WernerCo Dispels Myths Around EN131

Despite having been introduced to the UK over two years ago, there are still many misconceptions around the EN131 standards and what this means to those working at height. WernerCo has decided to address some of these to ensure tradesmen are equipped with the right information when choosing a ladder.   EN131 was introduced to provide a harmonised standard for all portable ladders, creating just two standard classifications, one for professional use and one for non–professional, reflecting that there are differences in the requirements for the performance of the ladder. One of the biggest misconceptions around EN131 is that existing ladders owned by tradesmen are no longer safe to use and must immediately be replaced. This is not true; tradesmen are still able to continue using existing ladders purchased before the introduction of EN131 as long as they are well maintained. However, once their existing ladder reaches the end of its life and needs to be replaced, tradesmen must purchase a ladder that conforms to the latest EN131 standard and is suited for professional use.   There is also some confusion on which type of ladder the latest EN131 standard covers. Within the standard, there are different parts set out for ladder categories. Part four relates to multi-function hinged ladders, Part six relates to telescopic ladders and Part seven to ladders with platforms. Some ladder categories fall outside of the EN131 standard so it’s important to understand safety requirements for the type of ladder they need.  For example, tradesmen should refer to EN14183 for stepstools and EN14975 for loft ladders. Roof ladders have a general safety standard but this ladder category is currently under review for a new standard to be released in the near future.   Another question raised by the new EN131 standard is whether those who have previously attended training will need to retake an updated course to cover ladders under the new standard. The Ladder Association has specified that those who already hold a Ladder Card will not need retraining and their certification will still be valid. Paul Bruton, Product Development Director at WernerCo, comments, “At WernerCo, we fully support the introduction to EN131 in helping to create safer environments when working at height. However, in order to fully reap the benefits of the changes brought in by EN131, it is important that tradesmen have the correct information in order to make informed choices about the equipment they are using.”  WernerCo has developed a guide explaining what the changes mean and how it will affect users. It will also explain in full the two new classifications of standards and advises users on when to purchase new equipment. The guide can be downloaded here.

New PARATHOM Portfolio From LEDVANCE

Smart solutions in residential applications are in line with the trend. An increasing number of private customers want to integrate smart home functions in their residential area and often hire a specialist to do so. With Professional Smart for Residential and the new LEDVANCE PARATHOM portfolio, LEDVANCE supports professional users such as installers to achieve the full potential of connected lighting for their customers. Smart lamps in a wide variety of shapes, smart luminaires, products for indoor and outdoor use or plugs for integrating conventional light sources - the new LEDVANCE PARATHOM portfolio for residential and garden areas can be controlled optionally by voice command or app and offers a suitable solution for a wide range of requirements. The portfolio impresses with a combination of quality, innovation, reliability and user-friendliness and is complemented by easy installation, a good value for money and features such as colour and colour temperature change or dimming capabilities. Voice control via Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant Professional Smart for Residential is available with either ZigBee or Bluetooth technology and, in addition the operation, via app, allows convenient voice control with digital assistants such as Alexa from Amazon, Siri from Apple or Google Assistant. System compatibility of PARATHOM ZigBee PARATHOM ZigBee's smart lighting can be integrated into existing or preferred independent, compatible smart home systems, allowing control via app or smart speakers such as Amazon Echo or Google Nest. The compatible gateways include Philips Hue Bridge, Deutsche Telekom QIVICON, Schwaiger Gateway, Samsung SmartThings or Smart Home by hornbach. No external gateway is necessary if the device is controlled via Alexa with Amazon Echo Plus, Echo Show (2nd generation) or Echo Studio since these devices have already integrated a ZigBee gateway. Thanks to the latest ZigBee 3.0 technology, a high security standard is guaranteed and allows control on the go. In addition, the Professional Smart for Residential portfolio enables the easy creation of different light scenarios – dimmed, from warm to cool white and multicolour for choosing from 16 million colours. Complex functions such as wake-up light or home presence simulation complement the reliable, smart lighting solutions with ZigBee technology. Easy setup of PARATHOM Bluetooth The PARATHOM Bluetooth portfolio can be set up easily in less than one minute, and no gateway is required. It allows lighting products to be controlled either via the LEDVANCE SMART+ app for Android and iOS, the Apple Home app or voice control via smart speakers such as Apple HomePod or Amazon Echo. The PARATHOM Bluetooth portfolio from LEDVANCE can also be integrated into a Bluetooth mesh network. Users of the LEDVANCE SMART+ app thus benefit from the new Bluetooth 5 standard. For example, if there are several LEDVANCE Bluetooth mesh devices, users can extend the control range of the smartphone to control the lights in another room, on the next floor or even in the garden – without getting up from the couch. Availability A selection of smart lamps, LED strips and components from Professional Smart for Residential can be found on the LEDVANCE website.

Unicrimp Seals The Deal With Adhesives Range

Scolmore Group company, Unicrimp, supplies the Siroflex range of adhesives and sealants - a trusted brand among professional tradespeople. The high quality, universal range of adhesives and sealants is based on hybrid technology for both interior and exterior applications. The full range comprises silicone adhesives, bonding adhesives, expanding foams, plaster fillers, decorators caulk, threadlocker, putty and fixing tapes. The SX Mighty Strength Grip & Grab Adhesive has initial bond strength which is double that of most other grab adhesives. It bonds heavy objects to vertical surfaces immediately without slippage or support, making it an excellent alternative fixing adhesive that replaces nails, screws and other mechanical fixings. This adhesive is solvent free, cures quickly and is water and weather-proof. It is suitable for bonding most building substrates, but in particular, for fixing of large panels, wallboards and mirrors. The SX Mighty Strength Seal & Fix is a high quality, universal adhesive and can be used safely in food preparation areas and cold storage. It has excellent adhesion to most non-porous surfaces, will bond to damp surfaces and is paintable with water based and two component paints. This product is based on a neutral curing system, where it cures under the influence of humidity to form a durable elastic seal and is free from isocyanates. As well as being fast curing and almost odourless, it is also solvent free and is water, frost and heat resistant. The product will even bond to damp or wet surfaces, making it suitable for external as well as internal applications. It has excellent adhesion to most building substrates including wood, natural stone, mirrors, concrete, metal, mortar, bricks, gypsum and glass. For further information, contact Unicrimp by calling 01827 300600, emailing sales@unicrimp.com or visiting www.unicrimp.com.

Construction Charities Join To Tackle Mental Health

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity and Building Mental Health have joined forces with Safer Highways and announced today the first major benchmarking exercise to understand where the industry lies in its road to wellbeing. As construction gets back to work and faces the challenges of trying to operate under the new pandemic protocols, many of the workforce remain anxious about the safety of their work environment. Now, more than ever it is vitally important to ensure that every company and building site has some level of mental wellbeing support to help the workforce through this difficult period. Following the Stevenson/Farmer Report in 2017, the industry has been alerted to the significant mental health issues of working in construction and there have been many initiatives implemented to address the key concerns.  Until now, there has never been a collaborative benchmarking exercise across industry sectors that identifies what has been implemented and what else needs to be done to conform to the recommendations of the Stevenson/Farmer Report. Last week the Building Mental Health (BMH) initiative received its 500th Charter signature.  This charter is a pledge by senior management of a construction company to prioritise mental health within their operation. Although this is a major milestone, the signing of a charter is the easy bit. Implementing a series of initiatives to improve the wellbeing of the workforce is a lot more challenging. The Road to Wellbeing interactive survey has been developed by Safer Highways and asks companies to respond to 10 questions relating to the implementation of mental wellbeing programmes in their organisation. On completion of the questionnaire, the survey software then compares their responses to the recommendations of the Stevenson / Farmer report and produces a completely free and bespoke report that includes practical initiatives for companies to enhance their support of the workforce. As well as benefiting individual companies, it also gives the industry a collective benchmark to the recommendations of the Stevenson/Farmer Report. The survey will be sent out to senior representatives of companies operating in the highways, rail, utilities, maritime, aviation and construction sectors, with each sector's results published and launched at an event taking place on December 2 2020 at the London Transport Museum. Bill Hill CEO at the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity says, “We have been working on proactive mental wellbeing initiatives with our industry for four years now, but we have never had a collaborative approach to measuring distance travelled towards addressing the recommendations of the Stevenson/Farmer report. This is a huge breakthrough and once again demonstrates the industry’s ability to work together to create robust, practical and imaginative solutions to difficult problems.” Kevin Robinson CEO at Safer Highways adds, “Last year the Highways Sector became the first to benchmark itself against the government’s Thriving at Work core and enhanced standards. But for us that was only the beginning as we sought to improve standards not just in our own sector. Through this collaborative approach with the BMH framework we now have the ability to  enable organisations to benchmark against standards, and also provide access to training and a vast array of resources to facilitate improvement.”

J S Wright Secures £5M+ Wimbledon Development

Mechanical and electrical services specialist, J S Wright has netted a contract worth more than £5 million for the residential element of a major mixed-use regeneration scheme in Wimbledon. The company, which is based in Birmingham and has an office in central London, will install the mechanical services for 413 high-quality private apartments at Wimbledon Grounds on the site of a former dog track in Plough Lane. Wimbledon Grounds, which will sit next to a new stadium for football club AFC Wimbledon, is a development by Galliard Homes that will eventually comprise more than 600 homes and 18,000sq-ft of commercial space. J S Wright is already working on a contract with Galliard Homes to install the engineering infrastructure systems, including an energy centre, boosted cold water plant room, plant room ventilation and a building management system, within Stadia Three, the first residential element of Wimbledon Grounds.  The company will now provide and install a low-pressure hot water heating system and pipework to deliver low-temperature hot water via heat interface units to radiators in all the apartments across the seven-storey buildings. It will also supply and equip the apartments with energy efficient mechanical ventilation heat recovery systems that will use the outgoing air from the properties to heat incoming fresh air. Fire prevention sprinklers, sanitary-ware and HPDE above ground drainage will also be fitted. J S Wright has already started work on site on the new project, with completion scheduled for September 2021. Phil Leech, Managing Director of J S Wright, says, "We are delighted that after being brought in from the start by supplying and installing the shell and core services we have now also been commissioned to complete the apartment fit out on the middle and biggest phase of this major project. "This contract is a tribute to the proven skills and expertise of our highly trained workforce that we remain the preferred choice of M&E services contractor for leading residential developers." Established in Birmingham in 1890, J S Wright designs, manufactures, installs and maintains mechanical and electrical services for the hotel, residential, social housing, student accommodation, leisure and commercial sectors.   

JTL Launches Installers’ Toolbox

JTL has designed and developed Toolbox, a completely free online resource full of interesting information, training and guidance related to the sector.   JTL recognises that training and continued professional development (CPD) is crucially important to the industry in an ever-changing world, so as part of the Toolbox offer it has developed Power Up. Power Up is a free online resource offering bite-size digital courses for engaging in continued professional development (CPD). Both JTL alumni and those working within the sector can sign up to participate as a way of engaging in CPD and upskilling.  The free courses will each involve online learning and offer an introductory video, as well as interactive content including animated videos and knowledge checks, with digital badges awarded on successful completion. The first electrical courses to launch will be, ‘Safe Isolation’ and ‘Inspection and Testing’.  Courses to follow over the next few months will focus on new technologies and will form a series focused on the changing world of an electrician. This series will include the following: Electric Vehicle Charging Points, Smart Homes Cable Innovation and Fire Safety.  Liam Sammon, Director of Learning and Innovation at JTL, says, “Creating a learning-focused culture that values internal progression has huge benefits for both individuals and businesses, so we’re excited to be launching Power Up. The free taster courses can be done at home in your own time, so are a fantastic way for installers to participate in refresher training or to learn a new skill set, as well as having the opportunity to explore the accredited short courses already available through JTL.  “As more individuals gain similar professional qualifications, CPD becomes more important as a way for employees to remain competitive, while giving installers the ability to diversify the services that they offer. We want to be here for the industry, not just during their apprenticeship but throughout their career. We’re looking forward to providing the sector with more free bite-size courses, as well as advice and information on industry topics within Toolbox.” The new online learning portal is part of JTL’s commitment to further support the building services engineering sector by offering free advice and educational resources. 

What’s Next For The Economy And Construction?

The ECA is set to partner with the CBI to deliver a webinar on the future of the economy and construction industry. On Thursday July 2 at 11am, panellists will offer a wider perspective on economic output within the UK, political direction on COVID-19 and the economy, insight into the likely impact this will have on the business community, and more. The panel will include: Megan Bulford, head of economic analysis, CBI and Rob Driscoll, director of business and legal, ECA. “We’re delighted to be teaming up with CBI to discuss a range of key economic, political and business issues facing the construction industry. The webinar will give participants insight on the core challenges and opportunities facing our sector and the economy as businesses seek to recover from the pandemic and lockdown,” says Driscoll “Businesses and governments around the world are facing unprecedented times. And with the UK now in its deepest recession on record, getting the recovery right will be critical to protect jobs and the survival of many firms. We are delighted to bring insights from business and government to provide a wider perspective on the economic outlook, both in the immediate and the longer term,” adds Bulford. To register for this webinar, please click here. All attendees will be able to submit their questions for the panellists during the webinar. They will endeavour to respond to as many as possible in the allotted timeframe. A full recording of the webinar will be available to replay after the event on ECA’s YouTube channel, at www.youtube.com/ecalive, where previous ECA webinars, including the full ECA Coronavirus Impact series, are also available to watch on-demand.

Heatrae Considers True Cost Of Specification Delays In Healthcare

Heatrae Sadia has worked closely with specifiers to design and supply hot water systems for several NHS and private healthcare facilities to meet demand created by the COVID-19 pandemic.  “From the moment the lockdown began in the UK, extraordinary measures were taken to build and extend healthcare facilities in record time. With this came the essential need for effective and compliant hot water solutions to be specified, designed and installed rapidly,” says Simon Russell, National Sales Manager at Heatrae Sadia. “Our specification support team were proactively involved from the outset and saw first-hand how consultants, building contractors and suppliers all pulled together to keep going even under considerable pressure and time constraints. Liaising closely with Heatrae Sadia’s manufacturing lines to swiftly adapt production, it was paramount to ensure product was available immediately.  Moving forward, it is important that long-term plans are made to strengthen struggling supply chains. “The true cost of specification delays is not just a monetary one. In the healthcare sector, a minor delay in one small aspect of the project can result in a facility not being able to open and lives could be potentially lost as a result. This is why Heatrae Sadia welcomes The Construction Leadership Council’s efforts to draft a ‘Roadmap to Recovery’ for the whole building and construction industry in England. “While consultation is in-progress with the Government to ‘restart, reset and reinvent’ the building and construction sector, the healthcare industry however, cannot wait. “A recent survey by RIBA paints a picture of widespread project delays across the industry, with a staggering 90% of construction projects during COVID-19 being impacted by any or all parties within a construction team. This includes delays caused by product manufacturers and suppliers, and shows how the industry is struggling.  However, it simply can’t be at the expense of the NHS and other life-saving medical facilities,” he continues. “As one of the key suppliers to numerous NHS Nightingale hospitals, care homes and private medical facilities during this time, Heatrae Sadia knows the importance of quick response time. Without access to reliable and hygienic hot water needed to sanitise hands and care for patients, facilities just cannot operate. “What’s for certain is that to be ready to face the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19, we all need to plan ahead and remain resilient to change. Heatrae Sadia will be investing in its supply chain in order to continue to meet the hot water specification demands for crucial healthcare projects.” Heatrae Sadia has created a guide which covers the key points in hot water delivery, specifically in healthcare environments, which can be found here. Click here for Heatrae Sadia’s Biomaster in Healthcare video for more information about preventing the spread of bacteria on hot water system touch points to reduce cross-contamination.

The KNX Re-evolution

by Javier Aguirre – Technical Director Zennio UK KNX has been a synonym for innovation and evolution ever since its conception in 1990. For 30 years, KNX partners have come up with ideas and products to make the smart home industry more accessible. This evolution can be seen in the ETS software, in the use of new technologies, in the compatibility of KNX with other control systems… but it is not that often that we can see an evolution in the way a KNX line looks like, and this is what Zennio has managed to do with its latest invention: The ALLinBOX. The question was simple: can a KNX installation have one single device? KNX installations require a KNX Power Supply, an interface (usually USB or IP), outputs (to control things) and inputs (to provide user control), and this is the starting point for almost every KNX installation, so, why not put it all together in one device? And that’s how the ALLinBOX was born, an industry revolution making it possible to have a fully operative KNX installation with just one device. The name, as with every Zennio device, gives some additional information, so the first device of the ALLinBOX family, the ALLinBOX 1612, is a 640mA KNX Power Supply with an auxiliary 29VDC power supply, an IP Interface, 16 relay outputs (configurable as individual, shutter channel or fancoil controller), 12 analogic/digital inputs and 20 logical functions. The 640mA Power Supply is perfect to then add all the other KNX bits: actuators, inputs, touch panels, switches and so on. The IP interface makes it perfect for remote support and BMS communication and the multifunction outputs and inputs plus the logical functions make it suitable for any project. Find out more at: https://www.zennio.com/products/actuators/allinbox-1612

You've Got The Power With Makita's New 40V Line-Up

Introducing Makita’s range of highest power cordless solutions yet: XGT 40V Max. The XGT range of machines - including combi drills, grinders, rotary hammers, impact drivers, circular saws and reciprocating saws - offers high output, durability and fast charge times, keeping you working for longer without disruption. An introduction to XGT XGT 40V Max is the new standalone cordless battery platform from Makita – with its own range of tools, lithium-ion batteries and chargers. The new 40V Max system will stand side-by-side with Makita’s industry-leading LXT platform to offer a battery solution for all applications. XGT has been built around three concepts: 1. High power With 40V Max power, XGT is the most powerful battery platform in the Makita range. The increased output is ideal for industrial, higher demand applications. In fact, XGT, cordless machines offer output that can genuinely rival the high power of corded tools and even some petrol engine machines. The XGT range benefits from a completely new design - across the machines, the batteries and charging system. Instead of going for a higher voltage battery, the Makita R&D Team has developed a system with improved construction and advanced technologies to achieve optimum power and performance. When going for a higher voltage battery there is a trade-off between power and run-time. However, XGT delivers balanced run-time delivered from the new 40V Max motor and battery platform, with all the power that is required for heavier duty applications. 2. Tough design The new XGT batteries have been engineered with durable design features to minimise damage and withstand tough environments. The heavy duty outer casing and cell holder and shock absorbing housing protect the battery if dropped. Each battery also has an IPX4 rating, which means that it is splash and shower proof, and water ingress is limited – ideal for those working with pipework or outside in unpredictable weather. Their design also prevents damage from dust. XGT batteries also include high rigidity rails, that firmly hold the battery to the tool – making them suitable for use with high power products and heavy duty applications. 3. Smart technology To optimise battery performance and charge times, XGT features Makita’s unique smart system technology. This in-built programme allows digital communication between the battery and the charger, as well as the battery and the tool, to provide protection against issues such over discharge and overheating. For example, if the battery has overheated, the charger will cool it down before charging begins. This significantly speeds up the charging process and minimises downtime. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita, says, “This an exciting time for existing Makita users and new users alike. Makita’s new XGT platform is the next generation in cordless technology, leading the way in both performance and intelligence. With XGT, you can experience the same high power associated with corded and petrol machines, but with the increased flexibility of cordless – making XGT the ideal solution for high demand, industrial applications. “The complete solution of our existing LXT 18V system and the new XGT 40V platform offers even more battery-powered solutions for a truly cordless job site.” What’s in the range Makita has launched a number of new products for the 40V XGT platform, each suited to high demand applications – including cutting, grinding, drilling and fixing. To maximise on site efficiency, the tools are designed to offer outstanding performance, ease of use and operator safety. The new 40V XGT line-up includes: TD001G Impact Driver - delivering 220Nm of max torque and ten tightening modes. HP001G Combi-Hammer Drill - providing 140Nm of max torque and 41 electronical clutch settings. GA004G, GA005G, GA012G and GA013G Angle Grinders - offering the same power as 1,100W corded grinders. HR003G and HR004G SDS-Plus Combination Hammers – which include antivibration technology and benefit from a HEPA filter dust collection system. HS004G Circular Saw - with a no. load speed of 6,000RPM, 480 bevel capacity and AWS wireless connection facility for use with compatible dust extractors. JR001G Reciprocating Saw – achieving 255mm capacity in wood and Ø130mm capacity in pipe. All models are available as body only machines, or complete models with battery, charger and ADP10 Adaptor for charging LXT 18V batteries via the XGT 40V charger. To improve durability, the new XGT tools also benefit from Makita’s Brushless motor. As there are no moving parts within the motor causing friction, wear and tear and ongoing maintenance costs are minimised. No friction also means that no energy is lost through heat production, which increases run times and keeps you working for longer - as you do not have to regularly stop to replace or recharge the batteries. To support the new product range, Makita has also launched a selection of accessories. The 40V batteries can be purchased individually and are available in 2.5Ah and 4.0Ah versions. To minimise operator fatigue – and maximise on-site productivity – the batteries are light weight. For example, the 2.5Ah XGT batteries weigh just 100g more than 18V LXT alternatives. To charge the batteries, Makita has launched the DC40RA 40V Max fast charger. Due to the smart system, the DC40RA offers optimised charging. For example, a 2.5Ah XGT battery can be charged in just 28 minutes and a 4.0Ah battery in 45 minutes. For those that are currently using Makita’s LXT products, Makita has developed an adaptor that allows you to charge your LXT batteries using the XGT charger. This makes changing between tools effortless. With the adaptor, LXT batteries charge in just 22 minutes (for 3.0Ah LXT batteries) up to 40 minutes (for 6.0Ah LXT batteries). To launch the new XGT range, Makita UK will also be offering a new redemption deal on selected models, so contractors can claim an extra 40V battery completely free of charge. To find out more about Makita and the new range of 40V XGT products, please visit www.makitauk.com