Schneider Electric Steps Up With Mental Health Fundraiser

Schneider Electric has launched a fundraising campaign to support electricians across the UK through the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC). In partnership with Tomorrow Rising Fund, a global initiative to support emergency response and restarting activities post-Covid-19, Schneider Electric will be raising money through ’80 Days Around the World’ challenges during the lockdown period, to encourage their teams working from home to keep active for a good cause. Groups of employees will aim to cumulatively take the 50 million steps it would take to circumnavigate the world. As part of the Tomorrow Rising Fund, Schneider Electric has committed to match 50% of any donations made, whilst also donating an immediate €5,000 to the EIC. All money raised will go to the Electrical Industries Charity. In the first six-months of the year, the EIC helped roughly 3,000 people in mental distress - they are expecting that number to triple in the next six months. The funds raised will go towards providing therapy sessions and psychiatrist assessments to those in the electrical industry who are struggling with their mental health during and beyond the COVID-19 crisis. “We’re extremely proud to be part of the UK’s electrical community. This period of uncertainty has been challenging for our industry as a whole, and we want to help those most in need. We hope the money raised will provide some support to those who work in a sector that is vital to our society,” says Nico van der Merwe, UK&I Home & Distribution Vice President at Schneider Electric. Please donate here.

CICV Forum Produces Back To Work Signage

As the construction industry gears up for the next stage of its restart plan, the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum, has produced a pack of free practical signage to help with the safe return to work. Designed for sites, depots and offices, the 20 open source documents include essential posters, checklists and factsheets for on and off-site use, outlining in comprehensive detail how to manage the restart while keeping staff safe. The resource also features a downloadable PowerPoint Toolbox Talk which takes employers and employees through the new restrictions and workplace etiquette that must be observed. The documents can be downloaded and printed off in A3 or A4 size, and can also be adapted for individual use, with space left for company logos and contact details to be added. Rebecca Crosland, Health and Safety Advisor at Forum member the Building Engineering Services Association, says, “The Forum’s Health and Safety Sub-Committee is aware that many people will be unsure about exactly what actions they need to take to ensure they are up to date with the guidance. “This return to work pack spells out, step-by-step, the new rules and the new ways of working which everyone will have to adopt in order to get the industry back on its feet and delivering a service for its clients and the country.” The new pack was launched after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a move to Phase 2 of its four-phase route map out of lockdown on June 18. The announcement means Scotland’s construction sector can move into Phase 3 of its own phased six-step restart plan from Monday June 22, subject to ongoing consultation with government. The Forum collateral will now help with this return, with the 32-page PowerPoint designed to be used as a Toolbox Talk to share practical guidance about physical distancing, travelling to work, general hygiene, close working, PPE and eating and toilet arrangements. Iain Mason, Director of Membership and Communications at SELECT and Chair of the Communications Sub-Group on the CICV Forum, comments, “The objective of this latest initiative is to safeguard everyone in our industry and to work together to protect our wider community and families. “The return to work pack provides a basis from which companies can establish safe working practices which will allow them to create a plan of action to get sites up and running again and bring their people back to a new era of safe operation.” The information pack is the latest in a series of initiatives from the Forum, which has been at the forefront of information dissemination to the sector throughout the COVID-19 crisis, and which has become for many enterprises the first port of call for clarity of advice. The Forum, made up of trade associations, professional services bodies, companies and individuals, stepped into the fray immediately in March with advice on how to operate safely while carrying out emergency or essential work. It has since then been drawing on the collective expertise of its members to maintain a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, producing animations and posters, hosting webinars and making appeals to Government Ministers. The restart pack can be downloaded here.

CICV Forum Welcomes Next Phase Of Return To Work

The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has welcomed further easing of restrictions to help get the sector in Scotland back to work – but insists health and safety and collaboration must continue to be at the heart of an industry-wide approach. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a range of new measures yesterday on June 18 as the Scottish Government gradually moves to Phase 2 of its four-phase route map out of lockdown. The announcement means Scotland’s construction sector can move into Phase 3 of its own phased six-step restart plan from Monday June 22, subject to ongoing consultation with government. Alan Wilson, Chair of the CICV Forum and Managing Director of SELECT, the electrotechnical trade body for Scotland, says, “Moving to Phase 2 of the national route map and Phase 3 of the construction restart plan is a further positive move which we wholly welcome. “A steady, planned return to normal in both the construction industry, and in the Scottish economy more generally, could not be more desirable, but health and safety considerations remain critical. “Our members are well prepared to meet the challenge of the phased return with caution, ever-conscious of the importance of not rushing at it, doing things properly and following the Forum-produced guidelines which are contained in a range of industry advice about correct working practices during the course of the crisis.” The Forum – which has been working towards restart with a number of bodies, including the Construction Leadership Forum – has been the authoritative voice of Scotland’s construction industry throughout the weeks and months of the COVID-19 lockdown. During its latest virtual meeting, held just hours after the First Minister’s announcement, 27 Forum members were joined via phone by Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning. Stewart was given a high-level briefing of the latest steps being taken by Forum members to help align its members’ work practices with the Scottish Government’s Phase 2 provisions, and also answered a series of questions about next steps. “I realise this has been a difficult time for us all both professionally and personally, and I’m extremely grateful for the hard work, patience and input of the CICV Forum, which has helped shape how we move forward,” says Stewart.

Ministerial Support Welcomed As Construction Industry Returns To Work

As the construction industry in Scotland continues its increasingly proactive return to work, influential bodies across the sector have welcomed a ministerial intervention in support of vital certification schemes. Kevin Stewart, MSP, Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, has written to Scotland’s 32 local authorities to highlight the potential for certification by approved scheme providers to facilitate early approval of building warrants as well as their positive impact on verification capacity.  His letter has received the backing of major industry scheme providers including SELECT, the influential trade body for the electrical industry in Scotland; Structural Engineers Registration; certification body BRE Global; RIAS Services; Certsure, trading as NICEIC; and SNIPEF, the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation. Stewart said in his letter to local authority chief executives: “Although certification is an optional method for compliance, certificates of design support the earliest approval of warrants by removing the need for verifiers to check compliance in these areas. “The use of certificates of construction would also have significant value at this time where there is a need and requirement to actively manage the number of people on site to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. “As electrical, drainage, heating and plumbing work can be certified by qualified building professionals, their increased use will reduce the need for building standards inspection visits.” Dave Forrester, Director of Technical Services at SELECT, adds, “As we begin the construction restart process, it’s vital that we work together as an industry to provide support to firms looking to complete projects as efficiently as possible, while ensuring we all continue to protect the health and safety of those people involved.  “I welcome this statement from the Minister and hope it helps to raise awareness of the benefits certification provide towards achieving those objectives.” Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, also voiced her opinion on the matter. “In a phased return, there is a need to keep the number of people on site to a minimum. As certifiers would likely be on site anyway, this would reduce the need for inspection, and also travel to and from site,” she notes. “As sites will not be working to full capacity it will be essential that as much work can be done as is possible on site without having to delay progress by, for example, waiting for a building inspector. Certification helps this issue and increases productivity.” Richard Atkins, of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, furthers, “By using Approved Certifiers of Construction and Design, the building owner has an insurance-backed guarantee that the electrical, drainage, heating and plumbing systems and the structural and energy performance designs are compliant.” Building standards verification 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. SELECT has joined with other certification scheme providers to work with the Scottish Government’s Building Standards Division Resilience Group to address short, medium and long-term issues created by the coronavirus outbreak. It is also currently working on an animation which focuses on the benefits of certification that will help guide firms through the easing of lockdown process.

New ECS Check Helps To Raise The Bar

ECS Check, a new free-to-use digital system from the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS), allows clients, contractors and others to verify the ECS card status of electrotechnical workers in real-time.  For over 50 years the Joint Industry Board (JIB) has verified applicants’ qualifications in order to issue them with a card and grading. ECS now has more than 175,000 valid cardholders who have been assessed in line with the standards set out by industry. Now, via ECS Check, the electrotechnical industry and its customers have a means to conduct their own audits to verify all electrotechnical personnel on site throughout the supply chain. There are already over 40 clients, main contractors or electrical contractors using the system. Mace, a global consultancy and construction company, has been enjoying the system’s benefits, as Nigel Jones, Senior M&E Manager, explains, “Mace look to continuously improve to remain that one step ahead of our competitors with innovation and the search for a better way - we were therefore delighted to be using the new ECS Check service.” He added: “Mace teams will be able to satisfy themselves that the electrical operatives on site are qualified and experienced, giving confidence for both Mace and their clients that their works should be carried out safely by these highly skilled operatives.” Richard Harris, Labour Manager for Gratte Brothers Group, has also praised the new system. “Knowledge, competence and safety is absolutely crucial within our business. Whilst on site we want our clients to be reassured that our workforce has the necessary qualifications and experience to carry out their work safely and to a good standard. ECS Check enables our clients to guarantee for themselves that the workforce we have on site are up to the task in hand,” he adds. Clients and main contractors can also use the ECS Check system to promote apprenticeships and training; for example, by setting required targets for apprentices or trainees to be part of the workforce. This helps promote social and best value in procurement as well as allowing clients to specify the expected levels of qualification and competency for their projects.  ECS Check is recognised as a Licence to Practice system in Northern Ireland under Procurement Guidance Note 01/16 and is helping to avoid unnecessary duplication of work by providing a free to access, online system which gives real-time access to the ECS database. The system is also being used as a means to verify elements of the competence framework recommended by the Competence Working Groups (as part of the Hackitt Review) and will be increasingly important for electrical, fire, emergency and security systems installers in high risk residential buildings.  Andy Reakes, Head of Operations, Employment and Skills at the JIB, comments, “The quality of an electrical installation depends on not only the electrical contractor’s company registration but, crucially, the person carrying out the work. Through ECS Check’s online portal, clients, main contractors and project managers can have confidence in the identity and quality of the electrical workforce on their projects. "While we know clients will do the necessary checks on main contractors who have tendered for work, often the scale and number of companies involved in subcontracting supply chains means there is very little awareness of the qualifications and training of the person actually undertaking this work on site. ECS Check transforms that by providing one system through which clients and contractors can have this essential visibility and greater transparency.” ECS Check is available through an online portal and smartphone app which can be used for verification of personnel on site. It complements the ECS virtual card which is available to all card holders and can also be accessed free of charge via a smartphone app.

Join The Next Lighting Circular Economy Webinar

Industry experts in sustainability and product design are set to gather to discuss how the lighting sector can address its environmental impact. The second Circular Economy webinar organised by Recolight will take place on July 14 at 11:00 to 12:30.  Speakers will challenge the industry to set ambitious goals and explore how innovative product design can have a positive impact on sustainability. Chaired by Lux Review online editor Ray Molony, the event will also hear from environmental campaigner and lighting designer John Bullock who will challenge the industry to commit to dramatically reducing its environmental impact. Richard Garrett of Signify will outline the market-leading steps the company is making to become carbon neutral, while luminaire designer Simon Fisher will outline the steps needed to create products for a circular economy. Russell Parr of Prime Light and a Torsten Werner of extrusion specialist Elkamet will discuss the use of sustainable raw materials based on renewable resources. "It's vital that the industry has this conversation now if it's to address its responsibility to the wider world,” says chairman Ray Molony. “For too long the sector has been a rule-taker. These webinars can help us come up with a strategy that's built from the bottom up.” Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey adds, “I’m encouraged  to see the lighting industry taking steps to become more sustainable. Sharing their initiatives with manufacturers and end users shows their commitment to protecting our resources and creating a greener planet.” The webinar is free to all; register here.

Up Your Know How With Drayton

As more heating engineers and electricians are looking to further develop their skillset and refresh their knowledge, Drayton is reminding installers of its various training options.   For those looking to expand their business into the smart heating control market, Drayton’s online training academy, 9º Know How, provides tradesmen with a platform to learn more about its smart heating control, Wiser.  The training module is delivered through a series of videos that are simple to follow and can be completed in around 30 minutes from the comfort of their own home. The module covers everything installers need to know about Wiser, including a product overview, kit selection advice, commissioning and set up guides, and tips for helping customers make the most from their Wiser system. Perry McGowan of Volts Coventry comments, “The Wiser heating control is very smart and incredibly easy to install, but I found installation a lot easier thanks to the online training course that Drayton provides. It’s easy to access, it’s free, it doesn’t take too long and you get a qualification at the end of it! “Once I gained my Wiser Approved status after completing the training, I was able to access a lot of support that has benefited my business, from customer leads from the Wiser website and extended warranty for registered products, through to a VIP technical support line if I have any product queries whilst out on a job.”  Additionally, The Drayton Community Facebook group, which was launched to support installers and provide a forum where members can engage with each other, is where professionals can access free training videos. The live training sessions cover Wiser, as well as Drayton’s wider product range, and viewers can submit their questions to be answered during the livestream. All videos are then available afterwards for anyone who wants to go back and access it at a later date. Clare Weller, Trade Marketing Manager, adds, “With the current situation, we know that our installers are looking for new ways to undertake training as face-to-face sessions are unfortunately postponed. At Drayton, we’re thrilled to be able to provide installers with a whole host of alternative training options, including informative videos with Q&A sessions and more formal quiz-based assessment training modules. Covering everything from our smart heating control, Wiser, to our best-selling TRV4 range, there’s never been a better time to familiarise yourself with the Drayton product range.” To join The Drayton Community Facebook Group, click here.

NAPIT Unveils COVID-19 Impact Survey Results

The Chairman of the NAPIT Trade Association and Chief Technical Officer, Frank Bertie has discussed the results from the recent COVID-19 member impact surveys, where he addressed member’s concerns about returning to ‘normal’ working life.  NAPIT carried out two surveys in May to understand the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had and continues to have on members' business operations. The results have enabled NAPIT to understand how its members are feeling about their current situation, and what position they think their businesses will be in as we start to ease the lockdown.   “We are proud that our members have been classified as ‘key workers’, and the survey confirmed that 75% of members have been providing emergency services to the general public in these unprecedented times, whilst also supporting family and those requiring shielding,” says Bertie. “To enable us to assist our members completing emergency jobs, we launched a new ‘emergency call outs’ search preference to support those members who were able and willing to carry out emergency repairs and maintenance, and also to help consumers find a reliable and certified tradesperson from our membership during this difficult time.” The fast evolution of COVID-19 has caused concern for many businesses, with the added pressure that arises from loss of earnings. Over half of members said they felt it had caused high impact to their business operations, with only 6% of members reporting either little or no impact at all.  Consumer confidence is also adding to the uncertainty, as over three quarters of our members advised they have received no new enquiries for work, 71% have had contracts paused, and 58% reported upcoming work being cancelled. Consequently, it was no surprise that the general consensus from members is that the vast majority feel nervous about the future of their businesses moving forward.  “We expected the announcement from the Prime Minister advising ‘to go back to work if you can’t work from home’ to cause some anxiety for tradespeople all over the UK due to working in people’s homes,” Bertie adds. “We wanted to know what impact this had on their ‘back to work’ mindset. The survey confirmed that just under half are now working more than they have been over the past few weeks, but not ‘business as usual’, whilst 35% are awaiting further relaxation of lockdown before returning to work.  “Moving forward, it is pleasing to know that 44% of members are feeling comfortable enough to return to work, however we understand there are others who feel it is slightly premature. Calls for further assistance from the Government to support company directors and the recently self-employed were made by our members to support business.  Our survey results have been communicated to officials from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy during our regular communication with them. We will continue to support their decision-making process going forward and to push for extra guidance and support to increase consumer confidence and stimulate demand in the repair, maintenance, improvement and construction sectors.”  

Forum Animation Adopted By Wider Organisations

An animation by the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has proved such a success that it has been adapted and released by other major organisations across the UK and Europe. The short open source film, entitled In This Together, offers clear and practical advice to contractors and occupiers undertaking essential domestic work. Following its release in April, the animation was soon embraced by other bodies, who were granted permission to adapt it for their own use.  A special version of the animation is now being promoted by the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), the trade association for electrotechnical projects in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. It has also been adapted and used as an aid by BEAMA, the UK trade association for manufacturers and providers of energy infrastructure technologies and systems. A version has also been launched by Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils in the east of England to help provide clarity for their householders. The animation has even been translated into Finnish and adopted by Stul, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Finland. Iain Mason, Director of Membership and Communications at SELECT and Chair of the CICV Forum Communications Sub-Group, says, “We’re delighted that the Forum animation has struck such a chord across the industry and beyond. “Its success has come from being clear and easy to follow, delivering an instantly understandable message to employees and customers about the new reality we all now face. It also gives people a guide on how to stay safe as lockdown restrictions are eased. Like all CICV Forum guidance, the animation is open source and designed to be shared with as many people as possible, so we were more than happy to grant permission for bespoke versions to help spread the message even wider. We are currently preparing to release a follow-up animation about the safe return to work which we hope will also prove similarly useful for organisations everywhere.” The film, which was brought to life by the team at Connect Communications, outlines the precautions that should be taken by both employees and householders during domestic work, advising that contractors: Check that no one in the work site has symptoms Assure householders that contractors have no symptoms. Stand two metres apart and don’t shake hands. Wash hands during and after work, using their own towel. Wipe down all tools and instruments. The film also emphasises how homeowners can also play their part by:  Opening doors and windows and staying in a separate room. Signing work off electronically. Using bank transfers, not cash, for payments.  Alan Ramsay, Managing Director at Connect Communications, adds, “Our aim with this animation was to make the message as accessible as possible and we are very pleased that it has been seen to be particularly relevant across such a wide area.” The original CICV Forum film can be viewed here.  

Stonewater And Kensa Pilot Smart City Scheme

Housing provider Stonewater has partnered with Kensa Contracting to have 60 of its homes at Blackbird Leys installed with Kensa’s innovative low carbon heating solution. Individual Kensa Shoebox ground source heat pumps in each property, connected to a communal ground array, will integrate with smart controls and time-of-use tariffs to optimise heat production for cost and carbon savings. The heat pump installations form part of Energy Superhub Oxford (ESO), a a world-first project showcasing an integrated approach to decarbonising power, heat and transport across Oxford. Supported by Innovate UK, ESO is led by consortium partners Oxford City Council, Pivot Power, Habitat Energy, Kensa Contracting, Invinity Energy Systems and the University of Oxford. The renewable heating scheme with Stonewater is the first phase of Kensa Contracting’s aim to pilot the smart technology in 300 homes around Oxford over the next two years under the ESO project. ESO aims to demonstrate how ground source heat pumps with smart controls can help balance the electricity grid as part of an integrated local energy solution that also includes grid connected batteries and smart electric vehicle charging. Leon Storer, Assistant Director - Capital Investment at Stonewater, says, “We’re delighted to be a part of this innovative and forward-thinking project, supporting the local authority in achieving a net zero carbon future. “By replacing our residents’ current high carbon night storage heaters with Kensa’s ground source heat pump systems, we’re able to not only work towards a more sustainable future, but an economical one too. This is because a benefit of transitioning to this type of heat pump system is the significant cost savings it provides for residents.” Dr Matthew Trewhella, Managing Director of Kensa Contracting, adds, “Kensa is delighted to partner with Stonewater for the first phase in this 300 property pilot ground source heat pump project. The residents will benefit from clean, renewable heat with savings of up to 25% compared to a standard ground source heating system.  “Smart meters enable residents to switch to Octopus's unique Agile Tariff, which varies the electricity price every half hour and optimises energy use when renewable power is prevalent on the grid, and together with Switchee internet connected smart heating controls will automatically run resident's heating systems at the lowest cost times to reduce their bills while maintaining their comfort levels, and caring for the environment." Despite delays to commence as a result of coronavirus, Kensa expects to complete the installations across the Stonewater homes before winter 2020.