Vivalda, the UK’s largest independent supplier of cladding systems, has kicked off the new year with a campaign to encourage contractors to consider off-site fabrication as part of their dust management strategy. Called Breathe Easy, the initiative includes the production of a video – voiced by Vivalda staff from every
The ongoing threat of poor and potentially dangerous electrical work has been highlighted once again by SELECT, the industry body for Scotland’s electrical sector professionals, as it is revealed that counterfeit copies of vital wiring regulations are being offered for sale. The bogus PDF copies of BS7671:2018, the IET (Institution
It cost millions to complete and has been described by its award-winning Japanese architects as a ‘living room for the city’. V&A Dundee, which sits on the banks of the River Tay in Scotland, is part of a £1 billion waterfront transformation. It opened in September, attracted world-wide publicity and
Residents of the Treseifion estate in Holyhead who live in properties owned by the Isle of Anglesey County Council will be the first to benefit from the new ATMOS® PIV (Positive Input Ventilation) systems from EnviroVent. Isle of Anglesey County Council has committed to 60 EnviroVent units on this scheme,
Ideal Commercial Boilers are pleased to announce the extension of their award winning Free Commissioning offer. Available on all Evomax, EVO S, Imax Xtra, Imax Xtra EL and Evomod condensing boiler ranges, Free Commissioning can be claimed on installations until 31 December 2019. Introduced in January 2018, this innovative service
SELECT, the electricians’ trade body in Scotland, has added to the extensive portfolio of services it offers to its members with a new tool to assist with producing vital risk assessment information and guidance. The organisation has entered into an arrangement with the Building Safety Group (BSG) to provide Member
A unique full flow ball valve has been launched by leading manufacturer Pegler as part of its Integrated Piping Systems which is revolutionising installations across the globe. The VSH FullFlow XPress Ball Valve forms part of the expanding XPress portfolio and offers unrivalled specification due to being manufactured from material
Hartnell Taylor Cook launches new Mechanical & Electrical Consultancy service line appointing Stuart Funiciello as director and team lead. HTC’s new M&E Consultancy team, based in London but operating across the UK, will compliment both the Property Management and Building Consultancy service lines by offering a more streamlined and integrated management
A new energy-from-waste centre in Avonmouth, Bristol has offered its £8.2 million contract for the delivery of all mechanical and electrical (M&E) works to SES Engineering Services (SES) and Clugston Construction. The firms will support the development of Viridor’s new £252 million facility by completing a series of works, including
SELECT, the campaigning body for Scotland’s electrical sector professionals, has joined with other organisations across the country to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group. Since its inception in 1993, SEC Group has provided a strong lobbying voice to support the specialist engineering sector especially in
Vivalda, the UK’s largest independent supplier of cladding systems, has kicked off the new year with a campaign to encourage contractors to consider off-site fabrication as part of their dust management strategy. Called Breathe Easy, the initiative includes the production of a video – voiced by Vivalda staff from every branch – highlighting the challenges faced by contractors. The campaign follows recent Health & Safety Executive (HSE) announcements highlighting the fact that every week, more than 10 construction workers die from dust inhalation. Moreover, Peter Baker, the HSE’s chief inspector of construction revealed recently that every year, 3,500 people in the industry die as a result of work-related cancers, mainly linked to asbestos and silica. A natural material found in rock, stone and clay, silica comprises tiny particulates that can become lodged in the respiratory system, causing lung cancer, tuberculosis (in those with silicosis), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, silica exposure has been linked to other illnesses including renal disease and even cancers. Ben Jayes, managing director of Vivalda group, said: “Despite guidance from the HSE on dealing with dust on-site, ignorance among both contractors and on-site workers remains remarkably high. In a recent construction industry survey, it was revealed that while only 12% of firms admitted to treating dust as a ‘serious issue’ at work, only 16% of employees were aware of the risks. What’s even more sobering is the fact that there is plenty of legislation – in the form of COSHH and the Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) that mandates action here. “To help combat this issue, we are encouraging contractors to consider the adoption of off-site fabrication as part of the solution. While there are steps that can be taken to ensure workers cutting bricks, paviors, concrete and cladding material are following best practice, we think contractors should also consider transferring many potentially hazardous site operations upstream, using off-site fabrication to reduce their exposure to an HSE inspection. A good example of this idea in practice is the cutting of rainscreen cladding, which is typically made from concrete, rock, terracotta and mixed alloys.” Certainly, in recent months Vivalda has seen an increase in the number of contractors assessing the pros and cons of off-site fabrication as a way of minimising the amount of dust generated on-site. This benefit, along with the obvious improvements in productivity, accuracy and overall supply chain efficiency, will give extra impetus to the adoption of off-site construction techniques over the next few years. Jayes concludes: “All of our CNC machines deliver cutting accuracy down to the millimetre. But more importantly, each one is fitted with modern dust extraction filters, which are checked and replaced regularly. This means that we take on the responsibility of not only delivering cut to size panels – we also take away the headache of health and safety regulations which are quite rightly being enforced by the HSE.” To watch Vivalda’s Breathe Easy video, please see here:
The ongoing threat of poor and potentially dangerous electrical work has been highlighted once again by SELECT, the industry body for Scotland’s electrical sector professionals, as it is revealed that counterfeit copies of vital wiring regulations are being offered for sale. The bogus PDF copies of BS7671:2018, the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) Wiring Regulations, could be devastating for electrical professionals, with missing or corrupted information potentially leading to unsafe work and risking fire, electric shock or even death. The latest counterfeiting activity reinforces the message that SELECT has been promoting in the Scottish Parliament in its campaign, backed by the Scottish Joint Industry Board and Unite the Union, for recognition of electricians as a profession. SELECT’s case was pressed recently (October) in a Holyrood debate in which evidence was presented of unqualified and under-qualified people who masquerade as electricians endangering public safety by carrying out work across Scotland. Dave Forrester, Head of Technical Services at SELECT, said: “Only a short time after the issue of safety was debated in the Scottish Parliament, we have now uncovered bogus British Standards and other manuals being offered online to companies which will put consumers in further jeopardy”. Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the IET, said that the fake PDFs, which were being distributed through a variety of channels, looked “convincing” on the first inspection. However, they are sprinkled with errors and corrupted information. The IET is now taking action to combat the counterfeiters by inserting a hologram in its Regulations, commonly known as the 18th Edition, to help users identify genuine copies. It contains the IET logo and the word “Genuine”. Mr Coles said: “Ensuring that genuine copies of IET publications are being used by electrical professionals is important in order that correct standards are used to protect the public and those working in the industry from injury and fatality.” SELECT’s campaign for protection of title has been at the forefront of its work following a speech by a Government Minister at a European electrical contractors’ conference in Edinburgh in 2015. It has been supported by unions, trade bodies and politicians from all parties. Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, recently said in Parliament that discussions would continue with the aim of bringing a Ministerial view to Parliament in due course. SELECT’s 1250 member companies account for around 90% of all electrical installation work carried out in Scotland. They have a collective turnover of around £1 billion and provide employment for 15,000 people. For more information please contact Alan Wilson, Acting Managing Director at SELECT, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland, The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian, EH26 0SB. T: 0131 445 5577<tel:0131%20445%205577>. F: 0131 445 5548. E: admin@select.org.uk<mailto:admin@select.org.uk>. W: www.select.org.uk<http://www.select.org.uk/> Twitter: http://twitter.com/updates_select https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWJVjt14CvIig8bIKwidVug
It cost millions to complete and has been described by its award-winning Japanese architects as a ‘living room for the city’. V&A Dundee, which sits on the banks of the River Tay in Scotland, is part of a £1 billion waterfront transformation. It opened in September, attracted world-wide publicity and thousands of visitors due to its futuristic exterior and impressive gallery spaces. Inside, as part of the monumental development, air distribution products were supplied by expert manufacturer Waterloo Air Products plc. Beyond its curved concrete walls and cutting-edge construction, a state-of-the-art cooling and ventilation system was installed. Waterloo first became involved with the V&A Dundee Museum project five years ago, in 2013. Discussions began with design engineers, Arup, about how to create a comfortable, controlled environment in the V&A Dundee. This was made possible thanks to VAV controllers providing a dynamic range of duty into the gallery and other areas. Waterloo also supplied air terminal devices for the building and they were used throughout the museum including the kitchen, various meeting rooms and the washroom facilities. As part of the project, designers researched and identified the most appropriate form of renewable energy for the building. Faced with the complexities of high ceilings, unusual angles and varying visiting numbers within the gallery, Waterloo worked with Arup to create the perfect environment. Waterloo’s WRS and WLMD – variable air volume controllers – were installed to control the volume of air passing through the ducts, to the air terminals, independent of the air volumes supplied from the air handling unit. Air handling units are designed to automatically cope with variants in footfall so it will increase air volume when a high number of visitors are in the building. Overall, energy-efficiency is a big consideration for the project. V&A Dundee, with its cavernous entrance, has no straight external walls and has been designed to create the appearance of a Scottish cliff face. Inside, there are two gallery spaces – one dedicated to Scottish design which features 300 exhibits, and the other for temporary exhibitions. It’s the only other V&A museum anywhere in the world outside London and designers wanted to create a place of inspiration, discovery and learning. Its mission was to enrich lives through design, whilst continuing to be a welcoming state-of-the-art space for people to enjoy.
Residents of the Treseifion estate in Holyhead who live in properties owned by the Isle of Anglesey County Council will be the first to benefit from the new ATMOS® PIV (Positive Input Ventilation) systems from EnviroVent. Isle of Anglesey County Council has committed to 60 EnviroVent units on this scheme, including 35 ATMOS® loft mounted units and 25 wall mounted ventilation units, as part of the refurbishment of a number of its properties. The ventilation installations will be completed along with other upgrades to the properties which includes external wall insulation and render, replacement roof coverings, new windows and doors plus external works such as replacement paths and fencing. Not only are the units utilised on this particular planned scheme they will also be installed on responsive maintenance works and integrated also into the Council’s void properties on behalf of Isle of Anglesey County Council’s Housing Maintenance Unit. Isle of Anglesey County Council have installed EnviroVent’s Filterless Infinity Fans and its PIV units for over 5 years now on a number of properties within their housing stock of approximately 3,800 dwellings that consist of traditionally and non traditionally built houses, bungalows and flats. Terry Barton, Capital Works Team Leader for the Isle of Anglesey Council, said: “We selected EnviroVent’s ventilation systems as they have proven to be very reliable and effective in combating condensation issues and mould growth in our residents homes. We were also impressed that EnviroVent offers a 10 year full parts and labour warranty on its loft-mounted ATMOS® units.” Stephen Winstanley, Sales Manager for EnviroVent, said: “This is an exciting period for EnviroVent and we are delighted to be working with Isle of Anglesey County Council to improve air quality in their homes. The ATMOS® range has only been introduced in the last few months but has a whole range of features that make it ideal for social housing providers and private landlords.” ATMOS® by EnviroVent is the first smart range of PIV solutions with five different units available designed to improve indoor air quality and eradicate the problem of condensation and mould growth in all types and sizes of homes. All the loft-mounted products within the ATMOS® range come with a 10 year warranty, which includes any necessary repair or replacements being installed completely free of charge. ATMOS® has great connectivity as it features the new myenvirovent app, which is the first app of its kind that gives the homeowner complete control of their ventilation system at the touch of a button. The app, accessed via most smartphones, can be used to adjust boost functionality, airflow, heater and monitor filter performance. Another option with the ATMOS® unit is the facility to link to the AirSens® range of air quality sensors. AirSens® is available in three different versions to enable the occupant to monitor Carbon Dioxide levels, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) or relative humidity. When AirSens® detects an increase in these levels, Atmos® reacts automatically by instantly supplying more fresh air into the property to maintain a healthy environment thus creating an improved level of air quality. For any social housing provider interested in ATMOS®, EnviroVent has its own specialist team who will survey, recommend and then install the product into an existing or new property. Residents of the Isle of Anglesey County Council properties which are upgraded to the ATMOS® ventilation units will receive energy efficiency benefits too as it enables the warmer air at ceiling level to be gently redistributed to heat the home. This can lead to a saving of around 10% of a home’s annual heating costs. EnviroVent offers a full range of ventilation solutions to the new build and refurbishment sectors. Its award-winning products are UK manufactured and can be installed by EnviroVent’s own dedicated team of nationwide installation engineers, who also provide after-sales support. For more information on ventilation solutions from EnviroVent, visit the website www.envirovent.com or call 0845 27 27 810.
Ideal Commercial Boilers are pleased to announce the extension of their award winning Free Commissioning offer. Available on all Evomax, EVO S, Imax Xtra, Imax Xtra EL and Evomod condensing boiler ranges, Free Commissioning can be claimed on installations until 31 December 2019. Introduced in January 2018, this innovative service offering was an industry first and has made a major impact on specifiers, merchants and installers. Not only does it reduce customer costs, commissioning carried out by Ideal Commercial ensures that boilers are operating correctly and activates the warranty, which can be up to 5 years*. “Free Commissioning is a fantastic offer which further positions Ideal Commercial as the market leader for Commercial boilers in the UK” said Andy Forrest, National Sales Manager. “No other competitor can offer the benefit of Free Commissioning across such a broad range of boilers, ranging from 30kW up to 1240kW.” To apply for Free Commissioning on an installation, customers simply have to complete a straightforward online form which is sent directly to Ideal Commercial’s Customer Service team. Bookings are then confirmed via email or telephone. The game changing nature of the Free Commissioning offer was recognised by national merchant BSS, who gave it their Business Initiative of the Year award in 2018. Full terms and conditions and more information on Ideal Commercial Boilers and their range of products can be found on the Ideal Commercial website: www.idealcommercialboilers.com. Ideal Commercial boilers are available from merchants across the UK. * 5 year warranty available on Evomax and EVO S boilers. 5 year warranty subject to Terms and Conditions. 5 years parts and labour warranty available subject to being commissioned by Ideal Boilers. 2 year warranty available on Imax Xtra, Imax Xtra EL and Evomod boilers.
SELECT, the electricians’ trade body in Scotland, has added to the extensive portfolio of services it offers to its members with a new tool to assist with producing vital risk assessment information and guidance. The organisation has entered into an arrangement with the Building Safety Group (BSG) to provide Member companies with online risk assessment software which will also help them to remain compliant with their regulatory obligations. BSG is a not-for-profit organisation which specialises in providing health, safety and environmental advice for the construction industry. With more than 800 members, it is recognised as the UK’s leading expert. Under the agreement, SELECT member companies will be able to log in to BSG’s system, where they will be able to access more than 70 different types of risk assessment template. Dave Forrester, Head of Technical Services at SELECT, said: “Conducting regular risk assessments is essential for managing the health, safety and environmental welfare of everyone affected by a business. This includes site operatives, sub-contractors, office staff and in-house maintenance teams as well as the general public. “This new alliance with BSG will open up to our Members a tried and tested means not only of ensuring workplace and public safety but also of meeting the legal requirements enshrined in health and safety provision.” Under the current regime, employers are required to make an assessment of the health and safety risks to which employees and others are exposed on construction sites. Significant findings must be recorded where five or more people are employed. Certain regulations require risk assessments for specific hazards such as working at height and dealing with hazardous substances, as well as manual handling, noise, vibration and lead. Each BSG template is pre-configured with its own set of unique control measures relevant to the hazard. Users apply a risk rating for each hazard appraised, using BSG’s 5 x 5 risk evaluation matrix. The matrix will automatically calculate scores based on risk severity and likelihood. Users can then apply a residual risk rating once the control measures have been considered. After an assessment has been completed, it can be saved as a PDF before being emailed to the site location where the construction work is taking place. Member companies can register for the new service using their SELECT contact details. SELECT’s 1250 member companies account for around 90% of all electrical installation work carried out in Scotland. They have a collective turnover of around £1 billion and provide employment for 15,000 people. For more information please contact Alan Wilson, Acting Managing Director at SELECT, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland, The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian, EH26 0SB. T: 0131 445 5577. F: 0131 445 5548. E: admin@select.org.uk. W: www.select.org.uk
A unique full flow ball valve has been launched by leading manufacturer Pegler as part of its Integrated Piping Systems which is revolutionising installations across the globe. The VSH FullFlow XPress Ball Valve forms part of the expanding XPress portfolio and offers unrivalled specification due to being manufactured from material that is identical to the pipe. With the materials matching and technological advancements within the design and manufacture of this valve the reliability of a system is greatly enhanced as the risk of damaging galvanic corrosion and condensation is eliminated. “Due to the resounding success of our VSH XPress range the VSH FullFlow XPress Ball Valve further complements our product portfolio and offers HVAC contractors with a reliable Integrated Piping System,” commented Sindar Singh Director Product Line Valve Technology at Pegler. “A complete system that offers reliability is a huge benefit to contactors whose reputation relies on the quality of the products they use. We are delighted to be now launching a new product that incorporates the valve and fitting into one streamlined body and is made from Carbon so when used with carbon pipe system it delivers a positive zero voltage reaction and therefore preventing the start of any galvanic corrosion,“ Sindar added. Made from Carbon which comes with all the inherent benefits such as lighter weight and low theft risk, the team at Pegler has developed the VSH FullFlow XPress Ball Valve to ensure a number of advantages no matter what the application. For the exposed valves the streamlined body offers increased aesthetics whilst also providing a safety function. Its design allows for easy pipe insulation fitting whilst the handle can be repositioned for ease of installation or fully removed for security. In addition, the valve is designed to reduce the number of seals which decreases the possibility of leaks due to incorrect fitting but also benefits from double O-Rings giving increased reliability. Available in ½ to 2” diameter, the valve is compatible with the XPress thread, swivel and press options as required. A stainless steel version, suitable for potable water applications will be released later this year. “This is another element of our Integrated Piping Systems which are proving to deliver greater efficiencies and reliability across all applications,” said Sindar. “The incorporation of a full-bore valve inside a streamlined fitting is a simple yet effective solution and will assist in saving time, increasing reliability and continue the re-education of the way we approach pipe and plumbing systems.” All VSH XPress valve bodies are laser marked with information on size, material and pressure and a colour coding indicates the type of material; red for carbon steel and green for stainless ensuring compatibility.
Hartnell Taylor Cook launches new Mechanical & Electrical Consultancy service line appointing Stuart Funiciello as director and team lead. HTC’s new M&E Consultancy team, based in London but operating across the UK, will compliment both the Property Management and Building Consultancy service lines by offering a more streamlined and integrated management service to clients. Services will form a complete life cycle approach from pre-acquisition advice, due diligence and day to day technical support through to project works, dilapidations and asset disposal for commercial, retail and residential building owners. Stuart joins HTC from FHP Engineering Services Solutions where he was employed as an Associate Director. His diverse workload included acting for a variety of landlords with property holdings across the United Kingdom and Europe. Stuart has acted for many of HTC’s clients for a number of years and in that time established a proven track record for delivering high quality solution focused consultancy services. David North, Partner at HTC said: “We have for many years recognised the importance of offering M&E Consultancy services to our clients via an outsourced arrangement. The creation of this new service line reinforces our commitment to excellence and being able to offer our clients a comprehensive, cost effective service. Stuart’s expertise and enthusiasm is substantial and we are delighted to have him on board to lead this new service line.” Stuart added: “I am very much looking forward to working alongside my new colleagues at HTC, at such an exciting time of growth for the business across its various service lines. I look forward to drawing on my experience and contributing to the success of the Mechanical & Electrical Consultancy team.”
A new energy-from-waste centre in Avonmouth, Bristol has offered its £8.2 million contract for the delivery of all mechanical and electrical (M&E) works to SES Engineering Services (SES) and Clugston Construction. The firms will support the development of Viridor’s new £252 million facility by completing a series of works, including containment, lighting, small power, access control, ICT, CCTV, domestic water services, sanitary ware, above ground drainage, cooling, and mechanical ventilation. “We have a long history of delivering complex projects like this, and increasing our profile in the energy and waste sectors is an important growth driver for our business. Our experience gained on similar projects like Margam and Drax Power Station was a key decision maker for our appointment, and we look forward to applying this expertise to the Avonmouth project to ensure it is delivered safely and within its tight timescale,” said Steve Tovey, SES Business Director, Midlands and South West. The Avonmouth Resource Recovery Centre will process waste destined for landfill, to create energy for the national grid. Once completed, the site is expected to generate 32MWe of energy – enough to power 44,000 homes – and save 320,000 tonnes of waste from entering landfill. The bottom ash residue will also be reused for construction aggregate.SES is expected to start on site in January 2019 with hot commissioning scheduled to commence in October 2019, and full completion due in February 2020. Acquired by the Wates Group in 2015, SES Engineering Services (SES) is the UK’s pre-eminent design-led Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) provider. SES specialises in the design and installation of building services and infrastructure solutions covering all aspects of M&E. Clugston has over 80 years experience and it is proud to have built up a wealth of knowledge from a wide range of building and civil engineering projects, many of them high profile award winning schemes for national and international customers.
SELECT, the campaigning body for Scotland’s electrical sector professionals, has joined with other organisations across the country to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group. Since its inception in 1993, SEC Group has provided a strong lobbying voice to support the specialist engineering sector especially in the vital areas of contractual issues. In value terms, members of the SECG represent the largest sector of UK construction, comprising the industry’s premier trade associations. In exclusively working on behalf of specialist contractors, it has not only improved the trading environment but it has also become a driver for real l change and a strong proponent of a more collaborative and project-oriented culture. Alan Wilson, Acting Managing Director at SELECT, said: “Electrical contractors were among the first to agree, that specialist engineering required its own representational body and SELECT has been proud to be a part of SEC Group over the years. “SEC Group aims to influence at the highest levels of government and it continues to do that by offering well-researched, sensible, pragmatic solutions which are of significant benefit to both businesses and their clients.” SEC Group now includes; the British Constructional Steelwork Association; the Building Engineering Services Association; ECA, the electrotechnical and engineering services trade body; the Lift and Escalator Industry Association; the Scaffolding Association; SELECT, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland; and SNIPEF, the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation. Lord O’Neill of Clackmannan, the President of SEC Group, said: “Specialist engineering contractors across the UK deliver design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, repair and replacement of complex structures and systems. “Over 25 years, the group has worked tirelessly to inculcate a greater awareness amongst policy makers of the specialist engineering contribution to the life cycle of buildings and structures. In terms of the technologies involved that contribution is huge and will continue to grow.” Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills in the Scottish Parliament, said: “Over the years, SEC Group has grown significantly and the businesses it represents now account for 35% of the construction output across the UK. “In particular, I welcome the commitment SEC Group members have made to promoting and providing career and training opportunities for our young people through the protection and expansion of the apprenticeship programme.” SELECT’s 1250 member companies account for around 90% of all electrical installation work carried out in Scotland. They have a collective turnover of around £1 billion and provide employment for 15,000 people. For more information please contact Alan Wilson, Acting Managing Director at SELECT, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland, The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian, EH26 0SB. T: 0131 445 5577. F: 0131 445 5548. E: admin@select.org.uk. W: www.select.org.uk Twitter: http://twitter.com/updates_select https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWJVjt14CvIig8bIKwidVug
