HEALTH & SAFETY

WHY METALLIC FITTINGS ARE THE WAY FORWARD

Richard Franks, Gulf Business Unit Director at Conex Banninger, tells us about a safer alternative for the Building Services Industry

hat is the purpose of a building? The

Wconstruction of buildings stemmed from the basic human need for shelter. However, as humans have evolved, so has the role of buildings. No longer are buildings simple structures that provide shelter. They are now so much more. The buildings we construct are multifunctional spaces with the capability to enhance human health and wellbeing. They are architectural artworks that exemplify human progress. They are, in essence, the centre of modern human life. It is therefore the collective responsibility of all those who operate in the Building Services industry to place health, safety and sustainability at the heart of every building project.

The pandemic further amplified the important role buildings play in our daily lives. The rise of remote working, for example, meant that people were spending more time indoors than ever before. COVID-19 has had a profound impact on human behaviour, provoking changes that are predicted to outlast the pandemic. So, if we have changed the way we use our buildings, shouldn’t we change the way we construct them too?

As we move forward, an increased focus on health, wellbeing and resilience is prevailing across industries, and the Building Services industry is no different. To create spaces that truly support occupants and wider communities, we must embrace a more holistic approach and use safer and stronger solutions from design through to the maintenance of our buildings. For HVAC and piping systems, thoughtful product selection is key to improving health and safety. Material selection can have a significant impact on optimising HVAC systems within a building. I believe that metallic pipework is in fact the future of the regional Building Services industry. Using metallic pipes is best practice, namely Copper and Stainless Steel, because they are able to deliver increased strength, hygiene and sustainability. That’s why metallic pipework is currently the preferred choice in international markets such as UK, USA and Europe.

In my experience working with Conex Bänninger, metallic pipework can add value to building projects in many ways. For example, copper has antimicrobial properties. The material is biostatic and impermeable, which means that it does not absorb unwanted contaminants or react to the chemicals used in dosing. When used in network installations, copper can prevent the growth of harmful bacteria such as Legionella and keep our water systems safer and cleaner.

In mission critical environments, such as hospitals, the performance of our HVAC systems is vital to life in the building. The use of systems that promote cleanliness and hygiene should not be an option but a requirement to protect human health and wellbeing.

Copper doesn’t just protect human health, but it also supports our planet. Copper is a 100% recyclable material. Furthermore, it is a naturally occurring metal, whereas synthetic materials often require more manufacturing, thus contributing more to toxic emissions. As countries in the Middle East look to further their ‘green’ agenda, metallic solutions can help achieve global and regional sustainability goals.

While other materials degrade over time, copper maintains its core properties to deliver increased durability. Its inherent qualities result in pipework that is stronger and therefore needs less maintenance and repair.

Metallic pipes are able to deliver high-performing HVAC solutions, suited to projects in the region. The Middle East is known for its vast skyscrapers. However, high rise buildings can often have a higher operating pressure depending on their design. Copper performs well under extreme pressure, not only avoiding system issues but delivering flexibility at the design stage.

Another key benefit of metallic pipework is that it can be installed using press-fit fittings instead of brazing. Press-fit fittings do not require a heat source and instead use a mechanical press tool. The switch to a flame-free system can help to enhance health and safety on site by reducing the risk of fires and any associated damages to property or human health. Press-fit fittings also help achieve higher joint integrity, resulting in stronger and safer systems that are built to last and lead to less failures down the line. When it comes to our projects, the truth is that there is no room for compromise. The pandemic has made it more evident than ever before that health and safety should be at the forefront of the construction industry. High performing solutions, such as metallic pipework, help to create safer and stronger spaces by increasing building resilience.

HVAC systems often go unnoticed - it is only when a problem arises in the system that we become aware of its importance. Using stronger systems reduces the risk of failures.

While the use of metallic pipework is on the rise in the region, other materials remain more popular. These materials are often selected over metals due to price, however, this does not necessarily mean they are more cost-effective. In the region, it is common to approach product selection based on competitive pricing. However, lower price does not necessarily lead to lower installation costs. Not to mention, it can also lead to additional challenges and costs down the line as discussed earlier. To truly create more resilient spaces, we must embrace a long-term approach and select solutions based on value, rather than price. This approach encourages us to use resources more efficiently, reduce costs and ultimately, better support health and safety.

Richard Franks, Gulf Business Unit Director at Conex Banninger

COPPER HAS ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES. [...] WHEN USED IN NETWORK INSTALLATIONS, COPPER CAN PREVENT THE GROWTH OF HARMFUL BACTERIA SUCH AS LEGIONELLA AND KEEP OUR WATER SYSTEMS SAFER AND CLEANER.