Hamworthy Heating helps charity to reduce carbon footprint

When Hull and East Yorkshire Centre for the Deaf needed a modern heating system to replace its existing boiler which was experiencing faults, Hamworthy Heating stepped in to provide the charity with the Stratton mk3 wall-hung condensing boiler, free of charge, to help the charity to achieve maximum savings. To evaluate the heating requirements of Hull and East Yorkshire Centre for the Deaf, a site visit was commissioned free of charge by Tucker Mechanical and Electrical Building Services. With cost being a major consideration for the charity, Tucker Mechanical and Electrical Building Services decided that the Stratton mk3 wall-hung condensing boiler system with stainless steel heat exchanger would be the best way forward in helping the charity reduce its carbon footprint and lower operational costs. The selected model delivers an output of 70kW, a gross seasonal efficiency of 95.5% and features an integral sequence controller, 5:1 turndown and quiet operation. Accessories also supplied include two frame and header kits to increase the overall output of the boiler system up to 140kW, a plate heat exchanger, pressurisation unit and an expansion vessel. Moving to the Stratton mk3 wall-hung system provides the building with a space-saving alternative to its previous floor-standing unit. Featuring a lightweight stainless-steel design and a compact footprint, the Stratton mk3 was installed on an internal frame. This allowed space to fit pump equipment and a plate heat exchanger for hydraulic separation to preserve the internal boiler components. “As a company, we only align ourselves with reputable companies which offer quality products and Hamworthy has never let us down. Always on hand to provide valuable support and advice, the Hamworthy team is reliable, efficient and always a pleasure to work with,” comments Kevin Peacock, Tucker Mechanical and Electrical Building Services. Following the upgrade, Hull and East Yorkshire Centre for the Deaf now benefits from a reliable and energy efficient stainless steel boiler system which has enabled the charity to reduce its carbon footprint, lower fuel bills and achieve future maintenance and servicing savings.

Deadline extended for ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award

The entry deadline for the 2023 ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award has been extended to 23 June 2023. For over 45 years, the ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award has been widely recognised as a premier training award in the electrotechnical and engineering services industry. It aims to showcase the very best talent across ECA’s member businesses. The winner will receive an array of prizes including £3,000 cash, a state-of-the-art toolkit and a unique study trip in Dornbirn, Austria, sponsored by manufacturer ZG lighting. They will also receive a Certificate of Commendation and two VIP tickets to the 2024 ECA Awards dinner. There are also great prizes for two runners-up, including a £1,500 cash prize, a state-of-the-art toolkit and a Certificate of Commendation. Finalists will not only have good technical skills, but also be role models for others in the industry. Eligible applicants will have completed their AM2 since April 2022. The winners’ employer will be awarded a year’s subscription to the BSI library and a year-long licence for Electrical OM software, as well as increased company profile, press coverage, and two VIP tickets to the 2024 ECA Awards dinner. The runner-up’s employers will also be awarded a year-long Electrical OM licence, increased company profile and press coverage. Last year’s winner, Veronica Jennings of Imtech Engineering Services, went on a study trip to Austria with manufacturer ZG Lighting. Since winning the award, she has seen her career go from strength to strength in just a matter of months. Veronica comments, “Since receiving the ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award, I’ve been working hard on sites to move up in the company. Imtech has also invited me to join its core ED&I group, which focuses on supporting the next generation and taking positive steps in the workplace. “I wish this year’s entrants the best of luck, and strongly encourage any electrical business with one or more bright sparks to enter.”

Teledyne FLIR introduces DM286 Infrared Guided Measurement Multimeter

Teledyne FLIR has announced the DM286 Infrared Guided Measurement (IGM) Multimeter, and two new clamp meters, the CM57-2 and the CM85-2. The reimagined multimeter and clamp meters replace the predecessor DM285, CM57, and CM85, respectively, providing technicians with upgraded tools to perform safe and accurate electrical inspections and to identify hazards before contact is made. “The FLIR DM285 IGM multimeter and the CM57 and CM85 clamp meters have proven to be enormously popular for electrical inspection, and we are thrilled to reintroduce these flagship products with even more compelling features,” says Rob Milner, Business Development Director, Teledyne FLIR. “The redesigned FLIR DM286 Industrial Imaging Multimeter with IGM now features FLIR-patented multispectral dynamic imaging (MSX) that adds visible light details to thermal images in real-time for greater clarity. It also includes video recording, longer run time, and compatibility with the new FLIR METERLiNK app.” The DM286 is designed to enable electricians to pinpoint hot spots and other problem areas faster, safer, and more efficiently. It features 160×120 thermal resolution from the embedded Lepton thermal microcamera, along with an embedded visible-light camera and bright LED work light to operate MSX in low light. MSX is additive in that the visible light edge details are displayed on top of the thermal image without sacrificing any thermal detail or resolution. The multimeter can also store up to 30,000 radiometric thermal images and log files and includes longer battery life for inspectors to capture images and log files all day long. For those using other FLIR test and measurement tools alongside the DM286, the new FLIR METERLiNK app, which replaced the FLIR Tools app, can work independently or in concert with compatible FLIR devices. It is also effective for complying with the updated National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70B 2023 rules released in April, which changed the use of thermography for electrical equipment maintenance from 'recommended' to 'required.'

Stay comfortable, protect your feet and look great

When you are working hard in hot, dry weather, you want work shoes and boots that are lightweight and comfortable, yet tough enough to protect you. Carhartt’s Michigan safety boot and shoe range is crafted from lightweight materials and offers great protection, without sacrificing comfort or quality. The Michigan Rugged Flex S1P Safety Shoe (F700911) has a leather upper with a fiberglass safety toe for protection and comfort in dry environments. This trainer-styled safety shoe is built for individuals looking for protection without the need for water-resistance and made with lighter materials that maintain quality. For those who want even more support while they work, the Midcut Safety Boot (F700909) offers a more traditional boot design while the Midcut Zip Safety Boot (F700919) has a convenient zip for easy removal. All of the Michigan Safety Boots and Shoes are built with a fiberglass safety toe, uphold S1P standards and will protect your feet from 200J of weight and impact. Comfort is also enhanced with a fully cushioned footbed with shock absorption to reduce fatigue and a lightweight non-metal anti-penetration plate prevents sharp objects piercing the sole and causing injury to the foot. The rubber outsole provides slip resistance, insulation, heat, and oil resistance. When you spend many hours of your workday standing, your feet will expand over time, therefore Carhartt has engineered the fit to allow space for your feet to remain comfortable even if this happens. So don’t let the summer slow you down - embrace the warmer weather and conquer the site with style and comfort with Carhartt.

ESP gives its access control range the V-IP treatment

ESP has added a new range of products to its Aperta access control portfolio. The new Aperta IP PoE (Power over Ethernet) collection provides quick and easy to install door entry solutions for a wide range of projects, covering large apartment blocks to small commercial properties and domestic dwellings. The new IP access control range is designed to offer more flexible installation and improved performance compared with traditional ‘two-wire’ and ‘four-wire’ systems. The IP range comprises a visitor Multi Way and a Single Way outdoor station to suit a range of project applications, and a feature-packed video monitor to enhance user preferences, complete with APP facility. All devices are connected together via PoE switches, making installations convenient by removing the requirement to have a power supply per device. In addition, unlike other options on the market, the Aperta IP door entry system does not require programming software to configure the system. At one end of the range is the IP PoE IP65-rated Multi Way Outdoor Station, which is capable of supporting over 200 apartments, and includes proximity fob and keypad function to release connected door locks, making it an ideal system for buildings housing multiple apartments or offices. For smaller private or commercial projects is the IP PoE IP65-rated Single Way Outdoor Station, which also includes proximity fob and keypad release facility and can simultaneously call up to six video monitors. Both outdoor stations are manufactured from an aluminium alloy offering a robust housing design solution with a high impact rating. They feature high-definition cameras and full duplex audio to provide clear communication during a visitor call. The Multi Way Outdoor Station has the additional benefit of a user-friendly 4in GUI display. The 7in monitors are available in a black or white housing option and feature a slimline, contemporary design. They offer Wi-Fi and LAN connection to support the various functions of the ClickSmart+ app, including the ‘Call Divert’ feature, which transfers calls to the app when a visitor calls from the outdoor station. The monitors incorporate a user-friendly touch screen GUI monitor and offer a full high-definition live view from the outstation’s camera, as well as duplex audio. They also include a monitor record function (microSD card required). For smaller projects there are two Aperta IP PoE Villa Kits available and each comprises the IP PoE IP65-rated outdoor station, IP PoE monitor - in a choice of black or white - and an IP PoE four-channel switch with two uplink ports. [embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggdgG2rOcfc[/embed]

SELECT pays tribute to past president David Smith

A stalwart of the electrical industry has been recognised for his tireless contribution to the sector with honorary membership of SELECT. David Smith, a past president of the organisation and a former representative of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Branch, was accorded the exclusive honour at the association’s 111th Annual General Meeting. Handing over the award, President, Alistair Grant paid tribute to the extraordinary dedication shown by David, who has held a wide range of roles at SELECT over the past 26 years and won its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. David says, “It’s a great honour to accept this award and quite a surprise too because it feels like just yesterday that I joined SELECT. “I have seen massive change in the association during my time here and I like the fact that everyone is made more than welcome, whether a big or small company. That’s why I tell people, ‘Join SELECT – you’ll never regret it’.” David continues, “I am very moved by the tribute of honorary membership and I would like to dedicate this award to all the colleagues, office bearers and officials with whom I have shared a wonderful and fulfilling career. “The electrical sector in Scotland has never been in better health, with recognition of the job’s social and environmental importance and record numbers of apprentices, and great credit must be afforded to the association for fostering this climate.” Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, says, “I believe it gives everyone in the organisation and our associates in the wider sector great pleasure to officially recognise the skill, experience and dedication that David has brought to the many posts he has held. “David has had a full and fulfilling professional life, including work in national enterprises such as British Steel, and has created a successful business. He has always taken a keen interest in everything to do with the electrotechnical sector in Scotland. “He has been a great friend and supporter of this organisation, but he has also played major roles in a number of Scottish and UK enterprises and associations over the years and has always been a keen supporter of apprenticeships.” In his time with SELECT, David chaired the Electrotechnical Committee, was a member of the board of the industry sector skills council, SummitSkills, and served on SELECT’s Training and Skills Committee. He also held the presidency between 2005 and 2007. Alistair, who has been nominated as president for another year at the AGM along with Vice-President Mike Stark, adds, “Once David had fulfilled his role as immediate past president, he again became a representative of the branch, a position he held until March this year - a total service of 26 years. Some of our staff are not even that old! “He will be a huge loss to the association, but I know we will be able to call on his experience at any time.” Before the AGM itself, the SELECT Central Board met for its second quarterly meeting of the year, during which representatives from all eight branches discussed progress and the priorities of the association for 2023 and beyond. Alistair also provided his own snapshot of current activity in SELECT and the wider industry, delivering updates on regulation of the industry, the ongoing work of the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) and the association’s role in the workforce of the future. The event also featured a tribute and moment’s silence in honour of former association president Pat Feeney, who passed away in February, aged 91.

KNIPEX launches the KNIPEXplorer pliers’ finder app

KNIPEX has launched its new app ‘KNIPEX - pliers finder for professionals’, an important next step in the digitisation of its offering. Users can now use the app to discover a great deal of information about the Wuppertal-based manufacturer's hand tools or to find the right tool for a specific application - whether in the workshop or on the road. It is now available free of charge in the Apple App Store and on Google Play. The new app is a tool advisor and detailed source of information in one. An intelligent product search also immediately lists all the relevant information about the desired pliers after a keyword search or specification of the item number. The product finder, the so-called KNIPEXplorer, is the right place for anyone looking for a specific product for their area of application. Here, after entering the type of activity and the material used, the app suggests the right tool for it. The KNIPEXplorer will initially include pipe cutters, pipe shears and crimping pliers, and other types of tools will follow soon. In an integrated wish list, users can save all KNIPEX tools of interest to them in their personal user account. With the augmented reality function, selected tools can also be placed virtually on the workbench: simply switch on the camera and view the pliers in three dimensions, rotate, zoom and place them anywhere in the room. Further updates and extensions of the KNIPEX pliers’ finder are already planned. The KNIPEX app is now available in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.

Compleo UK to select maintenance partners for EV chargers

Compleo Charging Solutions UK has announced the initiation of a new tender process aimed at selecting maintenance partners for its network of electric vehicle (EV) chargers across the UK and Ireland. Compleo is looking to grow its network of operational and maintenance partners, who between them can service and maintain over 2,000 commercial EV installations across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Compleo has supplied EV chargers to franchised dealers across the UK, from Audi to Volvo. It is also partners with Network Rail and APCOA, and is looking to hear from companies who have a team of field-based engineers who are looking to move into the fast-growing EV charging industry, as well as those with EV experience. “With significant growth planned over the next three years we are looking for regional and national partners, ideally with EV experience who can help maintain our customer SLA’s and provide a blend of reactive, scheduled and preventative works,” says Compleo UK CEO, Valentin Scheltow. The tender will be issued week commencing 12 June, register your interest here.

Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity 2022 Impact Report findings

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity has published its 2022 Impact Report, which details the positive impact its work has had on the construction community. The charity delivered £3,322,739 of services, and for every £1 of charitable spend the charity created a social value of £9.12. Last year, the charity helped more people than ever before with 3,421 families reaching out for support, a 23% increase on the previous year. 76% of requests for support came from tradespeople seeking help with a variety of emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support. The charity’s caseworkers leveraged a staggering £1.77m of additional funding to support 1,976 complex cases where multiple interventions were required to resolve issues such as homelessness, family breakdowns and domestic abuse. In response to the issues faced in what can be a challenging environment, the charity invested 22% of its grant expenditure in delivering 1,753 face-to-face and virtual counselling sessions. This service has meant that the construction workforce has had fast access to a variety of counselling services to address issues such as bereavement, relationship breakdowns and anger management. Launched in February 2022, the charity’s ‘Make it Visible on Site’ initiative has seen it visit 173 sites and engage with almost 9000 site operatives. The ‘On Site’ team has met with some of the industry’s most vulnerable workers, and have provided immediate safeguarding support to 25 people during their visits. Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, says, “We know that there is still much work to be done, but we don’t see the increase in calls for help as a negative. Quite the contrary, if people are reaching out for help it means that they are hearing about us and not letting issue reach crisis point. Our Make It Visible On-Site initiative has been one of our most successful campaigns to date and has enabled us to reach out directly to our trades and site operatives. Our team can share their own lived experiences in an informal and approachable way and the fact that we have provided immediate safeguarding and lifesaving interventions to 25 people last year alone is testament to its success.” Another new initiative introduced by the charity in 2022 was its Critical Response Service, which delivers essential support and early intervention during critical incidents. These can include serious or fatal on-site accidents or incidents where someone has attempted to, or already taken their own life on site or elsewhere. In 2022 the Critical Response team attended 28 sites where a critical incident had occurred and supported 1,218 people in coping with the trauma they had experienced Sarah Bolton, COO, adds, “We are continually expanding our charitable services to respond to the needs of our industry to ensure that our message of support reaches those who may not know how or where to ask for help. "Last year we introduced a new text support service alongside our existing 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline and Helpline app. The HARDHAT text service offers immediate support to those who feel more comfortable texting rather than talking on the phone. "We’ve also increased our network of Lighthouse Beacons that provide a safe, non-judgemental environment where people can share their issues with like-minded people either online or face to face. "All these services are underpinned by our Construction Industry Helpline app and the recently launched, CITB funded, Workforce Welfare and Wellbeing portal, giving every opportunity for our workforce and their families to gain free access to the support they need.”

JTL announces the winners of its Employer Recognition Awards

JTL has announced the winners of its 2023 Employer Recognition Awards. The awards process, which takes place annually, recognises employers who have shown remarkable levels of support and commitment toward their JTL apprentices. With five award winners this year, it has taken a considerable level of consistency and merit for each winner to stand out amongst JTL’s base of over 3,800 employers. The winning employers are as follows: Northern Geoffrey Robinson Southern CDS Electrical Eastern R.C Services Western R S Response National EMCOR UK Judi Wheeler, National Delivery Director at JTL, says, “Within the apprenticeship process, employers play an invaluable role. Without the right workplace for an apprentice to properly learn, grown and develop, the purpose of an apprenticeship can be all but lost. “And so, to recognise the significance of an employer’s role in the process, and to commend those who go above and beyond their duties, we run our annual Employer Recognition Awards. We’re pleased to celebrate the success of our employers around the country, and we’re incredibly proud to work with this year’s winners.”