AUGUST 2020 www.bfmmagazine.co.uk building & facilities facilities management management
HEALTH & SAFETY |INTELLIGENT BUILDINGS | LIGHTING
“Hey Siri, it’s coffee time!” see pages 16-17 INSIDE:
‘Alexa: What’s next in smart homes?’
see page 10
INTRODUCING THE PROVEN ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS With its patented design the P50 has been delivering year-on-year savings for the past 10 years, thanks to its ability to be used across multiple types of fire. Whether you’re planning to change a single extinguisher or your complete inventory, you can enjoy superior fire protection for a fraction of what you’re currently paying.
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New House Farm, Birdsedge, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD8 8XP t: 0333 006 5822 e: sales@blackthornfire.co.uk www.blackthornfire.co.uk
On the cover: Scanomat takes touchless coffee experience to a level on its own with Sirienabled voice control for TopBrewer see pages 16-17
August 2020
BFM Team Business Development Director
James Scrivens james@abbeypublishing.co.uk Production
Sarah Daviner sarah@abbeypublishing.co.uk Accounts Manager
Katie Brehm accounts@abbeypublishing.co.uk
Contents News
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Priva Building Automation on Tour: Building technologies manufacturer takes latest innovations direct to customers
Intelligent Buildings
10
‘Alexa: What’s next in smart homes?’
Lighting
12 BFM is published digitally 10 times a year b y Abbey Publishing Ltd. To receive a copy free of charge, contact our offices. 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.
Ambient light adaptive control system for LED lighting now available from MagnatechLED
Building & Refurbishment
18
Selectaglaze secondary glazing creating quiet and comfortable areas for users of the new library in Plumstead
Cleaning & Hygiene
20
InnuScience urges FM sector to practice ‘Justified Disinfection’ post-lockdown
HVAC
26
New small and efficient humidifier from Condair
Health & Safety
20
What you need to know about working in leading edge applications
All contents © Abbey Publishing Ltd 2017 ISSN: 1470-5281
Building & Facilities Management – August 2020
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News
Priva Building Automation on Tour: Building technologies manufacturer takes latest innovations direct to customers A leading building technologies manufacturer has announced the launch of a new, safe way to stay connected with customers, consultants and Partners. Priva Building Automation UK will tour the UK with its traveling ‘exhibition’, the Priva Bus during October 2020. The Priva Bus enables the company’s UK team to take its innovations and solutions direct to customers and stakeholders; wherever they are located. The Priva team will plan a route around the UK taking in all four countries within the United Kingdom. Depending on distancing measures in place at the time, customers and partners based in Southern Ireland may need to travel to location across the border. The company believes its touring showcase offers a safe and attractive alternative to its usual schedule of third-party events and on-site briefings. 4
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Gavin Holvey, General Manager – UK & Ireland comments: “With so many trade exhibitions and face to face opportunities postponed this year, we knew we need to find a safe, alternative way to keep in touch with people. Sometimes, a video call just isn’t enough. The Priva Bus is a brilliant initiative: it will be a place where visitors can learn - in a safe environment - about our Building Management System (BMS) packages, Cloud Services, natural ventilation and smart, healthy building technologies. And, the real benefit is, we can bring our Priva Bus right
to customers’ doorsteps. Companies interested in booking a visit from the Priva UK Team and the Priva Bus can do so by email, phone or online. Strict social distancing and hygiene measures will be in place to ensure the safety of visitors and Priva’s staff. For more information visit: https://www.priva.com/ discover-priva/stay-informed/ events/priva-on-tour
Building & Facilities Management – August 2020
News
New Visusafe Workplace Products Add To Beaverswood Anti-COVID-19 Armoury New levels of protection against the ongoing threat of COVID-19 in the workplace are provided with the latest additions to the Visusafe range from industrial visual communication solutions specialist Beaverswood. Manufactured from robust foam plastics and incorporating tough and impact resistant clear PVC film, the new freestanding tabletop screen dividers are designed specifically to segregate tables to ensure the highest levels of personal; health and safety protection. Quick and easy to wipe down and clean, product is 610mm high and comes in three width options to suit most applications: 990mm; 1100mm and 1380mm. New 1mm thickness white plastic urinal distance markers have also been designed and manufactured by Beaverswood to help people maintain social distancing measures in public toilets and restrooms while providing greater levels of personal protection and hygiene. Quick and easy to locate and reposition, the 160mm diameter markers can be suspended from the pipework or urinal units to indicate clearly to people which units should not to be used. Also newly available is a PVC high visibility waterproof gaffer floor marking tape. Offering improved levels of durability and scuff resistance, the yellow and black tape offers longer lasting adherence to carpet, stone, cement, wood, plastic and other surfaces, providing a rapid and effective solutions for workplace social distancing and floor safety marking requirements. The tape, suitable for interior or exterior applications, is 50mm wide and comes in a 33-metre length roll. www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine
Visusafe products are manufactured from good quality, high performance materials, helping businesses to comply with Public Health England guidelines, which ensure materials are as robust as possible and cleanable, providing maximum protection. Jim Roberts, product manager at Beaverswood, said: “As people continue to return to the workplace, it’s critical they remain safe and fully protected against the COVID-19 threat. These latest additions to our personal protection range
ensure we are providing endusers with a top quality, flexible and cost-effective solution.” More at www.beaverswood. co.uk or tel; 0118 979 6096 or sales@beaverswood.co.uk News
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BW transforms historic Harella House in London’s Clerkenwell into highly desirable Cat A office space BW: Workplace Experts has sensitively refurbished Harella House on Goswell Road in Clerkenwell. In total, six floors of lettable Cat A office space have been created for Chait Investment Corporation, within a characterful building, which now has three new terraced areas. Harella House dates back to the 1930s, starting out as a garment factory for Harella Clothing Manufacturers. This enterprising firm was famous in its day for producing garments in a wider range of women’s sizes. The 55,000 sq ft building has large Crittall windows, which were intended to create natural light filled spaces that could accommodate large items of machinery. BW managed the erection of scaffolding to the full perimeter of the building and a full temporary
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roof, enabling the original facade to be cleaned and all existing windows to be replaced with new Crittall. An electrical substation to the rear has been decommissioned and relocated into the basement and ground floor, with the access point on Gee Street. A new reception entrance has been created on Goswell Road, providing the main access to the building. Original features have been restored, with exposed steel columns and brick piers on the upper floors and sanded timber sarking boards on level 4. Also, on this level, the roof has been completely replaced and altered to create
a mezzanine floor, with new roof slates throughout. To the rear, adjacent to the neighbouring offices, a singlestorey extension has been demolished and completely rebuilt to enable a larger ground floor area. A rooftop garden, a highly desirable element for contemporary workplaces, has also been created.
Building & Facilities Management – August 2020
News
Protecting medical devices ~ The importance of surge protection in healthcare facilities People rely on hospitals to provide the expertise and equipment needed to keep them healthy. However, if the electrical equipment fails at any point, doctors cannot provide this care and patients are put at risk. Here, Juan Chavez, vice president of transient surge protection specialist Energy Control Systems, explains how the UPS and transient detection solutions take care of equipment, so that doctors can take care of their patients. Medical facilities rely on a steady flow of power to operate electrical medical equipment, keep the lights on and access patient data online. Equipment or system failure could lead to breakdowns, downtime and fatal consequences for patients. For example, in summer 2019, a large-scale power outage left 48 million people across Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay without electrical supply. Power was out for only a day, but it impacted vital infrastructure, including hospitals, which had to use generators to continue treating patients. Power outages like this are out of the control of hospital directors and doctors but we can take preventative steps to ensure that power fluctuations do not impact operations. Returning to power Generators can help to provide power in desperate situations, but some critical equipment such as ventilators and other monitors must have a constant stream of power to reduce risks to patients. Instead of relying on temporary power generators, hospital directors and facilities managers should have a plan to stop any interruptions to power flow. www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system should be a key part of a healthcare facility’s preventative maintenance strategy. UPS systems supply backup energy in the event of power losses and can protect electrical and electronic systems from issues when losing the primary power source. A UPS is an essential bridge between a mains supply and the power provided by a backup diesel generator. Protecting equipment However, power loss isn’t the only issue that the managers of medical facilities should have on their agenda. Medical device equipment is incredibly sensitive – as is the human body. In fact, once the electrical insulation provided by our skin is taken away, for example during open surgery, a voltage as insignificant as the one passed on when you touch your mobile phone screen can be lethal. Given that IBM estimates that there are 120 power quality problems effecting sensitive equipment in a typical building every single month, it is clearly important to keep our medical equipment in perfect condition. One way of doing this
is to eliminate the lowlevel switching events, or transients, that occur constantly in electrical supply. Transients have high energy, with magnitudes in the thousands of volts, and short duration with rise times in the 1-10 microsecond range. While these surges are short, transients can disrupt, damage or destroy electrical and electronic equipment in an instant. Eliminating these transient surges reduces electrical damage and improves patient service by keeping electrical equipment out of the maintenance bay. Energy Control Systems has developed SineTamer — a range of highly efficient surge and transient protection systems that help to protect valuable microprocessor based assets. SineTamer tracks events close to the sinewave, which would be invisible to most power quality devices, and eliminates the problems caused by regular transient events. Our experts will also work with hospital directors to develop a bespoke system with any special configurations needed to comply with medical industry regulations. www.ecsintl.com News
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Say no to sticky tables As Brits continue to hit bars and pubs across the country, punters are being urged to look out for the telltale signs that they haven’t been cleaned to COVID-19 standards. A leading cleaning solutions expert has warned that sticky bars, tables and floors are a giveaway sign that an establishment’s cleaning practices are not up to scratch in the post-lockdown world. James White, Managing Director at Rawlins, is urging people to be extra vigilant when it comes to surface hygiene in any hospitality setting, to protect their health and prevent a second peak of the virus. Mr. White says: “If you go into a bar or restaurant and sit down at a sticky table, it is proof that it hasn’t been cleaned properly. You should complain immediately to management and ask them to reclean the area to ensure all traces of bacteria have been removed.” With research showing that COVID-19 can survive on surfaces for days, the warning is a stark reminder that traditional cleaning practices aren’t enough to safeguard staff and customers, despite the virus being in retreat. He adds: “We all know that the virus can be spread by touching infected surfaces so it really is vital that cleaning measures are robust enough to eliminate any risk and stand up to coronavirus. “I appreciate that establishments are working hard to ensure their premises are COVID-secure, and many have increased their cleaning efforts in recent weeks, but it is no longer enough to rely on disinfectants and mops. “What many people do not realise is that, like the losing 8
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battle of antibiotics against superbugs, disinfectants become increasingly ineffective over time. Although the solution may kill most bacteria, it doesn’t remove them, leaving dead microbes, along with any surviving germs, spread across the surface. And these microbes, dead or alive, serve as a food source for the next wave of bugs.” Mr. White states that the only way to ensure a surface is free from infection is by adopting a robust cleaning process that extracts dirt and protects the area from future germs. Dubbed the ‘remove, improve and protect’ method, the stages include: Remove Tables, surfaces and floors in bars and restaurants can quickly become unhygienic, with high footfall, spills, and drips creating dirty, sticky surfaces. Traditional mopping and wiping won’t remove the bacteria, only move it around. The only way to eliminate dirt on hard surfaces is by adding water and the correct chemistry and removing the used solution using our high flow fluid extraction process. Improve All cleaning should be processdriven and continuously improve cleanliness levels each time. The effectiveness of the process can be measured by taking adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurements before and after cleaning, to ensure that surfaces are not just clean, but free of germs. Protect The final step of the process should always be to protect the surfaces with a solution like the Zoono Z-71 Microbe Shield, which is a cost-effective, residual polymer-based antimicrobial protection. The solution provides 30-days active protection for any treated surface, significantly reducing the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses, giving a unique, proven,
long-lasting barrier protection. Rawlins recommends that main touch points, such as bars, tables, and door handles, are treated every seven days, with the wider area fogged or sprayed every 21 days for the very best hygiene. Routine cleaning can continue between applications, without disrupting the Zoono molecule or its antimicrobial activity. For further information on Rawlins’ equipment and processes visit https:// www.rawlins.co.uk/removeimprove-protect-covid
Building & Facilities Management – August 2020
20 YEARS’ WORKING IN HORTICULTURE. 5 acres of formal gardens. 30 weddings AND events each year. 1 BRAND OF CHOICE. STIHL LIFE. ƒ
For demanding work where the highest horticultural standards are required, STIHL has the professional tools to get the job done. Not only does STIHL set the standard for reliable, quality tools, it’s also easy to maintain them for use throughout the season. With a range of tools for precision topiary, grounds maintenance and lawn care, STIHL has the machinery to meet the daily needs of a professional gardener.
Andy Wain, Head Gardener at Euridge Manor, with the STIHL RM 655 RS rear roller lawn mower AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL STIHL DEALER. STIHL.CO.UK
Intelligent Buildings
‘Alexa: What’s next in smart homes?’ By Nico van der Merwe, VP of Home & Distribution at Schneider Electric Our smart home assistants do more than play our favourite playlists and tell us the weather. In many ways they are our life assistants, planning our days, telling us the news and controlling our home appliances. For years, homeowners have been able to customise the aspects of their home using their smart devices, so what’s next? As homes become smarter, bringing greater benefits to the homeowner, so do heating systems. By adopting smarter features, heat will be generated only when and where its required to the exact temperature that is optimal for every square foot. Simple upgrades to homes across
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Intelligent Buildings
the country will have a huge impact on comfort, convenience and energy bills. Homes will provide more control and improved thermal comfort of occupants by enabling the personalisation of each room.
The Smarter Choice Many smart heating systems are designed so users can easily control their thermostat directly from an app on their phone – whether you’re out, on the sofa or having a lie-in. This is an obvious and altogether better and smarter choice for people to keep the cold out this winter. With homes and heating systems becoming increasingly connected, the benefits continue to grow. The Internet
of Things (IoT), allows home owners to control their heating wherever and whenever, and schedule heating for when waking up or walking through the door. This not only saves money and time but also makes homes more comfortable. To reduce energy consumption and heating bills, connectivity, reliability and overall performance are all crucial. However, there are a number of new functions that are fast becoming a necessity.
Smart Rooms Today we demand personalisation. The next stage for heating is control and scheduling in each room independently. From a comfort point of view, each room should be at different temperatures – the bedroom cooler and the
Building & Facilities Management – August 2020
Intelligent Buildings bathroom warmer. We control our lights switch-to-switch and we control our water tapto-tap – why don’t we control our heat room-to-room. Traditional thermostats and radiator controls simply aren’t efficient or measurable. A smart room thermostat, multi-room system measures and controls the temperature of each room and has a huge impact on comfort, convenience and energy bills. Smart heating systems now enable users to personalise their home environment according to their needs by allowing them to control the temperature and schedule in their home completely independently.
Smart Usability With the explosion of apps, it’s now possible to take control of at-home appliances including heating, lighting and entertainment systems. Not only does this make it easier for individuals to control their appliances, for heating in particular, it allows individuals to take control of their energy on the go to reduce their longterm energy consumption. Now, however, heating is joining the smart home assistant (Google Assistant & Amazon Alexa, etc.) revolution. Controlling heating with voice commands, makes it easier than ever. You can now ask them to set your heating at a certain temperature, increase/decrease the heating and check what temperature your home is at.
Smart Analysis Next generation heating solutions aren’t simply customisable, they provide complete insight into usage and self-improvements. How does room temperature naturally change during the day, www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine
how does occupancy cause levels to fluctuate, and what is optimal? Today’s systems enable the kind of insight, crucial in a data driven world. Today pioneering smart heating systems, come as a single solution, linking radiators and thermostats through IoT technology, while a phone app provides convenience and control and analytics continuation optimises cost and comfort. These solutions allows users to monitor the temperatures of individual rooms and change them remotely via their smartphone,
wherever they are. Home improvers may now be striving for smarter, more connected homes, but they want something that’s plug and play. Smart heating systems fit the bill as they have no wires, no installation and no mess and of course are better for the environment. Adopting technology like this is necessary if people want to reduce their energy consumption in the future. The most modern heating solutions will be key in facilitating smarter, more energy efficient homes for the benefit of our wallets and our planet. Intelligent Buildings
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Lighting
Ambient light adaptive control system for LED lighting now available from MagnatechLED Ambient light adaptive control systems, sometimes referred to as ‘daylight harvesting’, is a method of controlling the light output of LED lamps according to the amount of natural ambient light available. Many indoor working areas, such as warehouses and factories will have an element of natural lighting available either through roof skylights or windows. Using the Magnatech LED adaptive lighting system can be set to allow constant lighting levels throughout the working day as natural light levels change. The sensor detects the ambient light level and controls to power delivered to the LED lamps using a 0-10V dimming interface. The lighting plan should be designed to provide sufficient light levels when no natural light is available.
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All lamps should have a 0-10V dimming input. The lux level can be easily set to the required lux level when the lamps are in position. This should be done when no natural light is available. The most convenient method of implementing the adaptive lighting system is to have one per lamp which is factory fitted by Magnatech LED which required no addition building wiring and gives the most flexibility for changing lighting plans. The system can also be configured to have one sensor
controlling a number of lamps or a ‘zone’. In this instance a 0-10V control wire is required between the nonsensor lamps. It is estimated that energy savings of 15%-20% can be achieved using the adaptive lighting system depending on the building. For even higher energy saving the system can be used together with the Magnatech LED range of motion sensors providing on/ off of multistep dimming. This system is especially suited to low occupancy areas such as storage areas. The system can be added as an option on the full range of Magnatech LED indoor area lighting products including Aquila, Vela, Sagitta, Wigston and Stretton. Our sales and technical team can offer advice for your design including selection of product type and power.
Building & Facilities Management – August 2020
Lighting
Comfortable camping with Tridonic lighting technology Adria Homes offer freedom, pure luxury and the perfect mood lighting Glamping – camping with glamour – is hugely popular. You can be in the middle of the countryside but still enjoy home comforts. You can enjoy the greatest luxury with the best feel-good factor even in the smallest space – that’s what the mobile homes and glam tents from Slovenian manufacturer Adria Home are all about. Appropriate lighting moods are created by Tridonic technology. Various Tridonic LED drivers provide general and decorative lighting – both functional and attractive. Camping has never been so enjoyable or relaxing. As a manufacturer of modern mobile homes, mobile tents, modular houses and floating homes, Adria Home, a member of the Adria Group, has been delighting its customers for more than 50 years with stylish, comfortable and innovative products. Adria Home was looking for attractive lighting technology and solutions that
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would meet high aesthetic and functional demands. Specific requirements placed on the LED drivers included a fiveyear guarantee and a higher maximum ambient temperature than the one offered by a previous third-party solution so that the drivers would have a longer service life.
Glamp lamps Together with the Slovenian lighting manufacturer ETT Lighting, Tridonic produced the ideal solution to meet the general and decorative lighting requirements for the mobile units. “We have been working with ETT Lighting for years as a reliable partner and supplier of Tridonic products,” said Jernej Jazbec, Purchasing and
Logistics Manager at Adria. “Most of our mobile homes and tents are now equipped with Tridonic drivers.” LCBU 10W 12V BASIC phasecut SR dimmable drivers for LED strip lights are used for decorative effects and indirect lighting. LEDs with Tridonic LC 13W 300mA fixC C SNC drivers built into the walls or ceiling provide general lighting. Both of these driver series have overload, short circuit and no-load protection. LED panels for additional general lighting in the mobile units are equipped with LC 75W 100–400mA flexC lp EXC constant-current LED drivers for linear and area lighting, which allow the desired increase in the maximum ambient temperature (Ta). EM ready2apply BASIC drivers are used for emergency lighting. The complete kit includes the electronics, LED module, heat sink, optics and battery. All the Tridonic drivers offer high compatibility and energy savings thanks to their high efficiency. “Our Adria Homes benefit from the flexibility of the drivers in terms of their configuration and use and from fast delivery, which is important for series production,” said Jazbec. Lighting
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EnOcean adds IoT starter kit to product portfolio EnOcean’s new IoT starter kit offers a simple solution for testing EnOcean wireless sensors with Aruba Wi-Fi® access points. EnOcean, a pioneer of energy harvesting and wireless IoT communications, today released a starter kit that simplifies the integration of EnOcean wireless sensors with Aruba Wi-Fi access points. Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, and EnOcean have partnered to facilitate the integration of IoT sensors into existing IT infrastructure, levering IT security mechanisms to protect IoT data and devices. Used in conjunction with a separately purchased Aruba access point, the new IoT starter kit named EISKA for the European market and EISKU for the North American market includes an EnOcean EMSIx multisensor, an Easyfit wireless switch, an EnOcean USB stick, and demonstration software. All devices support the EnOcean radio standard (ISO/IEC 14543-3-10/11). EnOcean USB sticks are available in both 868 MHz (Europe) and 902 MHz (USA/ Canada) versions, and are compatible with any Aruba
Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 access point with a USB port that is running ArubaOS 8.7 software. Aruba’s Zero-Trust Network automatically establishes a secure data connection between EnOcean-compatible devices and the IoT application. The design eliminates the need for gateways, significantly reducing the cost of IoT projects. “We have put together a kit that enables a quick and easy start to IoT applications with self-powered EnOcean devices. Customers only need to attach the included sensor and switch where they want to collect data and stick the USB device into their Aruba access point. On top of that, the included USB stick opens up the world to 5,000 products from members of the EnOcean Alliance, EnOcean’s energy harvesting technology being the core of every product”, Troy Davis, VP Sales North America West Region said. “We are very excited about this partnership as it opens up completely new opportunities for the IoT world.”
EnOcean’s energy harvesting sensors generate energy from light, movement or temperature, eliminating the need for batteries or power wiring. The EMSIx multisensor combines temperature, humidity, light level, acceleration and magnet contact sensors, making it well suited for a variety of IoT and smart building applications. An integrated near field communication (NFC) interface enables the multisensor to be configured and commissioned quickly and easily. The wireless Easyfit “Battery-free by EnOcean” energy harvesting switch can be placed anywhere lighting control is needed, including architecturally sensitive areas that are difficult to wire, such as glass, marble, reinforced concrete, and room dividers. The IoT starter kit comes in two different versions for the European and North American markets. The European EISKA Starter Kit includes an EnOcean USB 300, a solar-powered EMSIA multisensor, and an Easyfit EWSDA double rocker switch. The North American EISKU Starter Kit includes an EnOcean USB 500U, the solarpowered EMSIU multisensor, an Easyfit EDRPU double rocker switch, an ETHSU temperature and humidity sensor, and an EMCSU magnet contact sensor. The demonstration software includes dashboards to show control activity in realtime. The IoT starter kits are available now in Europe from Arrow Electronics, and in North America from Ingram Micro Inc. For more information on the EnOcean IoT starter kit and the partnership with Aruba please visit www.enocean. com/en/aruba or send an e-mail to iot@enocean.com.
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Building & Facilities Management – August 2020
Lighting
Amey announces street lighting win in Bradford Amey, a leading infrastructure and highways services provider, has secured a new contract with City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council to upgrade the street lighting in the district. The contract, which will run for the next four years, is worth circa £35 million, inclusive of a significant social value commitment within Bradford. Amey will provide services to survey the 56,500 street lighting assets, provide design for 53,700 units and replace 48,300 existing street lights with energy efficient LED luminaires, including the replacement of approximately 15,600 expired columns with a further 5,000 columns being modified. Amey will use the latest innovative solutions, technology and in-house design capabilities to protect the environment by
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reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions by 65 per cent, which in turn will reduce ongoing maintenance costs for the client and customers. An important aspect of the contract is that Amey is providing social value commitments to transform local communities, by providing a range of initiatives to provide opportunities for young people, the unemployed and disabled, together with providing voluntary work to support and benefit the community. Peter Anderson, Managing Director for Transport Infrastructure at Amey, said: “We are delighted that we have been confirmed as Preferred Bidder by City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council to deliver their Street Lighting requirements. Our Transport Infrastructure business has a wealth of experience
in delivering street lighting contracts throughout the UK, so to be chosen by Bradford Council is a fantastic acknowledgment of our expertise. “For us, this contract is not just about providing better street lighting for the district, it’s also about helping to enhance the area for local communities through our social value commitments.” Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder, Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, said: “The Council is looking forward to working with Amey to deliver the exciting Smart Street Lighting project, which will not only provide significant energy savings, improved reliability and dynamic lighting control but also a platform for the Internet of Things connectivity to provide the Council with the ability to develop as a Smart City.”
Lighting
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On The Cover
“Hey Siri, it’s coffee time!” Scanomat takes touchless coffee experience to a level on its own with Siri-enabled voice control for TopBrewer Scanomat, the innovating Danish manufacturer of premium coffee experiences who brought us the world’s first appcontrolled professional coffee machine, TopBrewer, almost 10 years ago, has taken its user experience to a whole new level with the launch of TopBrewerVoice - a Siri enabled shortcut that will allow users to seamlessly order their favourite premium coffee using just their voice through their iPhone, AppleWatch and AirPod devices. The original touchless coffee machine, and now widely acknowledged as the world’s smartest coffee experience, the TopBrewer eco-system is the only truly vertically integrated, IoT platform for coffee machines, combining hardware, software and coffee supply to deliver a uniquely dynamic, and highly sustainable, premium coffee experience for today’s experience-driven consumer, whether that be in workplace, hospitality or retail environments. Frederik Vibe-Petersen, who led the TopBrewerVoice project for Scanomat, said: “The introduction of voice 16
On The Cover
control for TopBrewer was always part of the plan, but in light of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, was quickly moved to the top of our development priorities as an opportunity to further expand our range of user-friendly, touchless coffee capabilities, such as app control, which is already widely available to TopBrewer consumers worldwide.” “Due to the vertically integrated nature of the TopBrewer eco-system and the technological advancements we have developed over many years, we are uniquely positioned to deliver rapid deployment of new
features to our existing clients remotely over the air - introducing new features and updates would just not be possible with conventional platforms, or would create significant upgrade costs for the client. We have enabled TopBrewerVoice in a matter of weeks, free to our customers, so that they can deliver an enhanced and reassuring experience to their users at a difficult time.” Moving beyond the ground-breaking release of TopBrewerVoice, Scanomat has a suite of features and innovations in its product development roadmap that it will be able to deliver to its
Building & Facilities Management – August 2020
On The Cover customers, as well as responding to future trends and technology advances as they arise. As well as voice control, the latest app release enables bluetooth app-control on all TopBrewer machines worldwide through proxy mode, provided the machine is connected to CoffeeCloud. This evolutionary capability makes TopBrewer probably the most sustainable and dynamic asset in the coffee machine world, and perhaps beyond. The TopBrewer platform is constantly evolving and improving, in complete contrast to conventional assets that depreciate and degrade over time. Scanomat’s approach allows clients to de-risk their investment as they can be confident it will outperform and outlast conventional alternatives - without worrying that they will have to invest again in a short period of time to catch up with the latest features. Frederik adds, “As a global society we throw away to landfill
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far too many appliances, with a detrimental impact on the planet. Significantly increasing the lifetime value of a product, whilst continuing to improve it with a connected philosophy dramatically extends product lifecycle and value. Our mission with TopBrewer is to provide a sustainable and dynamic asset that grows with your business and is future-proof.” With CoffeeCloud, powered by TopBrewer, Scanomat are not only able to deliver new digital features and updates over the air. CoffeeCloud, also a world’s first, enables realtime fleet management, remote diagnostics for technical support and provides customers with live data and push notifications to help them manage the best possible experience, whilst delivering the efficiencies IoT connected technology enables in a digitally connected world. Building on the platform, Scanomat intend to take CoffeeCloud to yet another level with the soon to be released
TopBrewer BaristaDJ. BaristaDJ goes well beyond the current capabilities of CoffeeCloud and will deliver tools that will provide for pro-active remote intervention - in real time. This exciting leap forward will allow Scanomat technicians to remotely connect with the TopBrewer and make interventions to adjust parameters within the system, control components and rapidly diagnose and fix problems in a fraction of the time it would take to get a technician to site. This not only enhances the experience of the product, its uptime and reliability - it provides a world of possibilities in the future to review how these services are charged for - something the market will be very excited about for sure. More about Touchless Coffee: Click here Introducing TopBrewerVoice: Click here to view video
On The Cover
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Building & Refurbishment
Selectaglaze secondary glazing creating quiet and comfortable areas for users of the new library in Plumstead This Grade II Listed building in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, is one of the earliest funded libraries by Andrew Carnegie, which opened to the public in 1904. Over the ensuing years, areas of the library were closed to the public and the building started to fall into a state of disrepair. Occupying a corner plot on the busy A206, Plumstead High Street, noise was of great concern. In addition, the single glazed metal framed original windows did little to prevent heat loss or draughts. Due to the listing, the original windows could not be changed, so a reversible adaptation had to be found. Hawkins Brown Associates approached Selectaglaze for a bespoke secondary glazed treatment.
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Building & Refurbishment
On the north elevation, facing the high street, the library has two sweeping bow windows, which occupy the majority of the ground floor. On the first floor and the return elevation facing east, are a number of metal single glazed windows in various configurations. They allow light to flood the spaces but did little to help the comfort levels for users. A total of 63 Selectaglaze units across the 2 facades were installed, which include Series 10 - 3 pane horizontal sliders, Series 80 – 3 pane horizontal sliders and more. Each sweeping bay overlooking the high street were built up with seven Series 20 vertical sliders, transom coupled to seven Series 45 side hung casements. This configuration complimented
the sightlines of the primary windows and allowed full access for cleaning, maintenance and natural ventilation if required. The Library re opened in early 2020 and is set to become a sustainable and cultural destination in the Plumstead area and a great legacy for one of the remaining Carnegie libraries in the UK. Founded in 1966, Royal Warrant Holder Selectaglaze is the leading secondary glazing specialist offering high performance noise insulation, improved building energy performance, environmental control and certified security. For further information, please contact Selectaglaze on 01727 837271/e mail: enquiries@ selectaglaze.co.uk or visit: www.selectaglaze.co.uk
Building & Facilities Management – August 2020
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Cleaning & Hygiene
InnuScience urges FM sector to practice ‘Justified Disinfection’ post-lockdown InnuScience, a global leader in commercial cleaning systems based on biotechnology, is urging the building and construction sector to adopt high levels of hygiene with an emphasis on effective cleaning using high performing detergents rather than an over reliance of disinfectants that do not clean and risk negative impact for the environment. The biotech company with a vision to change the way the world cleans is advocating a cleaning regime called ‘Justified Disinfection’ which encourages disinfecting only where and when it is useful and relevant and which it has championed for over 20 years. Steve Teasdale, the Co-Founder and Vice President of Scientific Affairs at InnuScience, explained: “Justified Disinfection is the principle that effective cleaning with high quality detergents across all non-critical touch surfaces is as effective, if not more so, than the widespread systematic or abusive use of disinfectants. “There is also a need to continue to look after our environment. This has been at
our heart since we began”. InnuScience warns that regular and widespread use of disinfectants does not provide a clean surface as disinfectants do not clean per se promoting the development of bacteria, and recommends they should only be used on critical “high frequency” touch surfaces such as door handles, taps, toilet flush handles, keyboards, lift switches and handrails as these are surfaces that are most likely to cause transmission of bugs. It suggests effective regular cleaning is most appropriate for all non-critical surfaces such as floors, urinals, ceilings and most walls as these are areas that are not typically touched and do not represent a real
biological risk to health. Scientific reporting demonstrates that the coronavirus is effectively rendered inactive and non-infective when detergents are used. InnuScience, which has a UK base in Milton Keynes, Bucks, sets out its strategy in a 24-page document entitled: “RESTART program: Guide for FM cleaning/ commercial offices reopening post lockdown”. https://innuscience. com/gb/restart/ It advises these sectors how to apply its ‘Justified Disinfection’ methods in settings such as reception areas and lobbies, meeting rooms and communal areas. There is also additional guidance for commercial cleaning of offices. Planet conscious InnuScience also warns of the potential disadvantages and risks associated with large-scale disinfection such as creating a false sense of security with some people believing a disinfected surface becomes safe from bacteria triggering bad habits that could pose a risk to health. Other factors that concern InnuScience are an increase in pollution as hundreds of thousands of tonnes of disinfectants end up as environmental waste while overuse of disinfectants has been linked to an increase in the number of allergies as well as skin complaints, eczema, asthma and eye irritations. InnuScience’s portfolio of products includes - but is not limited to - cleaners and degreasers, industrial cleaners, warewash and laundry, and personal care products. Backed by nearly 30 years of research, InnuScience has a reputation for being a disruptor in the professional cleaning market bringing biotechnology to the hospitality, facilities management, building and care sectors. www.innuscience.com
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Cleaning & Hygiene
Building & Facilities Management - August 2020
Cleaning & Hygiene
SAVORTEX Responds To COVID-19 With Launch Of Revolutionary New ‘Smart’ Hand Sanitiser Using IoT technologies, the SAVORTEX ‘Smart’ Hand Sanitiser delivers a ‘no touch’ solution to hand hygiene, helping organisations in the age of Covid-19 to drive optimum hygiene within their buildings and making it easier for people to return to work. · Developed with Arm Pelion Connectivity Management, the product uses advanced technology to ensure maximum use, while monitoring hygiene levels. · SAVORTEX is a multi awardwinning British technology company revolutionising workplace hygiene and cutting carbon emissions by using smart information. · Syed Ahmed, Founder and CEO of SAVORTEX, says, “Hand sanitisers have been around for decades, but now due to Covid-19, they are in the front line in the fight against this terrible disease. Our ‘Smart’ Hand Sanitiser provides a safe, ‘no touch’ solution that monitors usage and provides building owners with peace of mind that vital hygiene protocols are being followed.” Today, SAVORTEX is delighted to announce the launch of its ‘Smart’ Hand Sanitiser, a revolutionary hygiene product designed to help restart the office economy in a post-Covid environment. The innovative product uses smart technology to deliver the exact amount of sanitiser required without touching the device, and to ensure maximum use, providing companies with peace of mind as workplaces reopen. SAVORTEX has pioneered the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to revolutionise the washroom hygiene industry, leveraging technology for significant energy, operational and cost savings. The awardwinning British tech company has created a smart machine that encourages the highest level of hygiene while delivering real time anonymised data to reveal www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine
cleaning patterns and inform the building management of accurate hygiene protection levels. The global Covid-19 outbreak has caused the demand for hand hygiene products to exceed supply channels worldwide in a short time span. In a post-Covid environment, technology will be critical to addressing the hygiene concerns of building owners and organisations. By introducing IoT technologies to the washroom, the ‘Smart’ Hand Sanitiser provides a realistic solution to driving optimum hygiene within an organisation’s buildings. The devices are cellularly connected and operate at the highest efficiency, providing real time data to reduce hygiene risks, support building management and minimise energy usage. The technology, developed with Arm® Pelion™ Connectivity Management, is at the forefront of best hygiene practices to ensure workplaces are as safe as possible. With the hygiene industry growing at an incredible rate, SAVORTEX will be continuing to scale out its deployments worldwide with the help of Arm Pelion Connectivity Management. Already utilised by companies such as GSK, Shell and Gatwick Airport, SAVORTEX continues to expand globally, pursuing new opportunities with partnerships in Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia and Dubai, among many others. SAVORTEX has also developed strong links to the US, Europe and Africa. Syed Ahmed, Founder and CEO of SAVORTEX, says, “Hand sanitisers have been around for decades, but now, due to Covid-19, they are in the front line in the fight against this terrible disease. Our ‘Smart’ Hand Sanitiser provides a safe, ‘no touch’ solution that monitors usage and provides building owners with peace of mind that vital hygiene protocols are being followed.”
Wes Paul, Chairman of the Gemin-i Group and former Global Head of Investments at JP Morgan, says, “We rank the health and wellness of our customers as a key priority. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed our world, and personal hygiene will need to change as a consequence of new and persistent viral contagion risks. To improve the biosecurity of our clients, Gemin-i has collaborated with SAVORTEX. The British technology manufacturer has developed a technologically advanced smart sanitiser system that will encourage better hygiene behaviour within the workplace.” Vincent Korstanje, VP and GM, Connectivity, Arm, says, “Health and safety is paramount with the ongoing global pandemic, so Arm partnering with SAVORTEX has been a great opportunity to transform the hygiene industry. Quick deployment is key to addressing the industry needs during this important time. Arm Pelion Connectivity Management enables SAVORTEX to streamline their deployment process and scale out worldwide, wherever hand sanitisers are needed.” Cleaning & Hygiene
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Special Feature
Smart buildings: unlocking the power of data in the built environment Mike Hook, Executive Director, LMG In the past decade, businesses and facilities managers alike have started to adopt smart technologies to increase productivity and drive operational efficiency in buildings. While wellbeing and user health has also been a focus, and smart buildings have the capability to deliver features to improve this, it hasn’t been a main consideration or priority until now. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for this and has forced health and wellbeing to climb up the agenda. We’re now seeing more smart buildings equipped with technologies to create occupantcentric facilities – improving the user experience and providing occupants with a safer, healthier and more secure place to work. The rise and emergence of standards and certifications, like the Well Building Standard, also proves just how much wellbeing is being taken seriously by the industry and how vital it is. It’s putting health and wellness at the centre of design and construction in an effort to create more productive and safer offices for staff. Without a doubt, smart building features related to occupant wellbeing will be instrumental in workspaces moving forward as we navigate the post-COVID return to work. These include: thermal cameras to detect fever in employees; access control features to monitor who is entering or exiting the building and desk or room booking facilities to manage occupancy levels. That being said, buildings can’t deliver these outcomes on their own – they need data. 22
Special Feature
While having access control or room booking systems are useful, the true value comes from the data they generate – enabling businesses to analyse spikes, spot trends and use these insights to make informed business decisions. It’s only when we truly unlock and maximise the power of the data in our built environments, that we will be able to maximise our buildings’ potential. Laying the foundations Traditionally, we’ve associated “digitising” buildings with building management systems (BMS), but this approach is limited. It doesn’t provide us with a holistic view of all the data we want in order to make the building more efficient, more secure and more productive. Don’t get me wrong, you can install all of the sensors and systems you like, but without a centralised way of collecting and analysing the data, you won’t get the outcomes you need. Instead, we need to consider the networks and integration. Because, without the right platform you risk creating confusion, inconsistency and ultimately, a loss of efficiency and productivity. This is where IP-based networks really come into their own. By focusing on the network, you’re able to create a much more fluid, adaptable approach, which prioritises interoperability and multiple connected systems, rather than one technology. This means you’ll be able to collate and collect more data and generate more insights into the building, therefore enabling you to deliver more value to users. In short, a ‘web of value’ is unlocked, allowing for more detailed data
analysis and the creation of more efficiencies and services. This level of data aggregation goes way beyond what is possible with a traditional BMS. Integrated IP-based solutions provide the backbone of connectivity – collecting data from multiple sources and pooling it into one stream of insight. What makes this approach so powerful is the exponential increase in information it generates. As a result, building operators can access and utilise cross-referenced insights from a number of sources, which in turn, facilitates predictive maintenance and optimised use of space and resources. It’s also paving the way for hyper-personalised experiences for users where user data is converted into bespoke experiences, improving the safety, security and wellbeing of each occupant. Putting it into practice By implementing an integrated IP-enabled building services
Building & Facilities Management – August 2020
Special Feature network, you can elevate what was once a simple function into a rich source of data and potential – therefore ensuring the building runs better and faster, and is a more productive, attractive, enjoyable and healthy place to work. Let’s take access control as an example – it is a core security system feature, permitting and monitoring access in and out of a building. By migrating that system onto an integrated building network, we can take it one step further. We can combine it with mobile and Wi-Fi data to provide a more detailed, real-time view on occupancy and activity levels – knowing what spaces and services are being used and when. Again, once this data has been crunched and analysed, personalised features can be introduced to improve the experience for every occupant. Having this level of detail to hand is not only a ‘nice -tohave,’ it can also translate into actionable efficiencies for
the business. Now that you have a clearer picture of when certain rooms and services are occupied, you can make more intelligent decisions regarding concerns such as energy saving or repurposing under-utilised spaces. Capitalising on the potential Changes like this can have long-lasting benefits for building owners as well as their occupants. It’s not just about efficiency anymore – the focus has shifted. Through the delivery of more personalised services, flexible workplaces and smart automation, we’re creating occupant-centric experiences and facilities that are a lot more attractive to users. This is especially important since we’re living in times where businesses and individuals are contemplating whether they will return to the physical workspace, and how often. Any systems in place that can improve health and safety
in smart building infrastructure should be front of mind, particularly as employee wellbeing will remain a massive priority in the months, and even years, to come. But we shouldn’t forget the important role the technology platform plays in all of this – you can’t do anything “smart” if you don’t have a connectivity platform to provide the data you need to maximise the security, comfort and wellbeing of your employees. A converged platform approach will enable businesses to intelligently integrate building management and IT systems and push the digitised buildings of the future to reach their full potential. This is the true meaning of creating smart buildings – using the information offered up by the spaces and occupants themselves to develop tangible solutions that will reduce operating costs, drive sustainability, and optimise the workspace for everyone.
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special feature
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Join the PSSA - Launching the Public Sector Sustainability Association The Public Sector Sustainability Association (PSSA) provides a professional association and network for all those working in the Public Sector who have a common interest in sustainability. The aim of the association is to bring together a wide group of people working across all areas of the Public Sector – to help educate, train, support and connect as we work towards a more sustainable future. Never has there been a more pressing need and indeed, requirement for individuals and organisations to turn their attention to sustainability and take stock of their environmental impact on our world. An increasing number of UK local authorities have declared a climate emergency. But having made this important step, what happens next? Well for many sustainability professionals working within these authorities, they simply do not know. Logically, the first step that can be taken is to develop a strategy to address
the challenge of the emergency they have declared. However there are a number of pitfalls and issues which can arise when doing so and there is a need for the individuals tasked with creating such a plan to be given the knowledge and support they need to do so. Similar issues are faced by professionals working in the NHS (the health and care system in England is responsible for an estimated 4-5% of the country’s carbon footprint), Universities, Schools and of course central Government. Through the PSSA we hope to
provide these individuals with the support, guidance and knowledge that will assist them and by extension, the entire country in tackling the climate emergency and recuding their organisations carbon footprint. The assocation will provide the latest news and developments, best practice, case studies, white papers, reports and guides to this aim. There is no charge for membership to those working within the Public Sector and we are now open to new members. If you are interested in joining, please visit our website where you will find more detailed information about the association and also a membership form to join. www.pssa.info
PSSAWARDS Public Sector Sustainability Awards Highlight your commitment to sustainability - become an environmental leader.
The purpose of the Public Sector Sustainability Awards is simple - to promote environmental leadership, to innovate and to inspire all those working in the Public Sector committed to reducing the carbon footprint of their organisation.
HOW TO ENTER: There is no qualifying criteria that needs to be satisfied in order to enter the awards. All we ask is that entrants send us up to 2000 words detailing the activities undertaken by them to reduce, by any means, the impact of their organisation on our environment. Please feel free to attach any images, graphs, charts etc to support your entry. You can focus your entry on just one project or multiple schemes. You can enter as an individual or on behalf of your organisation, or both, as there are awards for both categories. There is no charge for entry. If you wish to enter, please complete the registration form at www.pssa.info/pssawards or download the form from the website, complete it and email it back to us. Your completed entry needs to be submitted by the 31st January 2020 and should include images and/or logos. Please send your entries through to submissions@pssa.info. If that is not possible, you can mail them to: PSS Awards, 42 Wymington Park, Rushden NN10 9JP
WILL YOU BE AMONG THE WINNERS IN 2020?
HVAC
New small and efficient humidifier from Condair Condair is launching the Condair RM, a new low capacity resistive steam humidifier that can provide up to 8kg of steam to a duct. This level of output is ideal for applications like CRAC units in data centres, MRI suites in hospitals and high-end residential humidification. It is also ideal for offering zonal humidity control in branch ducts of buildings, like galleries or multi-occupancy offices, where a specific area of the building requires an independently managed humidity level. The Condair RM reduces the cost of consumables, when compared to electrode boiler humidifiers, as it incorporates a boiling chamber that can be cleaned to remove lime scale, rather than needing disposable plastic cylinders. It is also, therefore, a more sustainable solution. As the Condair RM has resistive heating elements it can operate on RO water, as well as a regular mains water supply. As RO water is virtually mineral-free, scale build-up is nearly eliminated,
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HVAC
further improving the service efficiency of the unit. As resistive steam humidifiers, such as the Condair RM, use a submerged heating element to create steam, they react faster than an electrode boiler humidifier that relies on the conductivity of the water. This allows resistive steam humidifiers to provide more accurate humidity control, as they respond faster to a control signal. The Condair RM can offer ±5%RH control
with mains water or ±2%RH control with RO water. Electric steam humidifiers manage the mineral content of the boiling chamber by periodically draining high mineral-content water and replacing it with fresh water. The Condair RM has an intelligent water control system that allows drain cycles to be tailored to the supply water quality. Hard water causes increased scale build-up, so drain cycles can be programmed more frequently to minimise service requirements. Alternatively, in soft water areas, the time between drain cycles can be lengthened to minimise water consumption and the energy required to heat the water. The unit is very compact in size at just 470mm wide, 350mm high by 150mm deep, making it ideal to locate in plant rooms. It can be wall or floor-mounted and is available in capacities ranging from just 2 to 8kg/h, with full modulation across the output. The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidification and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair plc, which offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares. You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk.
Building & Facilities Management – August 2020
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Health & Safety
What you need to know about working in leading edge applications Despite steady progress, falls from height remain a common cause of injury and death across Europe. This is why regulations surrounding fall protection equipment exist and are regularly updated – to help ensure manufacturers meet certain standards. These regulations, and the associated standards that manufacturers of fall protection equipment must meet, are important when working in leading edge applications. In this article, Tim Bissett, Technical Manager for Fall Protection at MSA Safety looks at the relevant standards relating to leading edge work; what to look out for in the equipment you use; and what processes you need to have in place, including the vital importance of a rescue plan. Tim has been Technical Manager for the Latchways® Engineered Systems range for 18 years. Part of his role is to contribute to the development of product standards for PPE. This involves looking at product testing methods and systems and evolving standards to meet changing industry needs. He is a member of the BSI Technical
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Health & Safety
Committee PH/5, from which he convenes two working groups for CEN/TC 160. What is leading edge work? “Leading edge” work or “edge working” is defined as working at any unprotected edge of a platform, floor, or other construction point where there’s a risk that the lifeline a worker is using may come in contact with an exposed edge, or edge of the working surface. In many scenarios, leading edge applications occur when a worker is connected to an anchor point below their back D-ring, although it’s also possible when anchor points are above this position. Work in leading edge applications presents its own unique challenges and safety hazards; one of which is the greater risk of lifelines being frayed, cut, or severed on impact with the edge in the event of a fall. This is complicated further should the worker swing after falling, creating a pendulum-like motion. The friction this causes can increase the likelihood of the lifeline being cut or severed. These potential risks place a sharp focus on testing criteria
within relevant standards, following best practice and choosing the right equipment for the job. Let’s start by looking at the standards you need to be aware of. Standards relating to leading edge work First things first, before any leading edge work takes place, check that the equipment you’re using adheres to the relevant standards. We appreciate that these standards can seem complex, so we’ve broken them down below. PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 These regulations, which were first introduced in 2018, imposed additional requirements on manufacturers of PPE, including an assessment of the risks against which the PPE is intended to protect and changes in requirements for product marking. It’s vital that purchasers of PPE take steps to ensure that their suppliers meet these new regulatory requirements. You can do so by looking out for the CE marking affixed to PPE. This provides evidence of compliance with the applicable EU legislation. EN 360 and CNB/P/11.060 This standard (EN 360:2002), relating to retractable fall arrest devices, is currently under revision and is expected to be out for review shortly prior to publication. It is likely, given their increasing popularity, that an updated standard will encompass twin-legged, as well as singleunit retractable devices. Be mindful that overhead or traditional SRLs meeting the requirements of EN 360:2002 are not necessarily designed or rated to arrest a fall over an edge. Necessary steps should always be taken to select the absolute right equipment for the job at hand.
Building & Facilities Management – August 2020
Health & Safety CNB/P/11.060 is a coordination document associated with EN 360:2002. It outlines the testing criteria for the use of SRLs in leading edge applications, specifically how SRLs must carry evidence of dynamic performance, dynamic strength, and static strength within a leading edge application with the retractable lifeline stressed over an edge. Adherence to this coordination document and the testing criteria within it are central to mitigating the potential risk of lines fraying or being cut in the event of a fall. First port of call: hierarchy of fall protection Typically, fall protection is associated with saving a worker’s life in the event of a fall. And while this isn’t strictly wrong, it’s not the ideal scenario either. The hierarchy of fall protection helps to prevent a worker ever getting into a situation where they could fall by prioritising various applications from “most preferred” to “least preferred”. Leading edge applications will inevitably mean working in fall arrest – the “least preferred” option. It’s not something to take lightly and should always be a last resort, taken only once the first three options outlined below have been explored. 1. Hazard elimination. This means the removal of the hazard by designing it out wherever possible. It’s the “most preferred”, safest option. If there’s no hazard, there’s no fall. 2. Collective (or passive) fall prevention. This defines products that prevent access to a fall hazard. A guardrail, for instance, acts as a physical barrier between the worker and the hazard. 3. Fall restraint. If working in fall restraint then there is no barrier between the user and the fall hazard. Instead, they’re using fall protection equipment – harness, lanyard, and anchor point – that will not allow them to reach the hazard. For example, a worker who is working in fall restraint may use a six metre www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine
lanyard to connect to an anchor point at least seven metres away from the fall hazard. 4. Fall arrest. This defines equipment designed to catch (or “arrest”) the worker in the event of a fall. This is the “least preferred” option because arresting a fall exposes the worker to significant forces, putting them at risk of physical harm. Rescuing a fallen worker (which we’ll come onto a little later) can also be a challenging and potentially dangerous process. Let’s take a look at some key things to consider if – after following this hierarchy – edge working remains the only option available. Choosing the right harness for the job First things first, all harnesses on the market should be compliant in accordance with EN 361:2002. That’s a given. But a good harness – one that’s comfortable, doesn’t restrict workers’ movement, and mitigates impact on the user’s body in the event of a fall – goes beyond mere compliance. Fit is fundamental to achieving this. Leg and shoulder straps should be easily adjustable for a comfortable, snug fit. The user’s finished position in a fall scenario should be heads up and slightly forward-leaning. This is important for correct distribution of load through the leg straps and load through the body, such that the spine and pelvis are being properly supported and protected. In a fall event, a good quality, well-fitted harness can help limit the effects of suspension trauma/ syncope (more on that later). While incredibly important, fit is just one aspect. Fall protection harnesses are highly engineered pieces of kit and many design features dictate performance, such as appropriate materials for improved fit and speed of donning, or how dirt may affect the webbing (to name just a few). If in doubt about which harness is most appropriate for you and/
or the job at hand then consult with a reputable manufacturer. Do nothing without training Making sure your workers have completed a comprehensive training programme is absolutely essential. Not only do employers have a responsibility to provide suitable information, instruction and training for their employees, but training gives those working at height the confidence, knowledge and skills required to carry out their work safely and efficiently. It will also teach operatives how to properly use, care and maintain their equipment. If you must, be prepared For many, having followed the hierarchy of fall protection, edge working remains an unavoidable reality. If that’s the case then the steps you take before any work takes place are vital. So, stop, think and ask yourself these three questions: 1. Training, training, training. Have my workers received the very best training for the specific job at hand? Are they as prepared as they can be to work safely and confidently? 2. Am I up to speed with and implementing the very latest legislation and best practice processes? 3. Is the equipment I’m using not only compliant with the relevant legislation, but designed specifically for work in leading edge applications? Finally, remember, you don’t have to tackle all of this alone. Any reputable fall protection provider – like MSA Safety – is readily available for consultation on any of the above. They will be willing to help guide you on implementing the very best and safest work at height solutions. And at no other time is that more important than when working in leading edge applications. Visit www.MSAsafety.com to view MSA’s full fall protection range, including training courses. Health & Safety
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PSSA
Public Sector Sustainability Association
BECOME A CORPORATE MEMBER The Public Sector Sustainability Association (PSSA) provides a professional association and network for all those working in the Public Sector who have a common interest in sustainability. The aim of the association is to bring together a wide group of people working across all areas of the Public Sector – to help educate, train, support and connect as we work towards a more sustainable future.
Corporate membership of the Public Sector Sustainability Association is available to any private sector organisation wishing to reach committed and influencial sustainability professionals in Government, Local Authorities, NHS, Education and Housing Associations. MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS • • • • • • • •
Comprehensive listing in Suppliers Directory Unlimited opportunity to supply press releases, articles & news to feature on PSSA website One release for inclusion in monthly Newsletter. Logo on PSSA homepage Introductory email sent to our members as the latest Corporate Member to join the PSSA Logo - ‘Member of the PSSA’ to use on your own websites/materials 25% off Website/Newsletter banner advertising 25% off Newsletter sponsorship
WHAT DOES IT COST The annual membership fee is £495+VAT.
Interested in becoming a Corporate Member of the PSSA? Get in touch today - call us on 01933 316931 or email us at info@pssa.info
www.ps s a.in fo
