Monster Mesh

www.monster-mesh.co.uk

Established in 2018, Monster Mesh has worked in the event and construction branding sector since inception and is now an established market-leader in this field.

Their friendly and approachable nature, combined with expert design solutions tailored to individual needs means they have grown year on year, impressing customers with their quality of service.

The company specialises in the supply of large format print products, including custom designs for Heras fence covers, PVC & ACM hoarding panels, PVC and mesh banners, large scale scaffold wraps and more helping increase brand visibility in venues or construction projects. These products also have longevity, with the premium Heras fence cover proving popular for long projects as well as its potential for re-usability. Each is compatible to fit all brands of temporary fencing and include free delivery on fence covers.

Much of Monster Mesh’s business comes from business exhibitions, venues, festivals, events and construction, with the later booming in 2021, despite the reduction in many other outdoor events.

Monster Mesh has been working incredibly hard to maintain their high results, going so far as having their record year in 2021.

This has been down to a number of factors, including a focus on brand strengthening and continual digital marketing efforts. The business has also added several new products to their site, generating more interest and a broader choice for customers.

The business has proved to be a popular choice for clients since its launch, due to their commitment to ‘good old fashioned’ personal customer service. This personal service means that clients can be confident in their decisions, having the ability to browse online before speaking directly to one of the team to discuss any particular requirements. Founder of Monster Mesh, Mark McLennan is committed to maintaining this service with all construction products, complete with a team that are always happy to help advising and talking through options.

This commitment to service also includes free design and artwork for products, ensuring the highest quality products and personalisation.

We spoke to Mark who stated,

“2021 was our busiest year ever despite restrictions and we have grown our customers in the construction sector considerably. It’s great to see the construction industry to boom and the sector is certainly doing its bit to move things forward. Our growth has been down to more customers with repeat business and recommendations, as well as increasing our focus on building the Monster Mesh brand and securing our place in the industry.”

Helping school design reduce carbon emissions

With heating being a school’s primary use of energy, leading independent building services specialist Gilberts is taking steps to help the educational estate optimise its carbon footprint.

The move coincides with updates to the required technical standards and performance criteria for schools’ mechanical services, within the Department for Education’s Facilities Output Specification(1). The updates are encouraging specifiers to consider utilisation of heat pumps as the most efficient way of warming, ventilating and cooling the building. When powered by electricity from a renewable source, with their high COP verses oil, gas or direct electrical options, heat pumps offer the school long-term benefits and lower energy bills.

However, it is important to ensure the heat pumps are installed with support building services systems that can work efficiently with them, so the school has a healthy internal environment for the pupils and staff.

Gilberts’ MFS hybrid ventilation units do just that. Integrated into the heat pump system, Gilberts’ MFS can utilise the warmth brought into the school from the ground or air to maintain a comfortable internal environment in each individual classroom, year round, appropriately balancing warmth and ventilation as needed. Typically, LTHW (low temperature hot water) is circulated around the school from system boilers at mean temperatures around 50-60°C. With heat pumps, the water is cooler at around 35°c for heating but there is also the option of 9°C for “free cooling”. Gilberts’ MFS has been designed such that these options can be used to heat the classroom during the cold weather or temper it during the warmer months. Gilberts’ MFS hybrid, stand-alone ventilation system is recognised as being fully compliant with Environmental Funding Agency, Facilities Output Specification and BB101 requirements for school ventilation.

Strategically located at high level through the external façade, the unit efficiently ventilates each individual space with no need for ductwork, plant, fire dampers, associated penetrations into adjoining spaces (a growing consideration for schools to minimise Covid) and building work. The core MFS appliance provides natural ventilation and uniquely blends the incoming fresh air with the warmth from the exhaust air.

MFS can also be configured to run on 100% fresh air, using the coil to temper the air to provide Covid compliant ventilation without compromising the internal temperature. Just 2 Mistrale MFS128’s or 1 MFS256 single-sided units will ventilate a standard 32 person classroom, achieving the 8 litres/ sec/person fresh air required and within the particulant levels for Covid currently set by the Department of Education Building Bulletin (BB101) and PBSP guidelines. It brings compliant control over temperature, pollutants and CO2 levels and maintenance of a comfortable internal environment for occupants. There is no need for radiators nor all their associated ancillary capital

expenditure, installation, operating and maintenance cost. As the heat is supplied at high level, the risk of low surface temperature (LST) issues is also eliminated.

As a solus ventilation unit, MFS costs as little as £5/classroom/ year(*) to operate. Using it as the means of classroom heating adds just £2.19/ classroom/year(*). Energy consumption and thus energy costs are reduced. Schools account for around 2% of UK greenhouse gas emissions, roughly the same as all the energy and transport emissions of Manchester, Newcastle and Bristol combined; this is equivalent to 15% of the country’s public sector emissions(2) . Energy is also a school’s second biggest expenditure (after salaries) according to the Institute of School Business Learning(3): improving energy efficiency helps deliver best value against budgetary considerations.

Roy Jones, Technical Director @ Gilberts, observes, “Throughout our 60 year history, we have been at the forefront of innovative ways to make a positive difference to our use of energy while creating the best internal environment for building occupants. Evolving our MFS unit to include capability to work with heat pumps is a natural step on that path. It’s a win-win for any school in making a positive contribution towards reducing its carbon footprint.”

MFS is just part of Gilberts’ diverse range of ventilation systems, grilles, louvres and diffusers which, coupled with its in-house expertise, have established it as the leading independent supplier of air movement solutions in the UK. Family-owned, Gilberts is unique in the sector in its ability to design, engineer and supply its products with all processes undertaken in-house at its 85,000ft2 head office and manufacturing facility in Blackpool. Its Technical Director Roy Jones is also a member of TAPAS (Tackling air pollution at school). 11

POWER GRAB ‘N’ BOND

A NEW ERA OF FIXINGS FROM THE CREATORS OF CT1

WITH UNIQUE TRIBRID® TECHNOLOGY NOW AVAILABLE AT TRAVIS PERKINS

Once again a revolutionary solution and product has been introduced to the industry by the creators of CT1. The landscape of sealants and adhesives was dramatically changed 18 years ago when CT1 was first introduced. CT1 were also the first to introduce and coin the term “Hybrid Polymer.”

Realising that the technology was increasingly dated, CT1 blew the industry away once again with the introduction of TRIBRID® technology. The TRIBRID® advancements are ground breaking. Now 3 times stronger than regular Hybrid Polymers, it also has much longer colour retention. A gripe that many tradespeople had with many hybrids on the market is that the white would discolour over time and the clear would often turn yellow. After considerable research and development, CT1 and its unique TRIBRID® technology have solved these problems and they are no longer an issue.

Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is truly incredible.

Based on CT1’s TRIBRID® technology, it eliminates fixings and has instant grab on large vertical bonding.

It is fair to say that before now that if you asked your builder or construction Project Manager if they had a liquid product to bond and replace mechanical fixings, there would be no suggestion available. Until now, that is.

Power Grab ‘n’ Bond replaces mechanical fixings and is the ultimate chemical fix. It reduces labour significantly - up to 50%.

Power Grab ‘n’ Bond was was originally created for facades and heavy stone work. Its versatility and power has now been widely adopted by shopfitting installers, kitchen installers, for outside stone work, façades, quoins, landscape and all round building work.

N’ BOND POWER GRAB ‘N’ BOND N’ BOND POWER GRAB ‘N’ BOND F FIXINGS FROM S OF CT1 A NEW ERA OF FIXINGS FROM THE CREATORS OF CT1 F FIXINGS FROM S OF CT1 A NEW ERA OF FIXINGS FROM THE CREATORS OF CT1

BRID®TECHNOLOGY T TRAVIS PERKINS WITH UNIQUE TRIBRID® TECHNOLOGY NOW AVAILABLE AT TRAVIS PERKINS RID®TECHNOLOGY T TRAVIS PERKINS WITH UNIQUE TRIBRID® TECHNOLOGY NOW AVAILABLE AT TRAVIS PERKINS

Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is solvent free, with exceptionally high initial grab, followed by an incredible structural bond. It can be applied to concrete, most stones (without staining), ceramics, marble, wood, MDF, polystyrene, fiberglass, gypsum board, metals, lead, glass, mirror, plastics (except for PP, PE and PTFE). This unique product has also been tested by UKAS accredited lab to BS EN 12003 - shear test and BE EN 1308 - slip resistant. The advancements in fixings is game changing. In addition to saving hours of labour and costs, Power Grab ‘n’ Bond can now replace conventional methods of adhesion, which relied on a two component epoxy mix which caused all sorts of problems. Not only was it temperamental - if the right mix was not achieved but also, depending on the weight of the slab, each one then might then need to be supported by drilling in ties. As well as all of this, full cure can be anything between 24 and 42 hours. Power Grab ‘n’ Bond does not have any of these disadvantages. Quite simply is it the ultimate one component product for heavy duty vertical bonding. Using a heavy duty caulking gun, it enables the user to apply the product straight from the cartridge, wait 4 to 5 minutes and then fix directly onto the wall. There is absolutely no need for additional fixings, allowing phenomenal results in the initial grab and together with rapid curing will reduce labour time by 50%. Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is Made in Britain with British Technology and British Design and many applications for this product are being publicised and applauded. Plasterers across UK and are now increasingly using Power Grab ‘n’ Bond for bonding their beads. Beading is a thin piece of metal that has a straight edge running along its length to ensure a smooth surface or angle for plastering over. It is most commonly used when applying plaster to a wall around corners, especially window and door frames. The beads allow for neat corners to be covered with ease.

Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is solvent free, with exceptionally high initial grab, followed by an incredible structural bond. It can be applied to concrete, most stones (without staining), ceramics, marble, wood, MDF, polystyrene, fiberglass, gypsum board, metals, lead, glass, mirror, plastics (except for PP, PE and PTFE). Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is solvent free, with exceptionally high initial grab, followed by an incredible structural bond. It can be applied to concrete, most stones (without staining), ceramics, marble, wood, MDF, polystyrene, fiberglass, gypsum board, metals, lead, glass, mirror, plastics (except for PP, PE and PTFE). These historically had to be nailed in and drilled in, taking considerably time and often falling down. Now Power Grab ‘n’ Bond, has allowed them to bond these beads and position reducing labour by over 50%. One such contractor is Peter Fletcher from Low Cross Developments in Northern Ireland. This unique product has also been tested by UKAS accredited lab to BS EN 12003 - shear test and BE EN 1308 - slip resistant. This unique product has also been tested by UKAS accredited lab to BS EN 12003 - shear test and BE EN 1308 - slip resistant. Now available in all Travis Perkins stores nationwide, Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is even easier to access and see local demonstrations and technical The advancements in fixings is game changing. In addition to saving hours of labour and costs, Power Grab ‘n’ Bond can now replace conventional methods of adhesion, which relied on a two component epoxy mix which caused all sorts of problems. Not only was it temperamental - if the right mix was not achieved - but also, depending on the weight of the slab, each one then might then need to be supported by drilling in ties. As well as all of this, full cure can be anything between 24 and 42 hours. The advancements in fixings is game changing. In addition to saving hours of labour and costs, Power Grab ‘n’ Bond can now replace conventional methods of adhesion, which relied on a two component epoxy mix which caused all sorts of problems. Not only was it temperamental - if the right mix was not achieved but also, depending on the weight of the slab, each one then might then need to be supported by drilling in ties. As well as all of this, full cure can be anything between 24 and 42 hours. advice and applications. Go to your nearest Travis Perkins store today. Power Grab ‘n’ Bond does not have any of these disadvantages. Quite simply is it the ultimate one component product for heavy duty vertical bonding. Using a heavy duty caulking gun, it enables the user to apply the product straight from the cartridge, wait 4 to 5 minutes and then fix directly onto the wall. There is absolutely no need for additional fixings, allowing phenomenal results in the initial grab and together with rapid curing will reduce labour time by 50%. Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is Made in Britain with British Technology and British Design and many applications for this product are being publicised and applauded. Plasterers across UK and are now increasingly using Power Grab ‘n’ Bond for bonding their beads. Beading is a thin piece of metal that has a straight edge running along its length to ensure a smooth surface or angle for plastering over. It is most commonly used when applying plaster to a wall around corners, especially window and door frames. The beads allow for neat corners to be covered with ease.

Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is solvent free, with exceptionally high initial grab, followed by an incredible structural bond. It can be applied to concrete, most stones (without staining), ceramics, marble, wood, MDF, polystyrene, fiberglass, gypsum board, metals, lead, glass, mirror, plastics (except for PP, PE and PTFE). These historically had to be nailed in and drilled in, taking considerably time and often falling down. Now Power Grab ‘n’ Bond, has allowed them to bond these beads and position reducing labour by over 50%. One such contractor is Peter Fletcher from Low Cross Developments in Northern Ireland. This unique product has also been tested by UKAS accredited lab to BS EN 12003 - shear test and BE EN 1308 - slip resistant. Now available in all Travis Perkins stores nationwide, Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is even easier to access and see local demonstrations and technical advice and applications. The advancements in fixings is game changing. In addition to saving hours of labour and costs, Power Go to your nearest Travis Perkins store today. Grab ‘n’ Bond can now replace conventional methods of adhesion, which relied on a two component epoxy mix which caused all sorts of problems. Not only was it temperamental - if the right mix was not achieved - but also, depending on the weight of the slab, each one then might then need to be supported by drilling in ties. As well as all of this, full cure can be anything between 24 and 42 hours. Power Grab ‘n’ Bond does not have any of these disadvantages. Quite simply is it the ultimate one component product for heavy duty vertical bonding. Using a heavy duty caulking gun, it enables the user to apply the product straight from the cartridge, wait 4 to 5 minutes and then fix directly onto the wall. There is absolutely no need for additional fixings, allowing phenomenal results in the initial grab and together with rapid curing will reduce labour time by 50%. Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is Made in Britain with British Technology and British Design and many applications for this product are being publicised and applauded. Plasterers across UK and are now increasingly using Power Grab ‘n’ Bond for bonding their beads. Beading is a thin piece of metal that has a straight edge running along its length to ensure a smooth surface or angle for plastering over. It is most commonly used when applying plaster to a wall around corners, especially window and door frames. The beads allow for neat corners to be covered with ease. These historically had to be nailed in and drilled in, taking considerably time and often falling down. Now Power Grab ‘n’ Bond, has allowed them to bond these beads and position reducing labour by over 50%. One such contractor is Peter Fletcher from Low Cross Developments in Northern Ireland.

Power Grab ‘n’ Bond does not have any of these disadvantages. Quite simply is it the ultimate one component product for heavy duty vertical bonding. Using a heavy duty caulking gun, it enables the user to apply the product straight from the cartridge, wait 4 to 5 minutes and then fix directly onto the wall. There is absolutely no need for additional fixings, allowing phenomenal results in the initial grab and together with rapid curing will reduce labour time by 50%.

Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is Made in Britain with British Technology and British Design and many applications for this product are being publicised and applauded. Plasterers across UK and are now increasingly using Power Grab ‘n’ Bond for bonding their beads. Beading is a thin piece of metal that has a straight edge running along its length to ensure a smooth surface or angle for plastering over. It is most commonly used when applying plaster to a wall around corners, especially window and door frames. The beads allow for neat corners to be covered with ease. These historically had to be nailed in and drilled in, taking considerably time and often falling down. Now Power Grab ‘n’ Bond, has allowed them to bond these beads and position reducing labour by over 50%. One such contractor is Peter Fletcher from Low Cross Developments in Northern Ireland.

Now available in all Travis Perkins branches nationwide, Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is even easier to access and see local demonstrations and technical advice and applications. nationwide, Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is even easier to access and see local demonstrations and technical advice and applications. Now available in all Travis Perkins branches Go to your nearest Travis Perkins branch today. Go to your nearest Travis Perkins branch today. www.ct1.comwww.travisperkins.co.uk www.ct1.com www.travisperkins.co.uk

What is a Heat Pump?

It is a direct expansion cycle (DX) that comprises of a Compressor, an Evaporator a Condenser and an Expansion Device. It uses refrigerant as a media to transfer unwanted energy (heat) from inside to outside (cooling) or from outside to inside (heating). In the system there is a reversing valve that changes the evaporator to a condenser and a condenser to an evaporator (hence the reverse cycle term).

Why refrigerant? Refrigerant is a chemical gas that changes phase from gas to liquid and visa versa. It is extremely energy efficient and can carry more the 50 times energy per weight than air and 10 times more than water. It boils at as low as -50°C (water +100°C) and condenses at as high as 140°C. These characteristic makes it suitable for most habitable areas of the world, smaller inter connecting pipes and compact and very cost effective.

The refrigerant safety class for domestic use MUST be A1 class non-flammable. There are other classes A2, A2L flammables and can be explosive under pressure and A3 highly flammable and explosive. Classes are as defined by ISO817 & ASHRAE 34 standards

The efficiency of cooling (EER) cycle or heating cycle (COP) can range anything between 250% (2.5/1) to 500% (5/1) (that is for every energy unit, say1 kW electricity consumed, up to 5 kW can be absorbed from inside (unwanted heat) to be rejected outside or absorbed from outside air or water or ground and transferred to inside to heat a house or domestic hot water).

There are mainly Air to Air (most common and cost effective), Water to Air & Water to Water systems. Systems can be compact (all components in one box) or Single Splits One indoor and One outdoor or Multi Splits where multiple indoor units connected to One outdoor unit.

The Indoor units can be a wall, floor, Ceiling or Ducted fan coils or a refrigerant to water heat exchanger to provide domestic hot water or medium temperature heating water for under floor heating or radiators. The interconnecting refrigeration pipe work would require specialist approved refrigeration engineers.

There are no extra safety control systems (provided the refrigerant is A1 class non-flammable) and no chimneys, extra builder’s work or electrical supplies.

Safe, Healthy, Energy Efficient & Environmentally Friendly Heat Pumps*

Ideal for domestic application

LG One to One & Multi Splits

Ideal for Domestic/Apartments

Heating / Cooling

Up to 5 rooms from one outdoor unit

LG VRF V™ S

Ideal for Residential & Small Commercial/Offices

Heating / Hot Water / Cooling

Up to 11 indoor units from one outdoor unit

COMPACT & MINI

Wall Gallery Wall Mirror Concealed Ducted Console

HOT

HK - Hydro Kit

LG Therma V™

Ideal for Domestic/Apartments Heating & Hot Water Medium or High Temperature Mono & Split Systems

VARIOUS APPLICATIONVarious applications

RADIATOR FLOOR HEATINGRadiators Floor-heating HOT WATER Hot water

* All Heat Pumps supplied by Space Air contains Non-flammable A1 Class Refrigerants such as R410A

Space Air are under obligation to meet H&S 2016 No. 1107 Statutory Instrument to not supply equipment containing A2L class (R32) flammable refrigerant without conforming to Part 2 of the Statutory Instrument.

01483 478 715 • sales@spaceair.co.uk www.spaceair.co.uk

Wieland Electric’s ‘Innovation Behind’ is a charging solution for electric vehicles that is fully charged for the future

Wieland Electric’s podis® flat cable system provides an innovative and decentralized solution for supplying power to electric vehicle charging stations.

Wallboxes can be supplied with energy easily and quickly, with significantly less effort and material consumption than a conventional installation, thanks to decentralized supply technology.

The podis® energy bus system is ideal for supplying electricity to charging stations.

A large number of charging stations can be connected to a single supply line using this decentralized power distribution system. This saves time during installation, reduces the amount of material needed, and significantly reduces the distribution cabinet’s dimensions. The feed-in or energy tap-off connection components can be placed at any point on the power bus. The podis® components’ piercing contacts enable quick and flexible positioning of the connection modules. As a result, traditional time-consumers like cutting, stripping, and terminating are rendered obsolete.

The feed into the energy bus can be set completely flexibly and freely - even centrally, allowing for an ideal load balance on the energy bus. As a result, the number of charging stations fed on a line section can be increased without overloading the flat cable. The power supply tap-off modules can be placed anywhere and at any time. This also allows for the installation to be easily and affordably expanded. The unique feature of these tap-off modules is that they are available in both fixed and pluggable configurations. When a charging station needs to be replaced, this provides significant benefits.

The podis® cable is a 5-core flat cable system with a cross-section of 16mm2, rated at 63A, 600V. Connection cross-sections of up to 16mm2 in the centre feed and up to 70mm2 in the end feed are possible.

BVC Industrial Vacuum Cleaners for the Construction Industry

Within the construction industry, from manufacturers of materials and components, through the distribution channels to the construction sites themselves, controlling the hazards caused by dust and debris is of paramount importance.

The hazards include the harm that the dusts can do to the operatives, the dangers combustible dusts can present if they are allowed to accumulate and the physical hazards created by dust and debris in the working environment. Much of the focus of the Health & Safety Executive and the associated guidance and regulations is on the hazards of dust created locally to the process. For example, CIS36 – the HSE’s guidance notice on construction dust, focusses on M and H Class on-tool dust extraction when referring to vacuum cleaners. On-tool extraction equipment, whilst suitable for connection to individual pieces of equipment, is unsuited to volume collection and cleaning within the wider work area.

Inevitably, in virtually every environment and work area where construction materials are manufactured, processed and used, there will be a requirement for cleaning up dust and debris. It is within the wider work area that the optimum solution for the application can usually be found within the BVC – British Vacuum Cleaners range of industrial machines.

BVC was formed as a company in 1902; it was for many years the brand of specialised industrial vacuum cleaners alongside the domestic “Goblin” branded machines manufactured by the British Vacuum Cleaner and Engineering Co. Towards the latter end of the 20th century the domestic and industrial brands separated. BVC equipment is now manufactured by Quirepace Ltd in our Fareham factory.

BVC Industrial Vacuum Cleaners are intended as “tough machines for tough jobs”, and are ideally suited for all applications associated with the construction industry. The range of machines spans from 1kW units available in 110v and 230v single phase configurations to 15kW 3 phase equipment for the heaviest duty applications. The smaller machines are available as M Class and H Class designated units for hazardous dusts. BS EN 60335 from which the classes of vacuum cleaners for hazardous dusts derive, is not applicable to large, heavyduty industrial vacuum cleaners, not least because the standard requires collection into disposable bags, which obviously becomes somewhat impractical for a hundred kilos plus of collected debris.

At the larger end of the BVC range of equipment the Centurion Ti60 and Ti80 have 60 and 80 litre collection tanks but are also often used in combination with large capacity interceptors such as oil-drum heads for collection into steel drums, and interceptor skips; the latter having capacities up to 1 tonne or more. These same machines can be supplied with the same grade of HEPA filtration as M and H Class machines and like most of the BVC range are also available as ATEX certified units for dust class 22 ATEX zones where explosive atmospheres, caused by flammable dusts, might occasionally occur.

One of the challenges created by hazardous fine dusts that can easily become airborne (and hence must always be well controlled through cleanliness of the work environment), is the fact that these fine dusts do not instantly fall into the collection tank of vacuum cleaners and in fact get easily drawn directly on to the filters collecting on and “blinding” the filters

and hence decreasing the efficiency of the machine. One of the remedies to mitigate this problem is to ensure that equipment has big filter surface areas, thereby reducing the air-flow rate through the filter per filter area. Another remedy is to continually agitate the filter medium which helps to ensure that the collected material more readily falls away into the collection tank keeping the filter clear and operating efficiently.

Machines in the BVC range including the Tower TS60, and Centurion Ti60 and Ti80 are available with the BVC “Clearflow” filter. This is a unique design which consists of many individual filter socks fitted over spring cores. As the machine operates both vibration and the pressure fluctuations cause the springs to agitate and this, combined with the very large surface area created by the Clearflow design helps to clear the filter ensure that filter blinding is minimised during operation. Manual agitators are also provided to assist filter shaking if required.

It is important to match the Industrial Vacuum Cleaner unit itself and the tools and hoses used with it, to the materials to be cleaned and recovered. For example, it would not be appropriate to choose the largest 15kW machine unless the airflow through the machine can be maintained at the high level required by the powerful vacuum exhauster to allow it to operate efficiently; too little airflow would cause the components to overheat. Similarly some products require aeration pickup tools to ensure that the product to be cleaned can be held in and pulled efficiently through the airstream without blocking the hose. Quirepace’s specialist sales team will evaluate the application and advise the most appropriate hose sizes, machine ratings and tools which are best suited for the particular application.

In fact Quirepace offer a range of filter mediums, hose sizes and lengths and tools, and evaluating and advising the correct combination is one of the principal objectives of any demonstration carried out by the Quirepace sales team. For ATEX environments hoses and tools will be manufactured from conductive materials to prevent static discharges.

The larger Centurion machines from the BVC range are suitable not only for single operatives, but can be fitted with Y piece inlets allowing two operatives simultaneously, or indeed, can be connected to small fixed-pipe installations where this is the most appropriate solution.

Large fixed-pipe installations or Central Vacuum Cleaning (CVC) systems are also designed, manufactured and installed by Quirepace’s BVC division. This type of installation may use a 20-50kW exhauster plant combined with hoppers, various discharge mechanisms, and fixed pipe networks capable of servicing many operators simultaneously. Like all BVC equipment, CVC installations are available with ATEX ratings and with many different options.

Within the construction industry CVC systems have been installed by Quirepace within, for example, cement works, minerals processing and gypsum manufacturing plants. A typical installation may have 30 hose connection points spread over several floors of a facility with collection rates around 1 tonne/hour or more. Quirepace provide a complete service for Central Vacuum Cleaning equipment from initial consultation by our specialist sales team, through design, manufacturing, installation, commissioning and after sales service.

Quirepace not only supply BVC equipment directly to end users, but also provide OEM components to manufacturers and suppliers to either incorporate or distribute alongside their own products. Quirepace are the ideal partner as an OEM supplier for specialised vacuum & blower equipment. As a local and nimble manufacturer with readily available spare parts supply, equipment delivery can be adjusted to the ebb and flow of business activity without the inconvenience and inertia of long and slow supply chains.

Whatever the Industrial Vacuum Cleaner application, within any aspect of the Construction Industry, Quirepace are almost sure to have a solution. If a standard solution isn’t suitable, Quirepace are able to engineer special and bespoke equipment to match the requirement.

Call 023 9260 3700 to find out how Quirepace and BVC equipment can help you.

Quirepace ltd.

sales@quirepace.co.uk www.quirepace.co.uk

Most large construction firms rely on subcontractors and, whilst they are not directly responsible for their Right to Work (RtW) checks, that doesn’t mean they have no cause for concern. Though constructors may not shoulder the financial burden of penalties, they might well suffer reputational damage and disruption if they are found to have illegal workers employed on their projects.

In a competitive environment, your reputation can make or break a deal – especially as developers are becoming increasingly concerned about the ESG credentials of suppliers. For sensitive projects – such as public sector buildings – there is an even greater need to demonstrate compliance with illegal working checks.

To mitigate the threat to their reputation, main contractors must therefore ensure that all staff accessing a site, including subcontractors, are robustly checked. However, monitoring this can be particularly challenging for project managers, if they are dealing with hundreds of staff at any one time or have a high turnover rate.

Project managers also often need to get people on site quickly, and lengthy checks can cause delays.

Processing RtW checks correctly can also be resource- and skills-intensive – and some subcontractors may be unwilling to shoulder the costs.

Main contractors therefore need to be able to recommend a fast, reliable, and affordable way to support their subcontractors’ RtW checks.

How to solve the problem

UK construction specialists are increasingly keen to promote and support the highest levels of compliance among their supply chain and network of subcontractors. They recognise the risk that illegal working presents to both their business and to their supply chain, including the threat of modern slavery, as well as potential damage to their brand and reputation, which could exclude them from future opportunities, particularly in the public sector. One such way to drive compliance is by promoting the use of digital identity checks, and forwardthinking contractors are increasingly encouraging their strategic partners to deploy a reputable identity checking service. Such services support fast, compliant, straightforward Right to Work checks, confirm the authenticity of identity documents and build a higher level of protection against illegal working. A main contractor can then request to see proof of checks as sub-contracted workers arrive on site.

What is the real risk?

At TrustID, we keep a record of the number of fake documents submitted to our identity checking service. When we recently assessed the digital RtW checks made by one construction firm’s supply chain partners, we found that 11% of submissions would not have been accepted as evidence in a Home Office audit. Examples included submissions with ineligible or incomplete documentation, and even one fake British passport. At another major construction project, to refurbish a London shopping centre, all subcontractors were required to deploy TrustID digital identity checks to gain access to the site. In one year, we flagged 15 fake documents in the supply chain, which could have led to civil penalties of up to £300,000. The percentages of different document types identified almost mirrored the overall picture in construction (the most common being passport and ID cards) – adding supporting evidence to the effectiveness of the checks.

How to choose a digital RtW service

Look for a digital service that is cloud-based, so that you can access it online from any connected device. If your requirements are likely to vary from job to job, look for a RtW service that offers a pay-per-check basis, so that you don’t have to pay for more than you need.

In terms of functionality, think about how you want receive documents to the digital service for verification. Some services enable employees to upload images of their identity documents themselves. Your service provider should then be able to quickly confirm document validity and provide an electronic report – sometimes within minutes. Look for a service that is backed by a SLA that meets your business needs. With the right provider, workers should be able to arrive on site the day after verification (or even the same day) with proof of Right to Work in the UK.

Should your business promote digital RtW checks?

Given the ongoing risk of identity fraud and potential tough penalties, there is a clear need for constructors to protect their sites from illegal workers, whether they are directly employed or operating through subcontractors.

As digital checks are cost effective and quick to complete, they overcome the main objections that subcontractors may have to performing enhanced identity checks on staff. Indeed, many subcontractors introduce digital ID checks to meet compliance requirements for one project, then continue to run them voluntarily as they see the benefits. Because digital identity checks are proven to be reliable, they bring valued peace of mind. The answer is clear: if you want to protect your construction firm against the reputational loss, fraud risk, potential disruption to your site and significant fines that illegal documents can cause, digital identity and Right to Work checks are the foundation.

Learn more about TrustID digital RtW check for the construction industry www.trustid.co.uk/construction