Expert tips for staying safe whilst working in bad weather

Bad weather can be a nightmare for those working in construction or the trades, causing delays which can increase both the cost and the timeframe for the completion of a project, whilst also making working on site potentially dangerous if appropriate precautions aren’t taken. Recent research by IronmongeryDirect found that the average tradesperson loses £1,300 per year due to bad weather and misses an average of a week of work annually. Amongst the trades that are impacted by bad weather the most are plumbers, who lose £1,723 per year, electricians, who lose £1,570, and builders, who miss out on £1,548. Whilst it can be tempting to avoid delays and losing money by working through bad weather, it’s important to ensure that the safety of yourself and others is prioritised. For this reason, IronmongeryDirect has provided some expert tips to help you stay safe when working in bad conditions. Monitor the weather You should ensure that you’re constantly keeping an eye on the weather to determine what kind of work you can do safely. For example, if there’s a thunderstorm you should prioritise jobs that can be done indoors to avoid getting caught in the rain. Similarly, in heavy rain it is important to avoid work where slippery surfaces can pose a health risk. Working in an exposed position without any kind of protection or shelter can be a serious hazard, so it’s important to ensure that you’re monitoring the conditions and adjusting your work accordingly. Avoid working at height Most types of bad weather can make working at height particularly dangerous, so it’s important that you avoid these types of jobs in bad conditions. Whether its high wind making it more unstable to work on exposed positions at height, or heavy rain creating slippery surfaces that are more dangerous to stand or walk on, jobs lower to the ground are safer during bad weather. Be aware of your surroundings Building sites are hazardous at the best of times, and potential risks increase in the bad weather. When you’re working and exposed to the elements, ensure that you’re aware of the potential hazards that could be around you. Check to see if scaffolding or equipment is secure and not posing a danger to you or anyone else, keep an eye out to see if any tools or materials could pose a tripping hazard and remove them if so. You should also try to be aware of other people or activities going on around you so you can safely avoid them. Secure loose materials and equipment In high winds and heavy rain, loose materials and equipment can pose a serious risk if they aren’t properly secured. In bad weather, unsecured items can move around and potentially cause disruption to a work site, which could result in either additional time spent clearing up and replacing the materials, or in the worst case, they could pose a danger to yourself or others on site. Don’t hesitate to stop Weather can progressively get worse as the day goes on, and what may have started out as workable conditions may deteriorate to a point where it is no longer safe to continue working. If this happens, then it’s important to call a halt to working outdoors until the weather improves. Whilst a delay to work is never desirable, it’s always better than having to deal with a disastrous situation that occurs from choosing to continue working in bad weather.  

Head-on Electrical charges ahead with zero emission transportation

Hull-based Head-on Electrical has taken a positive stride towards switching its entire van fleet to clean, green battery power. The successful contractor runs a fleet of 12 vans, each racked to carry tools, cabling and other components used by its electricians to take on assignments for a wide range of commercial and domestic clients across the city and beyond - including the installation of electric vehicle recharging points. Head-on Electrical was established in 2009 by brothers Tony and James Fethon and now employs a team of 35 colleagues, who work across Hull and the East of Yorkshire. The company boasts accreditation from the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) and offers a range of services, from issuing electrical safety certificates to partial and full rewires for domestic and commercial properties of any size, and providing electric vehicle charging points as an approved installer for the EV Chargers UK brand. Head-on is proud to be ‘big enough to cope, small enough to care’, and places top-quality customer service at the heart of its business. Tony says, “Given that an increasing amount of our work is in the provision of charging infrastructure to help customers switch over to electric vehicles, it makes obvious sense for us to be running battery-powered vans on our own fleet. “This Mercedes-Benz eVito is the first of many, and is already proving to be a great mobile advertisement for our company as well as a highly effective and efficient performer.” He continues, “Moving to electric transportation will be a major step forward in our strategic goal to reduce the impact of our activities on the local environment as much as possible and make the company as sustainable as it can be - we see this as part of our responsibility to care for the community in which we all live and work.” The keys to the eVito were handed to Senior Electrician Paul Sinclair. He comments, “I’d never driven an electric vehicle before but making the transition was no problem at all. Our local retailer gave me a thorough introduction to all the controls and functions, and it felt like second nature in no time at all. Now I love driving the eVito - it’s much smoother and quieter than a diesel van, and with full torque available from a standstill the performance feels effortless.” The L2 long-bodied eVito was supplied in showroom condition, was actually a used vehicle - albeit one with just 500 miles on the clock. “The availability of a used model made this green option even more accessible,” recalls Tony. “Like any operator we’re keen to keep our total cost of vehicle operation as low as possible. The two-year ServiceCare package that we opted to buy upfront means running costs will be easily predictable, and our own charging point supported by a solar panel helps to minimise topping-up costs - all of which means the eVito makes financial as well as environmental sense. Now we’re looking forward to adding more, as soon as possible.”

THE WIRE: from one record-breaking series to another

THE WIRE, NICEIC's hit technical webinar programme, has smashed all previous records, more than doubling its reach in 2022. Delivering 22 episodes between January to December, the season racked up an impressive 80,000 views through its live broadcasts and on-demand service. Furthermore, audiences for the live broadcasts were up a whopping 50% when compared to the previous year, with average viewing numbers exceeding 1,300 per episode. “We have identified a real winning formula with THE WIRE,” says Paul Collins, NICEIC's Head of Technical Services. “The feedback received shows we are consistently hitting 4.7 out of five stars, with comments indicating that the topics covered are both relevant and timely. “Our Amendment 2 episode was a great example. Timed to coincide with the day the details were released, this episode has now been viewed over 10,000 times.” Free and exclusive to NICEIC registered businesses, all episodes from the 2022 series are available to watch on-demand now. Paul continues, “We are confident our 2023 line-up will deliver more success. Kicking off in January, we will be covering EICR Coding - Amendment 2 Special, Everything you need to know about SPDs, Consumer Unit Replacement and Shedding the light on Solar PV.” All CPD-certified THE WIRE webinars count towards the EAS requirement, and for each episode watched, viewers will receive a personalised CPD Certificate.

Construction charity braced for surge in its mental health text service

Band of Builders (BoB) is gearing up for an increase in use of its new mental health text service during the festive period - following new figures that indicate that 5,583 people died by suicide in Britain during the last year. The charity launched the service in October as part of its annual Big Brew campaign so that tradespeople, contractors and their families can text BOB to 85258 at any time to get much-needed help. BoB is expecting to see a spike in usage over Christmas and into the new year - and it wants to encourage people from across the construction community not to suffer in silence. Peter Cape, the Big Brew Lead at Band of Builders, says that Christmas is always a stressful period at the best of times - but this year it is compounded by additional pressures such as the cost-of-living crisis and sky-high energy bills. “Band of Builders is making a simple appeal this Christmas to everyone involved in the construction industry to ask for help if they are suffering with mental health issues,” he says. “We’re asking scaffolders, roofers, electricians, builders and everyone else in construction, or their families, who are concerned about their mental health to take that all-important first step and text BOB to 85258. “Our text service team are trained to respond to the full spectrum of mental health issues, including abuse, addiction, anger issues, anxiety, bereavement, bullying, depression, loneliness, personality disorders, relationship issues, self-harm, trauma, work-related stress and even suicidal thoughts. “ONS figures used as part of the Big Brew campaign - which is sponsored by Big Red Construction - suggest that UK construction sector workers are nearly three times as likely to die by suicide than their counterparts in other industries, and the suicide rate of UK construction workers is estimated to be as high as two people every day.” The appeal is especially important, as figures being reported in The Times newspaper suggest that last year, 5,583 people died by suicide in Britain. Peter added that the sole aim of the Big Brew has been to make it as easy as possible for tradespeople and contractors to take the first step and reach out. Last year’s campaign raised enough money to fund a counselling service specifically for the construction industry for two years. “The new text service has been a welcome addition to the counselling service - which means we can offer different routes by which tradespeople can get much-needed help and support.”

Screwfix extends refurbished power tools offering

Screwfix is proud to extend its range of refurbished power tools, supporting even more tradespeople and serious DIYers to get their jobs done quickly, affordably and right first time, with responsibly manufactured products made to last. Earlier this year, the retailer launched a successful trial on Screwfix.com, with the trade showing how it values the opportunity to give tools a second and longer life. To give customers more sustainable product options, Screwfix has decided to grow its refurb offer. Initially set up with 12 units, the range now counts over 700 products, with over 75,000 items successfully refurbished in 2022. When products are returned, they are fully PAT and functionality tested. All components and instructions are checked, cleaned, and refurbished so contractors have everything they need to get the job done. The refurbished tools are also supplied with all accessories and benefit from a one-year guarantee. Where it is not possible to repair and refurbish a faulty product, Screwfix recover spare parts and recycle in line with Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations, with zero waste to landfill. Matt Compton, Commercial Director at Screwfix, says, “We know that many tradespeople are already making more sustainable choices when sourcing products and Screwfix is committed to supporting them. Refurb products are available for next day delivery from our distribution centre to stores or directly delivered on site. Our customers love the offering, and we are planning to add more categories to grow our range even further in 2023.” Keeping products in use for longer forms a key part of a wider Screwfix’s environmental strategy. There are six key priority areas that ensure a meaningful difference to customers, colleagues, community and the planet, the other five being eliminating carbon emissions, reducing and recycling waste, sourcing responsibly, selling sustainable products, and providing sustainable packaging. With its new campaign ‘Let’s Fix Tomorrow Today’, which involves colleagues and partners, Screwfix aims to become a sector leader in sustainability, encouraging other retailers to take action to tackle climate change and secure a greener future for the next generations.

SELECT says it is looking forward to 2023 with ‘optimism and confidence’

SELECT says it is looking forward to 2023 with ‘renewed optimism and confidence’ after it ended the year on a positive note by reflecting on 12 months of significant milestones. While continuing to focus on the welfare of its members and maintaining the momentum of its campaign for professional recognition for electricians, the country’s largest construction trade association is also celebrating an impressive list of achievements in 2022, including: Ending the year with 1,260 member businesses - its highest number in 122 years Winning the Association Excellence Award 2022 for Best Membership Support Since COVID-19 Celebrating record electrical apprentice numbers for the second year in a row Seeing apprentices from member firms take Gold and Silver at the recent SkillELECTRIC contest Rolling out successful training courses with Amendment 2 updates Welcoming record numbers to its Toolbox Talks events in May and June Adding more high-profile names to its Wall of Support for industry regulation Supporting the submission of a Members’ Bill calling for protection of title Attracting key manufacturers to its newly launched Associate Member scheme Contributing to the ongoing success of the Construction Industry Collective Voice Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, says, “Despite constantly evolving challenges and an increasingly complex industry environment, SELECT has not only made solid progress over the course of the year but also recorded some impressive achievements which gives us renewed optimism and confidence for the next 12 months. “This year of achievement is a tribute to the hard work, professionalism and dedication of everyone at SELECT, from our terrific staff to our member companies, office bearers and the Central Board, which culminated in our victory at the Association Excellence Awards. “The huge groundswell of support for our campaign for recognition is also illustrated by the ever-increasing number of trade and professional bodies, organisations, politicians, businesses and individuals who have added their names to our Wall of Support in 2022, including Owen Thompson MP, Fergus Ewing MSP and Richard Orton, MD of Certsure.” Fiona Harper, Director of Employment and Skills at SELECT, says, “Everyone in the industry is acutely aware of the threat of skills shortages and the need to bring on talented young people, so it was gratifying to achieve record apprentice numbers for the second year in a row, from just over 800 last year to just under 1,000 this year. “Training, and the care and cultivation of new entrants to the profession, is key to a successful and sustainable future for the industry and it gives everyone in the organisation great pleasure to see record-breaking apprentice numbers. Given the right level of financial support, this augurs well not only for 2023, but for many years to come.” Fiona adds, “It was also great to cheer on two young Scots as they took first and second place in the UK-wide SkillELECTRIC contest. It is vital that we now keep investing in our apprentices and adult trainees to ensure we have a pipeline of talent who can follow in their footsteps.” Bob Cairney, Director of Technical Services, at SELECT, says, “As well as successfully relaunching training courses with Amendment 2 updates, it was extremely gratifying to see an unprecedented number of professionals at our Toolbox Talks in May and June. “It is clear that our members are to learn, upskill and develop their talents in line with ever-changing technology, and it demonstrates the importance of encouraging and nurturing a properly qualified and competent workforce to work safely on projects across Scotland.” Iain Mason, Director of Membership and Communications at SELECT, comments, “To once again increase member numbers at a time when companies are facing a barrage of challenges is a tribute to the regard in which SELECT’s wide-ranging services and support are held. “This is the greatest number of member companies since the organisation was founded in 1900 and we hope that, as a consequence of our ongoing efforts, it will continue to rise as more electrical contractors recognise the value of belonging to a trade association that genuinely cares about their welfare.” Looking forward to the coming year, Alan adds, “The biggest change I’d like to see in 2023 would be for regulation of the electrical industry to finally become a reality. Protection of title for electricians is essential if we’re to have a competent, multi-skilled workforce, working safely on the next generation of technology and keeping consumers safe. “I’d also like to see more apprentices welcomed across the whole construction industry to plug the current skills gap and help us meet the net zero targets which are so important for everyone’s future. “Finally, I’m also hoping the Scottish Construction Accord Transformation Plan will set the wheels in motion for real, practical change in our industry - particularly around procurement, which continues to be a thorny issue for so many people.”

Octopus Energy signs energy deal from world’s largest wind farm

Octopus Energy Group has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Shell Energy Europe to receive energy generated by the Dogger Bank offshore wind farm project. Dogger Bank, currently under construction off the North East coast of England, is a joint venture between SSE Renewables, Equinor and Vårgrønn. Once completed, it will be the world’s largest wind farm, generating 3.6GW of green energy, enough to power roughly six million homes a year. Shell Energy Europe, which has signed agreements to offtake 20% of the energy produced by Dogger Bank, will supply Octopus Energy with up to 2.4TWh of wind energy each year from Dogger Bank once it is fully operational. This will be enough energy to power around 24% of Octopus’ current customer base, or around 800,000 households. Each turbine blade used in the Dogger Bank development is 107m long - which is about the length of a football pitch. Octopus Energy is increasingly redefining what it means to be a green energy supplier. The company is one of Europe’s largest renewables investors, managing green energy assets worth over £5bn, with solar farms and onshore and offshore wind across 11 countries. It has also enabled its customers to be the first in the world to help the grid manage flexibility during times of potential blackouts. Matt Bunney, Head of Energy at Octopus Energy Group, comments, “If the energy crisis has taught us anything it is that we need to move fast to an energy system based on cheap renewables - and Dogger Bank will help to get us there. “We already manage renewable energy assets worth over £5bn, and I’m delighted that our team managed to secure a long-term contract under Shell’s PPA on top of this, bringing 2.4TWh of green energy straight into our customers' homes.”

Looking back on 2022

Mike Andrews, Chief Executive Officer at NAPIT takes time to reflect on progress made during 2022 and looks ahead to what 2023 has in store. Whilst 2022 hasn’t been exempt from the challenges felt by all of us due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it does feel like in the main, we have moved away from lockdowns and testing requirements. However, 2022 has certainly not been without challenge, with the conflict in Ukraine contributing to construction supply issues and a national energy crisis and an unsettled political climate causing uncertainly in investment markets I think it would be fair to conclude that the United Kingdom, and indeed the world, have experienced another turbulent year. Mike says, "Despite this uncertainty, I have continued to have a positive and forward-thinking mindset, and NAPIT have remained committed to serving our customers, and enhancing their experience with us through the expansion of our offering." During 2022, NAPIT launched two new schemes to provide the verification of competence in emerging sectors: the BAFE DS301 Domestic Fire Alarm Scheme to evaluate the competence of those working in the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic properties. Mike continues, "We are the first, and currently the only Certification Body to have launched Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS) certification in partnership with MCS, to provide third party verification of the competence of those installing EESS. "With the cost of electricity and gas soaring, we have experienced high levels of interest in our Electric Vehicle Charging Point (EVCP), solar PV and EESS training and membership services. Within the past year, we have trained 1,930 individuals throughout our network of NAPIT training centres on these courses alone and opened our Low Carbon Technologies Centre of Excellence in Mansfield. It is fantastic to see so many businesses investing in training and certification, to meet the demands of customers and by doing so, future proofing themselves and supporting the government meet its net zero targets. My commitment to enhancing the standards of safety across the sector remains at the heart of everything NAPIT does." This can be seen through the launch of NAPIT Foundation which supports students, colleges and training establishments across the UK by providing expert technical support and resources. The continued secretariat support and sponsorship of the Electrical Safety Roundtable, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary this year, is another example of NAPIT's commitment along with the delivery of 17 webinars, the NAPIT EXPO’s which saw record attendance and provided CPD on the changes introduced by Amendment 2 to the BS 7671 Wiring Regulations and its attendance at a wide range of industry events. Mike adds, "It’s been great to get out to meet and hear directly from our customers this year and is something we are looking to build on in the new year." The NAPIT senior management team continue to engage closely with important technical and standard-setting committees and regulators, representing the interests of the customers and consumers who rely on the delivery of competence and quality. Mike says, "We have supported installers through the publication of free guidance documents and guidance to support the understanding of The Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022 to name just a few. We truly are committed to enhancing knowledge and understanding within the sector to drive up and maintain standards and compliance." Throughout 2022, NAPIT also invested in its information security policies and procedures and demonstrated its commitment to customer data security. Mike is proud that NAPIT Services achieved certification for ISO 27001 compliance this year. He believes that maintaining standards applies equally to NAPIT as it does to its customers, and has worked hard to retain its quality systems certification to ISO 9001 and the third-party accreditations and authorisations that allow NAPIT to deliver our scheme and training activities. Mike concludes, "Looking ahead, we are actively engaging with the government’s focus on reforming the Building Safety Regime, with a view to ensuring our members are well placed to play their part in the new structure. With the future looking set towards delivering further electrification of the grid, decarbonising heating in buildings, enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings and driving up competence, safety and quality standards, I will remain focused by working with regulatory and industry stakeholders, which will allow us to enable our customers to continue to play their important part in improving building performance and safety into 2023 and into the future."

Businesses can continue to use CE markings until December 2024

The government has announced it will continue to recognise the CE product marking in Great Britain for a further two years, says NMi a specialist in legal metrology testing, inspection and certification of measuring technology. Businesses can now continue to use CE markings until 31 December 2024. It provides an additional two years, from the current 31 December 2022 deadline, to apply the UKCA product marking. The UKCA is the conformity mark implemented by the UK government following Brexit. For the GB market, it takes the place of the CE marking applied to products required by European directives and used across Europe. Measuring instrument type evaluation and manufacturing system certifications are covered by both CE and UKCA for the respective markets. Once certifications are issued, manufacturers can conduct the initial verification of their products. Following the two-year extension, manufacturers wishing to retain access to the UK market for their products must still apply UKCA markings by 1 January 2025. EU certificates can be used as a basis for applying UKCA markings until 31 December 2027 (or earlier if the original certification is due to expire or requires significant revision). The UKCA mark will not be recognised outside of Great Britain. Products sold in the EU will still require CE marking. CE marking will continue to be accepted in Northern Ireland under the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol alongside the UKNI marking.

Recolight Compliance Scheme member satisfaction hits a high

A satisfaction survey of 43 Recolight WEEE Compliance Scheme producer members showed particularly high levels of satisfaction. The key findings of the report, which was prepared by an independent survey company, include: 96% would recommend Recolight 95% agree that Recolight keeps them informed about changes to the WEEE regulations 81% of members said Recolight provides value for money 79% of members see Recolight as running the main compliance scheme in the industry There was a very positive attitude towards Recolight staff 93% of members found them responsive 77% agreed that Recolight is helping to drive the Circular Economy for lighting, with 90% of respondents rating the webinars as a four or five out of five 77% of respondents said that Recolight achieving net zero emissions was important or very important to them Commenting on the news, Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey says, “These results are fantastic - and a real testament to the hard work and dedication of the Recolight team. That said, we won’t be resting on our laurels. We will always strive to do that little bit more, and go the extra mile to help out our members.” Asked of the benefits Recolight gives them, several members commented: “Being able to do it all online.” “Keeps being compliant simple.” “It's handy getting reminders for returns. It helps with supply chain issues.” “Offers customers a level of assurance. It saves money.” “The webinars are useful. It gives a community feeling.” Adrian Willis, Recolight Membership Manager adds, “We see new producer members joining our scheme because we have no hidden charges. With our simple per unit charging, our members know what their charges will be each year, irrespective of WEEE market share, targets, or compliance fees. It is good that the wealth of staff knowledge about the WEEE regulations gives our members confidence that we offer professional advice. In addition, offering a free recycling service gives our members a competitive advantage.” Suzanne Castine, Recolight Marketing Manager comments, “I’m delighted to learn that our members value the direction we are taking with our circular economy services: webinars, workshops, circular lighting report, and Circular Lighting Live. We have seen new members citing our circular economy services as a key reason for joining.”