BFM April 2017

APRIL 2017 www.bfmmagazine.co.uk building & facilities facilities management management

HEALTH & SAFETY | OFFICE & IT | SECURITY & ACCESS CONTROL

Are your fire doors safe and legal?

See page 12

INSIDE:

SETTING THE SCENE FOR A HYGIENIC HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT – PAGE 24

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On the cover: Are your fire doors safe and legal?

See page 12 for more details. http://www.geofire.co.uk/

April 2017

BFM Team Business Development Director

James Scrivens james@abbeypublishing.co.uk

Contents News

Cleaning & Hygiene

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Leading Games Retailer Chooses UTN Training

Setting the scene for a hygienic healthcare environment

Production

Sarah Daviner sarah@abbeypublishing.co.uk Accounts Manager

Katie Brehm accounts@abbeypublishing.co.uk

BFM is published digitally 10 times a year ­by Abbey Publishing Ltd. To receive a copy free of charge, contact our offices.

Health & Safety

Building & Refubishment

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26

Are your fire doors safe and legal?

Siemens supports the arts and delivers safety and sustainability at Carnegie Hall, New York

Tel: 01933 316931 Email: bfm@abbeypublishing.co.uk www.bfmmagazine.co.uk www.abbeypublishing.co.uk www.twitter.com/ BFM_Magazine

Subscriptions are available via www.bfmmagazine.co.uk/subscribe No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior permission from the publishers. The publishers do not accept any responsibility for, or necessarily agree with, any views expressed in articles, letters or supplied advertisements.

Some manufacturers and suppliers have made a contribution toward the cost of reproducing some photographs in this magazine.

All contents © Abbey Publishing Ltd 2017 ISSN: 1470-5281

Security & Access Control

15

Eurocell locks up deal with Security Hardware

Office & IT

20

Building & Facilities Management – April 2017

Document security with lower costs

Energy Management

28

Intelligent energy management a business ‘no-brainer’

Special Feature

30

Setting the scene for a hygienic healthcare environment

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LEADING GAMES RETAILER CHOOSES UTN TRAINING

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hen employees working for the UK’s leading games retailer needed IPAF accredited operator training they turned to a training provider who is at the top of their game – UTN Training.

Seven employees from Game Retail Ltd’s Basingstoke distribution centre undertook IPAF MEWP Operator training – a mix of theory and practical training designed to enable operators to manoeuvre, drive and position MEWPs safely and proficiently.

Matthew Weedon, Game Retail Site Engineer, was one of the people who undertook the training. He said: “We carry out a large amount of work at height, whether it be replacing and inspecting lighting, maintenance or stock control. We have used towers and scaffolding in the past but have

often found this method to be very time consuming.

“With a large lighting project planned in the coming months, we felt it was an ideal time to take the IPAF Operator course and gain our PAL licences.

This means that we can now hire and operate scissor and boom lifts when we need them.

“UTN Training was recommended to us and we were very pleased with the service they provided. They had no issue coming to our site to carry out the theory side of the training in our offices and the practical training in our yard. They also arranged the hire of scissor and boom lifts on our behalf

for the practical training from their sister operation, AFI. The hire and off-hire was completed very efficiently using AFI’s email notification system.”

Tel: 01332 855350 www.afi-group.co.uk www.utntraining.co.uk

SURVEY HOISTS NEED FOR ASSISTED TOILETS

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hopping venues are being given proof of the benefit of providing wheelchair-accessible toilets with extra facilities.

A survey among campaigners for assisted toilets with an adultsized changing bench and hoist (Changing Places, Space to Change facilities) revealed: • 99% of respondents would visit the retail centre with these facilities over one without • 94% would stay for a snack, meal if there were suitable toilets • 83% said they would stay longer, spend more in a retail environment that had suitable toilets • 68% usually had three or more people with them when visiting a retail environment.

“The figures speak for themselves: footfall, time and spend would all increase if a retail venue catered for people who need help to go to the loo when away from home,” says Robin Tuffley, marketing manager for Clos-o-Mat, the UK’s leading provider of hoist-assisted accessible toilets.

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“20% of the UK population today is disabled, up to 14 million people, who spend £212 billion a year! A large percentage need a little extra space, and or equipment of a changing bench and/or hoist for intimate care - people who otherwise either can’t visit an outlet, or have to cut their visit short if there aren’t suitable facilities.

“Under current legislation and best practice, these facilities should be provided. The survey gives venues a tangible business argument to install them.”

Clos-o-Mat is the only UK company fully equipped, inhouse, to provide the resource necessary to provide appropriate disabled changing toilets with a bench and hoist (Changing Places and Space to Change facilities).

Uniquely, Clos-o-Mat offers, in-house, a full support service, encompassing site surveys, design advice, supply, installation, commissioning, staff training and subsequent service & maintenance.

Clos-o-Mat’s website, www.clos-o-mat.com, also includes full support data, including white papers, CAD blocks, video, technical specifications and typical layouts.

Tel: 0161 969 1199, www.clos-o-mat.com; Email: info@clos-o-mat.com

Building & Facilities Management – April 2017

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Help on our website for all paper work. *FREE consignment notes on RecoWeb for registered collection points.

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info@recolight.co.uk www.recolight.co.uk

020 8253 9750

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3 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR ONSITE EFFICIENCY You’ll already be aware that the building and facilities management industry is a competitive one. Companies are constantly striving to deliver their best work, in the shortest time, for the lowest possible price. To keep up with the businesses that are operating around you – and, ultimately, survive – you need to constantly be looking for ways in which you can improve your processes.

Jess Penny is the General Manager at Penny Hydraulics, a company that specialises in providing businesses with the lifting equipment they need. Here, she’ll talk you through some of the ways in which you can improve your onsite efficiency.

Train your staff properly It’s incredibly important that all of your workers receive the training they need. Not only will this help to keep your business running as smoothly as possible, but it’s also a legal requirement, as you have a duty of care to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of your staff.

You will be legally responsible for any harm caused if you fail to do so, and neglecting to train your employees appropriately could land you with a penalty, fine, or even a prison sentence. Now, let’s talk about how proper training will improve you workers’ efficiency.

Your employees should be given comprehensive training on all of the equipment they’re expected to use. This will save them from having to muddle through, and they’ll pick up tips and tricks that will help them to work much more quickly. Additionally, they will learn which pieces of machinery work 6

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best for certain applications and, in turn, complete their work as quickly and as accurately as possible.

It’s also worth noting that proper training will help to reduce the risk of major accidents, and help to prevent your employees from developing injuries through repetitive strain. It goes without saying that your business will run a lot more smoothly if your staff don’t need to take time off to recover.

improve your business’ efficiency.

At Penny Hydraulics, we have used the design automation functionality offered by Autodesk to boost our productivity and revenue.

But, there are so many options available to companies, and I would recommend looking into how your specific processes could be enhanced with new technology.

Embrace new technology

Working on a construction project can create a lot of mess. But, if you want your work to run as smoothly as possible, it’s important that your employees try to keep your site as clean and organised as possible.

You should arrange for rubbish and waste to be taken to one particular spot. This will reduce how much material is lying about, and make it easier for your staff to locate the important documents or tools they need while they’re working. Additionally, you should ask your workers to put away any equipment that isn’t in use. This will help to prevent accidents, and your employees will have much more space to work in, which should make their tasks much easier to do.

There you have it: three ways that you can improve your onsite efficiency. Take these on board and your operations will be running much more smoothly in no time. www.pennyhydraulics.com

The UK is lagging behind much of the industrialised world when it comes to embracing robots and automation, according to The Telegraph. This means that, if things don’t change, the UK’s building and facilities management industry could find itself trailing behind those abroad.

Your company should always be striving to work more efficiently — you need to be completing jobs as quickly as possible, and in a cost-effective manner. Taking advantage of the latest technology is a huge part of this and you risk struggling to meet your customers’ expectations if you don’t keep an eye on the developments available to you. With robotics and automation, you can increase the speed and precision with which you work. Your output will increase, fewer mistakes will be made, and your employees will have a more enjoyable work life. All of these factors will

Keep your site clean and tidy

Building & Facilities Management – April 2017

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IT’S TIME TO SWITCH ON TO LIGHTING AS A SERVICE

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s IT turnover becomes more rapid with the increasing pace of digital innovation, many technologies are now being offered ‘as a service’. Put simply, traditional commercial models - from pricing to maintenance and length of contract - are being replaced by plug-and-play ‘as-a-Service’ solutions, with future-proofing, costsaving and flexibility at the core of the service provider proposition.

This concept originated some fifteen years ago with the introduction of ‘Software as a Service’ (SaaS) and is now spreading to a broader idea of Technology as a Service. Today, it is the application of this model to the procurement of lighting that is capturing the imagination of forwardthinking FM directors and buyers.

LED initiates change in mindset With the evolution of LED, light is becoming more effective and efficient. There is no sign of this technological revolution slowing, indeed we live in an age where light is subject to fast-paced change, with luminaire efficiency increasing all the time. Change is also on the agenda for successful businesses.

Legally binding energy efficiency targets are becoming increasingly

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Darren Riva, Northern European Sales Director, Zumtobel Group Services onerous for companies. The challenge for FM decision makers is two-fold – finding the capital to replace existing, outdated legacy lighting, and ensuring that any replacement solution meets business needs now and into the future.

In fact, these broad challenges have sparked a change in mindset.

Rather than regarding lighting as an annual cost-drain, FM professionals are aligning with the new idea of lighting as an important asset. A tailored, optimised lighting system can have a significant impact on an organisation’s bottom line.

Guaranteeing future lighting performance Paying for lighting as a service means paying for the installation, maintenance and management of lighting. The buyer is entering into a contract whereby the future performance of the lighting solution is guaranteed. A lighting as a service model protects customers from any loss in asset value because the basis of the service is not about simply selling luminaries but about guaranteeing future lighting performance. So, such a service

enables customers to benefit from LED technology – and from future developments - without the hassle of owning and operating the lighting solution themselves.

The future-proofing advantages of lighting as a service are critical.

Without such a model in place, every new technological advancement would require significant capital expenditure. Lighting as a service provides buyers with the necessary consultative expertise to enable them to stay a step ahead. Additionally, any FM decision-maker will surely welcome the prospect of dealing with just one supplier contact (safe in the knowledge that the system is being monitored and maintained in the background) rather than having to deal with multiple maintenance, management and sales personnel.

Much more than a question of cost Of course, any FM professional worth their salt will be interested in lighting solutions that promise costsavings and energy efficiencies.

LED systems certainly deliver on this front. But undertaking to buy lighting as a service rather than a commodity moves the conversation way beyond simple savings. Exciting developments are emerging whereby lighting systems are the vehicle through which wifi is delivered, or security solutions are implemented or data is gathered – intelligent systems that can be seamlessly integrated as needs dictate.

As technological advances continue apace, more and more businesses and professionals will recognise the advantages of the ‘as a service’ approach to lighting. Changing any purchasing and business model requires careful assessment but the case for lighting as a service is compelling. Recognising lighting as an asset now will pay dividends long into the future. www.zumtobel.com News

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STELLAR SPEAKERS DELIVER STIMULATING INDUSTRY DEBATES AT FACILITIES MANAGEMENT 2017 A top line-up of leading international speakers and businesses debated, inspired and shared knowledge with over 400 delegates on how FM can move from a cost centre to a business enabler at Facilities Management 2017.

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nder the theme FM: the Business Enabler, two theatres showcased CPD accredited content over three days to challenge the way visitors think, change the way they operate, and collaborate with partners to innovate.

Helping FMs to understand the psychology behind overcoming challenges, renowned polar explorer and award-winning documentary maker, Mark Wood, shared his experiences gained across 30 major expeditions including leading the BBC Top gear team to the Magnetic North Pole.

A number of established industry speakers, including Anne Lennox-Martin, managing director FMP360, Preston Gan, head of quality and performance for facilities and estates NHS Grampian and Ian Ellison of 3edges gave informative keynote talks.

Liz Kentish of Kentish and Co, Bertie Van Wyk, workplace specialist at Herman Miller, Deane Somerville, Energy Institute and Advent IM’s Mike Gillespie also educated delegates with their keynote talks. The topics for discussion ranged from social ergonomics in workplace design, to behavioural change and the impact on FM, and how collaboration brings 8

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value by aligning FM services to an organisation’s strategic goals.

Industry experts took to seminar panels and debated a variety of topics including, whether FM should be sector rather than service line based; the blueprint of future FM business models; who are FM’s natural business partners in an organisation?; what are FM’s values?; what makes a good FM and how should we train the next generation of facilities professionals?

Clive Booth, head of operations, University of Birmingham said: “I have come away from Anne LennoxMartin’s talk highly inspired and keen to implement some changes to how we approach tasks as a team. I will be keeping a lookout for the show’s 2018 programme and hopefully attending.”

Tim Else, event director commented: “The content at this year’s show delivered what it set out to – deepen visitors’ understanding on strategic, operational and economic need to support the wider business objectives. The feedback we’ve had from delegates has been overwhelming and we can’t wait to deliver even more next April at Facilities Management 2018.”

Facilities Management 2017, the annual exhibition taking place at the NEC, is the must attend event for all facilities professionals.

The show hosts more than 200 exhibitors and 5,000 visitors, including senior decision makers and purchase influencers from across the UK’s industrial, commercial and public sectors.

The event also facilitates 15 hours of free educational content delivered by over 35 leading industry experts. The two theatres offer a compelling range of keynote presentations and panel debates that provide delegates with the chance to exceed their CPD requirements.

Western Business Exhibitions has a proven track record for delivering events which consistently meet and exceed the needs of influential visitors. The team responsible for Facilities Management 2017 will also be organising the co-located shows The Health & Safety Event, The Fire Safety Event, and Maintec.

Facilities Scotland 2017, the annual exhibition takes place at the SECC, Glasgow, between 3-4 May and expects 4500 visitors across the two days.

Building & Facilities Management – April 2017

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Lamp recycling should be free Recolight still come across many FM companies that are being charged for their waste lamp recycling. All too often, they are not aware that under the WEEE regulations, they should be able to access a free recycling service, funded by lamp producers.

WEEE compliance & recycling explained

The Recolight free lamp recycling service

The WEEE regulations were introduced to the UK 10 years ago to make producers take responsibility for recycling electronic equipment at the end of its life.

This concept is referred to as Extended Producer Responsibility.

In the UK there are around 35 WEEE compliance schemes all operating different business models.

Recolight’s operating model is unique for WEEE lighting. Recolight scheme members pay a small fee to Recolight for each lighting unit they place on the UK market. Funds received are used to provide a free lamp collection and recycling service.

The Recolight lamp collection service includes free collection, recycling, and consignment notes.

For quantities over 1000 lamps each quarter, Recolight also provide a free container. If you collect less than 1000 lamps each quarter, a container lease option is available, but collection, recycling and consignment notes are still free.

For smaller quantities, Recolight has established a network of drop off points located at Electrical Wholesalers across the UK. Search the map found on the homepage of the Recolight website: www.recolight.co.uk

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New features and event zones for RWM 2017

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he expanded RWM 2017 event, run in partnership with the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), will boast a host of new and revamped features, including new dedicated Event Zones, the RWM Connects meetings service, new Visitor Discovery Trails, and the CIWM Clinic.

Bringing together decision-makers and innovators from the Energy, Water, Recycling, Renewables and Waste Management communities, RWM 2017 takes place from 12 to 14 September at the NEC Birmingham. This year combines the previously co-located Energy, Water, Renewables and RWM events – an expansion that reflects the merging and overlapping business opportunities in these sectors.

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Bigger, better and more collaborative, the UK’s premier event dedicated to Energy, Water, Recycling, Renewables and Waste Management is relaunched

Dedicated zones RWM 2017 will feature six dedicated zones, including two new zones: Supply & Demand; which is the home for networking, learning and business opportunities in the UK energy and water markets; and Data, Tech & Services, which covers smart, practical software solutions to modern and future logistical challenges, with a focus on quality data and supporting services.

New exhibitors already signed up for the Data, Tech & Services zone include BeNomad, while

Increase Computers is returning to the 2017 event. New exhibitors for the Supply & Demand zone include Phoenix Contact, with returning exhibitors from the Energy Show including Source for Business.

The Energy from Waste zone will showcase one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic sectors in waste management. New exhibitors for this zone include China Tianying, while returning exhibitors include Babcock & Wilcox Vølund. In the Handling & Logistics zone, innovations in the transportation of commercial or construction waste will be highlighted,

Building & Facilities Management – April 2017

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Reducing time on compliance

with new exhibitors including E Power Trucks, and returning exhibitors including Dennis Eagle. This zone will also host a new theatre seminar for Municipal and Material recovery.

The Machinery & Equipment zone, meanwhile, will display the latest technology in the shredding, sorting and compacting of material, boasting new exhibitor A & C Weber, and returning exhibitors including Eriez.

Finally, the Recyclers & Reprocessors zone will showcase all things connected with the environmental and financial benefits of converting waste into new materials, with new exhibitors including Tomra Sorting, and returning exhibitors including AMCS.

Visitor trails The new-look RWM 2017 will also offer four visitor discovery trails identifying key exhibitors for audiences looking for a specific service, or a more organised experience. For instance, visitors can navigate the exhibition by exploring the Energy Solutions trail, designed for visitors looking for energy suppliers, energy efficiency, and energy technology; or the Water Marketplace trail, which guides visitors looking for water suppliers and management services.

The Local Authority Solutions trail has been designed to highlight all exhibitors and content relevant to those responsible for waste management and resource, legislative issues and fleet management; while the Exhibitor Discovery trail will allow visitors to discover the latest exhibitors and suppliers that have joined the RWM community.

Event features As well as a return of the outside area at the 2017 show, key features

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at RWM include RWM Connects, a complimentary matchmaking service hosted in the Recyclers & Reprocessors zone allowing exhibitors and visitors to use our database to arrange meetings prior to the show.

Meetings can be on exhibitor stands or at the RWM Connects Lounge, and the RWM Connects team can also help facilitate introductions with new business partners if desired.

Meanwhile, the CIWM Resource and Waste Clinic will see industry experts on-hand over the course of the show offering advice and insight. Visitors can book to have a one-to-one chat with one or more experts, who collectively offer wide and in-depth knowledge on a range of resource and waste management subjects, and are mainly CIWM Fellows. Booking isn’t essential, and CIWM staff will be on-hand to direct ad-hoc meeting requests at the show to the most suitable experts.

An unmissable event Nicola Meadows, RWM event director, Ascential, said, “We are dedicated to creating an unmissable expanded RWM 2017 – an exhibition designed to allow visitors and exhibitors to capitalise on crossover, integration and collaboration opportunities, and really make the most out of their time.

“The umbrella concept is our One Planet Living mission, which champions the better management and supply of the world’s resources in an increasingly interconnected world. I encourage anyone who hasn’t visited the show before to join our community and become part of our movement to build a resource-efficient future.”

For more information about RWM 2017 please visit: www.rwmexhibition.com

Louise Hosking MCIEH CMIOSH CMaPS PIEMA SIIRSM lists her top ten tips on how you can save time on compliance.

1. Have a strong, uncomplicated documentation management system you understand and can easily check. File paperwork/ electronic info as soon as it comes in and hold others accountable to do the same 2. Expect high standards and those around you will too.

Make it clear what you expect from others and manage them well. Coach rather than tell.

3. Talk to contractors about how they will work safely and watch how they work in practice. Use photos and bullet points to agree safe systems rather than reams of generic documentation.

4. Understand how to manage risk in line with the hierarchy of risk control and use this knowledge when you talk to people. Collaborate. Make strong risk based decisions at the time rather than going back and forth with RAMs. 5. Prioritise actions, not everything needs to be done today 6. Create a good team, delegate well, trust your contractors – H&S is a team sport so share the love 7. Have a good administrator 8. Use the HSE website if you don’t know something. Its quick to use and most answers are there.

9. Don’t try to cut corners. Looking for work-arounds might save time now, but it may come back and bite you later 10. Avoid having accidents by having a clear safety management system which works in practise not just on paper. Investigations, recriminations and legal action are hugely time consuming www.hosking-associates.com News

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Health & Safety

Are your fire doors safe and legal?

Nick Goddard, Research and Development Manager at Geofire has been in the fire safety industry for over 20 years. Here he talks about the importance of fire doors and the technology available to hold open fire doors safely and legally.

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Health & Safety

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ire doors are designed to prevent the spread of smoke, flames and toxic gases throughout a building in the event of a fire. However, when a fire door is held open, fire can quickly pass through the building, blocking escape routes and endangering lives.

Legally, a building’s fire doors must therefore be selfclosing to ensure the door closes to act as a barrier that stops the fire from spreading.

Due to the level of protection a fire door provides, the placement and weight of the doors is often restrictive for example in a care home setting for residents, or for pupils in a school.

It is recognised that in these cases it is necessary to hold fire doors open for practical reasons.

In this instance the fire door must have a device installed to release the door, so that is will close upon activation of the fire alarm system.

Holding open fire doors legally Making sure fire doors are closed when the fire alarm sounds is extremely important. The British Standard 7273-4:2015 Code of Practice for the operation of fire protection measures - Part 4: actuation of release mechanisms for doors gives guidance on the installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire door holding systems. The system/hardware used to hold the doors open must also be Building & Facilities Management – April 2017

Health & Safety approved to EN1155 standard.

Fire door retainers, also known as fire door holders, use a magnet to hold open heavy fire doors that will release in the event of a fire.

Stand-alone door retainers are suitable for doors that already have a closing device fitted, however fire door closers with a built in hold open function are also available.

Depending on the installation and level of protection required, there are a variety of fire door retainers readily available which react to different triggers, in the event of a fire.

Hard wired fire door retainers Hard wired fire door retainers are used all over the world and are ideal for new buildings as they have a direct wire connection to the building’s fire detection system. In a normal condition, power (usually 24 V dc) is supplied to the door retainers so that they can hold the doors in an open position. When a fire is detected by the fire panel, power is cut releasing the doors so that they can close. A fault in the wiring or power supply to the door retainers will cause them to fail safe and release the doors.

Hard-wired fire door retainers are available in many shapes, sizes and finishes to suit all applications.

Radio controlled fire door retainers Radio controlled fire door retainers are triggered wirelessly by radio waves from a controller connected to the existing fire panel or interface unit. As minimal wiring is needed, these are often used for fitting into large, existing buildings but still offer high levels of protection. These systems are installed by an approved, trained professional as a site survey has to be carried out prior to installation.

Sound activated fire door retainers Sound activated fire door retainers react to the noise of the fire alarm and some devices can learn the www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

sound of the building’s specific fire alarm, so they will only release when the alarm sounds. This is a cost effective solution as there is no need for wiring to a fire panel.

Sound activated fire door retainers are battery powered and can be installed quickly and easily. They are wire-free, so installing them won’t affect a building’s infrastructure.

Innovators of fire technology Geofire has been designing and manufacturing electromagnet fire door holders and closers for 45 years from its factory in County Durham. Established in 1972, the company is still continuing to

invest in research and development to be able to offer cost effective and innovative fire technology.

Andy Collinson, CEO at Geofire, said: “What makes Geofire stand out from the rest is that we design and manufacture all of our products in the UK, and we are very proud to be able to say that.

“We have a solution available for all installations, whether it is a new build using our hard-wired products, a noisy environment where radio would be more suitable (Salamander) or, where an acoustic solution is required to close the fire doors upon hearing the sound of the fire alarm (Agrippa).” Email: enquiries@geofire.co.uk Tel: 01388 770 360 www.geofire.co.uk Health & Safety

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Health & Safety

Suicide kills far more construction workers than falls – let’s get construction talking

Let’s make time for conversations about mental health British Safety Council contributes to the ‘Stop. Make a Change’ campaign by supporting the mental health charity Mates in Mind

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n partnership with the Health in Construction Leadership Group and its members in the construction and civil engineering industries, the British Safety Council, a founding partner of the mental health programme Mates in Mind, is supporting the safety campaign organised by the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), ‘Stop. Make a Change’. www.stopmakeachange.co.uk The half-day stand down involved thousands of construction and civil engineering workers throughout the UK, as an expression of the industry’s commitment to health and safety and, in particular, to four issues: fatigue, mental health, respiratory illness and plant safety.

The stand down, which is at the heart of the new campaign, is spearheaded by CECA and supported by the HSE, as well as leading construction companies, such as Balfour Beatty and Skanska and clients, such as Thames Tideway and Heathrow Airport. They will use this opportunity to discuss their commitment in relation to each issue.

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Health & Safety

Many of the companies involved in the ‘Stop. Make a Change’ campaign are among 260 organisations which have expressed interest in the Mates in Mind programme.

Mates in Mind was launched in January 2017 to raise awareness and understanding of poor mental health in the construction sector.

The programme has been designed in response to the expectations and requirements of the industry’s 2.1 million-strong workforce and it is being developed in close partnership with leading British mental health charities.

The purpose of Mates in Mind is also to bring the industry together to openly talk and address the stigma associated with mental health.

The British Safety Council is currently conducting the first stage roll-out of the 45-minute awareness training, testing and refining its content to the needs of the participating companies and the construction industry.

Michael Whitmore, Programme Lead for Mates in Mind, said: The ‘Stop. Make a Change’ campaign is an excellent opportunity to review

the progress that has been made in relation to key concerns for the construction industry, such as fatigue, mental health, respiratory illness and plant safety. These efforts have made Britain one of the safest places in the world to work, yet there is much more to be done.

“During the national half-day stand down, employers will be able to discuss their commitment to positive mental health, which is so crucial in an industry where workers are ten times more likely to die as a result of suicide than from on-site accidents (source: Samaritans and the Centre for Mental Health). For some, this will be the first opportunity to start a conversation about mental health, share their concerns and request help if necessary.

“Starting these conversations is what Mates in Mind awareness training is designed to do. This is the first, and often the most difficult, step towards breaking down the stigma around mental health and we are delighted that the industry is showing such enthusiastic support for the programme.” www.matesinmind.org Building & Facilities Management – April 2017

Security & Access Control

Eurocell locks up deal with Security Hardware

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urocell – the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of window, door, conservatory and roofline products – has announced the acquisition of PVC-U Window and Door hardware distributor, Security Hardware Ltd. With a turnover of approximately £4 million, Willenhall-based Security Hardware is a major supplier of domestic security hardware products and services the trade, merchanting and maintenance sectors through multi-channel operations – trade counter, direct sales and online.

Specialising in domestic PVC-U door locks; door security hardware; window locks and window hardware; the company also offers – beyond PVC-U – a range of products for timber and composite door security.

With 3000+ lines from all major brands – such as Maco, Winkhaus, Millenco and Mila – Security Hardware has a solution for the clear majority of

new or replacement installation and applications – including the obsolete.

The company offers same day dispatch nationwide on orders placed before 15.00 hrs.

The acquisition enables Eurocell to grow its own hardware sales, the Security Hardware business and deliver a comprehensive hardware service to trade customers through its extensive branch network, now numbering almost 170 outlets. This combined distribution network will prove invaluable to both national and local contractors, in building and maintenance, seeking rapid supply of the vast majority of popular hardware security goods.

Commenting on the acquisition, Security Hardware Managing Director Nigel Ridgway said, “With 30 years’ experience in the door and window industry, and with an intense focus on quality and customer service; the Security Hardware fit with Eurocell

feels like a great one and is bound to benefit both businesses.

Using our expertise, Mark Kelly, Eurocell CEO we are continuing to expand our range in this category, while the group can look forward to more products being rolled out across its fast-growing branch network. It’s a win for everyone”.

Mark Kelly, Eurocell CEO, commented: said: “We’re delighted to welcome Security Hardware into the Eurocell group. It’s truly exciting to align with a business with such a track record of success, and one that complements the Eurocell business model so perfectly”.

For more information about Security Hardware, visit www.security-hardware.co.uk For more information about Eurocell, call 0800 988 3049 or visit eurocell.co.uk.

Evolution helps Uxbridge College pass its security test

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sophisticated integrated access control and CCTV solution is playing a key role in managing the safety and security of students, staff and visitors to Uxbridge College across both of its campuses in Uxbridge and Hayes.

The challenge presented to Evolution, provider of integrated fire and security solutions Evolution was in servicing, maintaining and upgrading a system that protects the 4,000 students and 600 staff, while taking into account the College’s ongoing growth ambitions and constantly changing infrastructure.

Evolution is now fully supporting an IP-based system with card access, turnstiles and proximity readers to control the movement of card holders across the two sites, as well as a network of CCTV cameras to monitor those seeking unauthorised access www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

and provide a further layer of security.

Michael Mcdonagh, Head of Security at Uxbridge College, says that students are each issued with their own photo ID pass: “Should a student forget their pass, we can immediately issue a replacement,” he explains.

“However, in maintaining full control, the student’s ‘forgotten’ or ‘lost’ pass is automatically deactivated. Each card also has the shelf life of a student’s course length – so it automatically expires when they finish for the year.

Should a user attempt to gain access with a de-activated card, we are immediately notified.”

Each of the passes provided is specifically tailored to take into account a student’s studies and lifestyle. It can control, therefore, which ‘zones’ that student can enter, identify whether or not a student

has a pre-paid car parking permit, and even enable access to extra-curricular activities such as sport or drama.

In total, there are more than 120 controlled-entry doors and 80 CCTV cameras, which control room operators can use to pinpoint and track unauthorised access. http:// www.evolutionsecurity.co.uk

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Security & Access Control

The Future is Now – The Changing Access Control Landscape in the Public Sector

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ecuring buildings requires adaptability. This is because change is constant in the global security landscape and today’s diverse threats require businesses to regularly reassess and improve their strategies.

That’s why one of the biggest current trends in the access control industry is a demand for more flexibility, and this trend is being embraced by members of the public sector that require high quality security solutions, whilst working with a tight budget.

The Shift to Open Architecture Access Control A lot of the time, traditional access control solutions are failing organisations, leaving them vulnerable to attack. Many legacy systems are proprietary and built on closed architectures, so organisations are anchored to obsolete software, devices, protocols and products.

Attempts to maintain these systems, source replacement parts and receive support from vendors only lead to frustration and skyrocketing costs.

The fact of the matter is, things run smoothly when systems are joined up in an open architecture format. Closed-architecture solutions force operators to jump between monitors, inefficiently navigating separate surveillance and access control applications even in cases of emergency. These limitations seemingly leave businesses with no option but to rip out and replace the entire system.

Thankfully, things are changing.

Older platforms are being phased out in favour of open-architecture IP systems, which allow businesses to maintain existing systems while integrating new technologies.

This results in lower costs, higher efficiency and better security, all 16

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Simon Barnes, Business Development Director Access Control – EMEA of which are a godsend to public sector organisations who may have smaller security budgets, but as great a need to protect their buildings and personnel.

Getting More from Technology Investments One of the greatest values associated with open access control solutions is that they can evolve alongside businesses. End users are free to adapt their security at their own pace, optimising their investments while keeping an eye on the future, whilst ensuring that their security complements the particular needs of their building.

Regardless of industry, openarchitecture systems present opportunities to boost operational efficiency. They even help businesses improve their working environment, for example, when a cardholder enters or exits a room, the lights could be programmed to automatically turn on or off, reducing costs while supporting environmental initiatives.

The beauty of this, as mentioned above, is that bespoke solutions can be developed for the particular needs of the organisation.

In terms of the public sector, there are several particular applications which can be very useful. Narrowing in on educational institutions, improvements might include applications with smartcard credentials that provide access to libraries and classrooms. Schools might integrate this with Registration or Student Database systems to track attendance based on students’ card-credentialed movements.

For healthcare facilities, projects might consist of adding biometric readers to areas where high-value pharmaceuticals are stored. Patient enrolment is also simplified; data only needs to be entered once, as systems are automatically synched.

For more corporate offices, such as town councils or local MP offices, open-architecture systems simplify automating audit reports or monitoring usage of meeting rooms.

At Genetec, we work with many different public sector organisations by helping them to make the switch to IP access control. Hull University is a UKbased example which makes the most out of their solutions, and can boast cutting edge security that adapts with their rapidly developing needs.

University of Hull – Taking Access Control Further The University of Hull recently began to realise the limitations of its legacy magnetic-striped access control system. Not only was the technology outdated, but acquiring replacement parts was becoming difficult and expensive.

Having already invested in a Genetec Omnicast™ IP surveillance Building & Facilities Management – April 2017

Security & Access Control

School opens doors with help from ERA system to manage over 165 campus cameras, the school decided to convert to the Genetec Synergis™ access control management system. To minimise costs, the ICT team implemented Synergis Cloud Link, an intelligent IP controller that supports nonproprietary access control hardware.

“We will never be in the same position as with our older system, where we were restricted to one vendor, locked into their offering and climbing prices and eventually faced with a rip-and-replace. We are free to choose the devices that best suit our needs,” said Gary Moore, University of Hull, Infrastructure Team.

A benefit of adopting nonproprietary equipment was the University of Hull’s ability to utilise card technology from HID Global. This creates the possibility of building one-card applications such as cashless pointsof-sale and public transportation passes, which makes life far easier for students and staff alike. Read the full University of Hull story at: www.genetec.com/solutions/ resources/university-of-hull.

Open to the Future of Access Control It has become clear that organisations in the public sector are ready for change. They are breaking free from outdated legacy solutions to seek openness and flexibility. They understand that moving to a modern, open-platform access control solution optimises building security, maximises investments and increases readiness to respond to threats, which is vital in today’s climate, where security is being taken more seriously than ever. No matter how the global security landscape evolves, these open platform solutions are ready to meet any challenge, and can adapt to the many bespoke uses that public sector organisations require. www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

There’s no more parents left waiting out in the cold at St Michael’s First School in Penkridge, thanks to the UK’s home security specialists, ERA.

David Stapleton and Era’s Tania Tams with Mrs. Grundy and pupils at St Michael’s First School

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ith no intercom system installed at the school, out-ofschool staff found themselves pacing the corridor to open the door every time a parent came to collect their child from the popular after-school club.

Hearing of the staff and parents’ plight, Willenhall-based ERA kindly donated one of its easy to use miChime Video Door Intercoms which was then expertly installed

by David Stapleton of Stapleton’s Lock & Safe Ltd, along with an electronic push-bar panic lock.

Headteacher at St Michael’s First School, Mrs Jayne Grundy said, ‘Safeguarding our pupils is

our top priority and our new video intercom enables us to do this much more effectively. Our staff can now see exactly who is at the door before letting them in, all at the touch of a button and without having to leave the classroom.’

ERA distribution marketing manager, Tania Tams said, ‘The miChime Video Intercom is ideal for this type of application and we are extremely pleased that it has made such a difference to the daily running of the busy out-of-school club.’

For further information about Era home security and decorative hardware products or to find your local stockist, visit www.erahomesecurity.com

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Security & Access Control

Security, access control and smart locks – what’s safe, what’s the difference and where do we draw the line?

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acilities managers have long understood the value and convenience of a good access control system by being able to control the access to certain parts of a building to certain individuals. Access control can start with a very simplistic form of digital code lock (mechanically operated push button locksets) operated by a simple code right the way through to complex internet controlled systems that enable managers to add or delete users from a central location.

Access control can directly link to fire safety and when the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 18

security & access control

Here, Justin Freeman, technical manager of The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) – the leading trade association for the locksmithing industry – talks about the difference between security and access control, considering the problem of smart locks and the role they play in for both.

(RRO) came into force in 2006, it had a significant impact on facilities managers. The RRO dispensed with the need for a fire officer to certify and audit buildings, with responsibility for complying with the Fire Safety Order resting with ‘the

responsible person’. Therefore, if, as a facilities manager, you are named as the person ‘who has control of the premises’, you must ensure compliance with the Fire Safety Order and operate good practice in all aspects of safety and security.

Building & Facilities Management – April 2017

Security & Access Control A risk assessment must be carried out to make sure access control has the correct fail safe/fail secure operations in place. A professional like an approved MLA member could help to make sure everything is in order.

Facilities managers need to have a good understanding of health and safety requirements including things like escape routes and fire doors that access control will be integral to, so things are easy to get wrong and could well get a little more complicated.

The crossover between security and access control Access control manufacturers, suppliers and facilities managers have long understood that these products are not primary security products and are there to restrict access (usually used internally within a building, with doors leading to the external of a building being secured by tested security mechanical locks). Access control therefore is not tested to any security or attack standards. People using a facility without the level of knowledge of facility management will assume any door with a lock on it is secure but this is not a problem when used and specified correctly.

The MLA recently exhibited at the Smart Buildings section of UK construction show at the NEC Birmingham and we spoke to lots of facilities managers regarding security, safety and convenience.

All of them found the convenience of access control to be vital to the smooth running of their buildings and many were very interested in a smart lock that we had on display.

The benefits and pitfalls of a smart lock We are seeing new technology introduced at a high rate within the UK in the form of smart locks that can be operated by code, tag, swipe card, biometrics and most importantly by smart phone. Facilities managers could see a direct benefit of having security locks on their buildings with the features and benefits of access control and even locks that can talk to www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

things like CCTV, alarms and would ideally like security locks that could even be directly linked to access control and managed in the same way. The high interest in devices that operate heating and lighting via smartphones makes it obvious that people would like to operate their security locks if not remotely, then with their smartphone.

However, the UK has for a long time had excellent security standards for mechanical security including BS 3621, 8621, 10621, BS EN 1303, BS EN 12209 and PAS 24 for complete windows and doors. We can easily test the mechanical strength and capability of the actual lock but at the moment we cannot easily test the security of the ‘electronic key’ (i.e. fob, card, phone etc.) on electronic smart locks.

It’s the ‘key’ that has actually become the problem area here as it could be anything from your finger, eye, face, voice, card, tag or phone (and I am sure there will be more) and the device could potentially store security information on a database online.

Industry is working on developing standards that smart locks could be tested to but this technology moves quickly so the truth is – we don’t know how secure these products are at the moment. The unfortunate advice the MLA has to currently give therefore is if you want to use a smart lock on your security door

for convenience that’s fine but it must be supported by a tested mechanical security lock to secure the door properly. So smart locks are currently considered as access control and therefore secondary security rather than primary security.’

To find a locksmith in your area visit the user-friendly MLA website at www.locksmiths.co.uk. To review a list of independently tested and approved security products visit the Sold Secure website at: www.soldsecure.com.

Security guidelines for domestic properties can also be downloaded free of charge from http://www. locksmiths.co.uk/securityadvice/security-guidelinesfor-domestic-dwellings/ Security & Access Control

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Office & IT

Document security with lower costs Customer Profile Rawson Homes is a home construction company that services the New South Wales (NSW) regions of Sydney, the South Coast, Newcastle, Hunter, and the Central West, and Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

Rawson Homes was founded in 1978 by the three Rawson brothers: Mark, Peter, and Lawrie.

Nearly four decades after its founding, Rawson Homes has grown significantly. It is now ranked as one of the top 500 companies in NSW, is expanding at an unprecedented rate, and is on course to become a $300 million business.

Challenge Rawson Homes has a central office in the Sydney suburb of Rhodes, as well as additional offices and an expanding footprint of display

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Rawson Homes seeks to centralise print services for cost reduction and document security homes around NSW and ACT, some of them in regional areas.

Legally, the company needs to be able to print contractual documents and other materials to sell homes from its extended footprint of offices and display homes. Yet the fleet of more than 40 printers it had throughout the state-wide network were unmanaged and often unreliable.

This prevented Rawson Homes from gaining the oversight and control needed to control costs, manage documents and reduce wastage.

Donal Hurley, system administrator, Rawson Homes, said, “The existing set-up of our printing infrastructure offered us little visibility. Not only were we spending more managing our print fleet than we should have, our printing activities were inefficient, expensive, and unreliable.

“The lack of control we had over our printing environment, which wasn’t being centrally managed, meant that we had no idea who was printing what or where documents were being printed. We also had no way of properly securing sensitive legal documents, which play a very important role in what we do.”

Solution After a competitive tender process for a print management solution, Rawson Homes identified Konica Minolta as the print solution provider that could meet all its print management needs while providing value for money.

Konica Minolta supplied Rawson Homes with a turnkey print management architecture

Building & Facilities Management – April 2017

Office & IT consisting of more than 40 Konica Minolta multifunction devices, coupled with YSoft SafeQ suite of intelligent enterprise print, copy, and scan management technology.

As a scalable and feature-rich print management solution, the YSoft SafeQ solution offered Rawson Homes the ability to centrally manage its entire print infrastructure.

The system lets Rawson Homes track print jobs, report on printer usage and status, and helps control print rules for different users.

The YSoft SafeQ Suite single, web-based administrator interface and customisable dashboard has given Rawson Homes the ability to easily take charge of the entire print fleet, make sure there is little or no wastage. Additionally, users benefit from secure printing, as print jobs are printed on demand with the swipe of a card, and no longer left unattended, where they may be forgotten or fall into the wrong hands.

Most importantly for Rawson Homes, the YSoft SafeQ Suite, in combination with the new fleet of multifunction devices, helps to keep print costs in check while ensuring access to working printers from anywhere in the company’s network.

Result Konica Minolta’s hardware and software solutions taken on by Rawson Homes have given the company control of its printing environment across the entire organisation, with tailored work flows that enhance business efficiencies.

Among the most important benefits is the ease of use the new print management network offers staff.

The equipment and solutions provided by Konica Minolta have helped increase the company’s visibility of its entire fleet of multifunction devices across geographically disparate offices and display homes. The company can now view the status of each machine that is connected to the network, and access full reports on staff printing volumes and activity.

Konica Minolta’s managed print solution has helped to reduce Rawson Homes’ print volume. So-called www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

‘orphan prints’ not picked up by the staff members who printed them, have declined by over 20 per cent, providing greater document security, and saving Rawson money while increasing the return on investment of its printing infrastructure.

Donal Hurley said, “With our new Konica Minolta print infrastructure, we now pay less per print, with less wastage, and far less time spent troubleshooting problems, saving the IT department valuable resources. The new solutions have provided the company with a dynamic managed network that can support our rapid expansion.”

The print, copy, and scan management capabilities of the YSoft SafeQ technology suite has helped Rawson Homes gain greater document security, thanks to its card- based authentication system and a full audit trail for every scan or print by each user.

The YSoft SafeQ suite has also delivered cost savings with its rule-based printing capabilities, and print roaming features, where ordered prints will be held in a digital queue until the person who ordered them authorises the printing of the hard copies.

Together, Konica Minolta’s hardware and software solutions have given Rawson Homes a starting point with which to initiate the first stage of a digital business transformation project to convert hardcopy documents to electronic documents for archiving purposes.

Client Benefits • Greater insight, efficiency, and productivity • Cost savings • Greater availability of print services • Less wastage of consumables • Support for Rawson Homes’ rapid expansion • Greater security capabilities

About Y Soft Y Soft provides intelligent enterprise office solutions that help build smart business. Our YSoft SafeQ workflow solutions platform is used by corporations and SMB organisations to manage, optimise and secure their print and digital processes and workflows. Our 3D print solutions are focused in the Education sector where they provide unique workflow and cost recovery benefits.

Founded in 2000, the company is headquartered in Brno, Czech Republic, with offices in North and Latin America, Europe, Middle East/ Africa (EMEA) and the Asia Pacific region (APAC). For more information, please visit www.ysoft.com.

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Office & IT

The heightening indoor coverage crisis – who, what and how can we combat it?

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ccording to an often quoted stat from Informa, approximately 80% of mobile calls are now made from inside a building.

As the UK moves towards being a nation of urban dwellers, this figure is perhaps not surprising – and indeed, factoring in the continuous increase in the use of mobile devices in the workplace – research from Aruba HPE found that 60% of employees link mobile technology with the ability to be productive at work – it could well be set to go even higher.

In the face of such statistics the assumption might be that the UK would boast strong indoor coverage, however a report by Ofcom last year found that over half of the UK population had reported issues with voice and data services when making calls indoors. [Source: Ofcom] With the economic effect of such lacklustre indoor coverage impacting both businesses working within buildings, and subsequently those building and facilities managers trying to lure top companies into their office space, indoor mobile coverage is already a very real and increasing problem. Combine this with the UK’s battle to become a leader of the 5G connected world and you find us hurtling towards an uncertain future.

So how might 5G intensify indoor mobile coverage issues, who is responsible for solving them, and have we moved any closer to a solution with recent developments like MuLTEfire and spectrum sharing?

Complex arrangements The key to effective indoor mobile coverage and capacity is far-travelling, uninterrupted signal – something modern building materials, such as

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John Lillistone, Head of Capacity & Coverage Products at Arqiva metalised insulation, steel frames and treated glass, already do their best to block. Considering the types of ultra-high speed, 300GB per second services which have been talked about for 5G however, the situation is soon set to get far more complex.

Operating at very high frequencies (i.e. 28 GHz), 5G’s signal range will be extremely short, meaning it will be more easily interrupted by even the most common building materials – simple walls will be a problem, let alone the more modern materials discussed above.

Against this worrying backdrop, we could be looking at taking a lot more calls outside in the future – but who should we be turning to in order to avoid such potentially costly “call out” charges?

Insider networking The answer to solving indoor mobile coverage seems simple enough – to put the network into buildings via Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) – thereby providing consistent, unencumbered signal to those inside.

And indeed thanks to recent developments such as the use of small cells, and innovations which now enable the systems to run off the existing connectivity infrastructure (via Ethernet if not fibre), and to be used for other services (i.e.

PMR), modern DAS solutions have become less expensive, easier to use and more cost effective.

But while this should have made the business case for in-building solutions far easier, the industry – or more specifically the operators – still seems to be holding itself back.

Compromised ownership To understand the delayed uptake of in-building solutions, you only need to look at the business case the UK’s operators are currently faced with – pushed year on year to both deliver more to their customers while at the same time having to continually reduce their prices.

Already up against it, the option of operators funding in-building solutions is simply no longer viable.

There have been suggested ways to lessen the cost for operators – including through the use of shared spectrum or a Multi-Operator Shared Network (MOCN). But while these are great in theory, both unfortunately require the collaboration of all the MNOs – something that, at least in the UK, shows no sign of being likely to happen.

Meanwhile technologies such as MuLTEfire and other unlicensed solutions like LAA, which have also been heralded as possible fixes, face obstacles of a different kind. For a start, any solution proposing the use of unlicensed spectrum will always be subject to potential interference from other devices operating in that spectrum and there is no way for businesses to control what those devices are – just think about how many WiFi networks you see wherever you go. MuLTEfire might be interesting from the perspective that it could work on either licenced or unlicensed spectrum, but it would still face issues with both. Unlicensed spectrum use would run into the same problems as above, while the use of licensed spectrum would

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require it being made available and for the owner to adopt MuLTEfire.

Finally, all of these solutions would also need support in the handsets.

While none of the above barriers are ones that can’t be overcome, with no movement expected anytime soon, the industry needs to look elsewhere for a more immediate solve to the issue of in-building solution ownership.

In which case the costs have to be borne by the building owners, the individual tenant (provided the appropriate permissions have been sought), or – as is being seen in a number of recent examples – by a mixture of the two. This typically involves the builders paying for the design and build of the inbuilding solution, but then the resident business paying for the maintenance (a fraction of the original www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

expenditure). A good compromise!

So where do we go next?

A future-proof solution Though 5G technology has been heralded as both evolutionary and revolutionary, the escalated pressure of 5G connectivity is still a while off.

Indeed, at Arqiva we are predicting the availability of commercial services no earlier than 2020.

In-building solutions cannot wait that long however. Across the UK’s major urban cities – including London, Manchester and Birmingham – the problem exists now. In the face of ever-growing demand, mobile capacity is already stressed and alternative solutions such as voiceover WiFi technology do not offer

a realistic, or long-term solve – requiring the latest handsets and individual MNO cooperation.

Indoor coverage may be difficult to prioritise for MNOs but it is growing increasingly essential and someone needs to step up. Though retrofitting is possible, the industry needs to start incorporating in-building solutions into the fabric of new developments now.

We can see where mobile coverage is going, and what infrastructure will be needed to match demand. The good news is that today’s solutions will work tomorrow. They can be built upon as demand increases, and will last a long time, ensuring a great level of mobile service for the lifetime of a building of the future. www.arqiva.com

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Cleaning & Hygiene

Setting the scene for a hygienic healthcare environment

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n healthcare environments, it’s vital not only to minimise maintenance requirements and keep interior spaces looking fresh for as long as possible, it is also important to ensure the space is clean, hygienic and comfortable for staff, patients and visitors. More than simply being crucial to comply with the Department of Health’s Health Building Note (HBN) 00-10 Part B: Walls and ceilings, studies have demonstrated that factors such as the cleanliness and aesthetics of a hospital environment can significantly affect patients’ rate of recovery1.

Choosing the right paints and interior coatings can go a long way towards achieving these goals, helping to create a hygienic healthcare environment that supports patients’ well-being, while keeping maintenance budgets in mind.

Here are some key elements you should take into account to ensure 1

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Tony Walker, Technical Manager – Specification at Johnstone’s Trade, looks at the different elements that should be taken into account when decorating the interior of healthcare environments. you select the most appropriate products for the needs of your space:

Keeping clean A major factor to consider when choosing coatings with maintenance in mind is cleanability.

Washdown procedures in hospitals are necessarily harsh to minimise any risk of bacterial growth, and the paints selected need to be able to withstand regular cleaning or contact with water without impacting on the finish. In fact, this is a specific requirement of HBN 00-10 Part B. Products featuring stain-resistant

properties can be ideal for these situations, as they can help reduce the work needed to remove dirt and marks. Paints containing technology that prevents stains from setting into a wall surface, such as Johnstone’s Trade Cleanable Matt, can be easily washed off using warm, soapy water.

This product also has an ISO 11998 class 1 scrub rating that can allow more stubborn stains to be tackled with standard hospital cleaning products - without affecting the original finish or colour. As a result, it can help to maintain a pleasant environment for patients while extending maintenance cycles.

he effect of the healthcare environment on patients and staff, 2005, Cortvriend, P: T http://workplaceelements.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/2005_The-effect-of-the-healthcare-environment-on-patients.pdf

Cleaning & Hygiene

Building & Facilities Management – April 2017

Cleaning & Hygiene Thinking durability Wear resistance is another issue that should be kept front of mind.

The use of standard coatings may help to reduce costs during the initial renovation project, but they are often vulnerable to wear and tear, particularly in high-traffic spaces, like lobbies and corridors. This can have a negative impact on a patient’s perception of the aesthetics of a healthcare environment, while areas where paint has peeled away can act as dirt traps, providing an environment for bacteria to grow. So using standard coatings can lead to greater repair and maintenance costs in the long-run.

Robust, durable coatings, on the other hand, are capable of withstanding the daily scuffs and bumps of high-traffic areas without looking tired. Using such products in the initial project will help keep the busiest spaces of the hospital looking fresh and new for longer, and ensure compliance with Department of Health guidelines.

Holding bacteria at bay Healthcare acquired infections (HAIs) can increase a hospital stay by 70 per cent2, making it vital to take steps to minimise infection risks for recovering patients. Operating theatres and wards have been designed for a number of years now to achieve this goal, with touch surfaces, such as worktops, increasingly made using materials, such as antibacterial copper, to help minimise bacterial growth.

Table tops aren’t the only surfaces that need to be considered though. As highlighted in HBN 00-10 Part B, walls too can easily be touched, particularly around light switches and sockets, so it is crucial to find solutions to support hospital staff in keeping them as sanitary and bacteria-free as possible. Anti-bacterial paints have been specially designed to inhibit the growth of common pathogens, such as MRSA and E.coli. Used in wards and food preparation areas, it can help minimise the risk of vulnerable patients picking up infections.

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ealth facilities Scotland. Research H Report: Evidence-based design. 2011

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Considering the Equalities Act As well as paying due consideration to hygiene and maintenance, it’s important to take the Equalities Act 2010 Approved Document M into account when choosing paints for hospital environments.

The careful use of colour can improve the navigability of a hospital interior, enabling patients with visual impairments, or those with dementia, to find their way through the space.

For instance, when renovating the Horton Wing at St Luke’s Hospital in Bradford, our colour experts recommended a number of bright shades to assist with wayfinding, as well as creating a relaxed environment for patients and visitors alike.

Talking to such colour consultants can help you devise the ideal colour scheme to create a hospital environment that’s not only attractive and welcoming, but meets these important practical needs at the same time.

All set up for great patient care Considering the maintenance and cleaning requirements of paints over time can ensure a healthier environment and help minimise the long-term cost of looking after

hospital interiors. In doing so, you can be confident you are offering a welcoming, healthy environment for patients and supporting medical staff in providing high quality care.

For more information on Johnstone’s Trade’s specialist coatings for healthcare environments, please visit: www.johnstonestrade.com.

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Building & Refurbishment

Siemens supports the arts and delivers safety and sustainability at Carnegie Hall, New York

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arnegie Hall boasts a history of 125 years as a music venue and Siemens operates as their technology partner for the implementation of fire safety, electronic security and building automation, helping to make this iconic building safer, more secure and more energy efficient.

Not only does Siemens protect Carnegie Hall but the company also supports and nurtures emerging talent worldwide via the Siemens Arts Programme. It achieves this through its own rising talent competitions, such as the Siemens Opera Contest and by connecting these new artists with established cultural institutions worldwide, including Carnegie Hall New York, Palais Garnier Paris, Bayerische Staatsoper and Salzburg Festival. Ilkin Alpay came to prominence last year as the winner of the Siemens Opera Contest in Turkey and now the young soprano has appeared at Carnegie Hall.

New systems were installed as part of an infrastructure upgrade to Carnegie Hall’s Studio Towers, originally added to the famed concert hall at the end of the 19th century. A central focus of this comprehensive renovation was the installation of the new 60,000 square foot Resnick Education Wing, located on the Hall’s upper floors, as well as the refurbishment of the Hall’s backstage areas. The project created an opportunity to highlight the importance of sustainable design and provided an inspiring example of the adaptive reuse of a historic building.

“With the Studio Towers Renovation Project and creation of our new Resnick Education Wing, we aimed to build on Carnegie Hall’s amazing history, ensuring that our building continues to revitalise itself for the 21st century as a place as important to the future of music as 26

Building & Refurbishment

it has been to the past,” said Clive Gillinson, Carnegie Hall’s Executive and Artistic Director. “An important component of the project has been the opportunity to upgrade our building’s infrastructure, and Carnegie Hall is more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly for staff and visitors than ever before.”

As part of the Studio Towers renovations, Siemens supplied life safety systems and building automation; technology highlights include: Enhanced security: the Siemens SiPass access control system addresses Carnegie Hall’s complex security needs by ensuring that only the right people have access to the right places at the right time.

This is crucial, as Carnegie Hall has various access points and levels of clearance for building staff, students and performers, among others.

Fire and life safety system: Siemens’ advanced detection systems allow Carnegie Hall to ensure the safety of its occupants.

If a fire is detected, the command and control station is instantly alerted and emergency control

operations are engaged, including fire door closure, lift management and air handler turn-on/shut-off, among other critical functions.

Centralised control: a Siemens building automation system integrates heating, ventilation, and air conditioning controls onto one platform that can be controlled both locally by end-users and from one central location by building engineers, or remotely, if desired. It also continually analyses electricity demand and usage to manage overall building energy performance.

It was a challenge to retrofit such an iconic and historic building that had no original blueprints, with technology that would modernise its safety, security and energy efficiency systems, but as a result of these efforts, Carnegie Hall is now one of the oldest buildings to receive a LEED Silver Leadership certification.

An additional component of the overall project that helped Carnegie Hall achieve its LEED certification is a new 10,000 square foot roof terrace with reflective pavers and plantings that reduce the heat island effect Building & Facilities Management – April 2017

Building & Refurbishment and the building’s overall carbon footprint. Thanks to the Hall’s 450 original windows on its upper floors, natural light has been maximised in the building’s renovation and design, which also incorporates the use of LED bulbs and occupancy sensors.

Carnegie Hall presents a wide range of performances each season on its three stages – the renowned Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, intimate Weill Recital Hall, and innovative Zankel Hall – including concert series curated by acclaimed artists and composers; citywide festivals

featuring collaborations with leading New York City cultural institutions; orchestral performances, chamber music, new music concerts, and recitals; and the best in jazz, world, and popular music. Complementing these performance activities, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute creates extensive music education and community programmes that are expected to serve more than a half a million people in the New York City area, nationally, and internationally next season. For larger systems that can leverage

existing IT network infrastructures, integration is an important factor. It makes sense to move away from a single discipline approach to one that views security in a more holistic way. This applies not only to the integration of different security functions, but also how security and safety can be integrated into general business processes. The facilities market has moved significantly in connectivity terms, particularly with the development of open architecture. www.siemens.com/ buildingtechnologies

CHANGE TOILET PROVISION TO INCREASE CUSTOM

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enues, retail outlets could significantly increase the number of families visiting, and their length of stay, just by adapting accessible toilet facilities.

A survey by Firefly Community- a group of 20,000 families with children who have special needs- found that: • 97% of families surveyed said changing their child whilst out and about was a problem.

• 86% had to leave a venue early because of poor toilet facilities • 100% suffer from back pain (from lifting their child) • 95% said either a height adjustable or adult-sized changing bench would make their life easier on days out • 99% would be more likely to visit a venue if it improved its toilet changing facilities.

“The survey speaks for itself,” observes Claire Smyth, who runs Firefly’s Space to Change campaign, for wheelchair-accessible toilet facilities with a changing bench and hoist. “Provide a hoist, bench, and you open your doors to up to 14 million disabled children and adults in the UK, and their families, who need space, a bench, and/or hoist to toilet away from home.

“Without these, those families either can’t visit, or leave early so spend less with you: that includes everything from doing the weekly shop, a trip to the town or shopping www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

centre, a family meal out, or a tourist attraction. And we know that venues that have made that change are seeing tangible benefitsCornwall Services, for example, has reported its facility is used daily and it has seen an increase in custom and spend as a result.”

Adds Robin Tuffley, marketing manager at Clos-o-Mat, supporter of the Space to Change campaign, “Even if there is no other toilet provided, venues have to at least have a unisex wheelchair-accessible toilet. Many unisex wheelchair accessible toilets are already big enough to accommodate the bench and hoist: it’s a comparatively small capital equipment spend to add them. Even if they are not already big enough, it only requires an additional 1.6m x 2m of space….”

Under the Equality Act, venues to which the public have access are required to anticipate the need and make ‘reasonable adjustments’, including to the built environment, if a disabled person would otherwise be at a ‘substantial’ disadvantage.

Campaigners maintain having to lie a child or adult on a toilet floor to be changed because there are not suitable facilities represents that substantial disadvantage.

The concept of Space To Change toilets has been developed to ensure that the personal hygiene needs of people who need changing and lifting facilities for their personal

care are met when away from home, as much as possible. It builds on a Regulatory (Document M) unisex wheelchair-accessible toilet, delivering a 7.5m2+ (3m x 2.5m min) WC facility with an adultsized changing bench and a hoist.

Clos-o-Mat, Britain’s leading supplier of disabled toilet solutions at home and away, has been instrumental in developing the Space To Change toilet layout, and working with campaigners and Firefly Community to promote the concept. Firefly Community, an online special needs resource, is driving the movement, supporting campaigners and raising awareness of the need for accessible toilets that include a height adjustable changing bench and hoist.

Full details of the Space To Change concept, plus technical support, CAD blocks etc, can be found at www.clos-o-mat.com and http://community.fireflyfriends. com/campaigns/space-to-change .

Tel: 0161 969 1199 Email: info@clos-o-mat.com Building & Refurbishment

27

Energy Management

Intelligent energy management a business ‘no-brainer’ Ashley Phillips, Sales and Marketing Director, DONG Energy Sales (UK)

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K organisations of all sizes have one thing in common: they have seen running costs and the pressure to operate more efficiently rise steeply over recent years. This challenging business landscape is not for the faint hearted, and is perhaps even harder to navigate because it is set against the backdrop of an evolving energy infrastructure, with the legislative and pricing changes that this brings.

However, many organisations may not yet have realised that the energy marketplace now offers a range of new opportunities for businesses who are ready to adapt; as the energy marketplace evolves, so the possibilities broaden. In a world focused on productivity, efficiency and the bottom line, a flexible approach to energy management can provide businesses with new cost saving and revenue generating potential. This goes beyond energy efficiency, re-casting them as ‘prosumers’, whose integral part in the energy system can bring ongoing benefit to their organisation.

Your flexibility options are expanding Most businesses will be familiar with the concept of demand side response (DSR), although some may not be aware of the array of options available to them. DSR schemes are a way of encouraging businesses to adopt a flexible approach to energy consumption. This will ensure the UK’s electricity system remains balanced, as we move away from traditional and finite power sources towards more sustainable sources.

Business participation in flexibility will be crucial to ensuring a stable, sustainable and cost-effective energy system for us all in the future. Whilst some obstacles to participation remain, increased innovation has brought a range of 28

Energy Management

different choices to the market, including new options (as well as ‘entry level’ versions of old schemes) from National Grid and alternatives such as DONG Energy’s Renewable Balancing Reserve (RBR), which seeks to minimise system imbalance.

Schemes like RBR represent a great first step into flexibility, as there is no commitment to respond and there are no penalties for non-delivery. With nothing to lose and much to gain from getting involved, flexible energy management becomes a no-brainer for businesses from every sector.

Optimising onsite assets as a first step For businesses just setting out on their flexibility journey, it may pay to streamline internal processes before diving into DSR. A low-investment first step such as optimising site operation and plant run schedules could be the perfect way to introduce a more flexible approach to energy management, and the savings delivered by taking a smarter approach to consumption patterns can be significant.

Kodak Alaris provides a great example of how implementing such a flexibility solution has the potential to cut resource requirements, as well as energy spend. The company worked with DONG Energy to introduce software-based Site Optimisation to the business, creating a new operational strategy that not only slashed daily planning time, but also delivered an 11% energy cost saving for their manufacturing site.

For Kodak Alaris, formulating an operational strategy that uses assets in the most efficient way could be a time-consuming process, often requiring manual data entry and complicated calculations.

For pragmatic reasons, Kodak Alaris was using broad averages rather than accurate half-hourly market information. A practical,

low-cost solution was needed to help it respond to market information more effectively.

“When I heard about DONG Energy’s approach to optimising site operations at a seminar it was a real ‘light-bulb’ moment” explains David Jeans, Energy Manager, Kodak Alaris.

“The software is cloud-based and uses algorithms to calculate the optimal run schedule for an operating plant. To do this, it analyses market signals in relation to operating constraints and asset availability. We simply enter plant information through the online portal, which is then automatically analysed to produce our daily run schedule, detailing the commercially optimal way to operate equipment, schedule production, and generate or export electricity. I’m able to take the information directly from the interface, print it out and hand it to our operational staff in our morning production meeting.

Everyone finds it easy to use, as the solutions are always practical and each day we have a plan that really optimises what the plant is doing.

Through Site Optimisation, we have been able to take full advantage of our flexibility capabilities and have followed the system’s recommended run schedules to within 3%. As well as boosting resource savings through a reduction in daily planning time, we have optimised operational performance – which has led to an 11% saving in energy costs.”

Be part of a brighter, greener future Whatever size your business, savings through intelligent energy management are within your reach. And should you need any further incentive to participate beyond reduced energy costs and a potential new revenue stream - flexible energy management is also a way for your business to support sustainability, helping the UK move towards a better energy future. www.dongenergy.co.uk Building & Facilities Management – April 2017

Energy Management

Is procurement missing a trick?

Jason Taylor, Account Manager at IMServ gives his insights into energy procurement.

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having a greater understanding of their energy portfolio, companies are able to implement a robust procurement strategy and able to improve their billing.”

Taylor believes there are 5 key areas procurers need to understand in order to provide an effective service: 1. Site list – Although it might sound like a basic piece of advice, the first thing a procurer needs to have is a firm grasp of their site list. It is important to understand the individual energy requirements of the different types of buildings and sites in your portfolio so you can obtain precise volumes of energy, minimising wastage.

2. AMR metering across all sites – Understanding your energy needs can be achieved through the installation of automatic meter reading (AMR) technology across all of your managed sites. This will automatically collect consumption, diagnostic and status data and transfer it to a centralised database where it can be analysed and interrogated. By having this insight, informed decisions can be made.

3. Understand the contract and what it requires – An energy procurement manager will need an understanding of what the business needs, when and in what volume. This will allow the manager to accurately forecast what will be needed in the future, and obtain the best rates to reflect the needs of business at different times of the day, week, month and year.

4. Energy spend – It is important to retain a view on your overall energy budget whilst

understanding the energy spend across all utilities. Having a robust data solution in place, your organisation can gain a better understanding of energy demands over time. This will help to benchmark any future savings across your portfolio.

5. Drill down into your energy data for further opportunities – There are a huge variety of energy solutions available to organisations on the market such as; Sub-Metering, bespoke energy reporting packages and energy efficiency offerings.

Being aware of and utilising a wide range of solutions can open doors to energy improvements, by providing actionable usage insights at more localised levels.

Jason continues: “Those working in procurement are often under many disparate pressures and can be involved in an array of different areas, including: purchasing, IT, managing inventory, vendor selection and holding process reviews. This often means that they find themselves without the time to interrogate their energy data properly. This is where mistakes can start to come into the equation. By taking the time to understand the energy usage data, and how this will affect such strategies, procurers will be able to improve their energy billing, often saving money at the same time.” www.imserv.com

t

ith so much change taking place within the energy market, it is important that those working in procurement understand the challenges that the energy market is facing. For energy procurement managers pressure to find the best deal is a key factor. Having a clearer picture of an organisation’s energy requirements puts procurers in a better position to make informed decisions and meet cost reduction and sustainability targets.

The energy market is undergoing change at an alarming rate due to increased competition and updates to industry legislation, and often the procurement team is responsible for keeping up to date. These teams have to work with energy buyers and account managers within the energy companies, stay abreast of industry amendments and understand the risks and opportunities that these changes bring. All whilst maintaining an effective procurement strategy which is flexible to take advantage of any fluctuations of energy costs.

Jason Taylor, Account Manager at IMServ, thinks these risks can be mitigated through the combination of a proactive approach to buying energy, an understanding of the shifts within the energy market and full understanding of an organisation’s energy usage. He believes such tactics can prevent poor procurement decisions turning into expensive mistakes.

The energy market can seem daunting, particularly in light of ongoing legislation changes such as P272 and the Capacity Market evolution. The landscape of the energy market has also changed significantly, with new suppliers entering the market and a wider range of solar, renewable and local generation options available. Taylor states “By

www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

energy management

29

Special Feature

Thorlux takes healthcare lighting control to a new level

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martScan from Thorlux is a lighting control and emergency monitoring system that is already bringing the power of enhanced information to managers across the healthcare estate.

SmartScan builds on established energy-saving technologies in a system that is easy to install, offers a high degree of flexibility and provides online access to the operational details of their entire lighting systems.

SmartScan merges Thorlux’s Smart energy efficient indoor lighting controls - which are designed with group presence detection and individual daylight-based switching and dimming - with energy-saving Smart External lighting controls. It also incorporates Scanlight AT web-based emergency lighting testing and monitoring systems, combining all three into one wireless control system.

The system is designed to efficiently control all main and external lighting and automatically test all emergency lighting, providing central reporting and diagnostics.

It monitors energy usage for all lighting, displaying the results in a graphic dashboard on any device with an internet connection.

Luminaires are fitted with a SmartScan transceiver which uses the latest wireless mesh technology to replace wired communications signals between each unit. SmartScan uses 868MHz secure radio communication which offers excellent transmission distance within buildings, with each luminaire acting as a wireless node to repeat commands on to the next luminaire. This provides a robust system that will always find a communication path.

The SmartScan emergency luminaires are stand-alone, with each self-testing to the schedule specified in BS EN 62034:2012.

The operational status of each is displayed by the status LED. Philip Hill, Lighting Systems Product Manager at Thorlux, explains: 30

Special Feature

“SmartScan replaces the wired motionline with mesh networking technology, with groups on the system formed by addressing instead of hard wiring. This means that changes or additions can be easily made to the lighting system as the building layout or needs change.

This makes the system extremely easy to install and programme and, in retro-fit situations, it eliminates the time and disruption involved in installing new wiring systems.”

Another key benefit of the SmartScan system is the accessibility of the information. At the heart of the system is a SmartScan Gateway which uses the mesh network to communicate with individual luminaires and transmits energy performance and emergency lighting status reports to the SmartScan web server. Users can access the system information from any location, using a web browser on any enabled device without the need for additional apps or software. This also provides off-site storage for all energy performance data, emergency lighting testing schedules, commissioning certificates

and other associated documentation.

Philip Hill concludes: “With our Smart technology, Thorlux is already delivering lighting energy savings in excess of 70% compared with conventional technology. What SmartScan brings is better, easily accessible information and a much more sophisticated level of control with much-enhanced diagnostic tools.

With that level of information, building managers should be in a position to reap even more energy savings from their lighting systems whilst still providing the level and quality of lighting that is critical to health and wellbeing in a care environment.”

For more information, please visit: www.thorlux.co.uk/smartscan.

Building & Facilities Management – April 2017

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