Oil Installer Autumn 2011 by A&D Publishing

Topical issues affecting the industry today in association with

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Tank installation Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; questions ErPD legislation

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Editorial

Contents

Oil – more efﬁciency, less expense

4-10/Industry News

he rising cost of all fuels has meant that households are now spending a higher proportion of their incomes on heating than ever before. As we near the start of the heating season, many consumers may be thinking about how they can make their heating systems more efﬁcient and less expensive to run.

Save up to 18% on fuel bills Regular servicing and maintenance are essential to make sure everything is running as efficiently as possible. Older inefficient boilers could be costing their owners more to run; newer high efficiency condensing boilers can save around 18% on fuel bills.

11/Irish News

12-16/Boiler News

18-19/Tank Installation

20-21 24-26/Tank Review Greener heating options Whilst householders are much more aware of renewable technologies, with money tight, many may be unable or unwilling to invest in expensive green alternatives. OFTEC is lobbying government to include bio-liquids for heating in the next round of Renewable Heat Incentive announcements. Existing oil ﬁred systems can be converted at very low cost to run on bio-liquids, giving consumers access to green heating options without the expensive capital outlay of a totally new heating system.

27/ Hot Technical Topics

28-30/ Readers’ Questions A 28% lower carbon footprint than traditional kerosene The new bio-liquid will have a 28% lower carbon footprint than traditional kerosene. Backed by bioliquid heating in the winter, the house of the future could use solar panels for free hot water during the summer. For many current and new oil heating customers, this could provide an environmentally friendly and cost effective solution

Best wishes,

31-33/Training

34-39/Products & Services

40-41/Renewables

42/Legal News Jeremy Hawksley

Credits Ashley & Dumville Publishing Ltd Caledonian House, Tatton Street, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 9AB 6AG Tel: +44 (0)1565 653283; Fax: +44 (0)1565 755607 mail@andpublishing.co.uk The publishers gratefully acknowledge the support of those ﬁrms whose advertisements appear throughout this publication. As a reciprocal gesture we have pleasure in drawing the attention of our readers to their announcements. It is necessary however for it to be made clear that, whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication and the statements it contains, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, or the products or services advertised. Printed by Pelican Press, Manchester Tel: 0161 273 3434

Advertising Publishing manager: Jonathan Hibbert Media pack on request jonathan@oilinstaller.co.uk

News Desk Editor: Jane Hughes jane@oilinstaller.co.uk Autumn 2011 Volume 5 No 3 ISSN 1755-3490 Oil Installer Autumn 2011 | 3

Industry News - campaigns, consultations and an exhibition

The fight for bio-liquids The use of a bio-liquid for oil heating has moved a step closer, following the announcement that a provisional fuel specification for a bio-liquid blend has been published The new B30K fuel will be a mix of 30% FAME bio-fuel and 70% kerosene, and can be used on existing oil heating appliances with very few system modifications. It is estimated that carbon emissions from the B30K fuel will be 28% lower than those from traditional heating oil. The provisional specification for this fuel is now available from OFTEC, and is called prOPS24.

“The government has indicated that bio-liquid fuels will receive support through the RHI”

has agreed to launch a campaign with ministers, MPs and the national media to ensure that bio-liquids do receive RHI support. Public affairs consultancy, Luther Pendragon, has been recruited to co-ordinate this campaign; they have already worked on campaigns for other heating organisations including HHIC. OFTEC members are being asked to contact their MP by letter or email to promote the new fuel. The board considers that there is a very short time in which to achieve RHI support and so this work is essential if the long-term future of the oil/liquid fuel heating and cooking sector is to be secured.

The Renewable Heat Premium Payment Bio-liquid trials - organised by a task force headed up by OFTEC and the University of East Anglia - took place in Norfolk last year. Around 25 domestic and commercial properties were converted to run on several different blends of bio-liquid and kerosene, with very positive results. Campaigning and consulting Now that a provisional standard has been agreed, oil companies, distributors and government will be consulted on how to make the

“this work is essential if the long-term future of the oil/liquid fuel heating and cooking sector is to be secured” fuel commercially available at the right price for consumers. The government has indicated that bio-liquid fuels - such as pr OFS24 – probably will receive support through the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) after October 2012. Because of the possibility of political opposition to this funding from NGO’s, the OFTEC board

Property sector urges compulsory DECs Some of the UK property sector’s biggest names have sent an open letter to the government urging for the inclusion of compulsory Display Energy Certiﬁcates (DECs) within the Energy Bill 4 | Oil Installer Autumn 2011

Last month, the Department of Energy and Climate Change released details of the Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP). Under RHPP, off-grid consumers can claim £1250 towards a ground source heat pump, £950 (biomass boiler) and £850 (air source heat pump) from a £15 million fund. Plus a £300 voucher towards solar thermal can be claimed by both on/off grid consumers. Worcester, Bosch Group and Plumb Center were quick to welcome the announcement which could result in up to 25,000 installations. Commenting on the scheme, which started on 1st August, Simon Allan, director of renewables, Plumb Center, said: “This is traditionally a quieter time for installers so it will bring them a much needed boost at a time when businesses across the board are being affected by the economic downturn.” “This is excellent news,” said Neil Schoﬁeld, head of external and governmental affairs at Worcester, Bosch Group, although sounding a note of caution with timings. “RHPP will be cut off in March 2012, which means that until October, when the Renewable Heat Incentive tariff payments start, there will be no incentive for consumers to install renewable technologies.”

The letter calls for the Energy Bill to be used to legislate on DECs, which provide an A-G energy efﬁciency rating for buildings. The certiﬁcates are currently mandatory for public sector buildings, but are not compulsory in the private sector. The letter, initiated by the British Property Federation and the UK Green Building Council argues that without legislation, private property owners could be disadvantaged by opting to display their energy rating.

“if you don’t know how much energy you are using, you can’t manage it”

Paul King, chief executive of the UK Green Building Council, said: “It’s very simple – if you don’t know how much energy you are using, you can’t manage it. We’ve simply no idea how our buildings up and down the country are actually performing, so mandatory A-G ratings are the crucial ﬁrst step in helping businesses understand and reduce their energy use. “Government needs to listen to the property industry – this is something that will cut carbon, cut energy bills and create new market opportunities in green technologies.” Page 9 - Jeremy Hawksley addresses the Energy-related Products Directive (ErPD) legislation.

Industry News - installation, pollution and inspection

Tank installation – a reader’s comment An article entitled Victim tells of oil theft shock appeared on page 6 of the summer issue of Oil Installer. Oil Installer was pleased to hear from OFTEC registered technician, Mr R. Barnard who emailed the following comment: Regarding the oil theft article in the latest issue of Oil Installer, I’m amazed that the incorrect concrete base and timber sleepers directly supporting the tank were not dealt with in your article especially as combustible material was also stored below the tank. Your article could have provided some much needed educational material which is obviously lacking in our industry going by installations I come across all too often, many of which are by OFTEC registered tank installers. For The good, the bad and the downright shocking in tank installation, please turn to page 18 and 19. Oil Installer welcomes comment on this subject, please email jane@oilinstaller.co.uk.

Oil pollution incidents “stabilise” Environment Agency (EA) data for 2010 shows the number of oil pollution incidents in England and Wales has stopped falling and has stabilised over the last three years. The yearly average number of oil incidents over the last decade is almost 2000 per year lower than the previous 10 years. Improved standards of oil storage and a better understanding of the risks oil can pose to the environment if it isn’t stored safely, have helped, says EA. “It’s a great reduction in incident numbers, but the current rate of around 3000 incidents per year is still more than eight oil pollution incidents every day of the year,” says an EA spokesman. “After eight years of falling incident numbers, we need to work closely with the oil industry to help their customers make sure the numbers start to fall again if we’re going to improve the water environment and the reputation of the oil industry.” Free oil safety guidance publications are available from www.publications.environmentagency.gov.uk 6 | Oil Installer Autumn 2011

Inspections reminder

OFTEC’s inspections manager, Adrian Lightwood is urging technicians not to cancel inspection appointments

OFTEC is reminding technicians not to cancel inspection appointments unless absolutely necessary. Adrian Lightwood, OFTEC’s registration and inspection services manager, said: “Technicians that persistently evade inspection will be charged for cancelled appointments and face either increased surveillance or suspension from the OFTEC competent persons scheme.” Under normal circumstances, registered technicians can expect to have their work inspected at least once during a typical ﬁve year registration period. Inspection could be more frequent if the need arises – e.g. reports of non-compliance. Technicians who are new to OFTEC, or who are rejoining after a break of six months or more, will receive a business audit from their regional inspector. If an inspection appointment needs to be changed, technicians should contact their OFTEC regional inspector directly to reschedule.

Alan takes on IDHEE presidency Alan Black - technical consultant with Gnosis Consultancy Services, and formally technical director of OFTEC – took up the presidency of the Institute of Domestic Heating and Environmental Engineers (IDHEE) in August. Previously, Alan was vice-president of IDHEE, of which he is also a fellow. The IDHEE is an independent, non-profit making professional body, founded in 1964 for the domestic heating industry. It aims to promote energy efficient domestic central heating components and the installation of safe and efficient systems, and is dedicated to raising standards and comfort without detriment to the environment. See also pages 29 and 31. www.idhee.org.uk

Alan Black, dedicated to raising standards

Committing to the future

Year-on-year rise in heating oil thefts New research, commissioned by Derbyshirebased fuel tank supplier, TankDepot.co.uk, reveals that reported instances of heating oil thefts increased by more than 4% during 2010 The research was undertaken for TankDepot.co.uk by independent heating oil industry consultants, J Switzer Associates. Every police force in the UK was contacted under the Freedom of Information Act, and requested to disclose the number of reported heating oil thefts in their area during 2009 and 2010. Responses were received from 33 forces across the country, revealing the number of reported incidents increased by 4.33%, to 2,407, during 2010. The Devon and Cornwall police force received the largest number of reported heating oil thefts of any UK region during 2010, with 836 – a decrease of 123 compared with 2009. Northern Ireland, which has the highest prevalence of oil heating in the UK, reported the second highest number of thefts, with 727 occurrences during 2010 – an increase of 11.14% on the previous year. The survey shows that nationally, the picture is mixed. A number of forces, primarily in urban areas, reported zero incidents of fuel and heating oil theft during 2010, whilst in eight police areas, the number of thefts actually fell. Commenting upon the ﬁndings, Steve Beech, TankDepot.co.uk’s technical director, said: “It’s important to put these ﬁgures into context. Even in somewhere such as Northern Ireland, which has a relatively high number of reported heating oil thefts, such incidents represent less than 1% of total reported crimes. And, of course, in many parts of Great Britain, fuel and heating oil thefts either remained stable or fell. “Fuel tank manufacturers and oil equipment suppliers have been quick to respond to increased reports of fuel oil thefts and there’s a wide range of locking devices and alarms now available,” adds Steve. “Retail prices for lockable oil tank caps, typically start from as little as £18 including VAT - or around 99% less than the cost of replacing the contents of a typical 2500 litre capacity domestic oil tank. “Oil tank alarms, which are becoming increasingly popular at domestic oil storage installations, now start from as little as £24, inclusive of VAT.” www.tankdepot.co.uk

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TankDepot.co.uk has launched a new website. “Our original website went live in 2006 and since then, we’ve revolutionised how Britons buy oil tanks,” said Steve Beech. “Our range includes more than 300 different tank models, with a comprehensive choice of fuel storage and oil line accessories from major oil equipment manufacturers. Working closely with leading manufacturers, we offer a direct to site delivery service to addresses throughout mainland Great Britain, with many products available to customers in Northern Ireland too.”

Autumn 2011 Oil Installer | 7

Industry News - cutting costs and raising efﬁciency

Preparing for winter – ahead of price hikes

Getting together to cut costs

With analysts predicting that the cost of heating our homes is set to rise dramatically, OFTEC has been advising oil consumers to take early action to reduce winter heating bills. Rising fuel bills mean more households are facing the threat of fuel poverty. “OFTEC is urging consumers to replace very old, inefﬁcient boilers with newer condensing models which can save at least 18% on fuel bills,” said director general, Jeremy Hawksley. “The latest independent ﬁgures show the annual running costs for a condensing oil boiler, in an average three bedroom home in mainland Great Britain, to be around £1,409. This compares to £1,798 for a condensing LPG boiler.” For more advice on winter preparations, see page 27.

Members of Community Buying unlimited can now monitor and manage energy generated from heating oil at a discounted cost with PassivEnergy™

5.5 million households in fuel poverty The latest fuel poverty statistics, published last month, reveal that there were an extra one million fuel-poor households in the UK in 2009 compared with 2008. A household is said to be in fuel poverty if it needs to spend more than 10% of its income on fuel to maintain an adequate level of warmth. The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) put the ﬁgures down to price increases in gas (14%) and electricity (5%) between 2008 and 2009. The Annual Report on Fuel Poverty Statistics 2011 is available for free download at www.decc.gov.uk/uk/en/cintent/cms/statistics/fuelpov_stats_stats.aspx

Free insulation A free insulation project has given the residents of 282 homes on Middlesbrough’s Easterside housing estate some extra warmth to the value of £391,000. Dr Mark Fisher, director of Middlesbrough Environment City, a partner in the Eco-Easterside scheme, said: “We know that many homes in Middlesbrough suffer from fuel poverty but price can be a real barrier to carrying out

energy efﬁciency work. Funded by DECC, the scheme has seen the installation of cavity wall and loft insulation. The former will chop around £110 per year off the fuel bills for a three-bedroom semi-detached property whilst a further £140 a year can be saved by insulating the loft. www.menvcity.org.uk Is your local area offering any special initiatives to help with energy efﬁciency? Email jane@oilinstaller.co.uk

Community Buying unlimited buys heating oil at a discounted rate for more than 250 communities across the UK. In 2010, savings of around £80 were reputedly achieved on every thousand litres of oil purchased. Founder, Chris Pomfret, said: “When you add the savings made from managing energy better, our members will see even more signiﬁcant reductions in their bills.” PassivEnergy™ from PassivSystems is a heating and hot water control system that works according to a home’s occupancy. A user tells the system when they will be in/ active, in/asleep, out or on vacation and PassivEnergy takes care of the rest, learning about the thermal properties of a house and the performance capability of its heating system so it can control when heating comes on to reach the desired temperature. It learns how much hot water is used, how quickly the tank loses heat and controls how often it is heated. It can even track and compensate for the weather outside and iPhone users can remotely control the system from wherever they are in the world. A recent user-trial saw an average energy saving of 23% against the previous year’s energy bill, reported chief executive ofﬁcer, Colin Calder. www. reducemyheatingcosts.com

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Questions, questions, questions...

Jeremy Hawksley addresses Brussels’ ErPD legislation With so much of our UK legislation now determined by the European parliament, Oil Installer asked Jeremy Hawksley, director general of OFTEC, to address some questions on how new decrees from Brussels will affect the oil heating industry… What is going on in the European Parliament at the moment? The main thing the heating industry should be concerned about is the Energy-related Product Directive (ErPD). It was updated in 2009 and outlines the eco-requirements for energy related products. It is designed to reduce harmful emissions and help us meet Europe-wide targets of reducing carbon emissions by 20% by 2020.

high efﬁciency oil boilers are expensive to manufacture and, to date, this has not been demanded by the market. Also in the UK, we are unique in Europe in having smaller kitchen style appliances which run on kerosene rather than gas oil. This imposes extra costs whereas in Germany, for example, it’s common to have a large commercial style boiler in a basement.

Why should the heating industry be interested in the ErPD? Mainly because it will set out minimum requirements for energyusing products, including such consumer goods as boilers, water heaters, computers and televisions. It will also cover industrial energy-using products, like furnaces. Products which do not necessarily use energy, but have an impact on energy usage – eg windows and insulation - will also be included.

Will we be using the same standards as Germany and the rest of Europe? Yes - and this is one area that OFTEC has been particularly concerned about. There are two issues – nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions, and modulating burners. The EU was proposing an upper limit of 50mg per KWh which is only achievable by using a larger commercial style burner. A typical UK oil boiler probably produces around 190–210mg of NOx per KWh at the moment, so OFTEC has successfully argued that the proposed 50mg limit was unrealistic, and a new limit has been agreed of 120mg per KWh. Boiler manufacturers are conﬁdent that this is achievable.

“technicians will have to add their own installer label which will state the efficiency of the whole heating system” Will it apply to us in the UK? Yes. It will automatically take effect – probably from January 2013. But it’s likely we’ll have a transition period until 2015, by which time the UK will have to comply with the legislation. What are the main implications for oil heating? It will impose strict minimum efficiency levels of around 90% for boilers, both gas and oil. Pressure is therefore on appliance manufacturers to increase efficiencies, which are currently around 85% for most oil boilers. Manufacturers will have to state the combustion efficiency on a label affixed to the appliance. In addition, technicians will have to add their own installer label which will state the efficiency of the whole heating system. If boiler manufacturers can produce something that’s 90% efficient, why haven’t they done so before? Appliance efficiencies have improved massively over the years through the introduction of condensing technology. However, very

What about modulating burners? Domestic boilers in the UK and ROI use simple on/off burners, whereas larger commercial and industrial boilers use high/low and modulating burners. The original ErPD proposals would have meant non-modulating burners (ie domestic boilers) would be penalised by 7% in terms of efficiency scoring. So if a non-modulating boiler was 90% efficient, it would officially be classed as only 83% efficient. OFTEC commissioned research to show that modulation does not make much difference to the efficiency of a domestic oil fired boiler and, as a result, is confident that the UK and Irish governments will persuade the EU to change this requirement. Will this new legislation apply to all installations? Yes, probably from around 2015 onwards. That doesn’t give much time for the measures to influence the 2020 deadline, but it is a start, and the legislation is likely to become stricter in later years. For technicians it will provide more work, as surveyors and householders will be looking for evidence of the installer label whenever properties change hands.

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Autumn 2011 Oil Installer | 9

Industry News Annual registration now available OFTEC has launched a 12-month option for both individual and company registration, offering a ﬂexible short term alternative to the existing ﬁve-year registration.

The apprentice

Commenting on the new annual option, registration services director Jacqueline Crawford said: “OFTEC registration offers a competitive advantage for oil heating technicians who can self-certify their work and offer this as a benefit to customers. The current economic climate can put extra pressure on cash flow and resources for many businesses, and OFTEC wants to make sure we support technicians by making registration as flexible as possible.” Email registration@oftec.org Annual registration is just one of a series of initiatives which OFTEC has recently introduced. Direct debit payment options are available for both individual and business five-year registration periods. New applications can now be made online, and registrations can be renewed over the phone, with an option to pay by credit card. Qualifications obtained from OFTEC approved training centres will remain valid for five-years, as provided by UKAS accredited certification bodies. www.oftec.org

OFTEC has taken on a new apprentice, Jake Brooks, who, as part of his training, is undertaking an NVQ level 2 in business administration. Jake is working for various Plumber Paul Williamson and Malden Plumbing & Heating face charges of manslaughter and grievous departments, which will give him bodily harm after 26-year old Elouise Littlewood, died in February 2008 in a Hounslow flat she coowned with Notting Hill Housing Trust after poisonous fumes are thought to have escaped from a gas a full understanding of OFTEC and how the different departments boiler. Her lodger, Simon Kilby, suffered brain damage. interact with each other. If calling, After the prosecution asked for more time to prepare, Judge Hone warned that the delays meant the OFTEC enquiry line in the near that the case may not be heard until February next year. future, callers are quite likely to speak to Jake. The apprenticeship Calls for the retro-fitting of carbon monoxide alarms scheme is regarded as an ideal The Gas Safety Trust (GST) is lobbying the Energy Bill 2010/11 Review committee members to way for OFTEC to “give something consider the inclusion of a mandatory clause to install audible carbon monoxide alarms in 23 million retrofit properties, under the government’s proposed Green Deal. GST has appointed Luther Pendragon back” to the community by offering a local person the opportunity to as its public affairs agency to enhance and support work with parliamentarians and government train whilst working. officials. www.gas-safety-trust.org.uk

Carbon monoxide poisoning

OFTEC’s main technical group met in Dublin recently to develop guidance for technicians in measuring For more training news, see pages 31 - 33. and recording carbon monoxide.

New board for OFTEC

Members of the new OFTEC board have held their ﬁrst meeting since the election of Barry Gregory as chairman, and Martyn Bridges as vice chairman. The board’s responsibilities include overseeing OFTEC’s business strategy, and, speciﬁcally, to ensure the organisation meets the present and future needs of members and registered technicians. Two key areas are persuading the government to include bio-liquids in the Renewable Heat Incentive, and supporting technicians with new renewable training programmes. The new board members (pictured from left to right) are: John Daly (Kingspan Environmental), Barry Gregory (Riello UK), Bob Clarke (South West Peninsula Training), Martyn Bridges (Worcester Bosch), Jeremy Hawksley (OFTEC), Neil Sawers (Grant UK), Jacqueline Crawford (OFTEC) and Paul Balmer (GasTec). 10 | Oil Installer Autumn 2011

Irish News

Bio heating trial passes inspection Two properties taking part in a trial of bio-liquids in Northern Ireland have passed their second inspection with ﬂying colours. Both heating systems have been converted to run on a bio-liquid blend, consisting of 70% kerosene and 30% fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), which can be made from waste cooking oil, animal fat or rape seed. OFTEC joined forces with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) to trial a bio-liquid mix in public sector housing. The project followed successful ﬁeld trials in Norfolk last year where around 30 domestic and commercial properties were converted to run on bio-liquid blends. Demand for renewable technologies is likely to increase when the next phase of the Renewable Heat Incentive is introduced, says OFTEC, which is seeking the inclusion

of bio-liquids as the B30 mix results in carbon emissions lower than those of natural gas. If included in the RHI, this would mean ﬁnancial incentives for households converting and using the new fuel. The NIHE is trialling a bio-liquid mix in public sector housing

On show in Belfast OFTEC will be exhibiting at the Plumbing & Heating Trade Show at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast on 5th and 6th October. Staff from OFTEC Ireland will be on hand to answer queries on oil heating and cooking, and have advice on the latest regulations and industry best practice. Now in its third year, the Plumbing & Heating Trade Show continues to be the largest gathering of plumbing and heating professionals in Northern Ireland - the last two events have each attracted around 1,000 visitors from across Ireland. The show will be open from 4pm–9pm on Wednesday, 5th October, and from 9.30am–5pm on Thursday, 6th October. Admission is free and visitors can pre-register by contacting Jacqui Fairley on +44 (0)28 9261 2990 or via the website at www. plumbingmag.com. Visitors can also register on the day.

Autumn 2011 Oil Installer | 11

Boiler News

Firebird control technology the digital future has arrived Oil fired boiler specialists, Firebird, has introduced a digital control box for Riello RDB2.2 burners, used on the company’s ranges of oil condensing boilers. The device has been specially developed jointly by Firebird and Riello, exclusively for Firebird boilers - now believed to be the first oil boiler range to use digital technology for the burner control. The technically advanced control box gives greater accuracy, a speedier reaction and increased operational energy efficiency than its predecessor, with resultant fuel savings and reduced carbon emissions. Rather than maintaining a permanent electronic interface with the burner, the new controller only uses short pulses to send power to the solenoid, thus conserving electrical energy. For the first time, the control box introduces flame detection diagnostics which

continually monitor and assess flame quality, carry out frequent self-checks on the main boiler components, and ensure that the power supply is within the required limits. Self-diagnostics LED displays clearly identify the lux value of the flame to show flame quality and operating efficiency. If the burner flame becomes too blue, or if the photo-cell cannot register a flame, the control box will go to lockout mode after just three firing cycle attempts, to prevent the heat exchanger becoming contaminated with unburnt carbon deposits. In this situation, the use of the reset is limited to five times to prevent damaging components from continuous attempts and to ensure that any problem is reviewed by a qualified engineer. Digitising the control function has enabled the introduction of self-diagnostics

with sequences of flashing lights, indicating maintenance requirements. For example, in the unlikely event of the control box preventing the burner from firing, the sequence of lights will identify the remedial action required by the installer. Barry Brynildsen, Firebird’s national sales manager, comments: “We are delighted to have worked with Riello’s engineers in developing this latest control technology. The diagnostic feature built in to the new control box will be of special benefit to installers in identifying maintenance requirements, quickly and efficiently.” To coincide with the launch of the new digital control box, Firebird has now completed its national network of regional training centres, adding five new centres to the company’s existing Ivybridge, near Plymouth, and Kingsbury, near Birmingham, facilities.

l-r: Adrian Thompson (regional sales manager, Firebird), Barry Brynildsen (national sales manager, Firebird) and Brendan Twomey (training manager, Firebird) Jane Hughes (editor, Oil Installer), Jeffrey Watterson (managing director, NGST), Allan Dockray (Assessment Centre manager)

12 | Oil Installer Autumn 2011

The importance of training The new centres - at Norwich, Leeds, Newcastle-uponTyne, Hastings and Wootton Bassett - have been set up in conjunction with selected independent training facilities where Firebird boilers are used as an integral part of their own training. Specific Firebird courses have been designed to complement existing courses to provide hands-on diagnostics and commissioning elements, in addition to product familiarisation and installation training. Barry Brynildsen continues: “We believe totally in the importance of training. However, we appreciate that installers are busy people and may find it difficult to spare the time to travel long distances to get to a manufacturer’s premises. Offering a national network of high-quality facilities must be better for those wishing to attend training courses, so we have done just that and expect to be able to run a considerably higher number of courses throughout the year as a result.” Maximum boiler protection Firebird has also launched ‘the Bluefin 5 Year Boilerguard Warranty’ - a new free warranty offered to installers on the company’s Enviromax combi boiler range when purchased up to December 31st, 2011. The warranty application form is enclosed with the boiler and is also available, on the company’s website: www.firebirduk.co.uk

Boiler News Rayburn sets the benchmark for oil-fired efficiency Installers are being awarded up to £500 cashback when they install one of Rayburn’s Heatranger 600 series of oil-fired central heating range cookers, under the Heating & Hot Water Industry’s Benchmark scheme. Rayburn’s 600 series is the only range of oil-fired appliances in the UK to be backed by the scheme. Installed under the scheme, a Rayburn 600 will enjoy an extended five-year guarantee from Rayburn. The Benchmark scheme is nationally recognised and places responsibility on both manufacturers and installers to ensure best practice in installation, commissioning and servicing of domestic heating and hot water products, in line with building regulations and the Benchmark code of practice. Eilleen Slattery, Rayburn’s marketing director, said: “The Benchmark scheme means that owners of the newest generation of Rayburn can be assured of that quality from manufacture, right down to installation and commissioning.”

Rayburn – more than happy to reward installers with ‘this very generous cash back offer’

The Rayburn Guild needs you! The Rayburn Guild, a nationwide network of authorised dealers and independent engineers committed to providing a first class installation and after sales service, is on the hunt for new members to join its ranks. To find out more on becoming a member, contact Dave Griffiths at Rayburn on 01952 642062. www.rayburn-web.co.uk

Heating engineers and installers wanted to help fuﬁll demand, particularly in Scotland and Wales

A slimline solution as a replacement combi Nantwich based Stevens Heating Limited has recently completed the installation of one of Firebird’s very latest Enviromax slimline combi oilﬁred boilers in a two-bedroom bungalow in Audlem near Crewe. Installer, Tim Stevens, was impressed with its quality, especially its quiet operation, emission dispersal and its design features which make for ease of installation. The new condensing boiler is a 20kW output model, providing

domestic hot water and heating to the eight radiators in the system, and replaces a 30-year old boiler. The installation included new part L compliant controls, although retained the existing radiators which were in good working order. The Firebird Enviromax Slimline Combi is just 520mm wide and is a SEDBUK A-rated oil condensing boiler, ideally suited as a replacement for an existing standard efﬁciency combi. It has a slender storage tank which delivers excellent

We always recommend Firebird for our oil boiler installations because they’re well built, reliable and simple to install Tim Stevens 14 | Oil Installer Autumn 2011

hot water performance with the minimum of energy losses and has a fast recovery rate. It allows for multi-directional fluing, giving the installer every possible retrofit option. It also comes with a 7 pin plug to make the task of wiring to mains power and heating controls as simple as possible. “All Firebird boilers are designed to provide high efficiency and to be easy to install,” says Firebird’s Barry Brynildsen. “Our range continues to be expanded and developed with the latest technological advances. We believe that we will continue to increase our market share because of the quality and performance of the Firebird range.”

Mistral upgrade boiler range Combi, system and utility HE condensing boilers from Telfordbased Mistral Boilers Ltd, have been upgraded to include newlook, easy-clean white control panels. To speed up installation time, Mistral boilers have also been upgraded to provide for easier pipe connection. Combi models now include a factory fitted integral filling loop, and all models are supplied with a quick fit high temperature flexible condenser to drain trap hose. Mistral oil boilers are available with outputs from 15 - 70 KW. www.mistralboilers.com

Boiler News Investing in renewable energy A Rayburn Heatranger 680KCD - the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ rst A-rated condensing oil-ďŹ red central heating range cooker - and an AGA Rayburn solar hot water system, have been installed at a newly refurbished country home in Upton on Severn, Worcestershire. The Heatranger powers the central heating and supports the solar hot water system when needed. The solar hot water system comprises two AGA Rayburn evacuated tube solar collectors and a 300 litre hot water cylinder. With efďŹ ciencies of over 92%, and a central heating and hot water output of 24kW, the Heatranger offers a cost-effective option for energy conscious, off-grid households. The model features the largest rectangular cast-iron hot plate on the market and two large ovens, whilst the condensing boiler can power up to 20 radiators and deliver copious amounts of domestic hot water. AGA Rangemaster, owner of the Rayburn brand, recently launched both solar hot water and solar electric systems. The company has already invested ÂŁ10 million in research to ensure that its famous cast-iron appliances powered by oil, gas or electricity, are able to play their part in using renewable energy.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newly launched Renewable Heat Incentive means more and more people will choose to install renewable energy systems, like solar hot water,â&#x20AC;? reports marketing director, Eileen Slattery. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the RHI, it now makes ďŹ nancial, as well as environmental, sense.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Enjoy the ďŹ nest cast-iron cooking along with an incredibly energy efďŹ cient boiler,â&#x20AC;? says Eileen Slattery. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Enjoy the ďŹ nest cast-iron cooking along with an incredibly energy efďŹ cient boiler,â&#x20AC;? says Eileen Slattery

AGA offers Total Controlâ&#x20AC;Ś A classic AGA range, but one which can be turned on and offâ&#x20AC;Ś this is what AGA are calling its recently launched Total Control cooker. From the outside, AGA Total Control looks exactly like a traditional AGA cooker. But underneath its cast-iron exterior lies a stateof-the-art touchscreen control panel, from which each of the three ovens and two hotplates can be operated independently, or together. Designed to appeal to a new generation of enthusiasts - those who are at work all day, but want an AGA kitchen, and appreciate both the design and cooking values for which the AGA is famous.

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Tank Installation What 2000 litres of kerosene can do to a farmer’s ﬁeld

The good, the bad… and the downright shocking! Horror stories abound in the world of domestic tank installation, despite stringent rules, regulations, laws – and carefully considered advice from OFTEC “It is our experience that oil tanks do provoke a lot of debate amongst installers and consumers,” says Paul Rose, OFTEC’s technical manager. “This is because of their size, cost, visual impact, and requirements of the building regulations.” But rather than listing his own experiences of “dodgy” tank installations, Paul says he would prefer to leave that to others and concentrate on the ways things should be done… According to Paul, it is considered very unlikely that a fire will originate at an oil storage tank. However, the stored fuel needs to be protected from a fire or heat source that originates nearby. This can be achieved by either separation from the hazard or by using a physical barrier between the tank and the hazard. For domestic tanks, up to 3500 litres capacity, a minimum separation distance should be 760mm from a boundary hedge or fence, and 1.8 metres from a door or window. Where a site will not allow these separation distances, the erection of a fire break should be considered, which would typically take the form of a brick or block wall extending 300mm higher and wider than the tank on both ends. This would 18 | Oil Installer Autumn 2011

protect the tank from radiated heat from a nearby fire. Modern fire rated materials can also be used so long as they are fire rated to a minimum 30 minutes. “Heating oil installations need not present a risk to the environment if basic rules are complied with,” continues Paul, who stresses the importance of: - specifying and correctly installing a bunded tank if there are water hazards on or near the site; - monitoring the contents regularly and ordering the correct amount of fuel to avoid overfilling; - regularly inspecting the tank and fittings for signs of leakage, damage or deterioration. The key to reliability… “It is our experience that oil stores are the typically neglected aspects of an installation,” he continues. “As the industry moves forward and bio-liquids start to enter the supply chain, oil tank husbandry will play a key part in maintaining the reliability of oil

appliances. Oil storage tanks and oil supply pipes should be inspected at least annually for general condition, oil ﬁlters should be changed, water extracted from the tank, and joints inspected for leaks.” Paul advises that a tank should be riskassessed, using the OFTEC form TI/133, every time a technician goes on site. “Whilst we all loath paperwork,” he says, “Pollution incidents can involve signiﬁcant cleanup costs, and it’s not unheard of for a consumer to try to pass off a spill as being the fault of the last technician who did not inform them of the tank’s condition.” In this event, says Paul, a copy of the TI/133 will be all that the technician has to defend his/her position. “Regarding the cowboy installer, we do hear of this going on, and I think that the horror stories and their accompanying photographs featured in this Oil Installer article will portray the shocking truth. “Readers should also be aware that we are hearing increased cases where house sales are being delayed due to the lack of installation and commissioning reports being left on site.” To ensure a balanced article on poor tank installation, without undue drama or exaggeration, Oil Installer contacted several

This, in my opinion, would substantially reduce the number of non-compliant new installations, and in turn, result in less potential environmental issues.”

highly-regarded installation specialists. The first was the Rix Group of companies whose Tank Division stocks around 250 models of plastic and steel fuel tanks with capacities up to 50,000 litres, and all with bunding options. The company’s installation engineers deliver around 1000 units each year. And, like most reputable installation companies, Rix only employs OFTEC qualified engineers. In breach of regulations… On behalf of Oil Installer, Rix director, Rory Clarke, spoke to David Barnacle, service manager of Rix Heating Services Ltd (Scotland), based in Montrose. And it wasn’t long before proof of poor tank installations came flooding in. “It seems someone out there is still happy to fill very dodgy tanks, and to install replacements in breach of the regulations!” said Rory.

Not the safest tank installation in the world as discovered by Rix

Undeniable evidence of shocking installations included photographs of tanks balancing on uneven and rickety columns of concrete blocks; tanks which were tied to the nearest wall by string so they wouldn’t topple over; and tanks with obvious punctures which had been poorly patched up. With the photographs came a comment from David Barnacle who had been asked to quote for the replacement of the tank tied up with string…: “I would only install a new tank if it was installed on to a new level fully supporting base,” he said. “I quoted, but the quotation was not accepted. And, as it happens, I called past a couple of weeks ago – and, hey presto! - a new tank had been installed on to the existing base… and still tied to the wall!”

The leaning tower of Pisa – discovered by A1 Tank Services

Other horror stories came from John Marshall at A1 Tank Services in North Yorkshire, whose installation teams and surveyors are all OFTEC OFT600A qualified to ensure that all work carried out meets OFTEC and British Regulations standards. “At A1 Tank Services Ltd we have noticed an increase over recent years in the number of tanks requiring re-siting or replacing due to poor installation or incorrect specification,” John told Oil Installer. “This is mainly due to customers carrying out ‘self installations’ or using cowboy installers - and the fact that customers can purchase any model they want from warehouses or websites. This normally encourages them – and the cowboy installer - to purchase on price rather than capacity or required specification to suit their own individual site… hence the high number of installations not meeting current regulations.” John continued: “One worrying point is that, at some point, a serious environmental incident will occur, and then who will be to blame? The householder or cowboy installer who did a shabby job, or the poor oil company who filled the tank, trying to keep the customer and their family warm?” A1 Tank Services insists that all sites are visited for a full risk assessment prior to giving cost quotations. As a result, during the past year, 96% of all tanks supplied and installed by the company have been bunded. However, John has a suggestion for OFTEC… “One idea we would propose is for OFTEC to work more closely with all the oil tank suppliers in order to introduce a system whereby only OFTEC-registered engineers are able to purchase oil storage tanks.

Significant pollution… Ian Hodge, managing director of Prestonbased Complete Tank Services, has his own long list of examples of how much mess and disruption a split or leaky tank can make. “Two particular examples come to mind,” he says. “In January 2010 there was a loss of around 2000 litres of kerosene from a corroded underground copper oil line that entirely drained the tank. It went under a garden and resurfaced in a nearby farmer’s field - causing severe scorching to the grass. It was also unsafe to allow the sheep in the field until all the kerosene had been scraped from the surface.”

A major clean-up operation for Complete Tank Services after 2700 litres of kerosene leaked

Ian also cited an incident which his company was called in to rectify. A 2700 litre tank had been dug into a hillside and soil touching the tank had caused it to corrode. Oil drained from the tank, travelled under the house, causing fumes in the property. The leak also caused signiﬁcant pollution to a surface stream approximately 100ft away. “In all, the work took three months to complete – and three months of disruption for the householder!” says Ian. Ending on a more positive note, OFTEC’s Paul Rose reports that there is an increasing number of home owners and commercial oil users who regularly request details of OFTEC registered technicians for tank installation services. “In our experience, people are more comfortable to engage a technician who has been trained and assessed to an industry standard and registered with OFTEC. In this situation, the person ordering the work has some recourse in the unlikely event that something goes wrong,” he says. Autumn 2011 Oil Installer | 19

2011 Tank Review

Enhanced selection

New range

Atlas Tanks has introduced four new products to its range of bunded tanks. The vertical bunded range has three new models - 1300, 2300 and 3500 litre capacity tanks. A new 1400 litre bunded slimline tank is also available. Being only 650mm wide, at its widest point, the new tank is designed to suit most installations where only a smaller slimline tank would ďŹ t. All the new products are supplied as standard with spillstop overďŹ ll prevention, WatchmanSonic and a ďŹ ttings kit, in accordance with OFTEC guidelines. www.atlastanks.co.uk

Carbery Plastics has launched its new, bunded Fuel Station range. According to group sales manager, GearĂłid Buckley: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fuel is fast becoming the largest expense for most businesses, and every company needs to ensure that its fuel investment is secure - our Fuel Stations offer this peace of mind.â&#x20AC;? The Fuel Station is regulatory compliant and comes with a weather-proof lockable cabinet, which houses the pump, hose, ďŹ lter and nozzle, a light for safety and security, and a bunded alarm. It is also equipped with a 10 micron ďŹ lter to ensure that fuel stays clean, efďŹ cient and effective. www.carberyplastics.com

If your company is launching new tanks and/or tank equipment later this year email details to jane@oilinstaller.co.uk

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20 | Oil Installer Autumn 2011

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Green, Greener, Greenstar. The Worcester Greenstar oil-fired range is one of the best selling ranges in the country, backed by the best training, service and parts organisation in the sector. With such reliable and renowned names as the Greenstar Heatslave and Greenstar Camray, Worcester can cater for every need, offering a total of twenty six models ranging from floor-standing and wall hung, combi, system and regular models including nine external appliances. To find out more, call 0844 892 3366 or visit our website.

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2011 Tank Review

New Firecheck tank Envirostore’s NEW Firecheck tank combines the strength and security of steel with the practicality of a plastic inner tank and the protection of a 30 minute fire-rated material. The tank is both weatherproof and secure. With an 805mm diameter, the 1000 litre tank has been designed with the domestic market in mind and comes fully fitted with a lockable lid. A fittings kit is included as standard, as is an Apollo visual contents gauge and an overfill prevention valve. www.envirostoreuk.com

Diesel slims down Following the success of Harlequin’s Slimline oil tank range, the company has designed a range of Slimline fuel stations, available in 1300 and 2500 litre capacities. As well as incorporating slimmer frame designs, the Slimline fuel stations also beneﬁt from cutting edge fuel management technology and high speciﬁcation security features. Managing director, Brian McCann says: “Harlequin prides itself on placing environmental responsibility at the heart of its design process, whilst also striving to create the most modern tank aesthetics on the market.” www.harlequinplastics.co.uk

Slimming tips from Harlequin

24 | Oil Installer Autumn 2011

Tank honours “With security top of the list of most peoples’ priorities, our steel tanks have gauges and ﬁttings underneath a lockable housing,” reports Wendi Whittle, J Seed’s sales manager. “This means the gauge can be seen but not tampered with.” J Seed shared a winning stand with one of its customers at this summer’s Cheshire show; Envirocare, a Sandbach-based supplier of steel and plastic septic tanks for the water treatment industry. www.jseed.co.uk

Wendi with the best stand trophy, Richard Grifﬁths, Envirocare and Matt Crawshaw, Condor Environmental Products. Photographer: Richard Marsh, Envirostore, which was also present

Industry News - xxx

Responding to increasing costs and theft According to Kingspan Environmental’s brand director Philip Browne: “The recent surge in oil thefts is one of the reasons the company developed the Watchman Alarm. A dramatic drop in oil triggers an audible alarm alerting the home owner to a supply problem. Working closely with partners led to the development of the SonicSignalman, a one-part device that uses ultrasonic and GSM technology to remotely monitor the oil level in a tank. This allows oil companies to plan routes and make replenishment decisions.” www.sensor-systems.com

Protecting fuel – the Watchman Alarm from Kingspan

Preventative maintenance Oil Tank Supplies (OTS) has launched OTS Tankcare, a support service equipped to provide technical advice and carry out preventative maintenance for fuel oil storage facilities. “The basic service comprises a site visit and inspection of the client’s storage tank,” explains OTS support manager, Darrin Francis. “This covers fuel sampling, analysis and a tank status report for a ﬁxed fee of £85 plus VAT.” The company’s BioTank uses innovative technology to dewater and cleanse fuel and prevent microbial contamination. The design incorporates pipework and an integral pump, which re-circulates the wetstock periodically through a series of ﬁlters and a UV treatment process to kill bacteria. www.oiltanksupplies.com

Some things get better with age. Harlequin Oil Tanks... ... 30 Years in the making. Harlequin. Tried. Tested. Trusted. For more information on Harlequin products, or to view the full range, visit www.harlequinplastics.co.uk

TankCare, the new service from OTS

HARLEQUIN OIL TANKS from Clarehill Plastics Limited 21 Clarehill Road Moira County Armagh Northern Ireland BT67 0PB E: info@clarehill.com W: www.harlequinplastics.co.uk

Autumn 2011 Oil Installer | 25

2011 Tank Review

Sludge outlet Reliability and integrity Platinum Tanks launched its new V1360 and V2500 fuel stations with unique sludge outlet and twin ﬁlter system this year. The company manufactures a range of products, including bunded and single skin oil tanks and domestic attic storage tanks. Managing director, Patrick Cassidy, told Oil Installer: “ We’re currently expanding our business with new, larger premises. A third rotational moulding machine has just arrived, which will further increase our manufacturing capacity. ” The company, which is an OFTEC member, has also been accredited with the Moody International standard. www.platinum-tanks.net

Steel tanks

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26 | Oil Installer Autumn 2011

“At QSS we’re aware of the growing oil theft problem and have taken steps to ensure that every product we make is fully lockable. Individual products are scrutinised and our high level of quality control ensures very few problems arise from our portfolio of oil and diesel storage tanks,” says Rob Ward, managing director. Rising fuel and polymer costs plus the destruction of margin are tough issues facing the industry says Rob: “The biggest, single problem today is product failure by well-known brands.” www.qsstanks.co.uk

Reliable, safe, secure “With the uncertain cost of oil, consumers want to be sure that their oil tanks are reliable, safe and secure - 3C Trading’s tanks are just that,” comments project manager, John Spencer. 3C Trading boasts a full range of bunded oil storage tanks and fuel dispensing systems. www.3c-trading.co.uk is the company’s newly launched website which provides information on its tanks as well as keeping installers up-to-date on the latest news and developments.

3C Trading’s 2400 bunded fuel centre

Hot Technical Topics

Getting ready for winter Sound appliance installation and wellmaintained oil storage and supply can help ensure equipment reliability during the peak demands of the heating season. OFTEC’s technical department is already receiving calls from technicians and consumers seeking advice on how to maintain the reliability of oil-ﬁred equipment in light of the severe conditions experienced last winter. Below, we look at some of the most frequent topics. Frozen condensate Condensate terminations should be made within the heated envelope of the building by connecting into an internal waste pipe. If this is not possible – perhaps if the appliance is an external one – it is important to ensure that any external pipe work is at least 32mm diameter and less than 3m long. Ensure that appropriate external condensate routes and terminal locations are not exposed to severe wind chill and consider using trace heating for pipe work runs in very exposed locations.

For further information, refer to the HHIC website at www.centralheating.co.uk/ checklists/frozen-condensate-pipes. Frozen oil lines Oil and water are certainly not a good combination in a tank come winter time. Although kerosene does not start to wax until well below 0°C, any water present is likely to be drawn downstream; once in the oil line it can freeze, expand and stop the ﬂow of oil. Storage tanks should be checked for water on service visits to avoid appliance downtime due to fuel starvation. A water ﬁnding paste offers a quick and simple visual means to identify if water is present. Dipped into the tank on a suitable probe, the paste changes colour on contact with water. For a small volume of water or condensate, a water hog - available in four different sizes - provides a straightforward method of removal. When lowered into the tank, the water hog will absorb any water before it is removed via the retrieval line.

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Larger quantities of water can be removed with the use of a water extraction pump and disposed of appropriately. Water ﬁnding paste and water hogs are both available at www.oftecdirect.com along with a number of other products for the maintenance of oil storage tanks. Oil prices It is worth encouraging customers to purchase fuel ahead of the winter months when it is traditionally cheaper. The minimum fuel delivery is now 500 litres to satisfy weights and measures regulations.

Providing your customers with a copy of the above OFTEC guide will ensure they are aware that regular servicing is needed to reduce a heating system’s running costs. You can download a PDF of the guide to give to customers at www.oftec.org/easy_guides.asp or, to purchase hard copies contact OFTEC on 0845 65 85 080.

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WWW.TANKDEPOT.CO.UK Autumn 2011 Oil Installer | 27

Readers’ Questions

Is today’s kero causing boiler problems? A Sussex-based installer is convinced that modern-day kerosene is causing boiler problems because it does not burn as brightly as traditional fuels

Sulphur occurs naturally in crude oil. In January 2008, fuel sulphur was reduced in all off-road fuels, including kerosene. One method widely used to remove the sulphur is ‘hydrotreat’, a catalytic chemical process which extracts the sulphur as hydrogen sulphide gas (H2S) or bad egg gas. This gas is then converted into byproduct elemental sulphur or sulphuric acid. With this additional process, the production of lower sulphur kerosene involves a higher manufacturing cost. Kenny Ireland – a self-employed, OFTECregistered service engineer – has had to resort to adjusting the position of boiler flame sensors, in order to retain ignition, because of what he perceives as reduced luminosity. The problem first hit Kenny last year when he was called out to service a Trianco 100/15 oil boiler. “The boiler was only four years old,” says Kenny. “I was called out to service it and to find out why it kept going to re-set lock-out for no apparent reason. Sometimes it would run for up to four hours, and other times it would run for three days.

Flame sensor position “After changing the obvious things and checking pump pressures, I concluded the only way to solve the problem was to modify the position of the flame sensor. I believe that the sensor was not picking up the light of the flame, as the kerosene now being used does not burn as brightly – i.e. reduced luminosity.” Since then, Kenny has come up against the dilemma several more times and, falling back on his experience, has used to same method to rectify the problem. “When I first came across the problem, I contacted the manufacturer’s technical department to discuss it,” continues Kenny. “They were more than helpful, but after exhausting every possibility to rectify the fault, I decided to reposition the flame sensor. This was not a difficult job - just a case of fitting some spacers and longer bolts. “Since then, it has happened a couple of times, and each time moving the sensor seems to have solved the problem. I think it’s the kero - I can’t put it down to anything else.”

Lower emissions Commenting on Kenny’s observations, OFTEC technical manager, Paul Rose, said: “A European directive, released in 2008, has meant that the amount of sulphur in kerosene has been reduced in order to lower emissions. Despite some negative press coverage, and a few enquiries from technicians, there is no hard evidence that low sulphur kerosene is causing any problems. “For many years, OFTEC has had in place a reporting system to help identify combustion problems in the ﬁeld, which may stem from poor fuel quality,” continued Paul. “Using this data, FPS and OFTEC have also issued a guidance note on combustion problems, which gives practical advice on how to identify and tackle any issues.” Paul concluded: “Whilst OFTEC is not directly involved in the manufacture or supply of fuel, we would invite technicians experiencing combustion problems, to notify us of their experiences.” Oil Installer would also be interested to hear from installers who have experienced similar problems: peter@oilinstaller.co.uk

Part P registration scheme OFTEC has won government approval to operate a full Part P registration scheme, alongside its existing defined scope Part P scheme. The new initiative is competitively priced for OFTEC registered technicians and complements the existing scopes of registration for oil and unvented hot water systems. As part of a review of building regulations, Part P came into effect in January 2005. It calls for electrical work to be carried out in compliance with BS 7671, with certain specified electrical works being deemed notifiable. Technicians who register under the scheme with OFTEC will be able to self certify their electrical work. Not only does this now cover electrical work carried out in addition to an oil heating installation, it also covers stand alone installations such as electric showers or a complete rewire. To find out more, email registration@oftec.org or call OFTEC on 0845 65 85 080.

28 | Oil Installer Autumn 2011

Are we being taken for a ride by the cowboys? Oil Installer recently heard from a reader who is frustrated by a dramatic increase in rogue traders in the plumbing and heating sector Speaking as an OFTEC and a Gas Safe registered installer plus an associate of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers (CIPHE), D McDougall asks: “Have other registered and competent businesses/installers noticed that in the last year there’s been a dramatic increase in unregistered plumbing and heating engineers brazenly advertising in newspapers, online and on vehicles? “Without variation, none are members of OFTEC, Gas Safe, CIPHE or indeed any other associations. How can the public be allowed to be ripped off by these people who can’t prove their competency and aren’t registered with any of the registration bodies? Protecting the public by eliminating substandard work “Most registered businesses/installers had to complete Part L (domestic energy efﬁciency) in order to continue installing boilers and heating systems. I quote verbatim from section 2.1.2 Existing Buildings: Part Ll of the Building Regulations applies to work on controlled services or ﬁttings in existing dwellings, as well as in new ones. Certain types of heating

system are controlled, including central heating systems with boilers. Alterations to controlled services or fittings require a Building Control Notice, unless they are carried out by a recognised competent person to self-certify the work. “A pamphlet, available from the Communities and Local Government Publications, reinforces this, visit www. planningportal.gov.uk Failure to comply with the above regulations could find an installer facing a fine of up to £5000. Safeguarding the industry’s reputation “On many occasions, by the time a customer calls a registered engineer, sub-standard and sometimes dangerous work - not meeting any standards - has often been carried out. “The industry should be asking how can this problem be eliminated and the public be protected. It should also be illegal to offer plumbing and heating services without being able to prove membership of a competent persons’ scheme and being able to show proof of registration to a customer. “The terms plumber and heating engineer need protection; otherwise, the industry will continue to have its reputation spoiled and the public will keep bearing the

Finding fault with flues Trevor Fitzpatrick emailed Oil Installer with a flue related question: “I was recently called to a property with a 10-year old oil-fired Worcester Heatslave boiler with twin wall vertical flue. The terminal had corroded and blown off, resulting in the need for a new length of flue and a new terminal. “I contacted Selkirk, the flue’s supplier, and a new flue for this boiler was dispatched. It was different to the one already in place; further investigation revealed that the original flue was for a gas boiler rather than oil! “The flue length that had been taken off and inspected showed massive signs of corrosion on the inner flue. I much expect that the whole flue will be the same. Is it ok to go ahead and fit the final one meter

of flue along with the terminal as long as a good seal is made?” Oil Installer put Trevor’s query to Alan C Black, the newly appointed president of the Institute of Domestic Heating and Environmental Engineers (IDHEE) “I wouldn’t recommend that only the flue’s top section is replaced. To knowingly re-utilise the same flue could be seen as condoning the use of what is knowingly incorrect. I certainly would not like to try and argue a defence in the event of a coroner’s hearing due to noxious flue gas poisoning as a consequence of the flue system failing! “A gas flue system contains an aluminium liner which will deteriorate when used on

cost of these cowboys.” Under investigation The surge in cowboy plumbing and heating engineers has also been the subject of a recent BBC Watchdog programme. Stevenage-based RCM Facilities, trading as RCM Services, were investigated by the Watchdog team which uncovered worrying issues, and highlighted the company’s very apparent lack of expertise. Installer, Chris Spencer of Spencers Heating and Plumbing, agrees that the problem has intensified. “I recently removed a boiler to refit and register it. This boiler had no fire valve, the condensate outlet was incorrect and the tank wasn’t bunded. Not realising the importance of a registered installer, many customers inadvertently allow unqualified installers onto their premises because they’re cheaper. The problem definitely needs addressing but I’m not sure how…..unless the government gets on board, I see no cure.” Oil Installer invites comment from readers on this subject. Please contact Liz Boardman at liz@oilinstaller.co.uk

oil boilers. This system is designed to be connected to appliance via a flue hood usually integral to the boiler - which draws in air from the surroundings. Products of combustion and the temperature within the flue system are thus diluted, dramatically reducing corrosive conditions. With no flue hood on a standard pressure jet oil boiler to dilute and reduce the temperature of flue gasses, oil should have a flue system with a stainless steel inner wall. “To protect both customer and installer, it is recommended that a completely new and appropriate flue system is installed to replace the sub-standard one as found. “If the customer does not want to spend money doing the job properly, then the installer should consider walking away as opposed to aiding and, by physical act, condoning the use of a safety critical substandard flue system.” Autumn 2011 Oil Installer | 29

Readers’ Questions

Venting opinion On page 16 of Oil Installer’s summer issue, an article entitled ‘A new addition to oil heating’ was published. Oil Installer invited opinion from readers about Oxyvent the subject of the article - to which some interesting response was received. Due to space constraints, the follow up article will now appear in Oil Installer’s winter issue. Oil Installer would like to thank those readers who have already commented and invites other readers who would like to add a comment to email jane@oilinstaller.co.uk before Friday 16th September.

Are we properly insured? If you are running a small business or are self-employed, then public liability insurance is essential. In fact, it is a requirement of OFTEC registration. Public liability insurance covers you for any damages or compensation that someone may be awarded as a result of injury or damage to them or their property caused by you or your employees whilst you work at their premises. If you have a retail premises or people visit your home to consult on business matters, then public liability insurance also covers this. You might think that the chances of anything happening are very small, but it is better to have comprehensive cover. Take for example a plumber who incorrectly installs a new pipe resulting in major water damage. Or an electrician whose faulty wiring causes a ﬁre. When incidents like these happen it is possible that a claim for damages will follow. And with today’s compensation culture, consumers are quick to resort to any one of the ‘no win no fee’ adverts in the press and on TV. If an award is made against your business – which will include legal costs as well – it could be more than your business could afford. Last year OFTEC launched a new venture called OFTEC Insurance Services, which offers everything from public liability insurance to competitively priced van insurance by comparing prices from

Public liability insurance is a requirement of OFTEC registration. For an instant quote call 0845 520 1360.

over 25 van insurance providers. Tailor made insurance for all registered technicians Because OFTEC Insurance is designed speciﬁcally for registered technicians, policies can be tailored to include stock insurance, own plant insurance, hired-in plant insurance, contract works insurance, personal accident insurance and even jury service insurance.

What does public liability insurance include? OFTEC Insurance’s public liability policy has a choice of £2m or £5m cover, and comes with £1000 worth of tools insurance. It also includes £100,000 professional indemnity cover and £100,000 ﬁnancial loss cover free of charge. Premiums start at £327.56 and payment can be made by credit or debit card, or spread over 12 months using direct debit. With public liability insurance you can carry on working knowing that the insurance policy will cover any claims, including legal fees and expenses. 30 | Oil Installer Autumn 2011

Do I need employer’s liability insurance? If you have anyone working for you – even if it is just casual labour - than employer’s liability insurance is a legal requirement. The employer’s liability insurance policy from OFTEC Insurance Services covers your company up to £10m if an employee claims because of an accident or illness caused by working for you. Claims can run into thousands of pounds, so it makes sense to be prepared with a good insurance policy.

For an instant quote and to arrange immediate cover online visit www. oftecinsuranceservices.co.uk or call 0845 520 1360.

Training

Taking a fresh look at training Oil Installer spoke to OFTEC’s new training manager, David Knipe, to ﬁnd out more about plans to streamline OFTEC’s training and assessment process, which is provided by 80 approved centres across the UK and Republic of Ireland Bringing with him a wealth of experience as a trainer, assessor and veriﬁer, David joined OFTEC late last year. He has worked in training for around 17 years, including a stint managing a training centre for teenagers excluded from conventional schools. “Having had no previous experience of the heating industry, I came to OFTEC with no preconceptions about current courses and assessments. I’ve got a fresh pair of eyes and the determination to make the training process for technicians, as simple and straightforward as possible.”

More practical based assessments “One of the main gripes about training is the amount of paperwork. OFTEC is working to streamline the training process with more practical based assessments. I’m working towards introducing a more straightforward and smoother system so that training and assessments will ﬂow better in the future.”

“One of the main gripes about training is the amount of paperwork” New commercial course David is currently working on the introduction of a new commercial training course, which has already been trialled at one of the OFTEC approved training centres in Northern Ireland. The OFT10-201 commercial course has been designed for technicians who are looking to move into the light commercial servicing sector and includes practical training and assessment. www.oftec.org/training

New training manager, David Knipe is determined to simplify the training process

Discounted training Heating World of Spares is helping to encourage OFTEC training by offering installers discounts when they train with one of the training houses listed on its website. The company is also inviting training houses to participate in the promotion. www.hwos.co.uk

Alan C Black FIDHEE MCIPHE Dip C Eng Confidential bespoke technical domestic/ light commercial oil & bio-liquid heating & cooking sector consultancy services. “Working with our clients evaluating potential threats and opportunities specific to their individual visions, products, goods and services.”

Mobile: 07516 371 992 E-mail: gnosisconsultancy@btinternet.com Web: www.gnosisconsultancy.vpweb.co.uk SKYPE: alanblack.amb AMB Business Enterprises Ltd © Company No. 7440511 Vat Reg. No. 103 5656 37 T/A Gnosis Consultancy Services - Office: 01778 346294

Autumn 2011 Oil Installer | 31

Training

Taking training on the road “The introduction of our purpose designed demonstration vehicle in the middle of last year has been a resounding success,” says Barry Brynildsen, national manager, Firebird Oil Boilers. “It has shown that installers have a big appetite for training to keep them up to date with the latest technical developments and industry best practice.” Since it has been on the road, over 500 installers have visited the vehicle, and the tour will cover virtually the whole of mainland UK. The vehicle is part of an increased package of training facilities currently under development, including the establishment of a national network of regional training centres, which will offer a new programme of hands-on technical courses. For more Firebird news see page 12. www.ﬁrebird.co.uk

Firebird’s demonstration vehicle is proving popular with installers

MCS made easy with Grant

Making MCS easier The Grant Training Academy is offering the latest ‘MCS Made Easy’ course. Delivered by ECA Certification, the course has been designed for smaller installation companies and features the new streamlined approach to MCS certification. Available at the Academy in Devizes and other ECA venues across the UK, the one-day course takes installers through the MCS Installation Quality Control requirements that must be complied with in order to pass the “office” or “business” part of the MCS Assessment. In order to comply with the MCS001 Scheme requirements and become MCS certificated, installers must be members of the REAL Assurance Scheme. www.grantuk.com

32 | Oil Installer Autumn 2011

Become energy aware The Professional Training Centre’s Renewable Energy Awareness Course is designed to educate individuals about various renewable technologies. The two-day course aims to provide background on the technologies and cover payback periods, grants and costs. The course, which consists of seven twohour modules is BPEC accredited. Upon successful completion trainees will receive the BPEC qualiﬁcation in Energy Awareness. Forthcoming course dates are 3rd/4th October and 30th/31st January 2012. The company’s new training directory will be out soon. www.theptc.co.uk

New technology centre Central Midlands Assessment and Training (CMAT) will soon be opening its new renewable technology centre offering courses in solar PV, solar hot water,biomass, air/ground source heat pumps and wind turbines. Based in the Midlands, only ﬁve minutes from junction 11 of the M42, CMAT also provides MOT style certiﬁcates in OFTEC oil, domestic and commercial gas and LPG. www.cmat-ltd.co.uk

Sunny outlook for ventilation BPEC’s domestic ventilation training course, launched at the turn of the year, has proved to be a success. Paul Cullen commented: “Ten training centres are now approved to deliver this course, which has been extremely popular.” BPEC recently undertook a large solar PV installation at its Derby head office. It is envisaged that the installation of 26 panels, which took place over three days, will significantly reduce the BPEC’s office energy costs and carbon footprint. www.bpec.org.uk Newly installed solar panels at BPEC’s head office

More from NICEIC NICEIC has recently launched a new portfolio of training courses which provide up-to-date guidance on everything from electricals, gas and water to renewable technologies. www.ascertiva.com

Autumn 2011 Oil Installer | 33

Products & Services

Water removal Service reward With the introduction of up to 7% FAME (biofuel) in normal fuel, Anglo Nordic has seen an increase in sales of water-finding paste, tank water absorbers, filters and fuel conditioners. This is due to FAME fuels being hygroscopic. FAME also acts as a detergent - cleaning the walls of the storage tank, allowing dirt and sludge to be sucked into the pipe work and blocking filters, causing appliances to fail. Microbes can also flourish, adding to the sludge, resulting in poor performing installations. Anglo Nordic has products which remove water from tanks, reducing the risk of supply and combustion problems. www.anglonordic.co.uk Fuel test samples

In January 2001, Adrian Holyomes joined Hytek’s customer service team. Now a senior member of the technical team, Adrian has helped add hundreds of new products to the Hytek range; the most recent being a fuel recirculation system to combat issues associated with the latest biofuels. Adrian is eastern branch representative for the APEA and also sits on the APEA council.

In recognition of his 10-year service, Adrian (r), a keen ﬁsherman and pool player, was presented with a watch by managing director, Kevin Arnold

34 | Oil Installer Autumn 2011

In tune with customers OFTEC Direct eases the pressure A new OFTEC Direct catalogue was published last month with many new additions. www.oftecdirect.com

Anglo Nordic recently carried out a customer satisfaction survey to encourage feedback on its service and marketing. Last October, the company sent out over 3500 catalogues and introduced a monthly mailer containing news and new products. The survey was undertaken to gauge response to this initiative and ascertain whether any aspects could be improved. An iPod Touch was offered as an incentive for completing the survey, prompting an overwhelming response. A new interim catalogue was recently distributed to customers. If you did not receive a copy or would like to be added to the company’s database contact craigryder@anglonordic.co.uk

Declan Moran from Better Boiler Care in Malahide, County Dublin, was the lucky winner of a Testo oil pressure gauge from the OFTEC Direct competition in Oil Installer’s summer issue. He was delighted to win the kit, which he said would be a valuable addition to his service equipment. Prizeworthy - Testo’s oil pressure gauge

Commercial manager, Paul Barber, presents prize draw winner, Phil Trotham, Powred Heating Components, with his iPod Touch

Autumn 2011 Oil Installer | 35

Products & Services

Boilerserve.com – new OFTEC member New OFTEC member, Boilerserve.com is a commercial and industrial heating company, which was formed by a group of ex-British Gas employees. Based in north Staffordshire, Boilerserve.com covers a 50-mile radius of Stoke-on-Trent. The company specialises in the sale, installation, commissioning, service and breakdown of oil, gas and LPG ﬁred boilers and heating systems. With 40 year’s experience in the commercial, industrial and private heating sectors for British Gas, all engineers are fully conversant with soundness testing procedures for oil and gas installations. The company is registered for both oil installations and commissioning/servicing and holds additional registrations with Constructionline and the Contractor’s Health and Safety Scheme, and are Rayburn Guild Engineers. Boilerserve.com will soon be opening an OFTEC approved training centre, offering training in domestic and commercial burners, boilers and controls. www.boilerserve.com

Bleeding made easy Boilerbleed is a valve that is ﬁtted to the oil pump of a domestic burner. It is an easy way for householders to bleed boilers in the event of an airlock. Boilerbleed is rapidly gaining popularity with service engineers as their customers are aware of it and are requesting for it to be ﬁtted. See also page 31. For a special introductory offer contact info@boilerbleed.com

Advanced burner technology The M Series is the latest and most advanced burner range from Nuway. The MOL 2540 offers energy savings and low carbon emissions, features auto head adjustment for optimum combustion quality and is designed for two or three stage operation with three nozzles. Easy to maintain, quiet in operation and suitable for high resistance boilers, the burner is approved in line with EN 267. www.nu-way.co.uk

The new M series from Nu-way

36 | Oil Installer Autumn 2011

How clean is your fuel?

Aztec links to renewables The Aztec range of electric boilers from Trianco have a compact slim-line design (165mm wide by 143mm deep) and a lightweight body, making them versatile and simple to install. With an efďŹ ciency rating of 99.8%, the boilers contain a state of the art printed circuit board which improves the productâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life-span and ensures high performance. The boilers are manufactured in the UK to the highest standards and future maintenance requirements are minimal. Supplying domestic hot water and heating, via radiators or underďŹ&#x201A;oor, Aztec electric boilers also link well with renewable technologies to provide guaranteed back-up. www.trianco.co.uk

In a bid to help combat the current microbial epidemic, Hytek has launched a new website, www.fuelhygiene.com. The website gives advice and solutions on how to limit microbial growth and its effects. Solutions include checking regularly for water using water-ďŹ nding paste or ďŹ tting ďŹ lters that remove particles and water, to more complex methods such as fuel re-circulation. Hytek has recently experienced a huge increase in orders for ďŹ lters, fuel conditioners, tank dryers and water soakers.

Available in outputs from 2kW to 12kW, the Aztec range is ideal for a wide spectrum of properties

Formerly manufactured by

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Autumn 2011 Oil Installer | 37

Products & Services

Smoke control wood-burning Visitors to this year’s Hearth and Home exhibition got a preview of the new smoke exempt versions of AGA’s recently launched Ludlow and Stretton stoves. Both stoves have been designed for use in smoke control zones such as city and town centres and comply with the 1993 Clean Air Act. “We’ve seen a tremendous renaissance in wood-burning over the past few years – despite the difficult economy. AGA stoves rank as possibly the most efficient on the market, with efficiencies of up to 81% - as well as being HETAS listed,” says marketing director, Eileen Slattery. www.agarangemaster.com Stylish stoves from TR Engineering

AGA’s Ludlow stove uses the latest active airﬂow technology

New stove range TR Engineering has launched a contemporary range of multi-fuel stoves. Available in 5kW and 8kW models, Newton stoves supply natural heat and ventilation, with the larger model able to support home heating and hot water. The range boasts environmental credentials as wood fuels emit almost no sulphur dioxide, low levels of nitrous oxides and low amounts of smoke when burned efﬁciently. The unit has a built in air wash system, which ensures a clear view, whilst its function ensures ash deposits are kept to a minimum. Independently tested to European standards, Newton stoves have a comprehensive two-year manufacturer’s warranty. www.trianco.co.uk

Your boiler’s best performance

World famous Rocket Burner® (Blue Flame oil burner, 15–315 kW) More than one million units sold Thermodynamic premixing principle: converts oil into gas Perfect soot free combustion Maximizes the performance of boilers of all generations Simple assembly and handling Unsurpassed Emissions NOx 108 mg/kWh and CO 25 mg/kWh www.mhgheating.co.uk l Email: info@mhgheating.co.uk l Telephone: 0845 6448802 MHG Heating Ltd – Simply better. 38 | Oil Installer Autumn 2011

A blooming success Worcester, Bosch Group, with Olivia Kirk of KKE Architects, scooped the coveted gold award from the judges, for their renewable energy themed garden at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chelsea Flower Show The award winning Power of Nature urban garden aimed to show how the forces of nature can be harnessed to provide heat and hot water for homes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a theme which proved a winner with the judges. Worcesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy-efďŹ cient renewable technology - including solar panels set into the walls, solar evacuated tube features, and ground source heat pump collectors - were worked into the design and set against a planting scheme to bring in the elements of earth, wind, ďŹ re and air. The garden is now being relocated to Worcesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headquarters in Worcestershire, ahead of Above: Contortionists, Delia and Evette, demonstrate natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ&#x201A;exibility in the Worcester, Bosch Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gold award winning urban garden . Left: Carl Arntzen, Worcester Bosch (l), with rugby legend Austin Healey who spoke at the event (far right) and Plumb Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Richard Harvey

the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50th birthday celebrations next year. The company was also a star performer at the Plumb Center and Parts Center National Supplier Conference, where it scooped three awards for best supplier, best heating supplier and best in branch. Plumb Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trading director, Alan Stevenson, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve built great business relationships with market leaders in their ďŹ eld and this was our chance to thank them.â&#x20AC;? The title of renewable supplier of the year was taken by Kingspan Renewables.

The best offer youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have all month! Log onto www.oftecdirect.com to see the latest â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;offers of the monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and competitions

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Oil Lifter

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Weatherproof & corrosive resistant, works under water & on oily/dirty surfaces.

New board surge protection added. Suction lift 8 litres @ 8m vertical & up to 25m horizontal run.

ANGLO NORDIC BURNER PRODUCTS LIMITED 12/14 Island Farm Avenue, West Molesey, Surrey KT8 2UZ - UK Tel: +44 (0) 20 8979 0988 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8979 6961 email: sales@anglonordic.co.uk www.anglonordic.co.uk

Autumn 2011 Oil Installer | 39

Renewables

Renewable heating - simpler installation and use Mitsubishi Electric has expanded its Ecodan range of domestic air source heat pumps with a British-built water cylinder which, the company says, will help cut installation time by 70%. Additionally, there is a self-learning new controller to speed up commissioning. Max Halliwell, technical manager said: “We’ve developed packaged systems that will make installation and commissioning even easier for heating engineers. Plus, the simplified controller will make using and operating the system easier for the homeowner.” The company is now manufacturing a stainless steel, 200 litre capacity tank at its Livingston facility, where the 8.5kW Ecodan unit is also made. Production can be stepped up when required to meet the expected increased demand once the final details of the Renewable Heat Incentive are revealed. The ISO14001/9001 certified cylinder is pre-wired and preplumbed, Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) approved and comes with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty, which is unique for cylinders. The FTC-3 (Flow Temperature Control) is a high-end graphical controller with self-learning room temperature control with different access levels for homeowner, installer and maintenance checks. “The system gives the homeowner tremendous control over their heating and hot water,” added Halliwell. An integral 7-day

schedule has in-built room temperature measurement and control, a holiday mode and an intelligent weather compensation system. “When we first launched Ecodan we knew it had tremendous potential in the UK, but we also realised that heat pumps are never going to become the mass market alternative to fossil-based systems, unless they are completely acceptable to both heating installers and end users. Ecodan is ideal for both new Pre-wired and pre-plumbed, this new cylinder also has a threebuild and retro-fit properties.” year manufacturer’s warranty For solutions where more flexibility is required, the company has also launched a new split or packaged Hydrobox solution. “This delivers heat pump water heating to a whole host of situations beyond the residential sector,” added Halliwell. www.mitsubishielectric.co.uk

Mitsubisihi Electric on show The company has a permanent exhibition stand at the Building Centre in London’s Store Street, which highlights the energy saving potential of heat pumps and photovoltaic panels. A touch screen panel provides essential information on the technologies showing how their energy potential can be used to meet the Code for Sustainable Homes and other energy performance legislation. www.buildingcentre.co.uk The Ecodan air source heat pump is on display at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre in Swindon. “There are tens of thousands of homes built by self-builders in the UK each year, this exhibition space provides all the information needed to make the best decision for their new home,” said Sharon Oliver, marketing communications manager for the domestic heating and photovoltaics department. www.buildstore.co.uk

Mitsubisihi Electric provides information for homeowners to make an informed decision about installing renewables

Win an eco-car at the Renewables Roadshow Installers visiting the Renewables Roadshow are in with a chance of winning a brand new eco-car. Powered by Plumb Center, this touring autumn roadshow will showcase the very latest in technologies and training and give visitors opprtunity to interact with exhibiting manufacturers, merchants and professional bodies. By collecting points along the way, installers will earn their place in a prize draw to win the eco-car. Register for free tickets at one of the six UK locations at www.renewables-roadshow.co.uk Alongside the roadshow, the Ricoh Arena will play host to the inaugural renewables awards on Thursday 8th September. Hosted by a big name presenter and top comedian, the renewables installer category offers an unprecedented £10,000 prize. 40 | Oil Installer Autumn 2011

Solar for every application Worcester, Bosch Group has launched a new range of solar evacuated tube collectors The Greenskies Solar-Lux range of collectors are available in two sizes - 6 (1,43m2) or 12 (2,82m2) tube variants and have a lightweight Robust double glass vacuum aluminium frame with mounting solutions ďŹ lled tubes featuring for on-roof, ďŹ&#x201A;at roof and faĂ§ade installations. Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC) mirror Designed to offer installers a thermal technology for increased thermal performance panel for every application, the collectors are particularly suitable for maximising solar gain, even at low light intensities. Martyn Bridges, director of marketing and technical support, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Installers are driving demand for solar products and we know many see the future potential of this type of technology from the high levels of attendance on our solar thermal training courses.â&#x20AC;? Fast and ďŹ&#x201A;exible installation was an important consideration of the product design, and installers should ďŹ nd the new panels extremely easy to work with. Solar Keymark certiďŹ ed, the panels have also been tested to withstand hail storms according to EN129785. www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

UK Burner Manufacturer & Distributor offer:

OFTEC training and assessment courses Combined 101,105e &600a

Heat pump honours Pioneering renewable energy projects have been honoured in the ďŹ rst ever National Heat Pump Awards, which were held at Birminghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Convention Centre (ICC) in June. Among the winners were Daikin Europe for product innovation of the year and for training excellence, Nu-Heat. The website for the 2012 awards opens for entries on1st September. Next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gala dinner takes place on Thursday 31st May at the ICC Birmingham. www.national-heat-pump-awards.co.uk

Daikin UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Herve Pierret (centre) collects the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award from sponsor Nick Ryman, LG (left) and comedian, Fred MacAulay (right)

Full training or assessment only available, please ring 01480 477066 or visit www.eogb.co.uk for availability and prices Also available â&#x20AC;˘ OFTEC 50 â&#x20AC;˘ Burner training â&#x20AC;˘ Water regs â&#x20AC;˘ Energy efficiency EOGB Energy Products Ltd 5 Howard Road, Eaton Socon, St. Neots, Cambs. PE19 8ET Tel: 01480-477066 Fax: 01480-477022 Email: sales@eogb.co.uk Web site: www.eogb.co.uk

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Autumn 2011 Oil Installer | 41

Legal OFTEC revoked registrations The following technicians have had their registrations revoked for not complying with rectiﬁcation notices, issued as part of a consumer complaint Andrew Ellis of Geoffrey Ellis and Sons, Digby, Lincolnshire - business registration number C2159 Graham Thornhill of COSI, Canterbury, Kent - business registration number C1426 OFTEC operates a government audited complaints process which helps both consumers and registered technicians to address any customer complaints.

Flexible working From April, the right to request ﬂexible working was extended to include parents of children under 18 Previously, only parents of children aged 17 and under and disabled children under 18, and those caring for an adult aged 18 or over, had the right to request ﬂexible working. In order to qualify for the new criteria, individuals must be continuously employed, by the same employer for more than 26 weeks. It has been estimated that nearly 300,000 employees will be eligible under the new ruling.

Corporate manslaughter charges

RIDDOR proposal

On 15 February 2011, Cotswold Geotechnical was convicted of corporate manslaughter and ﬁned £385,000, following the death of an employee

The Health and Safety Executive has published a proposal to amend the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)

The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 came into force in April 2008 and concentrates on the way in which an organisation’s activities are managed or organised, and whether that caused the death. In 2010, the Sentencing Guidelines Council issued its definitive guidelines, for sentencing organisations for corporate manslaughter, or health and safety offences that cause death. The guidelines specify that fines for organisations found guilty of corporate manslaughter should seldom be below £500,000, whilst for health and safety offences causing death, fines from £100,000 upwards should be imposed.

42 | Oil Installer Autumn 2011

The proposal extends the period for reporting injuries that cause a worker to be incapacitated from work, from three days to seven days. The amendment would implement Lord Young’s recommendation from his report, Common Sense Common Safety, published last October. The report suggested that a seven-day absence was more suitable, as it ties in with the requirement for individuals to obtain a ﬁt note from their doctor. Injuries lasting longer than three days would continue to be recorded through the explicit requirement for employers to use accident books.

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Enhanced formula

Trialled, tested & recommended by AGA

ADVANCED HOME HEATING OIL FROM TOTAL BUTLER EXCLUSIVE TO TOTAL BUTLER PLUS TRIALLED, TESTED AND RECOMMENDED BY AGA, GLOWMAX IS THE HOME HEATING OIL THAT IS DESIGNED TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE FROM YOUR CUSTOMERS’ AGA, RAYBURN OR BOILER. With its new, enhanced formula, it is even better than before and gives even better results! This has been veriﬁed in 3 rigorous testing regimes, including a ﬁeld trial lasting 6 months, involving 26 AGA, Rayburn and boiler users. Photos from the trial are shown here.

What are the benefits? Your customers will still rely on you to perform the required servicing as, in line with best practice, we will pro-actively continue to support the recommendation that AGA cookers and Rayburns are serviced every 6 months and boilers every 12 months. But trialled, tested and recommended by AGA, your customers can rely on our improved fuel.

Just some of the beneﬁts they are likely to notice include; t 3FEVDFE MFWFM PG TPPU BOE charring t .PSF QSPUFDUJPO BHBJOTU corrosion t " DMFBOFS NPSF FGmDJFOU and more reliable system t " IPUUFS CVSO NFBOJOH UIF same temperature can be reached at a lower setting

How can I find out more? 1 - Look out for the information pack that is being given to engineers across the country 2 - Come along to a Glowmax Information Day, we are holding several of these in the coming weeks – dates and venues will be detailed in the information pack. These will give you the opportunity to ﬁnd out more and ask any questions you may have. You can just drop in for a chat at a time to suit you 3 – Email TOTAL BUTLER on rm.marketing-totalbutler@ totalbutler.co.uk 4 – Call TOTAL BUTLER on 08457 240241