AS WE MOVE TOWARDS the depths of winter, installers will play an increasingly important role in consumers’ wellbeing. By reminding customers how to heat their homes more e ciently, installers can o er some reassurance through what is bound to be a tough season for many.
In this issue we look at the benefits of installing high e ciency underfloor heating and the role it is likely to play in the UK’s race to net zero. (p20)
With sustainability an important consideration for the hotel industry, we take a peek inside the world’s first net zero carbon hometel, which uses heat pumps to heat and cool the building. (p24)
Instances of legal disputes within the plumbing and heating engineering industry often require the services of an expert witness. We speak with two experts about the importance of providing impartial, professional reports. (p28)
SARAH WELSH Editor pandhengineering @jamespembrokemedia.co.uk
Editor Sarah Welsh Project
James
Michelle Royle
Christina Richmond
Published by James Pembroke Media, 90 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BG Tel
and a licensed member of the Engineering Council. Subscriptions P&H Engineering is the magazine for the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, containing technical articles, latest industry news and environmental and educational updates.
Advertising
executive Elly Kiss, elly.kiss@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk
Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) 64 Station Lane, Hornchurch, Essex RM12 6NB Tel
472791
Membership Founded in 1906, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) is the professional body for the UK plumbing and heating industry. Membership is made up of consultants, specifi ers, designers, public health engineers, lecturers, trainers, trainees and practitioners. The CIPHE has a membership of 7,500, including over 150 manufacturers and distributors. The majority of members live in the UK, although over 1,000 are residents in Hong Kong. The CIPHE is a member of the Construction Industry Council
It is published four times a year and sent free to members.
Annual subscription for non-member £120
Annual subscription for overseas non-member £145 To join CIPHE, email tims@ciphe.org.uk
KEVIN WELLMAN Chief executive officer kevinw@ciphe.org.uk
WHAT A YEAR IT HAS BEEN! The energy crisis, fuel poverty and water shortages have all, justifiably, made headline news. However, behind the scenes CIPHE has provided guidance, support and raised awareness of these issues and others.
As we look back on 2022 – it was indeed challenging for us all – I am pleased to report that great progress has been made.
In June, Paul Massey was appointed as Chairman of the Board of Trustees following on from Nick Gale who steered the CIPHE through its transformation during his seven-year tenure. We also welcomed Henry Hung, our first overseas National President based in Hong Kong.
After two years of industry collaboration we also launched the Low Temperature Heating and Hot Water qualification, the only qualification of its type recognised by Ofqual.
We maintained our involvement with Grenfell Working Groups 1 and 2, and supported the discussions regarding contextualised registration. This is linked to professional registration for those engineers working on Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs). If you work on HRBs and would like to learn more about the incoming changes and requirements, please contact me.
CIPHE is licensed by the Engineering Council to o er Engineering Technician, Incorporated Engineer and Chartered Engineer registration. Obtaining such a licence is subject to an in-depth licence review. I was delighted that our licence was recently renewed for the maximum period with the next review due in 2026. If you are interested in professional registration please refer to the CIPHE website.
To enrol for the new qualifi cation, visit lclawards.co.uk/learner-zone/ find-a-centre-near-you/
• Enter your postcode
• Select Renewables Sector
• Select LCL Awards Level 3 Award in Low Temperature Heating and Hot Water Systems in Dwellings
Members get the accompanying training guide at a discounted price and a voucher for a reduction in your next membership renewal.
Call 01708 463 116 for more information
CIPHE’s manifesto was updated and received widespread acclaim, and was of particular interest to government o cials.
We supported a review of the Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician Apprenticeship, and also agreed a joint apprenticeship support programme with the Worshipful Company of Plumbers. Working with like-minded partners in support of tomorrow’s plumbing and heating engineers is essential.
Our new website and CRM system went live and achieved immediate interest from members paying their subscriptions, aspirant members completing application forms, and those expressing interest in professional registration.
It was with great sadness that the CIPHE received the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. With a heavy heart, I have written to her Private Secretary, on behalf of the Institute and its members, to o er our collective condolences to His Majesty King Charles III and the wider Royal Family.
The CIPHE and its head o ce team has achieved great things during 2022, but could only do so with the support from members and volunteers. If you would like to assist with any of our working groups or committees, please contact Tim Sainty at tims@ciphe.org.uk
THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF PLUMBING AND HEATING ENGINEERING (CIPHE) welcomed a new national president, Dr Henry Hung EngTech Hon FCIPHE RP, at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in June.
Dr Hung was elected as national president at the first-ever hybrid AGM and was welcomed into office with vice president, Alex Wildish CEng FCIPHE, elected to his side.
In his speech, Dr Hung talked about his goals for his year in office, which featured the globalisation of the CIPHE, including having a presence at the World Plumbing Conference in Shanghai; lobbying government to collaborate with higher educational institutions or universities to include
plumbing engineering as part of their curriculums; licencing of plumbers and increasing membership.
Dr Hung commented at the AGM: “It is a great privilege to have the chain of office bestowed upon my shoulders today as the incoming president, as it symbolises the duty placed upon me, I realise that this responsibility will not be a light one. If you have any valuable ideas, please do not hesitate to let us know so that we can fulfil your needs and improve the excellent services offered by the institute. I am proud to be a professional.”
Wildish added: “My role as vice president will be to support Henry and the institute. One of the issues we are concerned about, with the move to low-temperature heating and hot water technology, is the risk of Legionnaires’ disease, so we would like to work with the government to make sure the risks are properly managed.”
PAUL MASSEY, who has served as an independent trustee since 2020, took over as independent chairman from Nick Gale in June this year. He has had a long and distinguished career of leadership within the plumbing and heating industry, holding managing director and group chief executive officer roles with leading international heating and sanitary ware brands. He also has a wealth of experience, including holding past chairmanship and president roles for the Society of British Gas Industries (SBGI)/ Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) and the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA).
Massey commented on his new appointment: “Having come from a City and Guilds apprenticeship background, I understand the importance of the service, installation and customer care that consumers expect from installers and that CIPHE members are professionally trained to deliver a quality service.
“As a highly credible organisation, the CIPHE can help to oust rogue traders that target and financially attack vulnerable people. My objective is to protect customers by promoting our installer and Industrial Associate (IA) members, and the recruitment of apprentices through the CIPHE website, media platforms and Approved Training Centres (ATC).
“I am also committed to the CIPHE manifesto and the key pillars we professionally represent, as well as our IAs (leading industry manufacturers, merchants/distributors and other bodies), who are all proud to be professionals.”
Following Ofgem’s review of energy suppliers, three were found to have severe weaknesses in how they support customers experiencing payment difficulties.
Five suppliers were found as having some issues in the support they provide, and all of those identified have been asked to submit information to Ofgem setting out how they plan to improve.
Key findings include companies being unable to identify customers in payment difficulty, and a lack of help available for those requiring crucial payment plans.
The majority of suppliers were found to have minor or moderate issues, and three were found to have ‘severe’ weaknesses – of
which two suppliers have been served with immediate enforcement notices.
Given the seriousness of these concerns, Ofgem has already issued provisional orders to Utilita and ScottishPower, requiring specific and urgent actions. The regulator will also consider whether enforcement action is warranted for other suppliers.
Jonathan Brearley, Ofgem’s chief executive officer, said: “We accept that there are many pressures on energy companies in the market this winter, but the needs of vulnerable customers must be part of their top priorities. We will now work with companies on where they can improve, and I urge all suppliers to step up to the challenge.”
Many customers are being let down by their energy suppliers
TrustMark has announced the launch of its new Licence Plus Scheme, designed to enable more quality retrofit energy efficiency improvement installations to be made to the millions of homes across the UK in need of upgrading.
Around 19 million homes in the UK have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or less. These need to be improved to a rating of at least C to help meet the UK government’s climate-change commitments and make homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to run.
Simon Ayers, chief executive officer of TrustMark, explains: “While the package announced by the chancellor to cap energy bills is welcome, households still have higher energy bills to pay. Improving energy efficiency through quality retrofitting is key to helping reduce this burden, but it must be done by competent tradespeople working to measurable standards to ensure the result fits the need.”
The Licence Plus Scheme will enable more TrustMark Registered Businesses to take on domestic retrofit energy-efficiency work under a recognisable TrustMark framework of compliance and consumer protection. It showcases the competency and quality workmanship of TrustMark Registered Businesses, which can join the Licence Plus Scheme through participating TrustMark-licensed scheme providers.
All work done under the Licence Plus Scheme will be lodged in the TrustMark Data Warehouse. The Data Warehouse is a central database where improvement works to properties are maintained, alongside any specific requirements for warranties or consumer protection. This provides visibility of the work that has been delivered and how it is protected.
Beware of training providers that offer short cuts to becoming a gas engineer without giving learners the proper work experience or time needed to gain vital skills and knowledge, says the British Plumbing Employers Council (BPEC).
There are two primary training routes for new entrants looking to become gas engineers: the Gas Engineering Apprenticeship or the Gas Managed Learning Programme, both of which culminate in the Gas Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) assessment, which needs to be retaken every five years.
Both routes not only require extensive work experience alongside a
qualified Gas Safe registered engineer, but also take a substantial amount of time for trainees to gain all the necessary skills and knowledge to become fully qualified gas engineers.
Unfortunately, some training providers offer short-cut training solutions in order to ‘fast track’ new entrants into the industry.
“There is no fast track to gas safety –quicker and cheaper is not the way,” said Neil Collishaw, chief executive officer of BPEC. “Those providers cutting corners are not only doing learners a disservice, but also the industry, by turning out people who are not fully trained.”
All Gas Managed Learning
Programmes (MLPs) should comply with the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) standard (IGEM/ IG/1 – Domestic Natural Gas training specification), which gives guidance on the minimum on- and off-the-job training requirements. All training providers that deliver the Gas MLP should be working to that industry standard and should be approved by IGEM.
“We encourage those looking to enter the industry to research courses carefully and ensure you will receive sufficient practical and real-life experience over a period of time, in order to become fully qualified.”
The Unified Water Label Association (UWLA) has urged the industry to respond to a government consultation on introducing compulsory water labelling for fittings and water-using appliances sold across the UK, by reinforcing their commitment to the Unified Water Label.
The UWLA’s managing director, Yvonne Orgill, said: “While we welcome the government’s commitment to reducing water waste, we do not believe that a mandatory label imposed by government is the best solution.
“We do not consider it necessary or cost effective to develop a new labelling system when one is already in place. We believe that a mandatory label will be significantly more expensive for the industry than a voluntary one and that a mandatory system will take away the flexibility that the industry now has to operate a system that meets its needs. The industry will also be exposed to an enforcement body that will have the
power to impose sanctions, under the proposed mandatory scheme.
“We are asking members and supporters to work with us for the benefit of the industry, and respond before the consultation closes on 25 November.”
The consultation policy document can be viewed at: https://consult.defra. gov.uk/water-efficiency-labelling/ water-efficiency-labelling/
NEARLY TWO IN FIVE households wrongly believe the Energy Price Guarantee means their bill cannot exceed £2,500, according to new research by Uswitch.com.
The measures that were announced by former prime minister Liz Truss in September will support people with their energy bills and avoid the nightmare scenario of Ofgem’s price cap soaring to a planned £3,549.
Following the announcement, one in five (20%) say they feel confident about paying energy bills and don’t think they will need to adjust their budgeting.
However, the announcement has caused confusion, with consumers not understanding that the £2,500 figure is an illustration of an average household’s yearly bill, and not a fixed upper limit.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.
com, said: “The government’s measures will support a lot of households through the winter, but there is still a lot of confusion about what has been announced. It’s possible the announcement has created a false sense of security for some – especially for larger households, which may pay significantly more this winter.”
The innovation charity Nesta has called for the government to set a target to reduce household energy demand by 20% in time for next winter, to help people through the cost-of-living crisis.
Ravi Gurumurthy, chief executive of Nesta and former director of Strategy at the UK’s Department of Energy and Climate Change, said: “A lack of immediate government action will deepen the cost of living crisis and set the UK up for gas shortages. The scale of the crisis now requires a COVIDstyle response. In just a few months, the government created the infrastructure to roll out vaccines nationwide. We need a similar national campaign to help every household cut their gas use by 20%.
“The government must provide further support to households to reduce the impact of the rising price cap and bills. But the problem is getting worse and not going away. Subsidies are vital but with a series of difficult winters ahead, hand-to-mouth policies are not enough.”
THE NEW PRIME MINISTER must prioritise the need to retrofit our existing homes to make them more energy e cient in order to combat the growing energy crisis, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the election of Liz Truss as the new leader of the Conservative Party.
Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “The UK is fronting an unprecedented energy crisis with over 12 million households facing fuel poverty. This dire and unsustainable situation requires immediate commitment to a long-term national retrofit plan to
PUBLIC HEALTHinsulate our 29 million homes to cut energy consumption and reduce bills.
“A national retrofit plan needs to be treated as an urgent infrastructure priority because of the benefits it can bring to both consumers and business. To succeed, it must prioritise consumer information on what can be done to make existing homes better insulated; provide a range of financial incentives, such as a VAT cut to help householders start retrofitting and commit to work with the building industry to ensure there is a supply of competent local installers to do the work.”
The government’s annual drinking report has found almost half of drinking-water quality failures are due to home plumbing. The report shows that water supplies in England and Wales are among the best in the world. However, more than 36% of water-quality failures in homes in England, and 51% of failures in homes in Wales, stem from plumbing issues in customers’ properties.
Poor plumbing practices and fittings are one of the main causes of drinking-water quality being
a ected, after it has been transferred safely from water mains into people’s homes.
Chief inspector at the Drinking Water Inspectorate, Marcus Rink, said: “It’s important that whoever carries out plumbing work in your home ensures your drinking water remains clean and safe to drink. Therefore, we recommend you select an installer who is approved through a national accreditation body for competent and qualifi ed installers, such as [freely available to CIPHE members] WaterSafe.”
A fifth of households (20%) will only be able to cope with rising bills this winter by cutting back their energy use, according to new research from Uswitch.com.
Another three million households – more than one in 10 homes – say they will not be able to cope with rising bills whatever they do.
The rising cost of energy has led to nearly 86% making at least one change around their home to prepare for winter, with a quarter having had insulation installed.
Triton Showers has continued its collaboration with the Canal & River Trust by organising and holding a second ‘Canal Clean-up’ event, which took place in September in Coventry.
Tina Simpson, marketing director at Triton Showers, said: “As a company, we aim to minimise our mark on the planet from an operations point of view, but we want to go beyond that. Carrying on with our e orts to clean up and sponsor the canal has allowed us to improve the surrounding area, making it a better place for people to enjoy.”
Grant UK and Bath Rugby have unveiled their ‘Kick the Carbon’ campaign, which aims to highlight the di erent ways we can all make changes in our day-to-day lives to help reduce carbon emissions.
The fun-filled videos feature local school children and some of the Bath Rugby players taking on challenges and illustrating how everyone can take steps to reduce their carbon footprint. www.grantuk.com/kickthecarbon
KENSA HEAT PUMPS is trialling new flexible-storage heat pump technology, which has the potential to make heat pumps up to a third cheaper to run than a gas boiler, based on current UK energy markets.
The ground-source heat pumps could save homeowners hundreds of pounds on their energy bills, provide protection from volatile gas prices, and o er a cost-e ective solution for the electrification of heating and cooling the UK.
The thermal battery capacity of the highly flexible storage heat pumps means they can hold heat energy for a significant amount of time. This major innovation separates the demand for heat and hot water from its
generation. This means the highly flexible storage heat pumps can be run when electricity is at its cheapest and the heat stored for use later when it is needed – called ‘load-shifting’.
Homeowners can take advantage of incentives or flexible time-of-use energy tari s that encourage o -peak electricity usage, when electricity is plentiful and typically lower cost with lower carbon emissions. The heat pumps analyse energy price forecasts and make charging decisions to take advantage of lower o -peak pricing which, when combined with smart controls, ensures that occupants will always be warm and comfortable while saving money.
As part of its commitment to operate more sustainable transport solutions, Selco Builders Warehouse has been adding cleaner fuel options to its fleet over the past 12 months.
The latest development has seen Selco add an electric dropside vehicle, supplied by Guest Truck and Van, to the fleet operating from its Birmingham delivery hub for a trial period.
Richard Evans, head of transport operations at Selco, said: “This is an extremely important development in our ongoing transition towards operating a fully sustainable commercial fleet.”
Triton Showers has continued its ongoing support of Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice by funding a new bathroom for its parents’ suite.
Raising more than £10,000 for the charity, as well as gifting a brand-new shower, the contribution covered the cost of the renovation, making parents’ stays at the hospice as comfortable as possible.
Future-proof your career and play your part in helping us reach net zero with this new course aimed at helping installers and engineers to design low temperature heating and hot water systems, to work with more sustainable heat sources
The UK’s commitment to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 will be impossible to achieve without a significant contribution by the plumbing and heating industry.
That’s why the CIPHE has invested in delivering a qualification that will help engineers to recalculate how heating and hot water is delivered at lower temperatures.
The CIPHE’s Low Temperature Heating and Hot Water Design course covers the fundamental design principles of low temperature technologies and will help upskill those involved in the years ahead.
Find out more about the course, as well as membership and CPD opportunities, at www.ciphe.org.uk
SOME OF THE HEATING INDUSTRY’S most active heat pump installers will now be able to o er homeowners a range of flexible payment options thanks to a new partnership between Daikin and back-o ce support app, hiber.
The new partnership is set to revolutionise the way homeowners can access and pay for heat pump technology. The flexible payment options will be made available to Daikin’s 1,500 approved residential installers from October 2022, enabling installers via the hiber platform to o er homeowners alternative ways to finance heat pump and air conditioning installations.
Under the new partnership, Daikin installers will be able to extend the range of payment options their customers can select, including finance, through use of the hiber platform. The installer can quote for the job using hiber and, once the customer has accepted, will be able to direct their customers to the hiber portal for a range of payment options.
Hiroyasu Ishikawa, Managing Director of Daikin UK, commented: “If we are to reach the government’s goal of 600,000 heat pump installations, we need to be able to o er consumers access to a ordable finance options that allow them to spread the cost over a number of years.”
Selco Builders Warehouse has joined the three England teams preparing for the Rugby League World Cup. As an o cial partner of England Rugby League, Selco’s branding will feature on the playing shirts of the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair teams for all matches until the end of 2023.
Carine Jessamine, marketing director at Selco Builders Warehouse, said:
“We are delighted to be supporting the England teams and wish them every success for the tournament.”
EnviroVent has relocated to new purpose-built zero carbon headquarters, as part of its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Andy Makin, Managing Director of EnviroVent,
said: “We are truly committed to good environmental practices throughout our business and these purpose-built premises allow EnviroVent to operate on an even more sustainable basis.”
ENTRIES TO THE HEATING
INSTALLER AWARDS are now open, with a prize bundle worth over £10,000 on offer for the finalists, including a trip to Danfoss HQ in Denmark. Supported by Big Wipes, CIPHE, Danfoss, Polypipe, Refresh PR and Stelrad, the awards are free to enter and give installers the chance to showcase their work.
The regional winners will be crowned in April, before heading to an exclusive regional winner’s event to celebrate their achievements. The winner from each region will then go on to do a technical challenge set by the previous national winner and moderated by awards partner, CIPHE, in a bid to be crowned the National Heating Installer of 2023.
This year, two winners will be awarded for their commitment to more sustainable practices with one winner being crowned the most sustainable installer in the north, and one being crowned the most sustainable installer in the south.
The awards will also continue to recognise the industry’s apprentices, and those still in training, with the Rising Star award which celebrates the next generation of Heating Installers and commends them for their hard work and commitment to the trade.
After entries close in February, an expert judging panel made up of industry experts, professional bodies, and installers will choose the regional finalists as well as an initial shortlist for the three category winners: Sustainability – North, Sustainability – South and Rising Star.
The overall winners will then be decided by a combination of judges’ scores, peer reviewed technical challenges and a public vote, with the three category winners plus the national winner and runner up announced in June at the NEC.
To enter, heating installers should visit www. heatinginstallerawards.co.uk or call the awards team a call on 0161 871 1188.
A new report has revealed that an estimated £2.8 billion worth of tools have been stolen from UK tradespeople, with four in five (78%) UK tradespeople experiencing tool theft.
The Tradespeople Against Tool Theft white paper, from the UK’s largest online construction community On The Tools, Simply Business and sponsor, Jewson, was created to highlight and explore the realities of UK tradespeople who have experienced tool theft.
The study found that tool theft costs tradespeople an average of £4,470 in equipment. One in five tradespeople lose over £5,000 worth of tools to theft.
The study revealed that self-employed tradespeople are 38% more likely to be targeted than employed tradespeople, with equipment most likely to be stolen from their van parked outside of their home (39%). One in 10 have experienced equipment being stolen from inside the home or garage. Worryingly, a third of tradespeople were not financially compensated at all for tool theft.
Lee Wilcox, CEO of On The Tools, commented: “Tool theft is crippling our industry. It’s an issue that impacts an immense proportion of UK tradespeople and can no longer be ignored.
“I am hopeful that by distributing this white paper to all corners of the construction industry and beyond, we can encourage the issue to be taken as seriously as it should be, improving the situation for UK tradespeople once and for all.”
Read all the latest news, updates, and member benefits
Facebook/CIPHE twitter.com/CIPHE www.ciphe.org.uk
RICHARD HURST’S career began when he joined the merchant navy as a marine engineer in 1966 at the age of 16. He undertook a fi ve and a half year apprenticeship that included six months’ experience within the company’s own workshops and with the ship repair shore-based sta . He attained a First-Class Certifi cate of Competency and was appointed a second engineer o cer at the age of 26.
“I became highly experienced in a wide range of engineering disciplines,” says Richard. “However, following an accident in which I smashed my
pelvis, I could no longer carry out my role as a marine engineer.”
After leaving the merchant service Richard travelled to Nigeria, South America and the Gulf, repairing and building power stations. He worked as an installation engineer and a commissioning engineer, installing engines, pumps and pipework, resolving any issues so that the buildings could be signed o , as well as spotting any potential problems before construction began.
In 1989, Richard joined the Water Research Centre (WRc) as a test engineer, testing water fittings to see if they complied with water regulations. He was also a contract manager, overseeing the expert witness cases at the WRc, with responsibility for all testing services other than water byelaws compliance. He was also made responsible for all water byelaws-related consultancy operations.
Richard was promoted to senior account executive to maintain all previous management and contract responsibilities, in addition to undertaking a major new sales role regarding the company’s new certifi cation scheme – Buildcert, which was introduced to expand the company’s testing role to encourage full product approval, assessment and certifi cation, rather than regulations compliance.
“I was proud to be responsible for the commissioning of the water meter test rig built for use in the laboratory,” says Richard. “I suggested
After a career in the merchant navy, Richard fell into a most enjoyable career in the water industry. He’s now an expert in the fields of thermostatic mixing valves, water meters and general plumbing matters.
RICHARD HURST FCIPHE RP, director of RAH Consultancy and Expert Witness.
Richard Hurst draws on his decades of industry experience to o er his expert opinion to UK court cases
I became highly experienced in a wide range of engineering disciplines”
design improvements and authored the laboratory control procedures, test and calibration procedures, quality control procedures and uncertainty of measurement calculations for the test rig.”
Subsequently, he designed and built extensions to this rig to enable testing of large bore meters, and single and multi-jet meters. He was responsible for obtaining initial National Measurement Accreditation Service (NAMAS) and later UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) accreditation for these rigs and maintaining the accreditation in subsequent years.
“I was responsible for the initial ideas that lead to the initiation by the NHS of the D 08 standard for the testing and third-party certification of thermostatic mixing valves for healthcare premises,” reveals Richard. “This included initiating the project with NHS estates. I then sat on the expert panel writing the standard. I promoted the plan to manufacturers, which led to the initiation of the TMV3 scheme and its successful operation for more than 20 years.”
Richard was solely responsible for writing the laboratory test and calibration procedures, rig design, training of laboratory staff and gaining of UKAS certification at the first attempt. For some time during this period, he was also acting as the internal quality control auditor for all laboratory systems under the auspices of UKAS.
“Over 60 expert witness investigations were undertaken during my time at WRc, and in self-employment around 10 cases a year,” explains Richard. “In particular, the work on the catastrophic failure of a water sewer tunnel in the South-West was a highlight. The two tunnels of 2.5 miles in length were to have a life span of 100 years, but failed within their first two years. The technical investigation and the production of the reports was led by myself, and the resultant recovery of the majority of the costs was due to the report’s technical quality and apportionment of the cause of failure. The settlement was negotiated in favour of our client without the need for a court case.”
In 2003, Richard set up his own water industry specialist consultancy, which operates in many areas of water engineering consultancy, including system design; with regard to water and building regulatory
issues. His consultancy is also regularly employed in engineering cases requiring expert evidence.
“RAH Consultancy has advised major engineering and construction firms on their water system design and installation within multi-storey domestic accommodation, scientific laboratories and other major sites,” explains Richard. “We have also designed and overseen the construction of domestic hot and cold water systems.”
RAH Consultancy has been directly involved in the design and costing of major water system development in areas such as system failure, leakage from water mains, design and service investigation.
Richard is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering and has also recently become a Registered Plumber.
“This qualification allows me to operate as an approved contractor within the meaning of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999,” explains Richard. “I can therefore sign off plumbing systems on works carried out by or under my direction as being compliant with the water regulations. I have long been an Incorporated Engineer and am now actively applying for promotion to chartered status under the auspices of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE).”
“Over 60 expert witness investigations were undertaken during my time at WRc”
GET IN TOUCH Would you like to share your story?
With reduced energy consumption compared to traditional heating methods, underfloor heating benefits both the environment and consumer finances
Underfloor heating (UFH) has become increasingly popular thanks to the benefits it offers homeowners, such as energy efficiency and even heating. Products available today can be installed or retrofitted quickly and easily with any floor type and any size property, offering plumbing and heating engineers greater flexibility when designing and fitting a solution.
Both electric and water UFH systems can be installed with any type of subfloor, speeding up installation time, and providing minimal disruption. Some flooring types, such as timber, conduct and retain the heat produced by UFH systems well.
“One of the first things that a plumbing and heating technician needs to do is carry out a room by room heat loss assessment, with a list of floor covering types for each room,” says Paul Harmer, lead technical consultant at the CIPHE. “A carpet floor will offer greater resistance to heat flow than tiles, therefore these are important factors that the designer will need to know in advance to ensure the consumer is supplied a fit for purpose UFH system.”
Another advancement, and something that helps installers to overcome a common challenge during an installation,
is the ability to automatically balance a system. This enables an even distribution of heat across the floor, which is one of the main benefits of UFH systems.
“If the system is not balanced properly the heat becomes uneven, resulting in the problem of hot and cold spots which are normally associated with conventional heating methods,” explains Mark Dowdeswell, senior category manager at Uponor UK. “Being able to auto-balance the flow and temperature of the system provides a more even temperature and enables the heating to react to seasonal fluctuations or changes in usage.”
Another important point to bear in mind when designing a UFH system is whether it can also be used for cooling, which is a factor that sets it apart from its radiator-based heating counterpart.
“Importantly, UFH systems can also be used for cooling – a key consideration given climate change and the risk of overheating and increased emissions in buildings,” says Franz Huelle, head of technical at REHAU Building Solutions. “Together, an underfloor heating system, smart control devices and heat pumps can allow for a significant reduction in both environmental impact and energy bills for property owners. This is regardless of whether such systems and controls installed in new building stock or retrofitted into existing properties.”
When fitting UFH systems on existing floors, low-profile options can help installers minimise the impact the system will have on the floor to ceiling height, which can be a concern for some customers.
Low-profile systems are ideal for retrofit projects as they come in differing heights and designs and can be quickly and easily laid on most substrates with minimal bearing on floor height.
“Of course, if you’re retrofitting a system, you may not be installing underfloor heating across the whole of the property,” points out Dowdeswell. “The flexibility of these systems means that they can work as a stand-alone solution or hand in hand with existing radiator systems, giving your customer more options and greater control of their budgets.
“Additionally, developments in smart technology also enable you to provide your customers with an easy-to-use control system. By using this, the homeowners will be able to regulate their heating systems remotely via their phones or tablets, giving them greater visibility of how and where their heating is being used. This provides a more efficient use of heating and savings on their energy costs. “
Lower running costs compared to radiators
Energy efficient
Lifespan of 50-plus years
Compatible with heat pumps
Compatible with low energy boilers
Maintain even temperatures
Easy to retrofit
Low maintenance
Compatible with most floor surfaces
Low dispersion of dust
Save space
Electric UFH systems tend to be used in renovation projects as they don’t significantly increase the floor height. Many electric systems feature a heating cable that can be fitted within a layer of levelling compound or adhesive that has no effect on floor build-up. These systems are also preferable if you’re installing a heating system in just one or two small rooms as they’re quick, easy and cheap to install.
“Water-based UFH systems are typically recommended for new-build projects where the system will be the primary source of heat throughout the house as most systems require installation within a thick layer of screed leading to a greater system depth compared to electric UFH,” explains Dowdeswell.
However, innovations in the sector have produced low-profile hydronic systems that have a lower profile and are suitable for renovation projects. Water-based systems are also preferable for heating up larger rooms as, although they are more expensive to install, they are cheaper to run, making them more cost-efficient when it comes to heating large areas.
UFH works by creating radiant heat which is spread evenly across a room, providing a comfortable and even overall room temperature. By distributing heat from the floor up, UFH also prevents hot and cold spots in the room meaning
that the system can run for a shorter period whilst obtaining the same level of comfort.
“Ultimately this saves on energy and can therefore save up to 15% on the average annual heating bill,” points out Dowdeswell.
With financial and environmental concerns at the forefront of consumers’ minds, installers should let customers know about the energy efficiency savings that UFH systems offer.
“UFH systems are estimated to use 15–40% less energy than a radiator,” says Dowdeswell. “This sustainable benefit stems from the fact that UFH works by warming an entire room evenly, which is more efficient than traditional systems such as radiators where heat is lost by the hot air rising only in one area of a room –generally upwards, towards the ceiling. UFH systems also operate at lower temperatures, but still achieve the same heat output, thereby consuming less energy.”
A huge advantage to installing UFH is the level of control that it provides. Systems featuring in-built automatic balancing continuously monitor the temperature inside the home and regulate the space accordingly. This means that the heating system is able to constantly react to the weather as well as any structural changes, or changes in usage patterns, without manual adjustments. Not only does it produce a more even temperature and faster system reaction times, but it’s up to 20% more energy efficient than alternative solutions.
The initial set up of UFH systems is relatively straightforward and manufacturers will provide instructions on how to lay the pipes correctly. Problems typically arise at the installation stage, so it’s important to have the components to hand and to carry out a final test.
“Once installed correctly, there is little aftercare with UFH, which is one of the reasons they are such an attractive heating option,” points out Dowdeswell. “But if you do experience a problem, contact the manufacturer for advice and recommendations.”
Due to the large surface area that is heated from the floor up, UFH systems are able to operate at lower temperatures, while still achieving the same heat output. This means consumers can keep their homes warm whilst consuming less energy, so UFH systems are often ideal to use in conjunction with heat pumps and low-energy boilers.
Two brothers’ commitment to sustainable hospitality resulted in them creating the world’s first net-zero hotel
UK consumers are more eco-conscious than ever before, and when it comes to the places they stay and the food and drink they consume, they want to make sure they have had a minimal impact on the environment.
The hotel industry is big business in the UK, but also a sizeable contributor to
carbon emissions. With the increased consumer demand for environmentally friendly options across the board, sustainability has become an important part of running a hotel.
One business that has taken its commitment to sustainability to the next level, is room2 Chiswick Hometel, which has set a new industry standard to be
100% net-zero carbon producing, from the construction, operation and eventual deconstruction of the building.
Located in the heart of Chiswick, room2 Chiswick is made up of 86 design-led rooms, fitted with a kitchenette, and access to an independent food and beverage service, gym and laundry.
This building is the world’s first wholelife net-zero hometel, which has set a new environmental benchmark for the hotel industry.
The two founders, brothers Robert and Stuart Godwin, came up with the hometel concept after being tired of staying in soulless accommodation while travelling to different countries.
Hotel room2 Chiswick received a Gold rating from Green Tourism, which is the highest award available. Green Tourism is an internationally acknowledged certification and an indicator of good, environmentally friendly practice. The evaluation process targets 15 principles across people, planet and places, making sure that they apply to all parts of the business.
They wanted to create somewhere that felt like home, but without compromising on the quality and services of a top hotel.
They believe that home is a feeling and everyone’s home is unique, so hometels o er beautiful spaces with the flexibility to make each stay individual. Guests can personalise their stay with a mattress menu, they can eat on their own terms with in-room kitchens and beds can even be provided for pets. People can stay at hometels for as long
or as short a time as they want, with some even living in them full time.
The decision to take climate action was sparked by Robert and Stuart’s recognition that businesses can no longer ignore climate change. As a growing family business, it was important for them to grow in a sustainable way.
“Looking around the hospitality industry, we were shocked to see so few
The hotel has 86 en-suite bedrooms, each fitted with ultra-low-flow showers that have the full impact of a regular shower, but use around 40% less water.
The showers and taps have all been set up to release a maximum of 6lt of water per minute.
Every bathroom is fitted with Kaldewei’s Cayonoplan shower surface and waste system with matching cover, which are made from 100% recyclable steel enamel.
examples of brands driving change and innovating to decrease the industry’s impact on the environment,” says Stuart. “Beyond the obvious changes, such as reducing towel changes and removing the small plastic toiletry bottles, no one was tackling the single biggest driving force of climate change – carbon emissions.”
The hometel goes further than being carbon neutral, as it is whole-life net-zero, following the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC)’s net-zero carbon building framework. Carbon neutral means that carbon emissions are measured and then offset, but the definition does not include reducing emissions, which is critical in the urgent need to decarbonise and keep global temperature increases below a 1.5-degree warming.
“For our unavoidable emissions, we calculate our footprint and offset with our nature-based reforesting partner in Nicaragua,” explains Robert. “room2 Chiswick is the first hometel in the world to offset both operational and embodied carbon to zero, taking into account the full picture of our presence. We believe in taking care of our global communities as much as our local ones.”
The whole-life net-zero concept is broken down into two parts: embodied carbon, which is all the emissions associated with bringing the project to life, such as the extraction of raw materials, transportation to site, through the construction phase and also any refurbishments during the building’s lifecycle; and operational carbon, which, as the name suggests, refers to all the carbon emissions associated with the energy sources used to keep the buildings warm, cool, ventilated, lighted and powered. The carbon produced has been reduced where possible and any unavoidable emissions have and will annually be offset.
By creating a net-zero hometel, the brothers wanted to limit impact and encourage the industry to make
“For our unavoidable emissions, we calculate our footprint and offset with our nature-based reforesting partner in Nicaragua”room2 showers are ultra-low-flow, using up to 40% less water
changes in the right direction. They have set out to be the change they want to see in the industry.
The brothers have introduced a range of technologies to achieve their environmental aspirations, such as the installation of four Mitsubishi Electric water-to-air heat pumps that provide the heating and cooling for the rooms at room2 Chiswick.
The heat pumps harvest heat energy from a water loop linked to 200m bore holes, which will be used as a heat source (for heating) or a heat sink (to reject heating for cooling). The heat pumps have refrigerant circuits within them and it is the process known as the ‘vapour compression cycle’ that leads to energy-efficient air conditioning to provide heating or cooling for each room.
In essence, the refrigerant is compressed in the compressor within the unit and heats up. This heat is transferred around the system throughout the building. When the refrigerant is then expanded, it cools down, drawing heat from where it is not required.
“Heat pumps come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but most people just
think of them as air-to-water, or water-to-water,” says Russell Jones, on behalf of Mitsubishi Electric. “That is, the heat pump extracts energy from the air or water and transfers it to water to provide hot water for radiators and domestic hot water. However, air-conditioning systems, especially what are called VRF (variable refrigerant flow), are also actually heat pumps and offer an alternative form of heating, with the added benefit of cooling.”
With normal VRF air conditioning, the outdoor air-source compressor unit (heat pump), or indoor water-source compressor (heat pump), is connected to the indoor unit in each room via copper pipes, which are used to transfer heating or cooling around a building. The copper piping is full of refrigerant, which is a mixture of chemicals (gas and liquid) that boil at different temperatures, helping the energy-efficient transfer of heat or cooling. In the highly unlikely event that one of these pipes fractures, then there is the possibility that the refrigerant could leak into a room.
For rooms such as hotel rooms, where someone may not move for a long period (overnight) there is the need to install leak-detection equipment to ensure that no harm will come to
anyone – in line with safety standard BS EN378.
“Mitsubishi Electric’s Hybrid VRF limits the refrigerant between the compressor (in this case Mitsubish’s PQHY water-source heat pump) and what we call a Hybrid Branch Controller (HBC),” explains Jones. “From the HBC, water in either plastic or copper piping is then sent to each room, completely removing any refrigerant from occupied areas and avoiding the need for leak detection equipment.”
The Godwin brothers are confident they are leading the industry towards a more sustainable future with the flagship hometel, room2 Chiswick, and they hope to inspire others to match their efforts and work with them to improve the hospitality sector.
The hometel offering has proved very popular, with the target audience expanding beyond what was first envisioned. The guests are local, national and international, some staying while on business or working on projects, others are relocating and some are staying for leisure weekends.
“In terms of our sustainability credentials, at room2 Chiswick we have already seen that we are attracting more eco-conscious guests and that this is a growing consideration for people’s stay,” says Robert.
“We have committed to only build and operate whole-life net-zero hometels. That means all the carbon emissions from construction, operation and through to the end of the building’s life, are all equal to zero. We are the first hotel company in the world to set this standard, but hopefully we won’t be the last.”
“In terms of our sustainability credentials, at room2 Chiswick we have already seen that we are attracting more ecoconscious guests”The taps in the room2 bathrooms are set to release a maximum of 6lt per minute
The work of an expert witness is a serious business
COLIN TOPP
IENG FCIPHE RP has worked as an Expert Witness for over 30 years
In an increasingly litigious society, legal disputes over poor-quality work and cost are becoming more commonplace. Often these disputes require the services of an Expert Witness to provide impartial and professional reports that can be used in a court of law. Individuals producing Expert Witness reports have to have a level of knowledge or skill in a particular field to qualify them as an expert. However, there are no qualifications for Experts.
In the case of the plumbing and heating engineering industry, an Expert Witness needs to have both experience in the field in addition to in-depth knowledge of good industry practice in the design and installation of plumbing and heating services.
Until 1999, when the rules and procedures of the Civil Courts in England and Wales were reviewed, there were people acting as Experts who were able to establish compliance, but had no plumbing experience and were not necessarily able to interpret the requirements of the British Standards in a practical way. It is important to note that the civil procedures rules only apply in England and Wales.
“There were people working as Experts who had no real understanding of the legal requirements and obligations of an Expert,” says Colin Topp, an Expert Witness with 30 years’ experience.
“With more and more people looking to the courts to resolve their disputes, the process of bringing a matter to court became increasingly drawn out. Although there were procedures for case management, this was left to the solicitors and there were often long delays as a result of the solicitors for one party not making information available in good time.”
The Expert Academy is the professional society and accrediting body for expert witnesses of all disciplines. It is independently run by experts for experts and those using them. For more information, visit www.academy-experts.org
In 1994 Lord Woolf was appointed to review the rules and procedures of the Civil Courts in England and Wales and following much consultation the new Civil Procedure Rules were published in 1999. Changes in the way civil litigation is conducted included the courts taking a proactive role in case management in addition to the rules regarding expert evidence and the appointment of Experts.
Rule 35.5 States: (1) It is the duty of an Expert to help the Court on the matters within his expertise. (2) This duty overrides any obligation to the person from whom he has received instructions or by whom he is paid.
“For the majority of Experts, particularly those who were members of the Academy of Experts, the new rules simply endorsed recognised
• Knowledge – Never accept or continue with an instruction if you are not absolutely sure you have the knowledge and experience of the matters in hand.
• Get confirmation – Very often the letter of instruction may include conflicting information or may not be clear in the scope of the report that’s required. Ensure that you are clear on what’s required and that you have all the necessary information.
• Set expectations – Where a date is given for the completion of a report, if there is any doubt that it can be met, you should contact those instructing you immediately.
• Be clear – Make it clear when you are expressing an opinion and when you are stating a fact.
• Remain impartial – At all times an Expert is required to remain independent and to remember that their first duty is to the court.
• Know your place – The job of the Expert is to provide technical information and opinion to assist the court, not to provide legal advice or to promote the case of a client.
good practice and conduct of Experts,” explains Topp. “This made it clear that it is not acceptable for an Expert to prepare reports to suit their client rather than to deal with the issues.”
The other major change in the Civil Procedure Rules was the power of the Court to order that evidence should be given by a Single Joint Expert. These are typically appointed when the case involves less than about £15k or that are not technically complex. Although this has resulted in fewer Experts being employed, the standard required is much higher. A person can also be employed as a party-appointed Expert, which is where the Expert is employed by only one party.
“An Expert must understand fully the requirements of the Civil Procedure Rules with regard to their obligations, and if an Expert does not conduct him or herself properly and their evidence is disallowed or not accepted by the court, there could be huge financial implications for the party who appointed the Expert,” says Topp.
It is expected that Experts are not only knowledgeable of their field of expertise, but are up-to-date with current practises.
“I have always believed that in order to be a competent Expert it is necessary to have a good working knowledge of your field of expertise and to make sure that you keep up with changing trends, materials and standards,” says Topp. “To this end I believe that it’s really important for anyone who is preparing Expert reports on the quality and performance of materials to get on site from time to time to work with installers, if only for a few hours each month, to maintain a working understanding of installations. This of course would be in addition to attending hands-on training courses and technical seminars run by the Institute,
other professional bodies and the manufacturers.
“Being a Gas Safe Registered Engineer is a useful way of keeping up-to-date with new technologies, and of course is absolutely vital in order to be able to report fully on a gas-fired central heating system. Sadly, there are still those who think they can report on a gas-fired heating system without even taking the cover off the boiler.”
Although the majority of an Expert’s work takes place behind a desk, for nearly every report it is necessary to carry out a site inspection to determine the cause of any reported problem, the quality of work and what remedial works, if any, that might be required.
“The site inspection is likely to involve climbing into roof spaces and plant rooms, getting into service ducts, fully examining boilers and climbing ladders,” explains Topp. “Although not anywhere near as strenuous as actually installing a plumbing and heating system, it does require a reasonable level of fitness to be able to carry out an inspection properly and safely.”
Although many Experts have gone into the field following retirement, experienced and qualified plumbing and heating professionals can take on work as an Expert at any point in their career. However, there are several things that should be taken into consideration before undertaking Expert Witness work.
“Being an Expert can be very satisfying, particularly when you are able to identify the cause of a particular problem,” says Topp. “However, it can be difficult, particularly when acting as a Single Joint Expert, as you find that very often neither party is entirely happy with your findings.”
Unlike design or installation work, Experts are not part of a team, and even though at times they may need to work closely with instructing solicitors or clients, remaining independent is vital.
For anyone interested in moving into Expert Witness work, contact Colin Topp colin@toppw.co.uk for further information.
“An Expert must understand fully the requirements of the Civil Procedure Rules”
CIPHE supports members to achieve recognition for their expertise and qualifications, which is why we advocate registering with the Engineering Council
Chartered Engineer
The theoretical knowledge to solve problems in new technologies and develop new analytical techniques Successful application of your knowledge to deliver innovative products and services and/or responsibility for complex engineering systems
Incorporated Engineer
The theoretical knowledge to solve problems in developed technologies using well-proven analytical techniques Successful application of your knowledge to deliver engineering projects or services using established technologies and methods
Engineering Technician Evidence of the contribution to either the design, development, manufacture, commissioning, decommissioning, operation or maintenance of products, equipment, processes or services
Find out more information on how to become registered at www.ciphe.org.uk/ engineering-council or contact the Membership team on membership@ciphe. org.uk, giving your membership number and stating your highest qualification and level of experience.
Email pandhengineering@ jamespembrokemedia.co.uk
Whether a client needs to adapt their bathroom to make it more accessible for their current needs or are simply looking to future-proof their bathroom ready for their retirement years, there are several things that plumbing and heating installers need to take into consideration.
“When installing a bathroom it’s important to advise your customers to design their bathroom for the future,” says Sophie Weston, channel marketing manager at Geberit. “A bathroom design with accessibility features, such as even shower floors and wall hung toilets, which plan for the future, can reassure customers – making them feel comfortable over the long term.”
When it comes to creating an accessible bathroom, installers need to think about more than just the products and equipment likely to be needed.
“Installing a bathroom with specialist equipment requires some planning ahead,” says Jerry Whiteley, technical manager at the CIPHE. “Depending on the disability, equipment may be considerably larger than traditional products, so it is important to assess whether the current bathroom has enough space to fit in everything that’s needed.”
For clients with disabilities, it’s likely that the local authority’s occupational therapist would have carried out an assessment on the property and given guidance as to what is needed, such as raised toilet seats or wheelchair access. This is an important point of reference for installers who can liaise with the authorities if needed. Where vulnerable people are having work done, it’s important to consider things like safeguarding and hygiene.
“Installers might have to carry out research into the fluid categories for the installation of specialist appliances,” adds Whiteley. “It is vital that they ensure the equipment they are installing complies with water and buildings regulations.”
play an
helping people live independently and safely in their own
Standard toilets can be difficult for people with mobility issues to access, so it’s important to opt for barrier-free installation elements such as wall-hung toilets. Geberit’s Duofix installation system, for example, is perfectly tailored to the needs of people with reduced mobility.
“The narrow elements allow for a standard-compliant installation of support handles in all construction situations, plus height adjustment of WC ceramic appliances with a large projection of up to 70cm for wheelchair users,” explains Weston. “Heightadjustable elements enable adaptations to be made at any time for ensuring comfortable, wheelchair-accessible use. The range also includes installation elements with integrated fastening points for support handles, which can be fitted quickly, easily and securely.”
The fact that there is no exposed pipework means there is nowhere for bacteria to accumulate, which is ideal for people with compromised immune systems. There are also rim-free toilet pans for added hygiene control.
Geberit Duofix cisterns are tested for water tightness, the frames are tested to withstand 400kg of weight, and come with a 25-year spare parts availability guarantee.
Some bathroom products, such as the Geberit Mera Care, can be operated with touchless wall panels, handheld remotes and easy-to-use apps, meaning that no matter the situation the user can feel confident and independent.
“We predict that touchless technology will continue to grow in popularity, both hygienically optimised and with increased accessibility,” says Weston.
Automatic bidet toilets, also known as shower toilets or wash and dry toilets, help people with disabilities go to the toilet unaided, maintaining their independence and dignity.
Although there are purpose-built wash and dry toilets, add-on bidet toilet seats are a more affordable option to adapt standard toilets. These conversion units simply add a bidet function to an existing standard toilet.
Specifications vary, but add-on bidets will complete a wash and dry cycle with full control of positioning, temperature and duration – all via a simple and hygienic remote control pad.
A spray nozzle extends from the bidet toilet seat to the required position to provide a gentle stream of aerated warm water. At the end of the wash cycle, the nozzle retracts allowing the warm airdrying cycle to be activated. The nozzle self-cleans automatically before and after use.
Electronic bidet toilet seats that have WRAS approval, such as the Bio Bidet, can be connected directly to the water supply in the UK, using a T Valve, without the need for extra measures to protect against contamination of the supply. The normal operation of the toilet is unchanged; it operates conventionally with the addition of the bidet.
temperatures can be set in addition to flow regulation.
“It’s essential that installers ensure that taps are fitted with TMVs to prevent vulnerable customers getting scalded or burned,” says Whiteley.
Sensor taps, or infrared taps, are also increasingly popular as they enable safe and independent living because they don’t require touch to operate them. They can also be set to preferred volumes and temperatures for individual customers.
Powered by connection to the mains or by a battery, these taps are not only safe and hygienic, but reduce cross contamination and help control water usage as they shut off after a set period. Infrared taps use LED beams that are invisible to the human eye. When something, such as a hand, interrupts the beam, the infrared light bounces back to a receiver in the tap which then switches on either a solenoid or thermostatic valve, to allow water to flow. Once the hands are removed the sensor closes the valve and the water stops flowing to prevent water waste.
“Creating rooms that are suitable for all ages benefits everyone – regardless of age or disability,” points out Weston. “Therefore, no matter what the age, it is sensible to broach the subject when designing and planning a bathroom, bearing it in mind throughout the process. Any new bathroom should involve long-term considerations.
For homeowners with mobility issues, anti-scald mixer taps are a safe option for the whole family as they offer protection from hot water as minimum
“It’s more essential than ever for manufacturers, bathroom retailers and installers to support users, carers and families with continued innovation to offer bathroom solutions for all age groups and needs.”
“It’s essential that installers ensure that taps are fitted with TMVs”Sensor taps are safe and hygenic Image: Geberit Geberit’s Duofix wall-hung toilet
Norbert Rapp has been a part of the heating and plumbing engineering industry for decades. He started out in 1961 as an apprentice technical draftsman for the heating and plumbing department at a local company.
“As is the case today, the training was divided into three parts – the first year was technical training, the second year was a training internship and the final year focussed on planning and calculation,”
explains Norbert. “On completion of this course people did not usually work as draftsmen, instead choosing to be planners. As a result, the professional title of Technical System Planner was introduced and the training period was extended to three and a half years.”
After two years of professional activity, Norbert attended the Federal Technical School in Karlsruhe. After passing the state examination, he was awarded the professional title State-Certifi ed Heating Technician. According to the German authorities, the intensity and level of training of a State-Certifi ed
Technician can be compared to the British Higher National Diploma (HND).
In 1970 Norbert took on the position of production engineer in a company specialising in technical building design. He was able to do this as there was no engineering law in Germany at that time. However, he continued his education by attending professional seminars and courses.
“Unfortunately, in 1972 I missed the deadline for notification to the regional council in order to be able to continue with the professional title of engineer,” explains Norbert. “However, I later found out about British
Norbert Rapp discusses the importance of professional qualifications and the role that plumbing and heating engineers have in the race to net zeroBEST OF BOTH WORLDS German plumbing schools are highly regarded
engineering education through a publication by the Association of German Engineers, of which I have been a member since 1978.
“In the early 1980s, I applied for membership with what was then The Institute of Plumbing (IOP) as a Fellow. It was a long road to recognition, but I successfully completed the required interview at the IOP, and in 1987 I was certified by the Engineering Council as a TEng registered engineer.”
After eight years as a production engineer, Norbert moved to a large company that manufactured pumps and swimming pool technology, where he worked as a sales engineer for two years. Following this position he became an engineer for building services.
“During this professional activity, I qualified further for a BSc (Eng), which is accepted by the German Register of Engineers,“
explains Norbert. “I also completed a distance learning course at the University of Applied Sciences in Berlin, which led to the professional title of Safety Engineer.
From 1972 until the end of his service in 2007, Norbert was appointed head of training for the profession of technical draftsman. However, recognition in Germany was very difficult at the time.
“Only after I was recognised as EUR ING (Europäischer Ingenieur/ European Engineer) by FEANI (Fédération Européenne d’Associations Nationales d’Ingénieurs/European Federation of National Engineering Associations) and the British engineering education fell under the university diploma directive 89/48/EWG, was recognition possible in Germany in 1992,” explains Norbert.
Norbert remains an
examiner at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. FEANI, represented by the German Technical and Scientific Association, also appointed him as an expert at the National Monitoring Committee. In 2013 he qualified for a Master of Engineering and was appointed Extraordinary Professor the same year.
STANDARDSThe EUR ING title delivered by FEANI is designed as a guarantee of competence for professional engineers, in order:
• to facilitate the movement of practicing engineers w ithin and outside the geographical area re presented by FEANI’s member countries and to e stablish a framework of mutual recognition of q ualifications in order to enable engineers who wish to practice outside their own country to carry with them a guarantee of competence;
• to provide information about the various formation s ystems of individual engineers for the benefit of p rospective employers;
• to encourage the continuous improvement of the q uality of engineers by setting, monitoring and reviewing standards.
“From 1972 until the end of his service in 2007, Norbert was appointed head of training for the profession of technical draftsman.”Norbert (R) received the bronze medal in 1993 from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce
Germany has technical schools (Master Schools) for manual trades to produce master craftsmen. The entry requirement is a completed apprenticeship in a trade. State-Certified Technicians will continue to be trained, but they can’t use the job title engineer.
“For the academic field there are engineering schools (universities, colleges and also dual universities),” explains Norbert. “A high school diploma is required as an entry requirement and graduates receive bachelor’s or master’s degrees.”
In order to be entered into the German craftsman register, the person needs to have passed the master craftsman exam. There is also a register for state-certified technicians.
“The same applies to German engineers and bachelor degrees as well as master degrees,” explains Norbert. “However, with these degrees it is checked whether the course content is equivalent to a master’s degree. In addition, there is also the old journeyman regulation. This means that if the person only has a journeyman’s certificate (the journeyman’s certificate confirms that the final examination has been passed and now Anlagenmechaniker), they must have worked as a journeyman for six years, four in a managerial position. However, this does not apply to all professions.
“In the Federal Republic of Germany, each federal state has its own engineering law. These 16 state engineer laws, which have the same content
and are almost identical, regulate who may use the German job title engineer alone or in a word combination.”
Word combinations can be, for example, heating engineer, industrial engineer, engineering office etc. People who have completed a German university education can easily use these designations. However, as a state-certified technician at two technical schools in Germany, individuals can obtain the professional title of engineer after two years of professional practice through a two-semester further training course.
People who have completed engineering training abroad are checked by the competent authority (Regierungspräsidium, or Landesingenieurkammer) to
determine whether their training is equivalent to the German training. If it is, then individuals are granted the appropriate approval.
“In Germany, only the use of the job title is regulated, but not the activity,” points out Norbert. “In the case of technical bachelor’s degrees, it is usually noted on the certificate that the graduate is entitled to use the professional title Engineer according to IngG (state engineer laws).
“In the Federal Republic of Germany, each federal state has its own engineering law”
Now that Great Britain and Northern Ireland have left the EU, recognition according to the EU professional recognition directive no longer applies. Professional qualifications that have already been recognised, however, will remain valid post Brexit.
“Due to the 16 federal states in Germany, it is quite possible for British professional qualifications to be recognised,” says Norbert. “Of course, simplified recognition of regulations of both professional organisations can be proposed.”
As a Fellow of the CIPHE, Norbert recognises the important role that the institute has in the UK’s plumbing and heating engineering industry: “In my opinion, the Chartered Institute of
Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) is an important institution in Great Britain. This professional association, together with the Engineering Council, have high professional reputations in the EU. By acknowledging the title of TEng, which was later changed to IEng, I was recognised as an engineer in Germany, Luxembourg, Austria and technical industrial engineer in Spain.”
Germany has set a significant goal to move away from using fossil fuels such as oil and gas, but industry and homes still need vast quantities of both. Before the start of Russia’s war on Ukraine, just over half of the gas consumed in Germany was imported from Russia. Since then Germany has
sourced natural gas from Norway and the Netherlands and expanded its infrastructure for importing liquified natural gas from the US and Qatar.
“The price of gas and oil has more than doubled,” says Norbert. “It’s the same with oil heaters. A litre of heating oil currently costs around €1.45, which is double what it was in 2021. However, conversion to a heat pump of any kind is not affordable for many owners. The population has to be prepared for a hard winter.”
Germany has made strides to reduce the country’s carbon emissions. For example, low temperature boilers may only be replaced with condensing boilers that offer efficiencies of up to 105%.
“The dual vocational
training in Germany is exemplary, so it can be assumed that a fully trained system engineer is familiar with the new low carbon technologies,” says Norbert. “However, there is still a lack of skilled workers. Some of the fully trained plant mechanics will not remain in the profession, as they will possibly strive for a higher degree (technician or engineer). However, these skilled workers are also lacking as the trade is losing these valuable practitioners. Perhaps these practitioners should be given greater professional standing.”
“There is still a lack of skilled workers”A German gas processing plant on the Baltic
It is becoming increasingly common to use combined domestic and sprinkler water storage cisterns instead of using separate cisterns for sprinkler systems and domestic use. The Association of Tank and Cistern Manufacturers (ATCM) believes that combined water storage systems are not only impractical, but also raise some very serious issues in terms of water quality.
The general reason given for combining the cisterns is space, when in reality it is cost driven. With modern manufacturing and installation techniques it is possible to put two cisterns against each other without taking up extra valuable space.
It’s essential to maintain a minimum volume of water to be able to supply the sprinkler system in the event of a fire
and any domestic water needed would need to be stored in addition to this.
Most domestic water storage cisterns are oversized, which means more water is stored than is required. Whilst a delayed action valve can be used, there will remain issues with turning the water over, which should happen every 24 hours. If the water is not turned over at this frequency then an environment is created that is ideal for bacteria to thrive.
HSE Legionnaires Disease HSG 274 part 2 states that the volume of stored cold water should be minimised and
should not normally exceed that required for one day’s water use.
It is important to note that to meet the legal requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act, water storage cisterns for domestic use must be inspected, cleaned and chlorinated as part of a legionella risk assessment – this is not a discretionary undertaking.
The risk assessment would normally dictate that the cistern would have to be cleaned and chlorinated
usually as a minimum of once a year. For combined cisterns, due to the overcapacity, this may have to be more frequent, based on that assessment.
As the cistern is also part of the dedicated fire fighting for the building, any cleaning and chlorination would have to be undertaken when the building is not in use and the building may be un-insured unless additional fire protection provision is put in place.
The logical argument to this is to use a cistern with a division so one side can be kept in use, while the other is in service. However, when
considering a combined cistern, it would be advisable to contact the local water company early on as there may be requirements to meet.
A divided cistern, however, would mean having over double the amount of storage as each compartment would have to have to be able to cope
“Combined water storage systems… raise some very serious issues in terms of water quality”
with 100% of the demand. Again, a delayed action valve could be used to aid turnover, but both valves would need to come on at the same time to prevent stratification or a biofilm potentially forming on one side. This is no easy task because as soon as one valve comes on it back fills the other side of the tank, preventing the other valve from dropping – something we are seeing more of in the industry. This can be addressed using specialist valve arrangements, but care needs to be taken with the design.
As well as your HSE requirement, there are also issues with meeting the Water Regulations 1999, which classes stored water for fire fi ghting to be fluid category 5 due to stagnation and potential microbial colonisation, and therefore requires an AB air gap as an appropriate solution.
The problem with this is that although the weir slot should be screened, and should have a light cowl on the inside, it still allows for the ingress of dust, potentially a ecting the quality of water in the tank, which is used for drinking.
It also raises the chances of the water in the cistern becoming warm in the summer, as it is more open to the atmospheric temperature
of the plant room. Therefore, an AB should not be used, which begs the question –is a combined tank water regulation-compliant?
A lot of the issues with having a combined cistern may not come to light when the building is handed over and may only be highlighted when regular temperature and sampling of the cistern is carried out. At this point, to rectify the system would not only be extremely costly, but very di cult to overcome from a design and installation point of view.
Given the possible dangers, an ever-increasing insurance backed industry and litigious society, using a combined cistern is high risk.
For further information contact the ATCM www.atcmtanks.org.uk
“When considering a combined cistern, it would be advisable to contact the local water company”A sectional tank
KIWA is an international certification, inspection, testing, and training company, and Kiwa Watertec specialises in testing water products, components and materials to be certified for water and building regulations.
In the UK it is a legal requirement that all systems connected to drinking water must be installed using products that comply with water regulations – in particular to Regulation 4. Failing to do so is a criminal o ence and installers could face prosecution.
The Water Supply (Water Fitting) Regulations not only protect public health, but safeguard water supplies and promote the e cient use of water within premises across the UK. According to Regulation 4 (1): “Every water fitting should be of an appropriate quality or standard and be suitable for the situation in which it is used”. Part 2 of the regulations requires installers to demonstrate compliance, for example with CE Marking where applicable, appropriate British or European standards, and also a specifi cation approved by the regulator.
The regulations apply in all premises
where water is supplied by a water company – from the point that the water enters the property (boundary) to the water being used through a plumbing system or water appliance.
Within the regulations, responsibility by way of legal duty falls to all users, owners or occupiers and anyone who is installing plumbing equipment, water fittings and appliances. Water companies are duty bound to enforce the laws and inspect new or existing installations to ensure compliance.
These regulations are not retrospective. This means that if plumbing systems, water fittings or water-using appliances don’t meet the current standards, but were fitted lawfully under the previous water supply regulations/byelaws, no changes need to be made. However, if the fittings pose a signifi cant risk of contaminating or wasting water, then the water supplier can insist on improvements being made even if they were lawfully installed.
"The duty lies with the installer to ensure that every product component that is connected to a water supply or management meets the relevant regulations"
Unfortunately, it is not illegal for manufacturers to make products that don’t comply with the regulations. It is also perfectly legal for merchants to sell non-compliant products. However, these products become an o ence once fitted, so it is the engineers/installers that are liable.
The duty lies with the installer to ensure that every product component that is connected to a water supply or management meets the relevant regulations. Therefore, it's in the interest of all professional manufacturers of water system components to ensure that all products are certifi ed to meet the requirements laid out within Regulation 4 of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations.
Until fairly recently, the most common method of demonstrating compliance with Regulation 4 was WRAS approval. However, KIWA and NSF now also o er independent certifi cation for Regulation 4 compliance.
Like WRAS, the KIWA KUKreg4 approval mark is widely accepted by water authorities and demonstrates full compliance with the UK Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, so is equivalent to WRAS approval.
Achieving certification KUKreg4 is a robust method for demonstrating compliance with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, as the testing is undertaken in an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory and complies with ISO 17065 product certifi cation. The process of approval involves rigorous testing, with the final certifi cation decision made by people with many years of industry experience.
In order to be certifi ed as meeting Water Regulation 4, products are tested to ensure they perform to the specifi cation approved by the regulator, an appropriate harmonised standard, or conform to an appropriate British Standard. This is normally achieved by testing against the regulators’ specifi cation test codes sheets or relevant BS/EN standard.
Any non-metallic materials that come into contact with drinking water within components/products must also meet the requirements of BS 6920. This includes a number of tests to assess the suitability of non-metallic materials to ensure they do not impart odour or fl avour, cause a change in appearance (colour or turbidity), promote microbial growth, or leach substances (including toxic metals) harmful to human health.
Products are tested to ensure they perform to the specification approved by the regulator
Visit the Advice section on the P&H Engineering website to find archived TechTalk articles www.pandhengineering.co.uk
is the legal Water Regulation Requirement for products to be installed?
Regulation 4
responsibility
it to ensure a water product is
with the
regulations?
water regulations?
Mechanical requirements
Material requirements
and
requirements
Water Regulation 4 compliance?
Yes
No
KEEPING UP YOUR CPD?
all the 2021 answers go to www.pandhengineering.co.uk
YOUR CPD
CIPHE members are expected to complete 30 hours of CPD each year. Completion of these assessments can count towards this requirement.
WHAT TO DO Answer the questions (using an additional A4 sheet if necessary) and return by scanning and emailing or posting to the address below.
Please complete this form
YOUR NAME: CIPHE MEMBERSHIP NUMBER: EMAIL:
Water Regulation approval can be accepted to
with Water Regulation 4?
part of the Building Regulations is Water Regulation 4 also required for water products?
Yes
No
Water Regulation 4,
does a drinking water product require
comply with the
KUKreg4
to WRAS
in regards
part of the Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV Type2 and Type3) requirements, does Water Regulation 4 also need to be complied with?
Yes
No
RETURN TO: CPD Assessment, CIPHE, 64 Station Lane, Hornchurch, Essex RM12 6NB info@ciphe.org.uk
visit the members-only area of the CIPHE website: www.ciphe.org.uk/cpd
WOLSELEY has launched a new range of JET pressure reducing valves that has been approved by Kiwa Watertec, which means they are compliant with UK Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations for both hot and cold applications.
Debbie Mertens, supply quality
assurance manager at Wolseley, said: “Wolseley has been working to improve its current JET pressure reducing valves to keep the same features the popular JET range has always had, but with added fl exibility of installation for both hot and cold water.”
www.wolseley.co.uk
www.daikin.eu
Uponor has launched the world’s first bio-based plastic PEX pipe into the UK market. Supplied with an estimated service life of 50 years, this innovative product has a reduced carbon footprint of up to 90%, compared to fossil-based plastic PEX pipes, due to the use of bio-based materials in its manufacture.
www.uponor.com
The new KNIPEX DP50 (90 23 01) pipe cutter for plastic pipes combines two functions in one. Larger pipes with diameters of 32, 40 and 50mm can be easily and precisely cut and chamfered in just one operational step. Self-adjusting rollers with plain bearings guide the pipe to be cut optimally and safely.
www.knipex.com/en-uk
Monarch Water has launched two new products – WRAS-approved Plumsoft Smart E ciency water softeners, with meter control, and the Scaleout Advance.
The Smart E ciency softener, which removes existing limescale and prevents new build-up, only regenerates the resin that has been used and has high flow rates of up to 78lpm. The Scaleout Advance (featuring pioneering anti-microbial filter housing) o ers 24/7 whole-house scale prevention.
CIPHE membership director
Tim looks after the growing CIPHE membership, enhancing services for members and improving communications tims@ciphe.org.uk +44 (0)1708 463102
Every member will be aware of the CIPHE’s status as a Professional Body for members of the plumbing and heating industry, but perhaps not everyone will know of our status as a registered charity (registration number: 1124517)
with a charitable purpose as follows:
…to protect the health and safety of the public through a strong qualified membership reinforced by their competency and technical expertise. To create technical excellence so the public will
receive the benefit of a protected environment and enhanced sustainability with improved safety and health.
Ronald was a Fellow of the Institute and was also registered as an Incorporated Engineer with Engineering Council, supporting the technical aims and aspirations of the CIPHE for well over 20 years. Sadly, both he and his wife Doreen passed away within a short time of each other last year.
Earlier this year, the Smee & Ford annual legacy trends report recorded that £3.2bn of UK charities’ 2021 income was derived from legacies, and the CIPHE is one of over 10,000 charities a year to benefit from this. In fact, legacies are an increasingly important way in which charities contribute to the betterment of society.
Leaving a legacy to charity Including a gift to charity in a will is a great way to make a
charity gift in your will could make a big di erenceLEGACY
difference on an issue or for a cause that means a lot to you personally.
Of course, asking somebody to consider leaving a legacy is always a sensitive issue, but it is also important to let people know about the options that are available to them.
When drafting a will it is important that any charity beneficiary is properly identified, including the full name, address and charity registration number.
A legacy can be given without restriction, for nominated specific activities or subject to binding obligations or expressions of wishes. It is a good idea to discuss this in advance with any beneficiary, so you can agree the most appropriate way forward, even so far as planning how the legacy will be put to most use.
There is no inheritance tax (IHT) on charitable gifts through a will. Such a legacy will also then be deducted from an estate before IHT is calculated on it. This can then mean, in some cases, that it brings an estate’s value below the taxable threshold (or nil rate band) which is currently £325,000).
If an individual leaves more than 10% of their estate to charity, any of their net taxable estate will then benefit from a 10% deduction (36% instead of 40%) on their net taxable estate that remains.
Plumbing systems have been a part of the United Kingdom for around 2,000 years and yet still the industry is an evolving one. If you would like to find out more about how you could support its future development and leave a legacy to The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, please contact Natasha Fallows on natashaf@ciphe.org.uk or 01708 463 119.
The CIPHE extends sincere gratitude to Ronald and Doreen Gill and condolences to all of their surviving family members and friends.
This is a Call for Nominations for applications for the following positions, in accordance with the Institute’s Byelaws and Regulations:
• President (for the year 2023–24)
• V ice President (for the year 2023–24)
• Two Voting Member Trustees (one for one year 2023–24 due to a mid-term vacancy, and the other for four years 2023–27)
Written nominations in the prescribed form must be submitted to the CIPHE Company Secretary no later than 31st January 2023 by a Voting Member, by a Branch or by the Board of Trustees. The nomination papers include the requirement to provide a short resume and a good quality photograph; a signed declaration from the nominee of his/her willingness to serve, if elected, and in respect of a Trustee appointment an acknowledgement of awareness of, and acceptance to adhere to, the role and responsibilities of Charitable Trustees.
For a nomination form, as well as information about the roles and responsibilities of trustees, please apply to:
CIPHE Company Secretary Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering 64 Station Lane Hornchurch Essex RM12 6NB
A copy of this Notice is available from Lesley Church on 01708 463115 or email lesleyc@ciphe.org.uk
“Asking somebody to consider leaving a legacy is always a sensitive issue”
The CIPHE’s new national president, Dr Henry Hung EngTech Hon FCIPHE RP, has dedicated himself to sanitary and plumbing engineering for more than 50 years.
Having served an unprecedented two consecutive years as vice president, Henry has been actively involved in the CIPHE-Hong Kong Branch for some years, serving as chairman between 1999 and 2003. He is also an Honorary Fellow of the CIPHE.
He served on the World Plumbing Council Board from 1993–2008, holding the position of vice chairman from 2001–2004. He was the conference chairman of the third World Plumbing Conference, held in Hong Kong in 1993, with around 1,500 people attending worldwide.
Henry has set out a number of goals for his presidential year, with globalisation of the CIPHE at the top of his list. Using the CIPHE-HKB as a model for new international Branches, he hopes to establish branches in Singapore, Malaysia and China to help promote the Institute’s good work.
The beginning Henry began his plumbing career at the age of 16 as an apprentice at a leading plumbing firm in Hong Kong. After three years’ training, he started working in the Waterworks Department of the HK Government as a House Service Inspector.
“It was a very challenging position, but I learned a lot about water treatment and the public water supply network,” says Henry. “After working in this position for almost 10 years, I decided to run my own plumbing firm, working on minor repairs and maintenance jobs.”
Over time his firm was engaged in major plumbing works in high-rise buildings and complex construction projects in domestic, industrial and commercial settings, such as hotels and other government projects, including hospitals and major sewage treatment plants.
Dr Henry Hung, national president of the CIPHE, discusses his role in the heating and plumbing industryDr Hung with Kevin Wellman, CIPHE CEO
Henry believes that business management in plumbing is vital, which is why he decided to complete a Doctorate Degree in Business Management (DBA) at Newcastle University in Australia in 2015.
“Business management is important to all kinds of businesses, including plumbing,” asserts Henry. “Although employers and the Institution may have different goals, it is important that we (CIPHE) set a common direction to achieve our goals according to our objectives.”
Henry says that the main issues in the Hong Kong plumbing industry is the shortage of professional plumbing engineers and skilful technicians. He attributes the lack of numbers in the sector to the perception that working in the industry is a low-level profession.
“The SARS pandemic occurred in 2003, which proved fatal to human lives, and substandard plumbing was one of the main causes of the outbreak,” points out Henry. “The public now realise the importance of good plumbing, but the
government don’t put enough resources in place to train competent plumbers.
“As the CIPHE has been perceived as a reputable body by the public for over a century, I hope we can disseminate the message not only within UK, but to other parts of the world. CIPHE-HKB is a very good example where there are more than 1,500 members. As I am elected as the national president, I wish to share the good work and knowledge of the CIPHE with other developing countries in East Asia. The CIPHE design guide is a very useful tool to set guidelines for plumbing professionals, so I suggest this guide be translated into different languages.
“I hope that in the future the CIPHE will be positioned as a professional body that will help ensure safe plumbing all over the world. This is what makes me proud to be a plumbing professional.”
For details of CPD, events and to register with the Engineering Council from Hong Kong, contact info@ciphe.org.hk
FIND OUT MORE… …about what’s happening at CIPHE-HKB – visit ciphe.org.hk
“I wish to share the good work and knowledge of the CIPHE with other developing countries”
“The public have realised the importance of good plumbing”
Dr Hung at the CIPHE Annual General Meeting
Hearing loss is generally viewed as an inevitable part of growing older, but with noise at work a significant contributor to auditory deterioration, it’s important tradespeople protect their ears.
According to the Building Safety Group (BSG), around 17,000 people in the UK su er deafness, ringing in the ears, or other ear conditions caused by excessive noise at work. In fact, noise-induced hearing loss is the second most common reason for employers’ liabilities claims for Occupational Health. Noise can also be a serious safety hazard at work, interfering with communication and making warnings harder to hear.
Chris Chapman, technical support manager for the Building Safety Group commented: “Exposure to many di erent sources of noise on a construction site has a cumulative e ect and causes damage, even if a worker is only exposed to a single source for short periods of time.
“There is no need for hearing to be damaged – under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, employers have a duty to protect workers and take steps to reduce the risk.”
Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) can be permanent and disabling. Caused by extremely loud noises, hearing loss can get worse over time and symptoms of tinnitus (permanent ringing in the ears) may appear.
Signs that there is a problem with hearing can include di culty following conversations, family or friends complaining about the volume of the TV, or problems sleeping.
Using hearing protection and wearing it correctly is important for people working in noisy environments, particularly hearing protection zones. Hearing protection, such as earmu s and earplugs, should be provided by employers and replaced when necessary. Training should also be provided to ensure protection is being used correctly – removing it, even for a short while, could result in hearing damage.
Earmu s, for example, should totally cover the ears, fit tightly and have no gaps around the seals. It’s important to keep the seals and the insides clean and avoid stretching the headband as tension is crucial to protection.
Earplugs need to go right into the ear canal, should be fitted with clean hands, and never shared. Reusable earplugs should be cleaned regularly and stored hygienically.
Semi-inserts/canal caps are held in or across the ear canal by a band, usually plastic. Ensure there is a good seal every time they are worn and follow the same general advice as for earplugs.
According to the HSA, employers have a duty of care to protect their workers and should work on measures to reduce the risks.
If any of the following apply, employers are to be expected to be doing something about it:
✓ Is the noise intrusive – like a busy street, a vacuum cleaner or a crowded restaurant for most of the working day?
✓ Do you have to raise your voice to have a normal conversation when about 2m apart, for at least part of the day?
✓ Do you use noisy power tools or machinery for over half an hour a day?
✓ Is the type of work known to have noisy tasks, eg construction or engineering?
✓ Are there noises because of impacts, such as hammering, drop forging, pneumatic impact tools etc.?
✓ Is your hearing mu ed at the end of the day, even if it is better by the next morning?
If you have any ear or hearing trouble, it’s important to let your employer know.
Noise-induced hearing loss in the construction industry is on the increase, so it’s important to minimise the risks
“There is no need for hearing to be damaged”It is important that ear plugs are used correctly Employers are obligated to make sure their employees’ hearing is protected
