ELAN Homes plans to re-open its sales offices at its new homes developments in early June. The independent homebuilder has confirmed its “new normal” will be for sales offices to be open by appointment only until further notice. Construction was suspended across Elan developments from March 27, with sales offices
Air purification is the removal of dust and other harmful impurities from the air using various technical means. Air purification by means of supply ventilation and air conditioning systems takes place in residential, public, and industrial buildings. In addition, air purification is used in various technological processes, such as oxygen
The Government has undertaken a consultation on proposals to lower the threshold on the ban on using combustible construction materials from buildings of 18m to 11m. This would reduce the maximum height of timber-framed buildings from six storeys to four. However, the recent spate of timber-framed fires means that even
Costain, the smart infrastructure solutions company, has won a £2m consultancy programme management contract to deliver Bradford Council’s Smart Street Lighting project, which will involve the replacement of 59,000 lights and 17,000 lampposts across the city over a period of four years. The new, energy-efficient, LED lights will be controlled
The first phase of the £11 million Beehive Business Park development in Ulverston, South Cumbria has been handed over to developer Rawdon Property Group by Caddick Construction, with the first store an 18,600 sq. ft. Aldi opening on May 28th, 2020. The prestigious development represents a major uplift in retail
Gazeley, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, today announces the lease of a 186,000 SQ FT unit at its Magna Park Lutterworth site to Bleckmann, a market leader in Supply Chain Management (SCM) services for the fashion and lifestyle brands. The unit has been leased
Close collaboration between the technical team at BMI and IMA member Itech Roofworks produced a uniquely effective answer to the challenge of refurbishing Pier 6 at Heathrow’s Terminal 3. Originally built in 2006, Pier 6 is designed for the Airbus A380 superjumbo, so the scale of the project was massive
Futureal Group has launched the construction of Corvin Innovation Campus. The office complex equipped with contactless technology will offer nearly 30,000 sq m of gross leasable area (GLA) in the immediate vicinity of Corvin Promenade in Budapest. The new-generation building is being developed under Futureal’s Stay Safe initiative designed to
The employee-owned packaging company has expanded its pallet and load stability range, providing users with a wide range of solutions for their operations. Load stability is vital to ensure the safety of loads not only whilst being transported on public roads, but also whilst being moved/stored. Kite Packaging supply a
Mitie Security has launched new fever-screening solutions, using thermal imaging to identify individuals potentially suffering from COVID-19 The solutions are designed to support both businesses on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic such as hospitals, and those preparing to return to business post lockdown, such as retailers, venues and buildings
ELAN Homes plans to re-open its sales offices at its new homes developments in early June. The independent homebuilder has confirmed its “new normal” will be for sales offices to be open by appointment only until further notice. Construction was suspended across Elan developments from March 27, with sales offices and show homes closed from that date. Building across the company’s sites resumed on May 11 with construction teams returning to work in phases and in restricted numbers. Marie Morris, sales director for Elan Homes in the North, said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of our staff, customers and the wider community is important to us and is why we’ve been hard at work planning for the new normal, developing robust procedures to enable the safe return to work for our teams and the reopening of our sites. “Our aim has been to create a new Elan experience for colleagues, customers and partners, which reflects the very best practice in terms of social distancing. Following the latest announcements from the Government our construction teams and contractors are now back at work in reduced numbers and with additional safety precautions in place.” Elan is adapting its sales offices to aid with social distancing ready to reopen by appointment from June 1. These measures include repositioning furniture, floor stickers to prompt keeping a two metre distance and installing screens in front of sales executives’ desks. “Our dedicated sales team have shown great resilience and flexibility. We’ve adapted our way of working, demonstrating our range of new homes via remote video technology and 3D virtual tours,” Tracey Ball, sales director for Elan Homes in the Midlands, added. “We also recognise that viewing remains an important part of the buying process. Under our new normal, from early June we will be reopening our sales offices and show homes by appointment only. Hand sanitiser will be provided and we’ll have signage in place to remind staff and visitors of the need to maintain a social distance.” In advance of their appointment, customers will be asked to complete a Covid-19 questionnaire and will be advised of Elan’s procedures. Documents will be shared digitally and signed electronically. Cleaning will be carried out between appointments and customers should wait in their car until the sales executive calls to invite them into the marketing suite. Elan’s current developments include Culcheth Green, Culcheth; Derwent Court, West Didsbury; Handforth Court, Handforth; Kinnerton Meadows, Higher Kinnerton; Lindow Fields, Wilmslow; Mossley Gardens, Liverpool; Pippards Court, Somerton; Stableford, Worcester; The Dunes, Formby; The Hyde, Kinver; and Weavers Field, Castle Cary with coming soon sites including Millfields, Middleton, and St Catherine’s Gardens, Lowton. Find out more via http://www.elan-homes.co.uk.
Air purification is the removal of dust and other harmful impurities from the air using various technical means. Air purification by means of supply ventilation and air conditioning systems takes place in residential, public, and industrial buildings. In addition, air purification is used in various technological processes, such as oxygen production. The air is also cleaned by means of extraction from production buildings, followed by dry or wet cleaning in industrial plants. The air supplied to the buildings is cleaned from dust to create a favorable microclimate for employees and to prevent pollution of equipment and other elements of ventilation systems. Many technological processes of modern industrial production should be carried out only in premises where the air is thoroughly cleaned. Such air purification is most relevant for microelectronics and medicine, as well as for precision instruments, films, and photographs. Selection of means for air purification The choice of air purification agents depends on the requirements for air purification. Air purification, with the help of air filters, is the most common. These air purification filters are installed in the rooms of supply air ventilation, air conditioning, and air purification systems. Air purification at industrial enterprises plays a significant role in the system of environmental and health protection measures. Various filters are used for air purification and neutralization. For finer air purification, dust chambers, gas catchers, “cyclones” PVM units and other devices are used. Industrial air purifiers – how do they work? The air purifier can be integrated into the room ventilation system, or placed separately. Its task is to drive the air through special filters that capture dust, smoke, odors, and microorganisms, so that “at the output” the air is fresh, without foreign matter. If an air purifier is integrated into a ventilation system, the air is supplied to the filters by this system. If it is a separate device, then it works on the principle of air conditioner, “running” through the air in the room. By the way, certain types of cleaners can work in pairs with the conditioner. Such purification is also a great way to improve the microclimate in the room. By removing harmful impurities, dust, and bacteria, purifiers make not only the air cleaner. The general sanitary situation in the room is improved – after all, dust particles settling on the filters will not get back into the room, and thus will not settle on the surface of furniture and equipment. This is especially important for high-precision production and chemical and catering facilities (e.g. medical laboratories, precision optics plants, food processing plants, etc.). Many air purifiers have additional functions, such as the ability to saturate the air with ozone. If you have such a purifier, the room will smell like mountain air. Ozonation is a great way to get rid of pathogenic bacteria in the air and dust. It is also good for your health. According to research, people work better in rooms where air purifiers are installed as muscle and brain activity levels increase. If you want your employees to feel less sick and work better, buy this device.
The Government has undertaken a consultation on proposals to lower the threshold on the ban on using combustible construction materials from buildings of 18m to 11m. This would reduce the maximum height of timber-framed buildings from six storeys to four. However, the recent spate of timber-framed fires means that even that reduced height may be questionable. The consultation findings are due to be reported later this year. The ‘Building a Safer Future’ consultation proposed reforms to England’s current building safety regulations following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Initially, it was to examine the prohibition of using combustible cladding systems. However, a series of timber building fires has resulted in calls to ban the use of combustible materials for muti-storey building structures. These fires include low-rise multi-storey buildings. Last September, a major fire reduced a four-storey timber-framed block of flats at Worcester Park in South-West London to ashes. In August, a three-storey timber-framed retirement development collapsed after a devastating fire. Meanwhile last November following a fire at a student accommodation block in Bolton, the Fire Protection Association called for a complete ban of the use combustible materials for all buildings regardless of their height. “Timber is not a suitable construction material for either high-rise or low-rise multi-storey buildings. Unlike reinforced concrete which provides up to 6 hours of inherent fire resistance and structural integrity, timber frame offers just 30 minutes,” said Steve Elliott, Chairman of the British Association of Reinforcement. Elliott also questioned the use of cross laminated timber which is being forwarded as a structural frame option because it chars rather burns and has higher strength than timber frame. He said: “Cross laminated timber is being touted as a structural option for multi-storey construction as a layer of charring is thought to prevent the structural component from burning. However, charring is burning and will have a significant impact on structural integrity. To say that charring is not burning is being disingenuous.” He concluded: “There is too much real-time evidence of the unsuitability of timber for multi-storey construction. Building for a safer future must recognise the simple fact: timber burns.”
Costain, the smart infrastructure solutions company, has won a £2m consultancy programme management contract to deliver Bradford Council’s Smart Street Lighting project, which will involve the replacement of 59,000 lights and 17,000 lampposts across the city over a period of four years. The new, energy-efficient, LED lights will be controlled by a CMS (Central Management System) which will allow remote control of illumination levels (switch on/off times only) which will deliver significant environmental and safety benefits. The CMS also provides the backbone for the inclusion of additional Internet of things (IoT) solutions. The project will reduce the Council’s street lighting power consumption by 65% and its carbon emissions by over 6000 tonnes per year, helping the Council to meet its climate change strategy targets and saving taxpayers an estimated £189m over 50 years. The ability to support a wide range of emerging IoT technologies will potentially assist the Council in making further cost savings in other areas in the future. In the spirit of true partnership, Costain will work with the Council to ensure additional IoT capabilities can be easily enabled to measure things like road temperatures, air pollution, road gully condition or river levels to even more effectively target maintenance and capital programmes. This latest consultancy contract win builds on Costain’s three year relationship with Bradford, which has culminated in current status as strategic delivery partner and the development of a high level plan to give an overall picture of £500m worth of capital delivery programmes within the city. The planensures effective integration and governance of the programmes associated with the Transforming Cities Fund, which seeks to improve productivity and prosperity through sustainable transport development, as well as other road, rail and multi-modal programmes. Costain brings significant experience in working with the Department for Transport and Highways England, a broader understanding of the UK infrastructure landscape and decades of delivery heritage, into the partnership. Sue Kershaw, Transportation managing director, Costain, said: “In these unprecedented times, where Covid-19 has brought much of the economy to a standstill, local authorities are under huge pressure to continue delivery of critical programmes of work for their communities. Our relationship with Bradford Council, which focuses on partnership and outcomes, has allowed us to reach back into our organisation to deliver additional capacity, capability, resilience and flexibility in a range of areas to support our client and keep the transport infrastructure services working.” Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “Bradford’s Smart Street Lighting programme represents a major investment in one of the biggest assets of the Council – our 59,000 street lighting columns. The ability to ensure effective delivery of the contract was paramount in Bradford’s approach to seeking a delivery partner with the skills, knowledge and ability to drive both the financial savings and the associated positive contribution to our CO2 emissions which are key outputs over the next five years. The appointment of Costain to the strategic delivery partner role has given Bradford the confidence that we have the right people helping us achieve these outcomes based on our experience of their involvement in our programmes of transport investment in the district.“ This work supporting Bradford Council also demonstrates Costain’s commitment to helping clients accelerate the transition to a net zero carbon economy, made as part of its Climate Change Action plan launched in February 2020, and is another step in fulfilling its ambition to lead UK infrastructure into a zero carbon future by 2035 at the latest, supporting the UK Government in meeting their 2050 target.
The first phase of the £11 million Beehive Business Park development in Ulverston, South Cumbria has been handed over to developer Rawdon Property Group by Caddick Construction, with the first store an 18,600 sq. ft. Aldi opening on May 28th, 2020. The prestigious development represents a major uplift in retail and business space in Ulverston. Three other buildings in the first phase are an M&S Food store of almost 12,000 sq. ft., a Screwfix Warehouse occupying 6000 sq. ft. and a purpose-designed 14,500 sq. ft. facility to house processing of top quality Cumbrian meat by Lake District Farmers. Discussions are taking place with interested parties on the smaller, second phase of the business park. A spokesman for the developers Rawdon Property Group explained: “It is hugely satisfying to achieve handover just over a year after starting construction on the site. As the main contractor, Caddick Construction has done a splendid job in driving progress on the site despite some very challenging weather conditions in the early stages, and the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their hard work and careful management of the project has been a vital factor in our success. He added: “There is a great deal of excitement surrounding the opening of two new major retailers in the town. We are confident that opening the Beehive will encourage more local people to do their main shopping in Ulverston rather than travelling to Barrow, and will attract people from the surrounding communities such as Dalton, Coniston and Grange.” Ian Threadgold, North West Managing Director for award-winning contractor Caddick Construction commented: “Caddick Construction has been delighted to work on such an important and high profile project for Ulverston that is going to bring an economic boost and much-needed jobs to the area. The Beehive Business Park’s prime location and generous parking will also mean easy access for visitors who will undoubtedly enjoy having well-known high street names such as Aldi and M&S on their doorstep.” Construction journey video:
Gazeley, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, today announces the lease of a 186,000 SQ FT unit at its Magna Park Lutterworth site to Bleckmann, a market leader in Supply Chain Management (SCM) services for the fashion and lifestyle brands. The unit has been leased on a long term lease and will serve as Bleckmann’s new distribution centre in the UK. Tornado 186 is a 186,000 SQ FT unit and has been designed to include a range of leading sustainability features, including online energy dashboards to help customers monitor energy usage, as well as rainwater harvesting and technology to optimise the use of natural light. Magna Park Lutterworth is the UK’s first and Europe’s largest dedicated logistics and distribution park. It is currently undergoing development to expand the park from 9 million SQ FT of floor space to nearly 16 million SQ FT in the coming years. Gazeley is also developing a series of new amenities, including wellness and recreation facilities as well as the new Logistics Institute of Technology (LIT). Magna Park, Lutterworth benefits from excellent transport links to the rest of the UK, with 59.3 million people, or 85% of the UK population, within a four hour drive of the development as a result of its easy access to the M1, M6 and M69 motorways. Joe Garwood, Development Director, Gazeley, said: “We are delighted to announce Bleckmann as the newest member of our customer community and look forward to growing our partnership with them in the years to come”. Situated in the heart of the “UK’s Logistics Golden Triangle”, Magna Park Lutterworth is an iconic development, ideally suited to serve the fast-expanding supply chain operations of today’s distribution companies. Four further units on our Magna Park South Lutterworth comprising 746,000 SQ FT, 300,000 SQ FT, 126,000 SQ FT and 98,000 SQ FT will be available for occupancy in Autumn 2020.”
Close collaboration between the technical team at BMI and IMA member Itech Roofworks produced a uniquely effective answer to the challenge of refurbishing Pier 6 at Heathrow’s Terminal 3. Originally built in 2006, Pier 6 is designed for the Airbus A380 superjumbo, so the scale of the project was massive – 6300m2 of roof. The main contractor, Mace, appointed Itech Roofworks to remove the existing single ply, replace damaged sections of plywood, build bunding and subsequently weatherproof with the Sealoflex Ultima liquid system. A working airport such as Heathrow needs products that can be installed without affecting its operations, so Sealoflex solvent-free liquid-applied waterproofing and FireSmart Pyrobar Carrier Membrane were specified. Sealoflex Ultima is virtually odourless when it is applied while FireSmart Pyrobar is self-adhesive and can be installed very quickly once the existing single-ply membrane is stripped out. The BMI technical team were tasked with supplying a roofing system with improved fire performance characteristics. BMI met this challenge and developed a bespoke solution for this specialist application; by incorporating BMI Icopal’s innovative FireSmart technology to the specific bituminous and liquid elements of the system. “Both of these are bespoke solutions devised especially for this project,” explains Simon Ashworth, Synthetics & Liquids Product Manager. Simon had surveyed the roof with Construction Director Hayley Reynolds and found that several sections exhibited signs of long-term water damage and required replacing. Together they devised a working plan that allowed the damaged sections of plywood to be replaced without interrupting the day-to-day activities of the busy terminal. Use of the Pyrobar Carrier layer permitted a swift removal and replacement of the existing single ply, constantly maintaining the waterproofing integrity of Pier 6. Even when weather stopped the roofing teams working on-site, Itech Roofworks would look to pre-laminate replacement sections of plywood to minimise any lost time and future interruptions. Hayley Reynolds, Construction Director, says: “Mike Street and Simon Ashworth from BMI put a lot of work into the tender and their knowledge and support during the project was invaluable.” Hayley’s mission was to oversee the refurbishment ‘airside’ – right next to superjumbo jets landing and taking off – without disrupting the operation of the airport. “Managing logistics, getting materials and staff on and off-site while dealing with security and a working airport was definitely challenging,” says Hayley. “As main contractor, Mace co-ordinated the project to ensure that this was achieved smoothly so the programme ran to schedule.” The scale of the project meant setting up five teams, a total of 50 operatives, on both day and night shifts, every one of whom walked more than 10 km each day. Their task was also complicated by the plant rooms on the roof which meant they had to work around and under all the pipework and ducting, often on their hands and knees. The night shift stripped out the existing mechanically-fixed single-ply and installed FireSmart Pyrobar Carrier Membrane to the existing plywood substrate to create a weatherproof roof. The day shift then applied Sealoflex Ultima solvent-free waterproofing membrane if weather permitted or prefabricated the replacement sections. The restricted working spaces on the project posed significant challenges and required a highly skilled and experienced team of installers, a member of which went on to win Craftsman of the Year at the IMA Awards 2019 in recognition of the skills he demonstrated on this project. “The technical support from BMI that underpins the 20-year guarantee was very good,” comments Hayley. “We’re very familiar with the products yet it’s always important to ensure that you’re following best practice and getting the details correct.” To make sure that workmanship met the highest standards, each team had a quality manager who marked up drawings, wrote daily reports, and inspected all aspects of the installation. Now one of the world’s busiest airport terminals, catering for the world’s largest passenger aircraft, is covered by BMI and will not need anything but routine maintenance for decades. “We’re delighted with the result of this project as it truly demonstrates how we can add value for both the client and the roofing contractor,” says Simon. “We worked together closely and came up with a bespoke solution for a very challenging situation. We not only delivered a customised solution to meet the project needs for the client, but we also supported our approved contractor in developing a way of working effectively on a terminal that’s operating 24 hours a day, every day.” Ideal for situations where a site is operational during roofing works, Sealoflex Ultima solvent-free liquid-applied waterproofing is virtually odour-free so there is no disruption to the use of the building It is also very flexible, so that awkward penetrations to plant and equipment supports are easily waterproofed, and it benefits from wet-on-wet application, allowing faster application as the primary waterproofing elements can be applied in a single operation. The result is a robust and seamless surface finish. Simple to install, Pyrobar Underlay will waterproof exposed areas very quickly, so it lends itself to re-roofing projects where the existing membrane build-up is stripped out. This polyester reinforced SBS-modified bituminous membrane features an upper surface that is finished with Red Syntan acrylic coating. This coating reduces the weight of the material, making it easier to handle on-site whilst also providing the ideal surface to receive the Sealoflex Ultima liquid waterproofing system. For more details of BMI UK & Ireland’s flat and pitched roofing solutions, visit www.bmigroup.com/uk
Futureal Group has launched the construction of Corvin Innovation Campus. The office complex equipped with contactless technology will offer nearly 30,000 sq m of gross leasable area (GLA) in the immediate vicinity of Corvin Promenade in Budapest. The new-generation building is being developed under Futureal’s Stay Safe initiative designed to respond to the changing market demand due to the epidemic. The first phase of the building is expected to be handed over in the autumn of 2022. Corvin Innovation Campus is located at the intersection of Szigony, Tömő, Apáthy and Balassa Street in Corvin Quarter, Central Europe’s largest urban regeneration project. The first phase of the nine-storey complex will provide 15,800 sq m of GLA, while the second has 13,800 sq m of GLA. The category ‘A’ office building with unique facades will be surrounded by renovated and green public space and widened roads as part of the development. Corvin Innovation Campus has been designed to meet the tenants’ requirements shaped by the current global health issue. It has been developed and will be operated according to BREEAM Excellent and WELL Platinum certification system to ensure it has a positive impact on the well-being and health of the people that work there. Based on WELL’s strict health standards and experience, Futureal has launched its brand new Stay Safe initiative. Under the program Futureal is introducing new internal security standards and additional technological solutions to meet the highest market demands for office environment. The building’s highly advanced mechanical system and its outstanding UV filters will provide one of the cleanest air in Budapest. As part of the Stay Safe initiative common areas at Corvin Innovation Campus will become almost completely contactless. Automatic doors and light switches with card sensors, as well as safe distance signs will be set in the building. The elevators can be controlled with a mobile application, the toilets will also be equipped with contactless rinsing, hand washing and soap dispensers. The state of the art infrastructure is also going to be available to tenants that can enable them to create their working environment as healthy as possible. Out of the Corvin Offices, Corvin Innovation Campus has got the easiest access to the two nearest metro stations. Corvin Promenade also offers plenty of services including a fitness-wellness centre, cafés, a laundry, restaurants and a beauty salon nearby the building. The office complex has been designed to meet the expectations of the digital age, while a huge emphasis will be put on creating a green environment. Its courtyard as an extension of Corvin Promenade will offer a nice recreational area. From the main lobby there is a direct access to a 3000 m2 inner garden functioning as a social space for employees. Inside Corvin Innovation Campus a multifunctional room ensures employees’ comfort and well-being. An increased number of bicycle storage spaces as well as separated showers and lockers will also be available to provide a viable alternative for public transport and car use. „Corvin Innovation Campus will open its doors to a new era of health and safety at the workplace. As one of the pioneers of the WELL certification in Hungary, we have been at the forefront of ensuring well-being and comfort of office workers. Our Stay Safe program takes our efforts and services to the next level,” said Tibor Tatár, CEO of Futureal Group. Corvin Promenade is an internationally recognized development project. It has won the European Commercial Property Award for the Best Mixed Use Development of Europe and FIABCI Hungary Real Estate Development Award. In 2014 the project received the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) Global Award for Excellence, considered to be the Oscars of city and real estate development. *** About Futureal Group Futureal is one of the leading real estate developers and investors in Central and Eastern Europe and is among the top 10 largest real estate developers in Europe. Since its foundation Futureal Group’s portfolio has included more than 100 real estate projects with a total value of EUR 3 billion and an area of over 2 million square meters.
The employee-owned packaging company has expanded its pallet and load stability range, providing users with a wide range of solutions for their operations. Load stability is vital to ensure the safety of loads not only whilst being transported on public roads, but also whilst being moved/stored. Kite Packaging supply a huge range of packaging products to support companies with load stability and have recently extended their range to include pallet boxes, pallet bands and PPE strapping kits, each offering a range of benefits. Pallet boxes Kite’s pallet box without a pallet is the ideal solution for customers who already have pallets and just require the tray, cap and sleeve pallet box. The benefits of this large pallet box is that it can either be used purely as a large box for storage, can be placed on top of an existing pallet, or used with Kite’s individual corrugated pallet runners which can be attached to the bottom, therefore making it a pallet. So, if customers need something more versatile then this is the ideal solution. Sanstrap pallet bands Produced from 100% recyclable 40-micron Polyethylene (PE) film and 100% recyclable, Kite’s offering of Sanstrap pallet bands, a recognised name in the industry, provide great stability, keeping products secure whilst in transit or storage. Once in place these polythene Sanstrap bands quickly grip, holding everything firmly on a pallet. They arrive perforated on a roll in an easy to use portable dispenser box, simply tear off and fit around the load, ensuring one band per layer. Polypropylene strapping kits Kite’s strapping kits are suitable for a wide range of uses and are available in polypropylene, corded, polyester and steel strapping. Recently expanded, Kite’s polypropylene strapping kit range now includes a strapping kit with a combination tool that performs both the tensioning & sealing. It’s vital to have the correct tools for securing products, particularly for handling and transportation. For more information on Kite Packaging and their range of products and services, visit kitepackaging.co.uk.
Mitie Security has launched new fever-screening solutions, using thermal imaging to identify individuals potentially suffering from COVID-19 The solutions are designed to support both businesses on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic such as hospitals, and those preparing to return to business post lockdown, such as retailers, venues and buildings with a significant number of employees Mitie Security is helping businesses mitigate against the spread of Coronavirus with the launch of a new suite of fever-screening solutions. The solutions, which have been developed by adapting existing thermal imaging technology, quickly and easily identify individuals with a fever that may be symptomatic of COVID-19. This fever-screening technology is able to detect human temperatures to within an accuracy of 0.3ºC, raising the alarm to monitoring teams should it identify an individual with a fever. However, it is important to note that some people believe that this kind of fever monitoring tech can pose privacy risks depending on who has access to the data collected from these devices. However, these more focused programs are a far cry from dragnet surveillance cameras constantly surveilling the public like the mass surveillance in China. These solutions have been designed to support the wide range of industries on the frontline of the nation’s fight against coronavirus, as well as those looking to prepare for when current restrictions are eased. Applications for the technology include: Healthcare: Identifying potential COVID-19 sufferers as they enter hospital which will allow healthcare professionals to take precautions, such as limiting contact with other patients and ensuring all staff they encounter are wearing appropriate PPE. Public spaces: Scanning people’s body temperature on entry to public spaces, such as railway stations, airports and large venues. This will allow individuals potentially suffering from COVID-19 to be isolated and reduce the further spread of the virus in crowded places. Retail: Thermal imaging technology will support the safety of staff and customers in supermarkets or other shops in identifying individuals with fevers and potentially diverting them away from the stores. Business Headquarters: For businesses preparing for the return of large number of employees to their Head Offices. These fever-screening solutions will detect any employees or visitors who are potentially infected with COVID-19, preventing it from spreading further within the office. To enable use in different situations, the technology has been developed in several formats from hand-held units to mounted cameras. For example, locating the thermal cameras at site entrances allows a larger number of people to be checked at one time, such as in public areas or when a large number of employees are entering a building at the same time, for instance, during shift changes at manufacturing site, or employees arriving for work at a large office block. The portable hand-held solution meanwhile can be used to check individuals, enabling the detection of anyone showing an elevated body temperature. Mitie’s specialist Fire and Security Systems’ Team has also developed a process guide to be used alongside the fever-screening solutions, including best practice guidelines and procedures to manage individuals with a high body temperature, depending on the scenario. For instance, potential COVID-19 sufferers could be diverted to a safe area for further checks to be performed by an employee wearing appropriate PPE, before determining if access to the site will be granted or denied. The fever-screening solutions, alongside these guidelines, will allow businesses to protect their employees and customers, by minimising the risk of spreading COVID-19 infections. Jason Towse, Managing Director of Business Services, Mitie, said: “Ensuring the safety of our clients’ employees and customers has always been our priority, and this is even more important during the Coronavirus pandemic. As many businesses start planning a return to work after lockdown, we must ensure that we all play our part in limiting the spread of COVID-19 as much as possible. “As the UK’s leading technology-led security provider, we are evolving to meet this new threat. By harnessing thermal technology we can support businesses in keeping people safe – be that those at the coal face of the pandemic or others looking to find safe ways to return to daily life as and when restrictions begin to ease.”