A Beacon of assistance from ESP

ESP has been taking on an increasing number of larger, specification type projects and has identified an opportunity to expand its product portfolio to offer a comprehensive disabled refuge range that meets the requirements of BS 9999:2017 and Building Regulations Approved Document B. Marketed under the name Beacon, the new range comprises a variety of products that are specifically designed to assist emergency evacuation situations in a wide range of buildings and venues – with the aim of assisting people with limited mobility to safely exit the building. By adding this new category of products to its portfolio, ESP is providing contractors with access to yet another service that can be incorporated into the overall project design scheme. If a risk assessment requires the provision of a disabled refuge system on a project, ESP can offer the reassurance of a range of products and systems that meet with all the relevant standards. At the core of the range is the Emergency Voice Communications System (EVCS) – this is the term used to describe a fixed, monitored and maintained, bidirectional, full duplex voice communication system to assist the orderly evacuation of disabled or mobility impaired people and enhance firefighters’ communication during emergencies. The Beacon ‘Master Stations’ are the central point of the system, which combines Fire Telephone Handsets, Disabled Refuge Outstations and Emergency Alarms to form one fully integrated system. Master Station There are two Beacon Master Station options available – a push button version with 2-8 lines, and a touchscreen version with capacity for up to 512 lines to support a wide range of communication devices. Both Master Stations are complete with large handset, simple user interface and includes status and fault monitoring. In emergency use the Master Station identifies the location of the Outstation that has been activated, with clear duplex audio to assist an evacuation process. The Master Station is complete with backup battery function (battery to be supplied separately) that offers 24-hour standby in event of mains power failure, plus three hours of voice communication supply in the event of an emergency. Disabled Refuge Outstations Disabled Refuge Outstations, known as ‘Type B’, provide a fixed point of communication in a building for users who require evacuation or assistance. Situated in refuge areas usually found in protected stairwells, the Outstation provides duplex audio to the Master Station, which is located in the building’s control room, or at the access points for the fire service. The Beacon stainless steel ‘Type B’ Outstation offers handsfree operation, a compact design suitable for mounting on a double gang box and features clear LED status visibility. An ingress protected version is also available for external use. Fire Telephone Handsets Fire Telephone Handsets, known as ‘Type A’ Outstations, are for use by the fire and rescue service during an evacuation, allowing the officer at the fire control centre to communicate with other officers to control the evacuation. The ‘Type A’ Outstation activates a call to the Master Station to assist the fire and rescue service. They provide a central point of communication in the event of an emergency and provide backup to the firefighter’s radio systems which can fail to operate during a fire in many tall buildings due to the large amounts of steel found in them. An ingress protected version is also available for external use. Assist Call Range The Beacon Assist Call Range comprises a number of expandable three-part Assist Call Kits and accessory products which interface with the Master Station, identifying the location of the alarm upon activation. These include a Toilet Kit and a Bedroom Kit suitable for hotels, residential and student accommodation. A number of IP-rated modules are also available as part of the Assist Call accessories range, suitable for wet rooms and for areas of high moisture and humidity. The options include Call Button, Call Plate and Cancel Plate. 4-Zone Controller For applications that require the Assist Call Kit but have no need for a disabled refuge or fire telephone integration, a 4-zone controller will be made available for use with both the Toilet Kit and Bedroom Kit. The 4-zone controller removes the need for a Master Station, supporting up to four separate Assist Call Kits. The controller provides clear zone identification and acknowledgement feature. Standalone Assistance Alarm Kits ESP’s existing assistance alarm kit will be rebranded to Beacon. The three-piece kit operates fully independently with no master station or controller required. ESP’s new Beacon disabled refuge and assistance alarm range will be supported by a dedicated, UK-based technical team, and will offer contractors and specifiers access to a free design service, compliant with the latest BS5839-9:2021 regulations. ESP has produced a comprehensive brochure covering the whole of the Beacon range, along with examples of how the components of the system integrate. The brochure can be downloaded from the ESP website.

Industry group updates the FESS Operative Assessments

Following recent updates made to the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) Operative Assessments by an industry working group, pass rates for FESS assessments have seen marked improvements. An occupational qualification structure was developed by a sector working group in the FESS industry in 2018. This structure was developed to align with the future skills requirements of the FESS sector and the apprenticeship standard in England, addressing the fragmented skills within the current workforce. These changes were also brought in by a desire to professionalise the sector and meet the Construction Leadership Council’s move to ensure all CSCS Partner Schemes, such as ECS, are issued against a recognised qualification standard. For those who have been working in the industry for a number of years without formal qualifications, it was agreed an assessment would be developed for a FESS Systems Operative to meet these sector requirements. The ECS FESS Operative assessments were launched in July 2021 and questions are aimed at a Level 2, covering aspects of installation, maintenance, and planning across each of the above pathways. Concerned by a potential lack of clarity in the wording of some questions and lower than expected pass rates, the JIB contacted Industry representatives in 2021 to review the question banks and ensure the questions were correct, properly constructed, and clear for users. The Industry Group reviewed the question banks and delegate guides. The following was agreed unanimously: - The industry wants to raise the bar on standards, knowledge, and training for the sector. This meant the question banks would continue to test knowledge on the pathways to include aspects of installation, maintenance and planning relevant to roles and likely experience. - To retain the FESS Operative Assessments as closed exams and not to make the question banks open access to the public to ensure necessary rigour. - To add more questions to the banks over time. - To update the delegate guide documents to better enable training providers and employers to undertake training prior to putting people through these assessments. - More information and availability of training options would be promoted. These new question banks went live in March 2022 and pass marks have improved in all areas. Further promotion of the relevant training routes, for the Operative Assessment and qualification routes, will continue to ensure relevant preparation and routes are available. Barton Hoyle, Technical Training and Product Manager at Chubb systems, explains: “Chubb Systems and the broader Chubb organisation recognise that investing in employee development creates opportunities for employees to feel excited about learning, growing, and forming greater connections to learn new skills. “Chubb is committed to training employees to clearly defined professional standards of operation and welcomed the chance to assist in both clarifying the FESS question bank and aligning it to appropriate industrial standards. Chubb recognises the value of ECS cards as a mark of professionalism and competence across the wider industry.”

Legrand appointment spotlights partner focus

As part of its continued focus on partnerships geared towards futureproofing buildings’ power and the UK electrical industry, Legrand has appointed a new National Sales Manager for their power distribution business units. James Archer’s new position as National Sales Manager will enhance customer and project support for power distribution solutions on a national level. Having joined Legrand in 2008, James brings a wealth of electrical manufacturing and sales experience and will oversee the regional teams in his new role. James has spearheaded the growth of Legrand’s Power Distribution team, enhancing customer service and project support, and he played a fundamental part in forming partnerships between Legrand and like-minded companies such as Michael Smith Switchgear. He has also taken the lead on several key projects, including high profile buildings in Central London and Birmingham. In his new role, James will work closely with installers, providing good service for electrical and building infrastructure in warehouses, data centres and many other spaces around the UK. His appointment is just one example of Legrand’s commitment to being an instrumental partner in futureproofing the built environment in terms of industrial advances, eco-friendly buildings and more efficient power distribution. Speaking about his new position, James says: “As we continue to develop our partnerships, I am looking forward to emphasising Legrand’s people-focussed approach. Legrand’s mission is to improve lives by transforming spaces, and by partnering with businesses and supporting installers, we will take exciting steps towards achieving our goal.” Paul Clarke, Sales Director of Legrand’s Power Distribution business unit, comments: “James has long been an asset to the Legrand team and in his new role he will no doubt continue creating more valued partnerships, empowering installers and helping Legrand standout as an industry leader.”

IBMG expands wholesale division with third new branch in three weeks

Independent Builders Merchant Group’s (IBMG) electrical division is pleased to announce the opening of its latest Grant & Stone electrical wholesaler, located on Tallon Road, Brentwood, Essex. The 3,500 ft site will be the exclusive Site Supplies specialist in the Brentwood area, providing lighting and power distribution solutions for site temporary installers. The new store is located close to two major transport routes into London, with easy access for the M25 and the A12. The Brentwood branch increases the division’s geographic reach and forms part of a large expansion plan designed specifically to complete gaps in its branch network, with further branch openings planned in the coming weeks. Branch manager, Tyrone Gannon, says: “Our aim is to make Grant & Stone Brentwood the best specialist electrical wholesaler in the region and our customers’ first choice. The team at Brentwood have over 50 years combined electrical wholesale experience and have an in-depth understanding of the local area and its requirements. The Brentwood branch will also focus on giving back to the community by sponsoring local junior and senior sports teams, as well as getting involved with local charity organisations.” Darren House, Managing Director of IBMG’s electrical division, adds: “Grant & Stone Brentwood further strengthens our presence from Enfield through to Paignton. We have a team of four experienced specialists, led by a great local manager, Tyrone Gannon, who has in-depth knowledge of the local market, and a comprehensive understanding of our customers’ needs. The new site is the electrical division’s third new location in three weeks. As a group, we continue to remain fiercely independent in our approach, outlook and dealings with customers, which is the reason for our continued success.” The opening of the Brentwood branch increases the network of IBMG’s specialist electrical wholesale branches to 24 across the South of England. Grant & Stone Brentwood is located at Unit 10, Brentwood Trade Park, Tallon Road, Brentwood, Essex CM13 1TF and will be open six days a week from 7am to 5.15pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 12pm Saturday.

CityFibre celebrates latest milestone in Nottingham’s full fibre rollout

Internet users across Nottingham are now able to connect their homes and businesses to the best digital infrastructure available thanks to progress made by CityFibre. CityFibre has now made the majority of homes in the Wollaton area of the city ‘ready for service’, which means residents can choose to connect to full fibre-enabled broadband services when they go live in their area. The rollout is now progressing into new areas with construction underway in West Bridgford, Basford, Hyson Green and Arboretum, while work in areas such as Lutterell, Bulwell, Compton Acres, Edwalton, Abbey, Gamston, South, Meadows and Trent Bridge is set to start in the next three months. Homes in the Bilborough, Aspley and Leen Valley areas are also ready for service. Once the city-wide rollout reaches completion in 2027, almost every home and business locally will have access to full fibre services from a choice of internet service providers. Speaking of this latest milestone, Dominika Walker, CityFibre’s Area Manager for Nottingham says: “CityFibre has been making great progress in Nottingham and people we've spoken to have been amazed at just how much fibre we've put down so far. Reaching this latest milestone means residents can now start to benefit from this digital investment that will future-proof their connectivity for decades to come.” In celebration of this latest milestone, CityFibre welcomed Lilian Greenwood, MP for Nottingham South, for a tour of the works in Wollaton, giving her a closer look at the project. Lilian Greenwood MP comments: “The build progress is very encouraging and it’s great to see that households and businesses throughout the city are already experiencing the benefits. “Becoming one of the best-connected cities in the UK with CityFibre’s state-of-the-art infrastructure is vital to Nottingham’s future. Full fibre connectivity will support our economic, social and smart city ambitions.” Nottingham is one of 60 other locations in the UK to benefit from CityFibre’s £4bn Gigabit City investment programme which will bring new and better broadband infrastructure within reach of up to eight million homes and businesses nationwide. In Nottingham alone, CityFibre is investing £117m to make it one of the world’s best digitally connected communities. Unlike many of the copper-based ‘fibre broadband’ services available today, full fibre networks use 100% fibre optic cables to carry data at light speed all the way from the home to the point of connection. This gives users consistently faster speeds for upload and download (up to 1,000 Mbps), near limitless bandwidth and connectivity users can depend on.

13A DP FCU with neon added to Click Essentials range

Scolmore has added a new 13A Double Pole key-operated Fused Connection Unit with Neon and Lockable Fuse to its Click Essentials Metal Clad wiring accessories range. This latest product has been launched in response to feedback from the specification team working on a range of projects, for example student accommodation, and will complete the company’s Metal Clad range offer. Fully tested to BS 1363-4:2016+A1:2018 and BSI Kitemark approved, the new Fused Connection Unit, boasts a range of features and benefits: Electrophoretically coated - to provide a durable and long-lasting, heavy duty finish. 13A DP Key Switch – to offer extra security to prevent accidental or unauthorised switching. Lockable fuse drawer – for anti-tamper purposes. Neon indicator – for a clear, visual representation of the switch status. 40mm back box – supplied as standard with 5 x 20mm knockouts. Optional flex outlet – for quick and easy routing of cables through the front of the plate, protecting the cables in the process. Supplied with a 10 year warranty.

SELECT Earth Day video sees Minister urge women to ‘go for it’

On the eve of the annual Earth Day celebrations, Scottish Government Minister Lorna Slater has urged more women to join the construction industry and use their skills to build a greener future to help protect the planet. In a wide-ranging video interview with SELECT, Lorna said women have a vital role to play in the engineering sector and should be proactively recruited into the renewables and emergent technologies industries. The Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity said that any women considering a career in construction or engineering should ‘dive in and go for it’ to help build a net zero society. Lorna, who gained a degree in electro-mechanical engineering in her native Canada before moving to Scotland, says: “When I was considering engineering as a career, the main pathways into it were maths and physics, both subjects in which girls are historically under-represented, so we have to make these subjects more accessible to young women. “By the time I started working, it was really normal for me to be the only woman in the room, and I guess I got used to that – but we shouldn’t. We shouldn’t allow that to be normal. “We need to proactively tell girls what great careers they can have in the emergent industries. So we have to go out, encourage them, find out what the barriers are and then try to knock them down to get women in and encourage them to stay.” Speaking to Fiona Harper, Director of Employment and Skills at SELECT, Lorna continues: “There are few role models and, where women are doing these jobs, it is important that we share that information as widely as possible. “Figures show that the construction industry is 97% male and if you are part of the 3% it can feel lonely and unprotected. We need to achieve critical mass, because my experience is that, until you have about 30% of women, it still feels unsafe. With more women, the whole dynamic changes.” The MP, who joined the Scottish Government in her capacity as co-leader of the Scottish Green Party following the Bute house agreement, said other countries, such as China and India, were doing better in terms of gender balance in male-dominated occupations, and questioned if there was a cultural reluctance to change in the UK. She says: “There are very good careers available, with lots of opportunities for collaboration – bouncing ideas around a team and coming up with a solution to a problem, perhaps a solution no one else had ever thought of before. “We don’t talk enough about the creative aspect of being involved in professions such as engineering and perhaps if we did, it would make the industry more attractive to a much wider range of talent.” Asked for her final message, Ms Slater, who worked in a variety of engineering sectors, including renewables, before entering politics, comments there were important roles for women across construction and that if they were considering a career they should ‘go for it’. She adds: “Don’t hesitate, dive in, take that big step. You can help build the world you want to see – and your country needs you. “I really hope that more women who wouldn’t otherwise think about engineering or construction give it a thought because these are good jobs and you get to be part of a team where you collaborate, work together and problem solve.” Fiona Harper, who is also The Secretary of the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), states: “We are grateful to the Minister for taking the time to take part in our video interview and address this important issue. “Women have a vital role to play in the modern construction sector and it is vital that we seek out female talent to help us develop the technology of tomorrow.” [embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPZSWd8arnA[/embed]

myenergi brings family fun to Fully Charged LIVE

myenergi is set to exhibit at this year’s Fully Charged LIVE show. Hosted at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre between 29 April-1 May. The event brings together thousands of visitors, countless attractions and the world’s latest electric vehicles. Alongside showcasing its eco-smart clean energy products, myenergi will once again sponsor the Family Fun Zone. The interactive area will include a whole host of activities for all the family to enjoy, including environmentally friendly colouring, face painting, selfie frames and even an appearance from Sparki the friendly alien. Members of the ‘green team’ will also be on hand to talk with visitors about state-of-the-art EV charging solutions and the eco-smart myenergi zappi, while competitions will be running across the company’s social media channels throughout the three-day event. Widely regarded as the world’s no.1 clean energy and electric vehicle show, Fully Charged LIVE will have more exhibits and visitor attractions than ever before. Bringing together hundreds of the latest electric vehicles, ground-breaking technologies and clean energy gadgets, the event is a global showcase of the very latest in electrification. Jordan Brompton, Co-Founder and CMO of myenergi, comments: “We’re looking forward to exhibiting at this year’s Fully Charged LIVE – it’s a huge event in the EV calendar that brings together thousands of visitors from all over the world. By sponsoring the Family Fun Zone, we want to create an enjoyable day out to remember for all the children who visit. “At myenergi, we believe that the future of our planet lies in the hands of the next generation. By getting them involved with clean energy from a young age, in a fun and engaging fashion, we want to help shape the passionate environmentalists of tomorrow. This will prove so important as the world continues its sustainable, net zero, electric revolution.”

Klima-Therm launches revolutionary new heat pump range

Engie Refrigeration’s Spectrum Water, supplied by Klima-Therm, is an ultra-high efficiency heat pump designed for industrial and commercial applications or integration into heat networks and district heating in housing developments. The 12 models in the series boast nominal heat outputs of 350 to 3,100kW, a condenser leaving water temperature of up to 65 degrees, and the choice of four refrigerants - R1234ze, R515B, R513A, and R134a. The Spectrum Water heat pump offers outstanding energy efficiency, superb operational reliability, and the highest possible quality thanks to a combination of innovative components including oil-free turbo compressors with magnetic bearings, an efficiency-boosting open-flash economiser, and an intelligent Siemens S7 PLC. Roberto Mallozzi, Managing Director of Klima-Therm, says: "We are committed to partnering with manufacturers that operate at the cutting edge in terms of technological development and that is why we are happy to work with Engie Refrigeration. "By developing the unique Spectrum Water heat pump, Engie's interdisciplinary team has come up with the ultimate ecologically sustainable alternative to heat generators that run on fossil fuels. "This is particularly important as we seek to move to true carbon neutrality. Thanks to a host of special features, the Spectrum Water series not only meets today's requirements for the heating supply, but also those of the future. "Klima-Therm's guiding principle is to supply HVAC technology that meets the highest standards in terms of economy, efficiency, and sustainability and we have certainly met that principle with Engie's Spectrum Water heat pump." The benefits of the climate-friendly Spectrum Water heat pump are: High efficiency - a unique combination of turbo compressors with magnetic bearing, flooded shell and tube condensers, and the open-flash economiser as standard guarantees maximum seasonal efficiency and performance with a minimal footprint. Reliability - instead of employing a single compressor, overall capacity is split among multiple compressors, which creates redundancies that maximises operational reliability. Smart operation - the brains of the machine are provided by an intelligent and fast Siemens S7 PLC. To increase user-friendliness and serviceability, it will be possible to operate the machine via a 10in or 15in touch panel, in addition to the simple and intuitive operation on a mobile end device via smart control. The SPECTRUM Water also interfaces with Engie's CoolCare remote maintenance software and a lead and follower machine PLC integrated as standard. Power - with rated thermal outputs of between 350 and 3,100kW and condenser leaving water temperatures of up to 65 degrees, the Spectrum Water offers a strong performance. Flexibility - operating companies can choose between the R1234ze A2L low-GWP refrigerants and the high-efficiency A1 safety refrigerants R515B, R513A and R134a. There is also an extensive package of options and accessories, and the modular condenser design ensures that the machines can be perfectly adapted to the feed and return levels on the user's premises. Oil-free operation - ensuring stable performance and efficiency throughout the machine's service life, as no oil deposits can develop in the heat exchangers or in the refrigerant circuit. It also makes for a simple and low-maintenance machine design, as no oil management peripherals are required. Furthermore, there is no need to provide oil receptacles on site and there is no need for labour-intensive oil changes on the compressor saving time and money.

Walsall Training Centre welcomes MP for Walsall North

Walsall Training Centre welcomed MP for Walsall North, Eddie Hughes, on the 13th April. Eddie visited the LCL Awards approved centre to view the range of training on offer, in particular its new Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) course. During the visit, the MP was given a tour of the centre where he saw the excellent facilities available for all of the courses, including plumbing, gas and electrical training. The new ASHP training bay was of particular interest and Eddie talked in-depth about the Government's net zero strategy, the demand for renewable energy, and the need for trained engineers to help achieve this. He comments: "Now, more than ever, is the right time for existing heating engineers to expand their knowledge on new technology, and renewable heating installations. Walsall Training Centre is at the forefront of upskilling trades across the Black Country, West Midlands and further afield, to ensure engineers can expand their knowledge and skills to support the Government's net zero strategy and build back greener." Managing Director for Walsall Training, Steve Edis, comments: "We are really proud to host Mr Hughes, and to talk to him about the variety of courses that can be undertaken here at Walsall Training Centre. Air source heat pump training in particular offers great opportunity to installers in the local area." Also in attendance was Neill Ovenden, operations manager at LCL Awards. He says: "Steve and the team offer a great service and deliver LCL qualifications to a fantastic standard. The centre's approach to enhancing the candidate's learning journey is excellent, and we are very pleased to be supporting Walsall Training Centre in achieving this." Steve adds: "We are very pleased to offer LCL Awards accredited courses on all electrical, and renewable qualifications. Their training and assessment material is top quality, and Wallsall Training looks forward to adding more LCL Awards qualifications to its remit over the next few years."