JTL and EIC to develop mental health awareness courses

JTL has supported Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) to develop its new online learning platform, Mental Health for All: Training for mental health wellbeing. Recognising the impact that mental health concerns can have on those working in the electrical industry, EIC has launched a free online learning platform, offering a wide variety of mental health training courses and live interactive webinars. All courses are designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively navigate mental health challenges, both personally and professionally. During the building of the platform, JTL has supported EIC with scripting some of the courses and resources and contributed towards the development costs. Staff and apprentices from JTL were also involved in the national pilot phase to provide invaluable feedback that has helped shape the platform. The new platform is accessible online, allowing convenient mobile access to resources that provide essential skills for managing stress and offer help to those in need. Rachel Jagger-Thomas, Diversity, Safeguarding and Inclusion Advisor at JTL, comments, “Providing mental health and wellbeing support for our apprentices and the employers we place them with is a vital part of what we offer at JTL. As such, we are always looking for ways to promote mental health awareness and by partnering with Electrical Industries Charity, we have been able to help develop a range of resources to support all our apprentices and employers working within the electrical sector, as well as the wider construction industry.”

New Stratton mk3 System Selector tool from Hamworthy

Hamworthy Heating has announced the introduction of its new Stratton mk3 System Selector tool, designed to help simplify the product selection process for cascade arrangements. For installations that require more output delivered flexibly, a Stratton mk3 cascade system can be installed with up to six boilers at a time to meet building demands effectively. Wall hung cascades have grown in popularity within the past decade due to the additional turndown ratio and redundancy that this kind of installation offers. Available with a range of plate heat exchangers and low-loss headers (including bespoke frame and header kits), the new tool identifies all the Hamworthy products needed for an efficient heating system. By answering a few simple questions from a drop-down menu, such as the number of Stratton mk3 boilers to be cascaded, the highest single boiler output and gas type, the new tool will list all items required on screen. It can also be downloaded as a PDF or emailed directly for added convenience. Available in seven different outputs from 40 to 150kW, the Stratton mk3 wall-hung condensing boiler range features a five to one turndown ratio, pre-mix burner technology for clean operation with ErP Class 6 NOx emissions, and is fully compliant with the latest minimum required efficiencies in the Part L Building Regulations. Offering a small and durable solution for even the tightest of plant rooms, when fitted with a plate heat exchanger or low-loss header, the Stratton mk3 can be fitted to old systems ,with peace of mind that the new boiler is protected from any dirt or debris existing in a secondary circuit. Offering exceptional system tolerance, the Stratton mk3 is backed by a five-year heat exchanger warranty.

A fifth of tradespeople injured when breaking health and safety rules

New research from Direct Line reveals almost one in five (19%) tradespeople have been injured as a result of breaking health and safety rules on site. The scale of health and safety breaches is concerning, with 46% of tradespeople admitting they do not always take the required precautions when conducting work. For many tradespeople, there is a lack of awareness of the relevant health and safety regulations, with 45% saying they are not fully aware of, or regularly updating themselves on, relevant legislation. Two fifths (39%) of tradespeople say that there is not always an emphasis on making sure junior colleagues or trainees know how to follow health and safety rules, dangerously combining a lack of experience with a lack of training. When asked whether they would pull up a colleague if they were not following a serious rule, just 60% said that they would step in. Alison Traboulsi, Product Manager at Direct Line Business Insurance, comments, “Health and safety training in some businesses is inadequate, with staff suffering injuries as a result. It is important to stress the importance of this training and not treat it as an optional part of the job - it is a core part of business’ responsibility to its employees. “An employer has a duty of care for its employees, in addition, if training that is designed to keep those employees safe is not up to scratch, it could leave businesses open to employers’ liability claims. A lack of health and safety awareness could also lead to other claims, for example, an injury to a member of the public or damage to a neighbouring property. Employees’ actions could also cause damage to the business’ own tools and equipment. “Failure to adequately train employees, particularly those who are less experienced or apprentices, could lead to them needing to take several weeks off while they recover from an injury, or worse, their livelihood could be affected permanently. We encourage both businesses and employees to stay up to date with the most relevant and important rules on site. Not only could it save money, it could save someone’s life. Businesses and employees can access and brush up on the latest health and safety guidance on the Health and Safety Executive website. “We recognise that accidents will, sadly, happen, and Direct Line is there to support you when things go wrong. Our employers’ liability insurance covers businesses for £10 million as standard, so you know you’re covered for compensation payments to the claimant, claimant’s costs including their medical expenses, and your legal fees and costs, should an employee make a claim against you. We also offer public liability cover from £1million, which covers you for claims from members of the public or customers if your business causes damage to their property or injures them as a result of the business’ negligent actions.”

Choice of cabling is critical under the new building safety regime

AEI Cables has said the correct choice of cabling under the new building safety regime is critical in protecting lives and property. The company is highlighting the crucial part played by electrical safety systems, including cabling in the development of higher risk buildings, under the new Building Safety Act 2022, which is now in force. For the construction industry and electrical safety systems, it means an overhaul in existing regulations with clear guidelines on the construction and management of higher risk buildings. Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, says, “We cannot stress enough that the changes under this legislation cover the whole supply chain including electrical safety systems and cabling. “Ensuring the correct selection of cabling has been made will be a fundamental part of safety in the systems installed into high-risk buildings. We are happy to provide guidance on these issues as the wrong choice could compromise whole systems. “This is an opportunity for the electrical safety industry to work together wherever relevant through the supply chains. If these systems fail because the cable is not able to function properly then the consequences are apparent.” The systems powered by electrical cables, including smoke and heat extraction systems, assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. The new Building Safety Act 2022 has been developed as a new framework for the design, construction and occupation of higher risk buildings. These buildings are defined as being a minimum of 18m or seven storeys in height and comprise of at least two domestic premises. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control. The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes.

KNIPEX BiX cutter for plastic pipes and sealing sleeves

KNIPEX has launched its KNIPEX BiX cutter which cuts plastic pipes and sealing sleeves without shavings and is so compact that it fits in one hand. The blade of the practical tool for use in plumbing and electrical applications can be used in two positions: In the middle for regular cutting of various pipe diameters, or with the external blade, enabling sealing sleeves to be cut close to the wall. KNIPEX BiX is a solution that will enable you to work professionally in accordance with DIN 18534. The KNIPEX BiX (90 22 10) pipe cutter can be used to cut plastic pipes and sealing sleeves cleanly without shavings. The innovative hand tool fits comfortably in one hand. It can be used to cut high-temperature plastic drain pipes and empty electrical conduits in no time and with little effort. It is suitable for unreinforced plastic pipes with a diameter of 20 to 50mm and a wall thickness of up to 2.4mm. The blade unit integrated in the tool can be rotated by 180°. The blade can thus be attached in the centre of the tool to cut plastic pipes of various diameters to length or to reliably cut sealing sleeves two to three millimetres from the wall with the blade positioned on the outside. This setting ensures that work can be carried out correctly in accordance with DIN 18534, so that moisture is reliably deflected. With this new type of tool, KNIPEX is offering a solution for compliance with the DIN standard that will protect walls from long-term damage and leaks. The KNIPEX BiX can be reliably locked with a small blue latch for safe transport. The pipe cutter comes with two spare blades, which as the already installed blade, are made of special surgical stainless steel 'Made in Solingen'. The tool itself is cast from sturdy, fibreglass-reinforced plastic and carries the characteristic KNIPEX red with a blue logo.

Mayor of Hull opens JTL’s newest training centre

JTL has welcomed the Lord Mayor of Hull, Councillor Kalvin Neal, to officially open its newest training facility in Hull. The centre, located on the outskirts of Hull city centre at 10 Sykes Street, is a result of an investment totalling £1.2 million for the construction of the facility. JTL has repurposed what was formerly a city centre children’s nursery into a fully equipped training centre for both electrical, plumbing and heating apprenticeships. The centre has already created new jobs in the local area including three new training officer roles and two tutor roles, with more opportunities to follow as the centre develops. Councillor Kalvin Neal, who was joined by Lady Mayoress, Councillor Tracey Neal, explored the training facilities and engaged with apprentices and the JTL team including JTL’s Chief Executive, Chris Claydon, to gain an insight into the varied opportunities that the centre presents for the local community. The centre boasts a modern classroom, fully equipped electrical and plumbing workshops, canteen facilities and onsite parking. The East Yorkshire-based hub forms part of JTL’s network of training centres across England. The apprenticeships JTL delivers have been designed by the sector for the sector. JTL offers a comprehensive service to ensure that taking on an apprentice with them is simple. Its dedicated staff supports both the employer and their apprentice throughout the entire apprenticeship process, ensuring the employer gains a competent employee, as well as providing them with a dedicated training officer and a free toolkit. Chris Claydon, Chief Executive at JTL, says, “We are pleased to welcome Councillor Kalvin Neal to the opening of our newest training centre in Hull. This £1.2 million investment demonstrates our commitment to providing high-quality training facilities for those completing electrical and plumbing and heating apprenticeships. “Hull serves as another pivotal location to deliver future-proof training for apprentices, arming them with green skills that are crucial for meeting the UK’s net zero targets." Councillor Kalvin Neal, Mayor of Hull, adds, “It has been a great privilege to officially open JTL’s latest training centre in Hull. This significant investment not only enriches our local community by transforming a disused building in the city, but also showcases JTL’s dedication to fostering skills and opportunities in the region. I am excited to see the positive impact this centre will have on apprentices and employers alike.”

BGEN launches industry-leading carbon and energy reduction offer

BGEN has launched an industry-leading carbon and energy reduction offer to support its clients on their decarbonisation journeys. The comprehensive offer will build on the company’s digital, electrical and mechanical engineering expertise, and will add further value to customers through an alliance with the trusted sustainability consultancy, Tunley Environmental. “Following the completion of several decarbonisation projects for our clients we’ve decided to formalise the offer,” says Robin Whitehead, Chief Executive Officer at BGEN. “Our carbon and energy reduction proposition will offer real value to organisations in sectors such as heavy industry, pharma and utilities that are actively looking to decarbonise their operations.” The carbon reduction offer includes feasibility and planning, implementation and project management, and ongoing monitoring and improvement recommendations, and is targeted at medium to large organisations. Core mechanical and electrical services will be offered alongside innovative digital solutions such as resource (energy/water/material) monitoring and live carbon (CO2e) calculations – which will be key as the company looks to offer continuous improvement support to its clients. BGEN’s alliance with Tunley Environmental will enable the company to offer a step change in sustainability advice to its clients. The Tunley Environmental team includes dedicated environmental scientists that help organisations around the world to assess and reduce their operational and product life cycle carbon footprints. “The alliance with Tunley Environmental will strengthen our consultancy offer and enable us to offer circular net zero solutions to our customers,” says Oliver Groarke, Head of Future Markets at BGEN. “Practically, we can now help companies to calculate their carbon footprint, assist them in developing roadmaps, and most importantly, turn these roadmaps into reality.” BGEN recently completed the transformation of its headquarters into a net zero building. The project provided an opportunity to implement new technologies which will be on available to clients as part of this offer.

Explore the new ECS cards for the building controls sector

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) has launched a series of new ECS cards for the building controls industry. Following the launch of the Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) apprenticeship standard, an occupational qualification structure was developed by the building controls industry, following feedback from the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA), employers, training providers and other industry representatives to align the future industry skills need. This structure has now been in place for a number of years and has recently been reviewed and updated by industry employers and other stakeholders to ensure this is fit for purpose while maintaining the standard set for engineers by way of the BEMS apprenticeship. The suite of ECS cards for building controls includes: Building controls apprentice: For those on an apprenticeship programme being undertaken for  building controls, such as the Level Four Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) Controls Engineer. Building controls associate: For those who are generally working under supervision or deploying engineered elements and defined tasks and activities. Provides a progression route for people working in the BEMS sector. Building controls installer (electrical): For technical staff that need to support the installation of building control systems in areas of set up, programming and end user training of the installed system. Building controls technician (commissioning): For technical staff that need to support the installation of building control systems in areas of software, fault finding, and commissioning, but do not undertake installation or electrical works. Building controls experienced worker: For applicants that have enrolled onto the BEMS EWA route and completed the BEMS Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) knowledge assessment (as a prerequisite for eligibility onto the EWA), but do not yet have a full industry qualification, such as BEMS Controls Engineer apprenticeship. Building controls engineer: For operatives who work unsupervised to install and maintain integrated building controls that manage the environmental services within a building, for the comfort of its users. ECS is currently working with the BCIA to develop an EWA which will lead to a gold card. This will give the opportunity for experienced professionals, who did not have the opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship or regulated training routes to meet the same standard as those completing their BEMS apprenticeship. The EWA recognises a person’s existing industry experience and takes into account the work they have been carrying out to the nationally recognised standard so it means people do not need to go back to college and is a cost and time effective way of assessing the level of work already being undertaken. When you've successfully gone through the assessment process, you'll gain an industry recognised certification that meets the requirements for an ECS gold card application. All ECS cards require a valid ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Awareness assessment to have been completed or a valid exemption held.

ESP's commitment to sustainable practice: A closer look

Driving change to address economic, social and environmental challenges has been high on everyone’s agenda. From fostering positive workplaces, to achieving net zero, tackling climate change and nurturing environmental regeneration, everyone has a role to play. At a time when green credentials and sustainability remain a high priority for businesses, ESP has announced a number of initiatives the company has undertaken to limit the environmental impact of its operation at its Midlands-based headquarters. One of the key aims for the business was to reduce the overall amount of packaging used in the 30,000ft² warehouse. The first step was to review the use of all the boxes and packaging in which products are received into the warehouse. Instead of this packaging material being sent off for commercial waste recycling, it is now shredded on site and used for the subsequent packing up of ESP products for distribution to customers. In a further endorsement of its green credentials, ESP has implemented a policy whereby 100% recycled brown packaging paper is now used to protect all products on deliveries to its customers, replacing the 72% recycled packaging paper that was previously used. In addition, all the boxes in which ESP products are packaged for delivery are now 100% recycled. Another major area of consideration in terms of packaging was the use of plastic tape to seal up boxes. As well as being less recyclable than paper and taking longer to break down, plastic tape may also rely on more complex resources and energy systems in the creation process. ESP now uses the eco-friendly paper tape alternative. Commenting on the measures taken and resulting savings made, Steve Danks, Warehouse Manager at ESP, says, “Sustainability has been at the forefront of our operations for years, and we are constantly taking measures to improve and address our environmental impact. With the focus on packaging reduction, we have not only saved on the amount of packaging and waste we use as a business but have also made significant cost savings in the process. Our switch to paper tape means that we have saved 450,000m of plastic tape since the beginning of 2020.” At the same time as overhauling its packaging solutions, ESP undertook a review of the lighting provision throughout the warehouse. This resulted in the replacement of the old incandescent light fittings with more energy efficient LED alternatives. The fittings chosen for the general warehouse areas were the Ovia Inceptor Hion 200W LED High Bay dimmable lights with microwave sensor and a total of 50 have been installed throughout the warehouse space. The microwave sensor version was selected as the best energy saving option, with lighting only being activated in areas that are occupied. ESP has also undertaken the installation of a new charging point facility for the fleet of electric fork lift trucks that operate at its site.

Ovia launches new emergency downlight adaptor plates

Ovia has added new adaptor plates for its 3W and 5W standard and self-test range of IBEX emergency downlights. The existing range of IBEX emergency downlights have a cut out diameter of 35mm (3W) and 48mm (5W). The new range of adaptor plates are designed for installations where the opening in the ceiling is larger than the cut outs stated for the IBEX Emergency Downlights. The new range of adaptor plates will now allow a maximum hole coverage of 75mm. The adaptor plates are available in white and black finishes.