Workplaces Warned Of Fire Safety Risk Of Alcohol-Containing Hand Sanitiser

New advice from CE Safety warns British employers and employees of the danger of using alcohol hand sanitiser in certain workplaces that use open flames/heat sources such as welding, soldering, grinding, cutting and even in a kitchen. If there are flying sparks or anything of that nature at work, the use of alcoholic hand sanitiser poses a risk to fire safety. Recently an employee who had used alcohol gel had been unlucky enough to come into contact with a static spark, which ignited the gel and gave them second-degree burns on their hands. With British workers returning to work up and down the country, health and safety experts at CE Safety are alerting Brits to the potential fire risk of alcohol-based hand sanitisers.  A trainer for CE Safety, was recently delivering a hot works training course for a company that is responsible for repairing gas pipelines.  Their hygiene measures included alcohol-free hand sanitiser, as an employee who had used alcohol gel had been unlucky enough to come into contact with a static spark, which ignited the gel and gave them second-degree burns on their hands. Alcohol is highly effective at killing germs, which is why it is such a prevalent ingredient in hand sanitisers worldwide.  Unfortunately, liquids that have high concentrations of alcohol come with a fire risk: ranging from flammable, to highly flammable, to extremely flammable.  This means that if any work environments involve open flames/heat sources, flying sparks or anything of that nature, the use of alcoholic hand sanitiser poses a constant risk to fire safety and personal health and safety, because the vapour could conceivably ignite. These vapours are reacting at their “flashpoint” and then can ignite in normal air conditions. A spokesperson from CE Safety says, “Any person who carries out hot works – such as welding, soldering, grinding, cutting, burning or any other process that produces sparks – should, as a rule, use a hand-sanitising solution that is completely free of alcohol, due to the burn risk. Logic does suggest that common hot-work PPE, such as welding gloves and masks, would negate the need for non-alcoholic hand sanitiser, but it cannot be assumed that skin will be covered at all times – and accidents do happen.” Research into the effectiveness of non-alcoholic hand sanitiser at neutralising Covid-19 is still ongoing. The general consensus does seem to be that hand sanitisers that have an alcohol content of at least 60% are the most effective at killing germs. However – and it is a big however – the best way any person can protect themselves against Covid-19 is by washing their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. The CE Safety spokesperson continues, “Even though washing hands is scientifically the most effective way to tackle the virus, alcoholic hand sanitiser will of course still be widely used throughout all kinds of workplaces – and there is a way to minimise the risk of burns for everybody. “Whenever an employee applies alcoholic sanitiser, they must wait until the liquid has fully evaporated on their skin (i.e. their hands are completely dry) before they begin or resume work – especially when working next to naked flames or in any other environments that pose static-charge risk.” For more information on what to do if an employee or visitor is unlucky enough to suffer a burn, click here.

Fox Lux Becomes Lighting Industry Academy Ambassador

Fox Lux Ltd is supporting the Lighting Industry Academy as an Ambassador, and will assist the industry in achieving this. The team behind Fox Lux Ltd have over 25 years of lighting knowledge and experience. Providing OEMs and lighting specialists with high quality lighting products, complete with a five-year warranty across the board and individual products have achieved certification under the LIA’s, ICEL Emergency Luminaire Endorsed Product Scheme. “As proud members of the LIA and ICEL, we believe in the high standards which the Association seeks to uphold, that is one of the reasons we wanted to get involved with the Academy,” says Simon Fox, Managing Director, Fox Lux Ltd. A home for learning and career development, the Academy adopts a collaborative approach, providing a central point to access all lighting related learning and assurance of a consistent quality, not just for the lighting industry but to the wider community. As the technology of the industry evolves, it is imperative that talented new recruits are attracted to join the key players and seek the opportunities to develop careers within them. The Academy is working to achieve this with the enthusiasm and support of their new and established Ambassadors to build on its foundations to develop the lighting community for a bright and exciting future.

Amazon Challenged About Selling WEEE Non-Compliance LED Lamps

At a hearing of the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC), Amazon’s worldwide Director of Environmental Affairs was challenged over the high level of non-compliant products sold through the Amazon site. The committee is currently holding an enquiry into the operation of the UK’s WEEE system, and asked Amazon to submit a representative to answer their questions.   During an online hearing, Caroline Lucas MP, a longstanding member of the EAC, challenged Amazon’s Robert ter Kuile over the non-compliance of LED lamps. She asked, “How do you ensure that overseas sellers using your platform are part of a producer compliance scheme for e-waste” and quoted figures  from research undertaken by Recolight that “out of the first 120 listings for LED light bulbs on amazon, 76% were non-compliant freeriders; which make no contribution to UK recycling costs.” Responding to the question, ter Kuile advised that compliance was the responsibility of the sellers. He also noted that some of the sellers on their site would have paid WEEE fees via a third party or were registered for WEEE under a different company name.  He also claimed that Amazon “takes very seriously” any non-compliant products that are brought to their attention. Commenting on the hearing, Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey said, “It was particularly pleasing to hear Caroline Lucas challenging Amazon using the Recolight research.  But the response from Amazon was very disappointing.  Robert ter Kuile failed to admit that most products detected in the Recolight research were genuinely non-compliant, and that only a small minority had been compliant using the methods he indicated.  His claim that Amazon takes non-compliance seriously will not convince the members of the Recolight scheme who regularly identify non-compliant products on their site.”

Makita Launches 40V Brushless Circular and Reciprocating Saws

Makita UK has added the HS004G Circular Saw and JR001G Reciprocating Saw to its new XGT 40V Max range of high-performance cordless tools. Both machines have been engineered to make high-demand work quicker, easier and safer. The 190mm HS004G Circular Saw features Makita’s brushless motor technology for improved efficiency and longer battery life. It has twin LED job lights, is compatible with the Makita guide rail system without an adapter and is capable of 48° bevel cuts. The HS004G also has a soft start function and a no-load speed of 6,000rpm, but the inclusion of Makita’s Automatic Torque Drive (ADT) Technology means that the cutting speed is automatically adjusted according to the load conditions. On light duty work it runs at the higher speeds, while for heavy duty applications, it automatically switches to a higher torque mode. It also has an indicator lamp to warn of overload conditions. For improved operator safety, the HS004G is compatible with Makita’s Bluetooth dust extractors through the Auto-start Wireless System (AWS). When the tool is switched on, the dust extractor runs automatically, making dust management easy and effective. Also added to the XGT range, is the JR001G Brushless Reciprocating Saw. It offers outstanding performance with a cutting speed of up to 3,000 strokes per minute, two electronic speed settings and a variable speed trigger. When compared to Makita’s LXT Twin 18V (36V) machines, the new 40V JR001G cuts metal 10% faster and wood 35% faster, allowing improved productivity and even greater build quality within the tool and the batteries. The new reciprocating saw is lightweight at just 4.2kg, has an ergonomically designed handle for comfortable operation and a vertical crank mechanism for smooth cutting. It also features a toolless shoe adjustment and simple blade ejection lever allowing quick changes without the risk from residual heat in the blade. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK, comments, “Every tool in our XGT range has been engineered to deliver the highest performance with all the benefits of cordless power. With automatic speed control and wireless connection to dust extraction units, the new circular saw ensures both effective and safe work, even on the most demanding tasks. The newly added reciprocating saw makes cutting metal, wood or pipe fast and efficient with less strain on the operator.” To find out more about these new additions and the rest of the Makita XGT range, visit www.makitauk.com.

Marshall-Tufflex Launches Sterling Compact Trunking Range

As part of its ongoing dedication to product development and innovation, leading British manufacturer of PVC-U cable management solutions, Marshall-Tufflex, has updated its Mono Plus 20 trunking system. Rebranded as Sterling Compact and manufactured using 84% recycled PVC-U, the product has been re-engineered to improve user experience and installation, with a three-compartment base design and removable cover. Part of Marshall-Tufflex’s wide range of cable management solutions, Sterling Compact is the smallest of its three compartment trunking options (at 140mm x 50mm), making it suitable for dado applications and ideal for areas that may have trunking restrictions. Fully compatible and interchangeable with the visually identical Mono Plus 20 system, it accepts standard power, voice and data accessories and is compliant up to Cat 7a. To comply with the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), a new Firefly fire clip is available for use with the outer compartment of the products within the range. The clip secures cables within the trunking to prevent premature collapse in the event of a fire, offering fire resistance of above 1,000°C for up to 120 minutes. For further safety, Sterling Compact has been manufactured with self-extinguishing and non-flame propagating PVC-U. The Sterling Compact trunking assembly is manufactured using 84% recycled PVC-U, and Marshall-Tufflex remains committed to developing new ways to produce superior products that retain their high quality finish from recycled PVC-U across its entire portfolio. Jon Chamberlain, Sales Director at Marshall-Tufflex, says, “For over 78 years, we have been pioneering plastic extrusion in the UK; leading the way in areas of product research, development and innovation, especially when it comes to using recycled material. We keep a constant focus on evolving our portfolio of solutions and we are delighted to upgrade the Mono Plus 20 into the new Sterling Compact system whilst making it easier to install in the process. “Additionally, the new Firefly product continues our commitment to help contractors to comply with the updated fire regulations and minimise the risk to life in the event of a fire.” The new Sterling Compact range is available to order now. To find out more about this and Marshall-Tufflex’s extensive range of solutions, visit www.marshall-tufflex.com.

J S Wright Secures £8M-Plus London Square Contract

Mechanical and electrical services specialist, J S Wright has secured an £8million-plus contract from developer, London Square to fit out homes at a new neighbourhood in the heart of Bermondsey. The 130-year-old Birmingham-based contractor, which also has an office in London, will fit out 276 new apartments, including affordable homes, within the second phase of the £220million London Square mixed-use development in Grange Road, Bermondsey. The company will supply and install an energy centre and associated pipework to deliver low temperature hot water (LTHW) heating to the one to three -bedroom apartments and penthouses. It will also install a boosted cold-water plantroom and distribution network to serve all the units. Each apartment within the five to seven-storey scheme will be equipped with underfloor heating or radiators, with hot and cold water delivered via a heat interface unit (HIU). J S Wright will also supply and install sanitaryware and mechanical extract ventilation systems for all the properties. The company will also install dry risers, domestic sprinklers, an internal rainwater system, above ground drainage and building management system (BMS) controls. J S Wright is about to start work on site with completion scheduled for March 2022. The new project follows the success of a £7million contract completed for London Square last year for the fit out of 252 new homes at the London Square Caledonian Road mixed-use development in Islington. Phil Leech, J S Wright Managing Director, says, “We are delighted to have been reappointed by such a prestigious London housebuilder to help turn a former industrial site in another district of London into a vibrant new neighbourhood.” The second phase of London Square Bermondsey will complete a £220million regeneration delivering 406 new homes, 35% of which will be affordable, along with art studios and gallery space in landscaped gardens and walkways, opening up the site for the first time. 

SELECT Takes 2020 Toolbox Talks To YouTube

SELECT has overcome the enforced postponement of its Toolbox Talks roadshow by broadcasting digital versions of the technical presentations on YouTube. The campaigning trade association came up with the alternative solution after this year’s annual event became a casualty of the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of delivering the updates at 12 venues across Scotland in June as planned, electricians can now watch videos hosted on SELECT’s ever-expanding YouTube channel. The first 30-minute film gives an in-depth update on electric vehicle (EV) charging, including an overview of  requirements, list of charging mode definitions and initial verification. The film – developed by SELECT Technical Advisor Mark McLaughlin and brought to life by Skills Player – also explains the impact and changes to EV charge point installation caused by the first amendment to BS 7671 issued earlier this year. Dave Forrester, SELECT's Director of Technical Services, saYS, “Every professional needs to keep up to date with their skills and knowledge and SELECT’s Toolbox Talks are designed to bring the latest developments into focus. Many of our member firms are turning their skilled expertise to the issue of EV charging and we can foresee only a rapid increase in demand for this type of work. “The regulations now in place are extensive and have already been revised, so we believe it is our job to equip our members with the very latest knowledge and understanding to continue to carry out first-class work.” SELECT is now working on a second film and is also planning an online Q&A session in which its technical experts will answer member questions on EV issues arising from the Toolbox Talks. Earlier this year SELECT’s membership magazine, CABLEtalk ran a special feature on the rise of EVs, including a feature on an Edinburgh-based member, ECS, which switched its fleet of vehicles from diesel to electric power.  Its MD, Willie Fairhurst, outlined the significant cost savings the company had enjoyed, and also revealed that staff concerns around range anxiety soon fell away. He says, “Getting people to actually use them is the biggest challenge, but once they do we find they understand the advantages. Times are changing – people just need to be brave and do it.”    

JIB Invites Contractors To Take Advantage Of Skills Development Fund

The Joint Industry Board is encouraging members to take advantage of the JIB’s Skills Development Fund, which provides financial assistance for courses for those undertaking further education and training in the electrical industry. With the UK showing a commitment to tackling the climate crisis by setting a target to meet net zero emissions by 2050, the JIB is urging electrical contracting companies to evolve and broaden their skill sets.  The JIB believes that the increasing adoption of greener technologies presents contractors with a number of opportunities to upskill and open up their services to new markets.  Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £3bn boost to the UK green economy to be spent on decarbonising buildings and introducing modern systems to save homeowners on their energy bills and kickstart the sector.   The following green technology courses are accepted by the JIB Skills Development Fund as eligible courses:  ⦁ - Solar Photovoltaic Installation and Maintenance  ⦁ - Electric Vehicle Charging Point Installation (City & Guilds 2919-01) ⦁ - ONC/HNC/Degree courses in sustainable engineering Darren Crannis, Managing Director of CTS Electrical, was funded through the JIB Skills Development Fund to undertake the C&G 2919-01 (as well as obtaining European Social Funding), and he believes all electrical contractors can benefit by improving their knowledge on electrical vehicle charging equipment (EVCE). Crannis says, “The EV market is constantly evolving and it is going to play a crucial role if the UK is to succeed in hitting its net-zero target by 2050. It really makes sense for installers to become familiar with EV technology as early as possible and it has certainly opened up a profitable new avenue for our business. “The Level 3 City & Guilds 2919 is a two-day in-depth course on the design and installation of EVCE. There is access to funding via European Social Fund (ESF) from training providers and if you are a JIB company this course is eligible for JIB skills funding, which reduced the cost of the course significantly for me.” Andy Reakes, Head of Operations, Employment and Skills at the JIB, adds, “Given the direction of travel and the changes coming down the line, such as a push to use the restart following Covid-19 to focus on 2050 Net Zero and climate change, now is an ideal time for companies to move into new markets. The Skills Development Fund can help businesses upskill their workforce and diversify into new and emerging technologies, as well as the traditional careers progression routes, and thus increase their customer base. It is also open to those who have been made redundant so if your company has, unfortunately, had to reduce numbers in the workforce, the Fund may be able to provide grants to help increase the skills of those unemployed to re-enter the workforce.”

Animation Highlights Importance Of Construction Certification In Scotland, Post-Pandemic

Scotland’s building standards scheme providers have released a new animation explaining the vital role of certification to Scotland’s construction sector – and how it can help the industry rebuild and recover from the impact of Coronavirus. The 90-second film outlines the many benefits the group says certification can bring to the post-pandemic landscape, including:   Better health and safety, with reduced bodies on site Improved efficiency and productivity, thanks to fewer delays and hold-ups Increased peace of mind, with the highest standards upheld. The film has been jointly produced by Scotland’s six major scheme providers – SELECT, Structural Engineers Registration, BRE Global, RIAS, NICEIC and SNIPEF. Alan Wilson, Managing Director at SELECT, the campaigning electrotechnical association, says, “We are producing this film to shine a spotlight on the many benefits that certification services bring, including improved health and safety, greater efficiency and better peace of mind. “It creates a straightforward, easy-to-understand message that use of SBSC services can make construction safer, more secure and more skilled, and lead to a quicker and more efficient sector in Scotland.” Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation, adds, “This is another step forward in proving that the various elements of the industry can work together for the common good, and that certification can help ensure best practice and uphold the highest possible building standards.” The initiative comes hot on the heels of a Scottish Ministerial intervention last month (June), which saw Kevin Stewart MSP write to local authorities to highlight the positive impact of certification. The Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning said that certificates of design and construction provided by qualified building professionals could dramatically reduce the need for local authority verifiers on site and streamline the construction process. Robert Jopling, Chairman of Scottish Registration Board at Structural Engineers Registration, furthers, “It is vitally important that we continue to raise awareness of the work done by approved certifiers of construction and design. “This new animation will stress that building standards certification services are key to ensuring that construction can return in Scotland and be able efficiently to deliver new buildings and improved facilities across different sectors.” Dr Richard Atkins, Chartered Architect and member of the RIAS, comments, “Calculating energy use of buildings is complex but key to tackling a move to Zero Carbon. Certification of Design and Construction will contribute to raising and improving the quality of buildings across Scotland.” The past three months have seen the scheme providers working with the Scottish Government to identify and address issues during the COVID-19 lockdown and develop a strategy for the future. The move came after the Scottish Government’s Building Standards Division (BSD) set up a Building Standards Resilience Group to address short, medium and long-term issues created by the coronavirus outbreak. https://youtu.be/12w32sNXLJE

Draka Releases Bend-Insensitive Fibres Guide

Draka, a brand of Prysmian Group, has announced the arrival of a comprehensive new technology guide: ‘Bend-Insensitive Fibres: a key component of future-proof networks. Bend-insensitive single mode fibres (ITU-T G.657.A1 and G.657.A2) are the only fibres capable of securing the whole fibre spectrum, especially at the longer wavelengths (1625 nm and above), by minimising losses linked to macro and micro bends. These fibres enable the development of extreme fibre count and reduced diameter cabling solutions, to help meet today’s demand for the highest bandwidth capacity in duct installations. Each fibre optic cable within the Draka Universal Cabling System comes in a range of bend-insensitive fibres, manufactured in Draka’s European factories, that provide the necessary standard of cable density, and support the necessary fibre spectrum demanded by new PON technologies. BendBright fibres support the full use of transmission bands, covering the entire wavelength spectrum, from 1260 nm to 1625 nm for data transmission, and up to 1675 nm for network monitoring. The new Draka Bend-Insensitive Fibres guide looks at the evolution of network systems and puts the case for bend insensitive fibre - in particular, G.657.A2 - as being the unique answer to securing future systems, enabling the most potential to be gained from deployed networks. The guide provides a brief explanation of the types of bend-insensitivity before moving on to look at the latest developments in fibre coatings which virtually erase problems associated with bending, whilst also significantly reducing cable diameters and achieving high fibre density. A key focus of the guide is on the range of benefits bend-insensitive fibres bring. For manufacturers, and ultimately customers, bend-insensitive fibres provide a greater scope for product design and cabling solutions. For installers, installation is easier and smaller connectivity devices can be used to save space.  For network owners, using bend-insensitive fibre has considerable financial benefits, with optimised total cost of ownership and OPEX savings as a result of easier installation and robustness.  Ultimately, latest generation bend-insensitive fibres help future-proof higher capacity networks. To download a copy of ‘Bend-Insensitive Fibres: a key component of future-proof networks’, click here.