Safety Guide Issued For Apprentices Returning To College

As Scotland’s colleges and training centres discuss reopening, the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has helped develop a new set of guidelines designed to keep staff and apprentices safe. Compiled by Forum members the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), SELECT and SNIPEF, the presentation outlines practical day-to-day measures that colleges and apprentices can take to protect against COVID-19 when studies resume. Its overarching principles are protecting the vulnerable, keeping contact lists updated, providing staff with relevant training, offering suitable facilities for hand washing etc, and ensuring that physical distancing is properly policed. Other measures in the downloadable PowerPoint, entitled Lessons to be Learned, include: Face coverings – ensuring apprentices cover their faces in enclosed places where it is difficult to keep 2m away from others. This covering can be made of cloth or other textile through which people can breathe, e.g. a scarf. Travel to college - physical distancing is advised when travelling in vehicles to and from college, with single occupancy of vehicles being preferable. If this is not possible, apprentices should sit as far apart as the vehicle allows. Tools, equipment and plant – all tools and equipment should be properly sanitised as frequently as possible to prevent cross-contamination, with cleaning materials provided. Only one person should use the same equipment and plant. Toilet facilities – restrict the number of people using toilets at any one time and ensure a physical distance of 2m is maintained. Ensure visual hand washing guides are clearly visible and enhance the cleaning regime, particularly door handles, locks and flush handles. Canteens and eating arrangements – apprentices and students should be encouraged to bring a packed lunch and flask, break times should be staggered, everyone should wash their hands before eating and hand sanitiser provided. In addition, diners should sit 2m apart, pre-packed food should only be sold and contactless or card payments used. Corridors - wherever possible, introduce a one-way system on access routes, making clear there is one door in and another door out and marking up walkways to clearly indicate 2m spacing. First aiders – to avoid risk of infection, responders should minimise hand contamination, avoid touching their face and clean their hands frequently. FFP3 or FFP2 masks, gloves, aprons and eye protection should be worn during treatment, with any disposable PPE disposed of afterwards. Cleaning – ensure all frequently-touched objects and surfaces are regularly cleaned and disinfected. Risk assessments – all documentation for workshops and classrooms should be reviewed before colleges reopen and should align with any relevant Scottish Government guidelines.  The guidance also urges college staff to make apprentices aware of cough etiquette and other do’s and don’ts, as well as alerting them to the symptoms of Coronavirus and what to do if they start to display them.  It is also says staff should share the guidance with all lecturers and apprentices on a continual basis, with any apprentice not following the rules reported to their training provider for immediate action.  The guidance was compiled by Fiona Harper, SELECT’s Director of Employment and Skills and The Secretary of the SJIB, and Barrie McKay, Training and Development Manager at SECTT.  Other essential input came from members of the CICV Forum Health & Safety Sub-Group, including Martyn Raine, Technical and Skills Manager at the employers’ federation SNIPEF. Harper says, “With ongoing discussions about the resumption of studies, we are all obviously keen that apprentice safety is put firmly at the forefront.  “These recommendations are designed to be practical and easy to follow, with clear guidance on how to protect both apprentices and the college facilities themselves from the ongoing threat of Coronavirus.”  To help spread the message even wider, the presentation is being adapted into an animation that will be shared on social media and websites, encouraging apprentices to stay safe during their studies.  She adds, “In everything we’re doing, the message is clear: We must work together to stop this virus, safeguard the young people in our industry and protect our wider communities and families.”  Download the guidance from www.cicvforum.co.uk/downloads.

Recolight Says The Lighting Industry Needs To Act Now

The Lighting Industry came together recently to listen in to Recolight’s webinar highlighting proposals for new Circular Economy standards and regulations.  Presenters from Defra’s Circular Economy Team, Lighting Europe, and Recolight delivered an essential introduction to the changes. The webinar was introduced by Ray Molony stating: “The industry needs a rapid move in thinking: moving from should act – to act now.” The webinar delivered a summary of new product design legislation that will impose new requirements on products sold in the EU, and the UK Government plans to make the economy more circular.  Speakers from Defra introduced the UK’s approach of moving from a linear to Circular Economy following the UK’s departure from the EU. They laid out the Government’s commitment in their 25 year environment plan ”to leave the environment in a better state” for the next generation, and a zero net emissions target by 2050. The speakers outlined the following plans:  ⦁ The Industrial Strategy has ambitions to double resource productivity and to eliminate avoidable waste by 2050.  ⦁ The Resources and Waste strategy sets out how the Government will promote resource efficiency and move towards a more circular economy. ⦁ The Environment Bill will, once passed into law, give the Government a range of new powers to implement circular economy policies, such as wider use of Extended Producer Responsibility. The speakers discussed Government plans to update the WEEE regulations to encourage reuse, increase collections, tackle online marketplace non-compliance, and encourage eco-design. This includes proposals for “eco modulation” of WEEE charges, which would see producers of environmentally better products receiving lower WEEE bills.  Ourania Georgoutsakou, Secretary General of LightingEurope discussed the priorities of the New European Commission, Eco-design, and the EU Circular Economy action plan.  She discussed the impact of the new circular economy requirement for luminaires to include a replaceable light source. She also drew delegates' attention to the Substance Information Requirements  which will come into force as a legal obligation in the EU at the beginning of 2021. And although there is now reasonable pressure from many in the industry to push back on these, and other deadlines, given the Covid-19 crisis, she noted that this might be perceived as a delaying tactic. Nigel Harvey, CEO of Recolight, introduced proposed changes to the UK’s Waste Packaging Regulations. He noted that the Government policy to require producers to finance the full net costs of packaging recycling could result in charges to producers increasing up to tenfold.  He also discussed the urgent steps needed to address the huge increase in non-compliant sales through online marketplaces. He called for urgent action to address the issue, noting that the change cannot wait until 2023, the planned date for the update to the WEEE Regulations. Concluding, Ray Molony gave an overview of industry initiatives for adopting Circular Economy Principles; stating that Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is still a relevant and clear message. He shared examples of good practice undertaken by a range of different lighting producers. 

ECA Comments On Electrical Safety In The PRS

Mike Smith, ECA Director of Technical, looks at the implications of the new PRS electrical safety measures. All tenants deserve to live in homes which are safe, notably from risks such as fire or electrocution. To protect tenants, ECA, Electrical Safety First and other partners pressed the Government for a sustained period to introduce legislation. As a result of this, the Government recently introduced new regulations to improve electrical safety in the rented sector. On June 1, the ‘Electrical Safety in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020’ came into force utilising the powers set out in the Housing and Planning Act 2016. It also makes amendments to the ‘Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006’. These Regulations apply in England* only to - All new specified tenancies from July 1, 2020 All existing specified tenancies from April 1, 2021 This new statutory requirement places a greater emphasis on the private landlord to ensure that their electrical installations are fit for use. The Regulations make it mandatory in most cases that private landlords have regular and valid electrical installation condition reports (EICR) undertaken in their properties at intervals of no more than five years and for this inspection to be carried out by a qualified person. Any dangerous situations that require urgent remedial action (C1, C2 or FI) noted on the EICR should be rectified within 28 days. Failure to comply with these Regulations carries significant financial penalties. Landlords must take their responsibilities seriously or face the consequences. Landlords will, however, also benefit from these regulations by knowing that their properties are electrically sound, protecting their investment. Landlords should therefore choose those who are to carry out these electrical condition reports with care and check their qualifications. We recommend choosing a member of ECA who specialises in this type of work – simply go to www.eca.co.uk, select ‘find a member’, and search for ‘electrical installations within dwellings’. ECA has produced the following technical bulletin for Members and the following useful post EICR assessment completion form that Members may find helpful. For further general guidance, see the MHCLG website here. *Note: Regulations in the devolved nations Landlords in Wales are subject to different regulations under the Building Regulations 2010, the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 and the Renting Homes (Wales) act 2016. Northern Ireland has no laws that specifically cover electrical safety in privately rented accommodation, however properties must be fit for human habitation. Northern Ireland Electricity can disconnect the electrical supply if it believes that the electricity at a property is unsafe. Private landlords in Scotland are required by law (Housing (Scotland) Act 2006), to ensure that their properties are electrically safe.

NAPIT Supports Landlords With Individual Search Function

As of today, landlords in England are required to have every electrical installation within their private rented property inspected and tested by a qualified and competent electrical inspector at least every five years - and any faults found rectified by a suitable competent electrical installer. This applies to new tenancies from July 1 2020, and existing tenancies from April 1 2021. The National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) has taken the lead  in providing detailed guidance on the new electrical safety standards in the private rented sector (England) regulations 2020 to both landlords and our members in advance of the regulations coming into force to allow people to get prepared. NAPIT is also supporting landlord associations, letting agents and local authorities in their understanding of the new regulations during this period of adjustment through webinars, articles and by responding directly to queries.  As well as the free detailed guidance available on the website and NAPIT’s newly published book: ‘Landlords and Electrical Inspectors Guidance for the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Electrical Safety Checks,’ NAPIT has updated the search function on its website to not only show registered companies competent to undertake electrical inspection or installation work, but also to show their registered operatives.  This will provide greater confidence to those who wish to verify the competence of the individual undertaking electrical work on their property. The new listing will show the operative details including their name, scope of approval and photo ID for verification purposes. NAPIT’s Chief Operating Officer, David Cowburn comments, “I’m delighted that we have taken this crucial step to update our online search facility to include the details of the competent operatives within each of our registered electrical businesses. This change has been made to provide greater confidence to consumers and better align with the Minimum Competency Requirements which require us to ‘ensure that there is a record of each competent individual capable of completing self-certification and the limits of their competence.’ Now more than ever consumers and landlords alike can be assured that the NAPIT tradesperson they are hiring to carry out the works is up to standard.”  The individual search facility is in place for all NAPIT Electrical Schemes where operatives are listed.   

CICV Forum Issues Health And Safety Guidance For Return To Work

As Scotland’s building sector emerges from prolonged shutdown, the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has issued expanded health and safety guidance to help steer companies through the crisis and back to work. The Forum, which was established specifically to deal with the effects of the closure on the industry, has played a critical role in providing clarity and transparency at a time when firms were facing their greatest existential threat in living memory. As part of this work, the Forum has produced a comprehensive 42-page document, Safe Return and Restart, which is designed to underpin the Safe Operating Guidance released last week and produced in collaboration between Construction Scotland, Scottish Government and across industry. Rebecca Crosland, Forum member and Health and Safety Advisor at the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), says,  “Safe Return and Restart is an important contribution to the protection of workforce and to help minimise the risk of further spread of infection. “It is intended to provide detailed guidance to businesses of all sizes across all construction activity in line with the Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland recommendations on the management of COVID-19.” The expanded guidance covers a wide range of issues and proposes key control measures, including physical distancing, hygiene, travel and prevention of cross-contamination, as well as advising on H&S documentation, site management, deliveries, meetings and training. Pete Walker, Forum member and Director of Health, Safety and Training at the British Constructional Steelwork Association, adds, “Health and safety has never been more important and it is paramount that it is not compromised at this crucial time. “The entire sector is relieved about planning to get back to delayed projects, but sites must be aware that there can be no derogation to the usual health and safety legislative requirements. If an activity cannot be undertaken safely, it should not be undertaken.” Craig Hartley, Head of Health, Safety and Improvement at UK-wide external property refurbishment provider Hugh LS McConnell Ltd, who was involved in the creation of the new document, furthers, “This is an important step forward in providing clear and concise guidance. “The discussion until now has been whether it would be safe to return and, now that that decision has been taken, it is up to everyone in the sector to make sure that when work begins that we operate in accordance with the highest possible standards. “The guidance, like all CICV Forum advice, is clear and easy to follow and I think it will be welcomed by responsible constructors who realise it provides a road map back to a viable and vibrant construction industry in Scotland.” 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.

C.K Cable Routing Solutions to the Rescue

Professional tradespeople are familiar with cable routing and know the risks of splinters with some cable rods. That has become a painful reality for some professionals who have experienced injury when using cable rods by other brands, with C.K coming to the rescue of those who have sustained bad injuries when using cheaper cable rod sets, made worse by the loss of valuable work time. Innovative features and benefits with C.K cable routing C.K’s innovative range of quality cable routing products offer advanced technological features and benefits to ensure the needs of professional tradespeople are more than met, including vital safe and efficient working conditions. Working with trade professionals helps C.K find the best solutions and has enabled them to develop the most advanced cable routing collection. The C.K MightyRods Pro range is specifically designed to combat the issues of painful splintering and snapping, thanks to an innovative SplinterShield coating - Europe’s first 100% splinter-proof material - that fully protects the rods and allows for longer cable runs. Flexibility is also key to successful cable routing and, with that in mind, C.K introduced its super-flexible SpiraFLEX, perfect for accessing tight corners, bends and other obstacles. The SpiraFLEX draw tapes offer fantastic benefits when it comes to hassle-free cable routing. The super flexible and extremely tough 4mm Ø SpiraFLEX draw tape offers a major improvement on standard nylon and steel draw tapes, which are often prone to twisting and kinking. The C.K Gloworm Cable Router adds another dimension to the range and is perfect for running cables around tight corners, through insulation filled walls, underneath flooring and across ceilings. Gloworm’s clever glow in the dark phosphorescent polymer construction aids routing in low light conditions and easier navigation towards exit points. When charged under natural light, Gloworm provides an effective glow for up to 30 minutes. Find out more about C.K cable routing solutions at www.carlkammerling.com.

Survey Shows 73% Of Businesses Expect Turnover To Fall

A new engineering services sector survey shows that three-quarters of businesses (73%) expect their turnover to fall in the second quarter of 2020, compared to the first quarter. Looking further ahead to the third quarter of 2020, a similar number of businesses expect turnover to fall (compared to the start of February 2020 – selected as a reference point before significant coronavirus impact). Of these, almost one in four businesses (23%) expect a fall in turnover of 50% or more. These figures are the biggest ever anticipated drop in turnover since the sector business survey began, over a decade ago. One in 20 respondents (five%) reported that by the end of Q3 this year, their business ‘may not be viable’, while a further 10% said they were unsure about viability. In the current circumstances, many potential survey respondents may have been on furlough, restricted from working or not trading. However, a remarkable 15% of respondents said they expect their businesses to grow by the end of Q3, with a further 70% expecting their businesses to be viable, with turnover either reducing or holding on. ECA CEO Steve Bratt says, “Although construction has continued to operate through the crisis, at least in part, it is no surprise to see the reductions in turnover and the challenges to business in remaining viable.  However, the figures also demonstrate our sectors resilience and importance and we shouldn’t forget that in the medium and longer term many of the challenges we face as a nation will provide growth opportunities.” ECA director of legal and business Rob Driscoll adds, “Given the cliff edge drop in work since COVID-19 hit the UK and the safety measures required for business continuity, the negative impact on productivity rates in engineering services is unsurprising. “However, the sector’s unique position within both construction and facilities management has always demonstrated a resilient ability to bounce back. ECA is perfectly positioned to provide a plethora of knowledge, tools and support to enable contractors to weather the economic storm of the coronavirus.” In terms of the impact on jobs at the end of Q3 (compared to the start of February), half of businesses who responded expect to have the broadly same number of direct employees. Furthermore, two-thirds of businesses (67%) expect wages to be broadly the same, although 17% expect wages to fall. BESA Director of Legal & Commercial Debbie Petford says, “These statistics show the unprecedented damage that this crisis has inflicted on our sector. Despite so many businesses struggling to survive through no fault of their own, it is encouraging to see how resilient the vast majority of the sector is. “Government has demonstrated its continued support for businesses throughout this crisis and this should be complimented by industry playing its part too. It is critical businesses work together in a collaborative spirit with their supply chain, and it is encouraging to see these principles reflected in the new CLC Contractual Best Practice Guidance and the RICS Conflict Avoidance Pledge, proving the industry can work together in these challenging times.” SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson concludes, “The expected fall in turnover is worrying for the sector, which is why it’s vital for us all to work together during return, restart and beyond. We all have a part to play to ensure cashflow is maintained to help those most severely impacted by lockdown.” However, the use of subcontractors has fallen in the short term, and employers expect this to continue. In Q1 of this year, some 22% of respondents said they were using fewer subcontractors than in Q4 2019. Looking ahead, 61% of businesses using subcontractors expect to use less at the end of Q3, compared to the start of February. All four trade bodies are providing information and advice to support safety and business recovery in the months ahead. ECA has a live support page where businesses can access key information and guidance.

Lutron Launches Virtual Experience Showroom Tours

Lutron Electronics has launched live and interactive Virtual Experience Centre tours of its London showroom to provide customers and prospects with the unique opportunity to observe products in action and connect with industry experts. Open to the public and bookable via email or contacting the office, the tours include a personalised live video presentation of the London Experience Centre and its solutions, as well as the ability to speak with Lutron professionals. All tours are fully tailored to the needs of participants, with the format amendable based on interests and application. For homeowner or residential customers, the tours will focus on either RA2 Select, the wireless, personalised lighting and blind control solution or HomeWorks with its handcrafted Palladiom keypads. For commercial customers, the tours can focus on the simplicity, scalability and visibility of Lutron’s Vive or the power and scalability of Quantum.  As well as taking attendees through the latest lighting control solutions, tours will examine daylight and energy usage optimisation through smart shading systems for residential and commercial applications. Using the proprietary Clear Connect RF Technology from Lutron, Sivoia QS Wireless offers silent, precision shades control and directly integrates with Lutron lighting control systems, delivering total light control to any space.  Providing remote access to the Experience Centre aims to help current customers, as well as other interested parties, build an understanding of lighting control technology and its benefits. The tours are part of Lutron’s digital programme, which includes multiple live events and on-demand contents spanning all aspects of Lutron’s residential, commercial, hospitality and shading applications, available through Lutron’s Lighting Control Institute. “With travel restrictions in place, we all must find ways to adapt. At Lutron, we will do everything in our power to ensure that our customers have the best experience, and have the opportunity to see our technology first hand,” says Matt Jacks, European Experience Centre Manager at Lutron. “By setting up the virtual tours, we hope that we can help consumers make the best possible lighting decisions.” Nate Hagemeier, Senior Director of Sales Europe and Africa at Lutron adds, “Consumer demand for comfort and efficiency continues to grow. Our solutions aim to put control in the hands of the user – allowing them to manage and personalise their system in any way. The Experience Centre aims to show  consumers how they can benefit from our simple, flexible and powerful solutions to make their lives easier and more comfortable.” To register for a tour, please email euroexperience@lutron.com.  

ECA Members Support NHS Nightingale Hospitals

The building of NHS Nightingale Hospitals in England during the pandemic has been supported by a range of ECA Members, including Interserve, Kier, NG Bailey and Power Electrics. Other ECA Members were involved in supporting hospital construction in Scotland and Wales, including Balfour Beatty, Highadmit Projects, JM Walden, RDM Electrical & Mechanical, Alpine Works and IWEC Electrical. Temporary new hospitals have been built across the country, in locations including Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, London, Glasgow, and Cwmbran in Wales. ECA Director of Member Services Helen Atkinson comments, “It was pleasing to see ECA Member businesses helping to build these emergency hospitals at this critical time for our country. It highlights the importance of engineering services to the successful delivery of key infrastructure projects. “Many ECA Member businesses are continuing to work through these challenging times to ensure that construction projects continue, and that existing buildings are maintained, and they should all be proud of the part they are playing.” Interserve were involved with the Nightingale Hospital in Birmingham, where 400 of their employees worked over 86,000 hours, sometimes 16 hours a day. They laid 64 miles of electrical cable, 10 football pitches worth of vinyl flooring and 10 miles of copper piping. Matt Loffman, Design and Technical Manager, Interserve Engineering Services states, “There was a distinct and overwhelming feeling of national pride in being part of the team in delivering this project. I’m proud to have played my part in supporting my colleagues in the successful delivery. It’s something that will live with me forever.” ECA Members have given active support to the national effort to protect societal health and the NHS in other ways. For example, Walden Security, a division of T Clarke, supplied new HIKVision thermal fever scanning cameras to the NHS. In addition, other ECA Members including Lindhurst Engineering and the University of Bath, either provided valuable PPE to the NHS or led campaigns to encourage donations of key protective equipment. There were also many other donations from ECA Members to the NHS, including HE Simm, who donated 500 reusable water bottles to Liverpool hospitals and Hilton Cannon Electrical, who brought some Easter cheer to hospitals in Nottingham by donating Easter eggs.

BCIA Releases Technical Guide On Energy Efficiency of Buildings

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has released a new Technical Guide to add to its portfolio of online Guides available to download. The new Guide, entitled ‘The Impact of Controls on the Energy Efficiency of Buildings’, focuses on the British and European standard, BS EN 15232-1:2017, which assesses the cumulative impact of building automation and controls – commonly referred to as BACS - on the energy efficiency of buildings.  Terry Sharp, President of the BCIA, says, “It is a well-documented fact that buildings account for over 40% of global energy consumption, and buildings rarely perform as well as their designers calculated. BCIA member companies use the BS EN 15232 Standard as a guiding light for control system design and operation, so we have released this Technical Guide to help manufacturers and systems integrators understand the Standard better and improve the performance of the buildings they work on.” The BCIA’s Technical Guides are designed to help members and those in the building controls and BEMS industry work more effectively. All Technical Guides can be downloaded from the ‘Resources’ section of the BCIA website.  The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) represents the UK building controls and BEMS sector. With around 100 members accounting for 80% of the UK controls market, the BCIA is an influential group that promotes better specification, application and use of controls.  The BCIA also offers its own training courses and is currently supporting a new Trailblazer Apprenticeship Standard for the industry which is being developed by the BEMS Employer Group.