicians to repair your appliance. When you’re comparing appliance repair providers, check for a no fix, no fee policy. This policy means that if your appliance can’t be fixed, you won’t need to pay a fee for the repair provider’s services. Check that their service is fast and convenient Dealing with a broken appliance can be a frustrating experience, especially if it’s an appliance you depend on for your day-to-day life. Because of this, few things are as irritating as having to wait for several days for an open slot to become available in a technician’s schedule. After you’ve found an appliance repair provide that ticks all of the above boxes, contact them to check that they’re available at a convenient time and date. If they’re available, book them as soon as possible to make sure you receive quick, convenient service. If there’s a long waiting period, it might be better to move on to an alternative provider to avoid going several days without a working oven, microwave, dishwasher or other appliance.
A huge fire which broke out at a recycling plant facility for the second time in two month was “an accident waiting to happen”, according to a councillor. The Daily Post reports that David Wisinger, Flintshire county councillor for Sandycroft and Queensferry, said that had the wind been blowing in a different direction, it could have been a “potential nightmare”. Around 60 firefighters battled the blaze at 300 Recycling Ltd in Flintshire. The site lies next to CamGas, a company which supplies gas bottles and bulk tanks for domestic gas, commercial gas, holiday park gas and autogas. It burned into the night, sending huge plumes of black acrid smoke across residental areas and affecting motorists. The blaze came just over seven weeks after another huge inferno which took hold of the same plant earlier this year. Cllr Wisinger, who told the Daily Post in March that he was “extremely concerned” by the blaze, said following Tuesday’s fire: “It was an accident waiting to happen. “I’ve had complaints from people working in the area and residents phoning me up saying they could see the danger. “The site is right next to a gas storage facility, which is very worrying. “They’re concerned about the sheer amount of plastic and tyres, which are highly flammable. “If this fire would have happened on a hot summer’s day and the wind would have been blowing towards the gas cylinder company next door, it could have been a potential nightmare.” Council chief executive Colin Everett said: “This incident was dealt with effectively on a multi- agency basis. “The council has no specific controlling planning powers over the site, but North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has provided advice on the site owner’s requirements to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. “Our Streetscene Teams provided assistance as required to North Wales Fire and Rescue Service yesterday and today as they dealt with the incident. “Officers from the council’s Public Protection Service will provide any appropriate advice, if requested, to Natural Resources Wales as they undertake their investigations of the site. “As public sector partners, we will work with the company to help prevent future incidents in the interests of public safety.” Original source Daily Post
