VIDEO - Introducing ESP's GuardCam Deco

ESP’s GuardCam Deco is a combined Wi-Fi security camera and LED floodlight system, which has been designed with ease of set up as a key feature, including the option for remote monitoring via smartphone or tablet, using ESP’s specially developed GuardCam Deco app. With a built-in camera that offers full 1080p HD live viewing and recording, the GuardCam Deco is an all-in-one solution for domestic and commercial applications. On approaching the unit, GuardCam Deco will detect the intruder with proven PIR technology at a distance of up to 10 metres from the unit. It will floodlight the area, initiate a video recording and provide the user with an option to deliver a two-way audio message or activate the inbuilt alarm warning. It features an adjustable 16W high-intensity LED security lamp (3,000K colour light and 800 lumen) and you can remotely dim or turn on/off the LED lamp via the app. It will record up to 200, twenty-second video sessions onto the supplied 8GB storage, and this is expandable up to 64GB. GuardCam has the option to deliver motion activation notifications via the app whilst recording the activation. The user friendly app also allows recordings to be accessed. The integral high-resolution digital camera offers wide angle camera view and clear image recording in video format. Night images retain colour and clarity due to the automatic LED light illumination. GuardCam Deco is available in a silver or black finish, features a robust metal housing and is IP55 rated. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nImx4EntBY For further information, contact ESP on 01527 515150, email info@espuk.com or visit www.espuk.com.

Heat Pump Association Embraces Green Recovery In Training Strategy

The Heat Pump Association (HPA) has launched a training strategy that lays out how the heating industry needs to transform to enable the wider adoption of heat pumps throughout the UK building stock. The upskilling of heating installers provides the potential for long-term job growth at the same time as helping to achieve net zero emissions; something that could form an important part of a ‘green recovery’.  The strategy contains five clear steps for how a plumbing and heating engineer can be trained to meet the new challenges we face in trying to achieve the UK goal of a zero carbon future, reducing administration cost, and recommending to government that they support a training voucher scheme for the first 5,000 installers to go through the new course. The strategy comes at the same time two industry-wide consultations are published on qualification criteria for training courses. Graham Wright, Chairman of the HPA, says, “The Committee on Climate Change has made clear that we need to move to heat pumps taking over from gas boilers as the default replacement heating system within the next 10-15 years. This is ambitious, but entirely achievable if we move now to retrain and up-skill a market that already exists of around 120,000 existing heating engineers. The role of installers cannot be underestimated in decarbonising heat. The Strategy we are launching today, together with the consultations on qualification criteria released earlier this week, are key steps towards achieving this and provide the potential for green jobs as we look to recover from the current crisis.” The HPA represents the significant majority of volume manufacturers of heat pumps in the UK (over 80% of the market). The Association works closely with its membership to support policymakers in the development of effective heat decarbonisation policy and other matters that affect the interests of end users, wider stakeholders, and the industry. In November 2019, the HPA launched ‘Net Zero: A Roadmap for the Role of Heat Pumps’ which identified training and skills as a key enabler for the decarbonisation of heat through heat pumps. The new strategy paper, and consultations released earlier this week, bring substance to that. Timetable is for course criteria to be submitted to Ofqual following consultation; the first training courses are expected to be up and running by the end of 2020.  

Rock Power Connections Becomes Rolec Accredited Installer

West Midlands Independent Connections Provider [ICP], Rock Power Connections, has secured an official accreditation to install Rolec Electrical Vehicle [EV] charging points. Rolec EV is a division of Rolec Services, which specialises in the design and manufacture of a comprehensive range of EV charging solutions.  In securing the official Rolec accreditation, Rock Power Connections can now install a range of fast and rapid chargers to meet the demands of businesses and their customers.  For larger installations, or for companies with restricted spare capacity, the Worcester based ICP can also design and install a new connection from the distribution network making it a hassle-free process, supporting the firm’s aim to become the ‘go to’ EV charging installation and infrastructure partner across the region,  Rock Power Connections’ additional accreditation with the OLEV workplace charging scheme provides financial support at £500 a socket for up to 20 sockets. This is a welcome incentive for businesses looking to install workplace chargers for their employees or electrify their work fleet. Emma Chetwynd Jarvis, Electrical Connections Manager for Rock Power Connections, confirms, “Rock Power Connections is delighted to have become an accredited installer of Rolec EV, particularly as this enables us to supply our customers with the very latest in EV charging technology.” “Demand for EV charging points is increasing at a rapid pace, as companies make the switch from petrol and diesel to electric vehicles. By working closely with Rolec, we will be able to keep pace with this increasing demand, whilst making the process as seamless as possible, by liaising with the Distribution Network Operator [DNO] to obtain a Point of Connection and in designing a solution that meets individual needs.” Having achieved ‘Small Business of the Year’ at the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Awards 2019, the family-run organisation aims to increase its market share within the EV charing space, whilst helping as many businesses and organisations make the switch to EV. 

Online Marketplaces Have Allowed WEEE Non-Compliance To Flourish

The European WEEE Registers Network (EWRN) this week released a report that strongly condemns online marketplaces for the high level of WEEE non-compliance. The EWRN is an independent network of governmental organisations, such as the EA in England, that maintain official registers of WEEE compliant companies in countries across Europe. The strongly worded report states: “Online platforms are fully aware that most of their customers abroad are non-compliant.” The report also condemns online marketplaces for claiming that WEEE compliance is too complicated for the small companies, noting that “around about 70-80% of the [WEEE] registered producers are SMEs and established in the EU”. Welcoming the report, Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey says, “It is really encouraging to see the EWRN take such a strong stand against WEEE free-riding through online marketplaces.  There is now, more than ever, an urgent need for Defra to tackle the non-compliance of products sold through online marketplaces.”  An independent study in 2018 showed the scale of WEEE non-compliance through online marketplaces.  It found that 50-88% of smaller electrical products such as LED light bulbs, fitness watches, and electric screwdrivers offered for sale on one major online marketplace were not registered for WEEE. The situation has been further exacerbated by the Covid-19 crisis. There has been a significant shift from in-store sales to online sales. This means the proportion of WEEE non-compliant products sold in the UK will have increased still further.   That puts greater pressure on the entire WEEE system. The WEEE that needs to be recycled is financed by compliant companies representing a shrinking market share, who therefore pay higher costs. Harvey adds, “Defra published an ideal solution to the problem in their waste packaging consultation last year.  Online marketplaces were to be regarded as the producer of all products for which they facilitate the import into the UK. Implementing that simple measure would, at a stroke, resolve most of the problems.  It cannot happen soon enough.”  

NICEIC and ELECSA’s The Wire Proves A Hit With Contractors

NICEIC and ELECSA continue to underline their commitment to technical excellence as they deliver an all-new series of their successful, CPD approved, webinar programme, The Wire. Reaching 8,000 contractors since its launch in April, the latest round of The Wire has already delivered eight expert-led seminars on key topics. Keeping NICEIC and ELECSA contractors ahead of the curve, the hit series will, from June 17, move to a new, regular slot of 8PM on alternate Wednesdays. Keeping contractors firmly in mind, upcoming episodes will continue to focus on relevant topics including PRS, guidance and working with PME. Free and exclusive to NICEIC and ELECSA contractors, eight episodes have been broadcast to date, covering key topics such as RCD types and testing, EICR coding and SPD’s - the CPD accredited series has delivered over six hours of in-depth technical know-how to registrants. “We are delighted with the response we have seen to the series so far,” says John O’Neill, NICEIC’S Technical Director. “At a time when face to face training has had to pause momentarily it is vital that we keep our registrants at the forefront of technical insight and developments and the WIRE is proving to be the right tool for the job. “Undoubtedly, we are pleased with the viewing numbers, but for me, what is more encouraging is the feedback we are receiving from our customers. Of those polled, 95% rated the sessions as excellent with 97% confirming they were extremely likely to tune in again. Reactions such as this prove to me that we are on the right track and that we are providing the tools our registrants truly need. As we move into the summer months, we will remain focused on delivering subject matter that is important to our registrants as we strive to build upon this solid foundation.” Previous episodes of The Wire are available to all registered NICEIC and ELECSA contractors via the customer portal. For those wishing to check out June and July’s calendar, click here.

ECA Comments On Industry Recovery Plan

Following the publication of the CLC ‘Roadmap to Recovery’ on June 1, ECA’s professional team have commented on the key features. The CLC recovery plan has three stages – restart, reset and reinvent – which aim to kickstart and modernise the industry over the next two years. Rob Driscoll, ECA Director of Legal & Business, backed the ambitious plans to reform industry procurement:  “It’s positive to see CLC acknowledge the financial and legal cliff-edge that the industry could face, and that it offers a plan to steer away from this, towards growth and prosperity. ECA has continually supported and influenced CLC’s work on whole life procurement, together with fairer contracts and payment systems. With a predictive pipeline of demand, industry has a greater opportunity to re-invent itself, placing less focus on construction costs and more focus on the total value of assets in the built environment.” Mike Smith, ECA Director of Technical, backed the focus on digitalisation and building safety adds: “ECA supports the CLC’s emphasis on digitalisation to transform the industry. However, adoption of digital technologies, such as BIM, has been mixed within construction so far. Changes in procurement models, alongside greater collaboration, will be required to deliver these changes. “Building safety is rightly another crucial element of the recovery plan. ECA are actively engaged in industry working groups to set the standards and ensure that competency levels meet the high expectations of employers, Government and the public”. Paul Reeve, ECA Director of CSR, welcomed the CLC’s support for higher standards of health and safety, which he says are “essential to protect the industry’s workforce and to underpin a viable way forward.  There will be considerable challenges - and opportunities - in the health and safety area, notably as we engage with the ‘new normal’. “It’s encouraging that the Roadmap mentions mental health, and we need to address the issues that affect far too many, from site employee through to top manager. For example, the mental distress to owners, employees and families when companies are not paid fairly, or on time, has been well documented.” Andrew Eldred, ECA Director of Employment & Skills, says plans for direct employment and modernised training were positive developments, “ECA backs the CLC’s support for direct employment, net zero carbon and digital upskilling, and apprenticeships. Above all, by working swiftly and decisively on direct employment, Government and industry can radically improve the UK’s prospects of developing a qualified, competent, committed and technologically literate workforce. “Possessing such a workforce is a necessary precondition if we are to have any hope of achieving other Roadmap objectives, including better site safety performance, safer and more environmentally sustainable buildings, a stronger culture of innovation, and improved workforce wellbeing.” Luke Osborne, ECA Energy Advisor, adds that plans for a green recovery were vitally important: “ECA welcomes CLC’s recognition of the importance of a ‘green recovery’, both for our industry and society. Bringing sustainable and ‘low-to-no-carbon’ solutions forward, will help to increase jobs, productivity and economic growth, and give the UK a fighting chance of meeting its net zero carbon commitment. “Additionally, modern off-site manufacturing offers the potential for quicker recovery, with considerable savings in cost, time and carbon emissions – notably for repeatable projects such as housing.” The recovery plan has been developed by participants on the CLC’s coronavirus industry taskforce, which includes ECA CEO Steve Bratt, as well as representatives of BEIS and other trade bodies. To read the full CLC recovery plan, please click here.

New Emergency Lighting Range From Advanced

Advanced is extending its range of emergency lighting solutions with the launch of EasySafe addressable, low-voltage emergency luminaires and exit signs. All EasySafe products are designed to work with LuxIntelligent, Advanced’s emergency light testing system. Powered directly from the LuxIntelligent panel, Advanced’s EasySafe devices require no local power supply and are compatible with any existing LuxIntelligent luminaires and exit signs, enabling the easy installation of devices onto existing wiring to form one intelligent emergency lighting system. The low-voltage lights offer quick and easy fitting and service, with a simple ‘twist and click’ installation onto a first-fix base. EasySafe has been designed to offer true scalability, with just one LuxIntelligent panel supporting up to 400 EasySafe devices alongside an additional 1,592 locally-powered devices. Matt Jones, Advanced’s Emergency Lighting Business Manager, says, “EasySafe is a valuable new addition to our range of emergency lighting solutions for our customers. Quick, simple installation, using the twist and click mechanism, and compatibility with almost any existing emergency lighting system mean less fitting time on site. And that of course brings significant time and resource savings.” Managing maintenance and compliance is easy. Test result data is available at the touch of a button via the cloud-connected LuxIntelligent control panel, PC or mobile app. Matt adds, “After significant product development involving input from installers, service and maintenance engineers, specifiers and facilities managers, we’re confident our customers will find tangible efficiency and compliance benefits from using EasySafe. In essence, EasySafe is an innovative solution delivering the performance, quality and ease of use our customers have come to expect from Advanced.” Advanced, owned by FTSE 100 company Halma PLC, protects a wide range of prestigious and high-profile sites across the globe – from London’s Shard to Abu Dhabi International Airport and Miami’s Sands Pointe development. Halma is a global group of life-saving technology companies with a clear purpose to grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day. Advanced is a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. Advanced’s reputation for performance, quality and ease of use see its products specified in locations around the world, from single-panel installations to large, multi-site networks. Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, multiprotocol fire panels, extinguishing control, fire paging and false alarm management systems. For further information, visit www.advancedco.com.

Scolmore Group Voted Supplier Of The Year

Scolmore Group has been voted Supplier of the Year by Electricbase, one of the UK's largest electrical wholesalers supplying contractors, installers, commercial and industrial users from its network of nationwide branches. The awards ceremony took place on the evening of the company’s annual conference and trade show which took place before lockdown at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds.   Scolmore Group, along with other key suppliers, had the opportunity to showcase products from across the group of companies – Scolmore, Ovia, ESP and Unicrimp - and network with contacts from all levels of the Electricbase organisation.    Scolmore Group’s sales director, Kevin Beech, was presented with the ‘Supplier of the Year’ trophy by Electricbase general manager Paul Simister and commercial manager Steve Poulson. Paul Simister had this to say: “As a key trading partner of Electricbase since its inception, The Scolmore Group have consistently delivered in terms of quality, service and reliability. Relationships at all levels within both businesses are strong, and there is no better accolade than being voted “the best” than by your own customers - a well-deserved award.”

New SJIB Service Puts ECS Assessments At SELECT Members’ Fingertips

The Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) has launched a new digital service to allow the ECS (Electrotechnical Certification Scheme) Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment to be taken and completed online. The new web-based format has been introduced by the SJIB following the suspension of assessments at the end of March 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic. SELECT Members will now be able to nominate candidates to complete the assessment online, with SJIB and SELECT staff invigilating remotely via a web camera. Fiona Harper, The Secretary of the SJIB and Director of Employment and Skills at SELECT, says,“The SJIB is committed to continually improving the quality management system for the ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment and our primary objective is to enhance customer satisfaction through effective application of the system and its processes. “In these unprecedented times, we suspended processing assessments at the end of March. That decision was not taken lightly and we were keen to ensure that the suspension was for a limited period only. “Having reviewed our processes, we have now developed a revised procedure enabling Members to request assessments and allowing candidates to complete the assessment remotely. This solution will help us continue to deliver an essential service to SELECT Members until we are able to return to The Walled Garden and resume operations.” The method for requesting assessments hasn’t changed, with SELECT Members completing the ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment and Payment Request Form at www.sjib.org.uk and emailing it to ecs@sjib.org.uk. An SJIB administrator will acknowledge receipt and ask Members to provide the contact details for each candidate, then contact them to arrange a suitable date and time to sit the assessment. To maintain the integrity of the process, the invigilation will require either a SJIB administrator or a SELECT membership representative to observe each candidate while they complete it. Upon completion, candidates will be required to email their completed assessment to the invigilator. The SJIB administrator will then mark it and email the employer the results report, certificate and completed paper if requested. Harper adds, “As with any new process, the SJIB will be asking employers and candidates to complete a short survey. This will enable us to gain feedback on the revised process and, if necessary, amend it so that we can ensure it is user friendly for employers and candidates organising or completing the assessment remotely. Once physical and social distancing measures have been relaxed we will revert normal processes, enabling members to organise and invigilate assessments on their own behalf.”  

ECA And BESA Partner On Travel Safety Guide During Pandemic

ECA and BESA have released a joint sector guide on work-related travel and updated their guides on working in close proximity and in areas of increased risk of transfer of COVID-19, such as healthcare settings. The three sector guides are based on the latest government ‘COVID-secure’ workplace guidance and the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Site Operating Procedures (version 4).   They provide concise, relevant advice for engineering and building services contractors working across construction and FM. The guides have been drawn up with the support of a COVID-19 expert panel, made up of BESA and ECA safety practitioners. The panel is also helping the two associations to provide informed, practical comments on site health and safety issues to the government and the bodies generating industry-wide guidance in this area. Paul Reeve, ECA Director of CSR and member of the CLC working group on health and safety says, “The joint BESA/ECA guides tackle some of the most challenging issues facing engineering services contractors. The content is based on government guidance and the practical input of safety practitioners from across our sector. We are closely monitoring any changes in guidelines from the government and its agencies, and we will update these guides as necessary.” BESA Health and Safety Advisor Rebecca Crosland adds, “The Covid-19 Expert Panel have produced important and vital guidance to ensure that best practice information is available to all areas of the industry. The new guidance provides timely and helpful advice on what you may need to consider when travelling for work. We all need to return to work safely while still being mindful of the very real risk of COVID-19.”