Makita’s Cold Cut mains and cordless steel cutting tools are making a real difference

Makita UK, the UK’s number one professional power tool manufacturer and innovator of technical, high performance health and safety solutions, offer an extensive range of Cold Cut saws. Used extensively in the construction industry these innovative products are contributing substantially to increased site efficiency and safety, helping to minimise site injuries which in recent years has shown a national increase.

When heat is generated from a metal cutting saw, or angle grinder through the use of an abrasive wheel, the operator legally requires a GC07 Hot-Work permit in order to operate the machine. This permit is required for any operation involving flames or when heat or sparks are generated from works such as brazing, torch cutting, grinding, soldering and welding. Using abrasive wheels to cut metal results in the generation of sparks and heat which together creates a natural hazard.

Makita has worked with experts and consultants within the mechanical and electrical systems sector to fully understand these issues encouraging close working relationships with contractors and end users. This knowledge has assisted Makita’s R&D teams in the development of a steel Cold Cut range of products which address the issue of heat and sparks generated within the working environment. In most cases the use of these tools will overcome the requirement of a GC07 Hot-Work permit as well as the necessity for cutting materials in controlled areas allowing processes to be undertaken in situ and increasing on-site productivity.

The Makita range of Cold Cut saws extends from mains to battery powered tools and includes the Makita LC1230 (305mm) mains TCT Cut-Off Saw; the DCS551ZJ (150mm) TCT and the DCS550 (136mm) TCT 18V LXT Brushless Lithium-Ion cordless metal saws. Together these products have set a benchmark in Cold Cut processes and are being extensively specified by many large contractors.

Makita’s focus on this important sector has seen the introduction of over 20 products to the portfolio, all of which address the cutting and processing of metal in a far safer way when compared to the conventional abrasive wheel. Whether cutting rebar, threaded bar and rods, pipes or metal sheet, Makita’s Cold Cut range is recognised as a market leader in this specialist sector.

“Contractors today have many health and safety issues to consider not least of which is vibration which is addressed with our Anti Vibration Technology and the Super Joint System, and of course, dust. But there is a specific focus on sparks and heat and Makita has the equipment and market leading technologies and accessories to address all of these important concerns. Our machines have some of the lowest vibration levels on the market, which is recognised by the hire industry, and we have an extensive range of dust management systems that meet international standards. Additionally, our ever increasing range of cordless machines are helping to overcome the hazard of trailing leads,” comments Charles Shaw, Hire and Construction Division Manager, Makita UK, who represents the business on a number of British and European technology assessment committees.

The convenience of using Makita Cold Cut machines means that operators can move and work more freely around the site, rather than from a static location, affording greater convenience and fewer restrictions. This is making a great difference to speed and efficiency on site and contributes to sheer workability. “Large contractors on huge projects with challenging deadlines are reaping the benefits and making the investment in Makita’s Cold Cutting professional power tools,” continues Shaw.

Makita’s extensive range also includes two cordless rebar cutters DSC162Z (16mm) and the DSC191Z (20mm) enabling users to effectively and efficiently slice through reinforcing bars. The recently introduced DTR180ZK rebar tying tool compliments these products, offering fast and efficient application of rebar tying wire and eliminates manual action. These tools are proving to be economical and time saving, while achieving maximum consistency of application, extended runtime and increased power.

For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com. Follow us on Twitter @MakitaUK, Facebook.com/makitauk and google.com/+makitauk
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Armstrong Ceiling Solutions help the CBRE with a hat-trick of systems

Mineral canopies and metal baffles and tiles feature at the organisation’s new-look HQ.

The world’s leading commercial property and real estate services adviser has used a hat-trick of systems from Armstrong Ceiling Solutions to enhance the interiors of its refurbished headquarters.

Some 600m2 of Armstrong’s VP-500 custom vertical metal baffles, 3,250m2 of Optima L circular and custom-shaped canopies, 150m2 of DH-700 black mesh metal clip-in tiles, and 130m2 of C Profile suspension system were specified for the CBRE’s new-look offices in Milan for their form and function.

The design of the offices is inspired by the modern principles of activity-based working, a revolutionary concept that replaces allocated seating layouts with a more flexible approach to the working environment, with the aim of improving productivity through continuous and efficient interaction between employees.

For this reason, the new offices in the CBRE headquarters were protagonists of an aesthetic re-design project inspired by the values of innovation, wellness and flexibility, which perfectly mirrors the company’s global strategy, “Workplace 360”.

According to the principles of Workplace 360, hierarchical barriers have been completely lifted in favour of sharing, improving accessibility and exchanging ideas. The working environment is completely open with unassigned seats which can be booked daily through users’ smart phones. In addition, specific areas are dedicated to those who need silence and focus as well as relaxation and wellness.

Based on this concept, an in-house CBRE team, supported by Efrem Milia, an interior designer with Milan’s EMA Design Studio, has influenced and defined the functional and organisational aspects.

This cooperation allowed CBRE to intervene in each decision, both technically and decoratively. The result is an exclusive and carefully refined 2,500m2 venue inspired by the historical areas of Milan – the first floor echoing the Navigli canal area, the second the Brera art district, and lastly, the sixth the fashion district.

The decision to leave part of the ceiling with exposed building service elements determined the need to intervene with elements that delivered both aesthetics and acoustics.

And this is where the CBRE looked to Armstrong Ceiling Solutions, due to their extensive range of products and their ability to create tailored solutions that satisfy any project’s need.

In this case, a different Armstrong solution has been chosen for each floor of the renovation, with each providing an aesthetic solution, capable of integrating itself with the space and the different surrounding materials while creating comfortable working environments.

The 3,250m2 of Optima L white mineral canopies, in diameter circles and bespoke squares with two rounded corners, contributed to shaping the common areas on the first floor. These elements feature originality and modernity as well as acoustic support.

Canopy ceilings combine aesthetics with acoustic performance aimed at ensuring a higher sound absorption ratio compared to a continuous ceiling with the same visible surface. The sound is absorbed both by the front and the back surface of the panel. This significantly contributes to the reduction of reverberation time and increases the intelligibility of speech.

For the second-floor offices, Armstrong’s design team conceived a special broken-line pattern for the micro-perforated black mesh metal ceilings. These are ideal for installations in open-plan spaces where it is necessary to reduce noise pollution. A solution that creates an extremely dynamic visual effect, it is available in individual and multiple configurations, thanks to the C Profile suspension system that allows a tidy and clean alignment of the elements.

Lastly, on the sixth floor, in addition to the white baffles, C Profiles of different sizes have been used to embellish, through light and shade, the ceiling of the “Multipurpose Room”, a multi-functional room with different space configurations and a huge art wall.

Head of project management Alberto Cominelli said: “The office is no longer just a work space. It has actually become a company’s hallmark, where spaces are designed to bring inspiration, exchange ideas and create innovation. Only by creating a comfortable environment equipped with facilities dedicated to the people is it possible to increase engagement and motivate staff. Interior designers are more and more inspired by home and hotel designs, bringing an unprecedented breath of innovation to the world of offices.”

Armstrong area sales manager Jordan Brocchi added: “We would like to thank CBRE and architect Efrem Milia for trusting our solutions and involving us, giving value to the potential offered by Armstrong Ceiling Solutions in terms of personalisation.

“Now more than ever we are witnessing an increasing number of requests from architects and interior designers for support in the design of highly-customised solutions, to free their creativity in line with the rapidly evolving current trends. The requests are extremely diverse and to best respond to them, Armstrong has boosted its structure with a team of dedicated and highly-qualified engineers.”

More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/
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New thinking for modular sector

As one of the UK’s largest off-site manufacturing businesses, Caledonian knows a thing or two about modular buildings. It’s one of the reasons why the company has grown to a turnover in excess of £50m and with a goal firmly set on doubling this over the next 2 years you get the distinct impression they’re set to change how the industry works. Having been founded over 50 years’ ago and now operating from a 40-acre site in Newark, Nottinghamshire, they’re unusual in having one of the longest trading histories in the modular sector.

Success has come about by sticking to what it does best; high quality modular accommodation that is delivered to site with up to 96% of the build completed in its quality assessed manufacturing facility. Proof is in the pudding and they don’t get much bigger than the £53m Hinkley Point C worker accommodation contract that was successfully delivered in 2018. Effectively creating in ‘new town’ in just 51 weeks, it shows the capability of modular construction and how, if the government’s rhetoric on solving the UK’s housing crisis once and for all translates into action, Hinkley is the shape of things to come. Housing providers should take note of what Caledonian has achieved – effectively creating a modular new town at Hinkley that houses 1,496 workers in just 51 weeks.

Caledonian’s innovative modular building system means that programme savings of up to 50% or more are possible compared with traditional forms of construction. And the programme can be more predictable than when using conventional methods as well as reducing waste and number of deliveries to site.

Project delivery

A central pillar to the company’s growth is the ongoing focus on quality and project delivery. The underpinning methodology is to take a traditionally constructed building and apply latest manufacturing techniques to drive efficiencies. The three core areas of this are the use of BIM, design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA) and lean manufacturing techniques.

The results are replicable, too. The latest is a £25m project that involves Caledonian working with Bowmer & Kirkland to manufacture high quality student accommodation as part of a £54m development for the University Campus of Football Business, First Way Campus in Wembley.

The 680 bedrooms will be manufactured and installed by Caledonian and, similar to Hinkley, will be 96% complete prior to shipping to site. That was one of the main reasons they were selected for this project; because they could show how the modules would help meet the strict deadline dates, which required handover by July 2020 in time for Euro 2020. First Way Campus is situated a few minutes’ walk from Wembley Stadium, and will include a mix of purpose-built student accommodation as well as academic, office and outdoor space.

Fire compliance capabilities of the modular system also featured highly in the selection process, due to the high rise nature of the development. It rises to 11 storeys and that really shows what is possible with the company’s modular building solution. Caledonian gave the client and design team confidence post Grenfell, providing a pre-engineered fire compliant modular solution suitable for a development of this scale.

Damian Flood, CEO of Cole Waterhouse, said “We liked the modular building solution proposed by Bowmer + Kirkland and its supply partner Caledonian for First Way Campus because it was a practical way of meeting the strict schedule. We are providing Wembley and the UCFB students with a fantastic campus that will include a number of facilities for students including purpose built accommodation (678 beds), seminar rooms and staff office spaces as well as amenities such as a café style restaurant, a gym and library/IT suite.”

Developers Cole Waterhouse brokered a deal with Unite Students, a leading provider of student accommodation in the UK. Caledonian has incorporated the Unite requirements into the design to provide a higher standard student living experience than is traditionally expected.

Modular Mindset

Caledonian is a company with an eye firmly set on the future and as Chief Executive Officer Paul Lang explains: “Our ability to deliver to a strict schedule and have an existing fire compliant solution made a compelling proposition for First Way Campus. We are able to achieve consistent project delivery by investing in BIM, design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA) and lean manufacturing. In combination we believe that it will help us raise industry standards across the board. Our long term goal is to lead change in the industry by establishing a ‘modular mindset’ with clients and developers.”

For more information on Caledonian modular buildings and offsite construction solutions, visit: www.caledonianmodular.com
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Rinnai trio of low NOx, one-person lift, high-performance continuous flow hot water heating for all applications

Rinnai’s Infinity range of 11i,17i &17e ErP A-rated continuous flow gas fired water heaters are specifically designed for low NOx domestic/light commercial use and guarantee the highest efficiencies and lowest running costs at consistently accurate temperatures 24/7 compared with any other method of hot water delivery.

The Rinnai Infinity range of continuous flow – sometimes referred to as ‘multi-point’ – water heating units are being specified and installed for domestic/residential sites including: cafes, pubs, restaurants, offices, shops, hairdressers, commercial units, caravan parks and leisure facilities as installers and end users become increasingly aware of their energy saving benefits.

The increase in uptake is because Rinnai’s low NOx continuous flow heater systems are proven to be more energy efficient than storage systems and as such are becoming the experts’ preferred method of hot water provision. The word is out that the Rinnai units easily cater for projects that need high volumes of water at intermittent times of day delivered at accurate temperatures to ensure user comfort and safety. They are also easy to operate and simple to install and maintain. Plus, they are all low NOx satisfying the Eco-design regulation.

Rinnai’s Infinity 17i unit, for example, eliminates fluctuations in water temperature, so, no more cold showers or scalding hot baths – the water temperature you set is the water temperature you get. So, if somebody is happily showering at 42°C and a tap is turned on to draw a bath elsewhere in the property, the temperature does not vary, and there is no chance of either user running out of hot water.

The Rinnai Infinity 17i interior model measures 675 x 370 x 139mm and weighs in at just 18kg. The room sealed unit has a temperature range of 35°C to 60°C with direct electronic ignition. Gas consumption ranges between 4.7kW-34.9kW for Natural Gas and 4.9kW-36.8kW when using LPG. Hot water delivery flow is an impressive 16ltr max flow and 2.4 ltr/min minimum flow. Nominal operation pressure is 1-7 bar and it uses a 230V AC 50Hz 1ph power supply with an electrical consumption of 68W.

Meanwhile, where an external installation is required, the Rinnai Infinity 17e external continuous flow water heater offers greater flexibility at the design stage and delivers a viable solution where flue runs are problematic or internal space is not available. Capable of flow rates reaching 510 litres per hour at a 50°C rise, the 17e is suitable for multiple applications and can be specified for use with Natural Gas or propane.

The 17e has full frost protection and is available with a range of external ancillary items, including pipe cover box – and security cage where necessary.

The Infinity 11i interior unit differs from the 17i as it weighs 2kg less at 16kg and consumes 6.10kW – 21.60kW of Natural Gas.

Under the ACOP L8 (Legionella guidelines), continuous flow water heaters are favoured as the units are normally positioned close to the outlets, in restaurants for example, where the system turnover is frequent and store volumes are small meaning legionella risk is minimal.

All three models are available ex-stock in either natural gas or LPG.

For more details on RINNAI products visit www.rinnaiuk.com
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Weber Rewards loyalty scheme is now even better!

Launched almost a decade ago the highly successful Weber Rewards loyalty scheme for professional tilers has received a well-earned makeover. The dedicated new and improved Weber Rewards website, www.loveweber.co.uk, and Redeem on the Go app, will ensure the campaign remains innovative, unique and dynamic.

Weber Rewards has over 9,000 members who will benefit from an enhanced website that looks good, works faster and has improved functionality. The Weber Rewards catalogue has also been updated with new additions of exciting Rewards ranging from branded clothing, latest electronic equipment, get-away breaks, exclusive Virgin Experience Days and a selection of impressive wine. An at-a-glance points total is displayed and for those members who like to set a treat-goal a visual countdown calculator reveals exactly how many bags of Weber products are needed to reach the Rewards total.

“Nine of Weber’s best-selling products, including the new weberjoint premium grout, carry Rewards points,” says Tracey Dempster, marketing director, Saint-Gobain Weber. “This improved loyalty scheme is our way of ‘loving you back’ by rewarding customers with more than just great products.”

The Redeem on the Go app, which is available to download free from the App store or Google Play, allows customers to scan the QR codes on Weber Rewards stickers and automatically load points to their account. Improved functionality allows Weber Rewards to be ordered easily straight through the App.

The App features product details of the complete Weber range of adhesives, grouts and preparation products as well as invaluable stockist information, trade events, special promotions to win extra points and much more. Tilers can also keep up to date with the latest news on Weber Rewards through regular e-mails, social media and blog posts. Extra points can also be earned by Referring a Friend to the scheme.

Technical support is available from Weber’s experienced advisors who can offer on-site advice at specification stage and during application. The easy-to-use online tool WeberSpec will generate a free M40 outline specification for tilers and stockists and is free to access. Product demonstrations and problem solving advice is also available, as well as award winning training courses at the Saint-Gobain Technical Academy.

For more information about the Weber Rewards scheme or for technical support please contact Saint-Gobain Weber on 08703 330 070, or visit www.loveweber.co.uk. Follow LoveWeber on Twitter @LoveWeber and Facebook @WeberRewards for the latest company news and updates.
A free download of the Weber App for iPhone and iPad users is also available from iTunes and from Google Play for Android smartphones and tablet users. Follow Saint-Gobain Weber on Twitter @SGWeberUK for the latest company news and updates.
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RCM Increases Its Ever Growing Sales Team With Two New Appointments

Robyn Lunt and Tim Plumpton

RCM, Roofing and Cladding Materials Ltd, specialists in complete through wall solutions are once again increasing its sales team and announcing the appointment of two new team members.

Tim Plumpton is the new Regional Sales Manager for the Midlands, West and South West, specialising in the RCM building board range, airtightness solutions and breather membranes, as well as complete through-wall solutions.

He has ten years architectural glazing and building envelope experience and an impressive twenty-seven years building products experience. Tim has previously been national sales manager for a young and growing architectural aluminium systems house. This wealth of experience and a professional can-do attitude combined with a great sense of humour, make Tim an ideal choice.

Outside of work, Tim has a keen interest in sport, especially Powerboat and Jetski racing, having participated in these sports himself for many years.

The new Southern Facades Manager position for the south-east region has been taken up by Robyn Lunt. Robyn joins RCM from the Proctor Group, where she was engaged as Regional Sales Manager for the South-East. She has great knowledge of the construction industry. Impressively Robyn holds the coveted PCA (Property Care Association) qualification. The PCA is a government approved trade body for damp, waterproofing, wood preserving and invasive weeds industry. She also has experience dealing with breather membranes, insulation, acoustic flooring and gas protection membranes.

Outside of work, Robyn is a secret adrenaline junkie and loves keeping fit. Some of her past pursuits have been surfing, mountain biking and 4×4 off-roading.

Commenting on the new appointments, Ian Quinton, Managing Director of RCM said: “Both Tim and Robyn bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their new positions at RCM. We are extending a very warm welcome to both and look forward to working alongside our new colleagues.”

For more details call 0800 612 4662  Email info@rcmltd.biz  www.buildingboards.co.uk
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Makita’s new Factory Service Centre opens in London

Makita UK has opened a third regional Factory Service Centre (FSC) in the busy London borough of Hounslow. This new FSC joins Makita’s HQ facility in Milton Keynes, which serves the whole of the country, as well as Glasgow, which supports the rapidly expanding market penetration of the brand in Scotland and northern England. The London FSC will primarily service the essential London and South East region. In order to offer the best service levels in the industry Makita is committed to offering improved national coverage for the benefit of end user customers, as well as the network of Makita distributors, by building these dedicated FSC’s.

While these facilities satisfy a vital role in providing technical repairs and maintenance services for all mains and cordless construction machines, and the rapidly expanding range of grounds care tools, including 2-stroke and 4-stroke petrol engine products, training remains the cornerstone of Makita’s marketing success. It ensures that both authorised distributors and operators are fully conversant with the power tools they own, or may purchase in the future; how to obtain the best and safest performance from these machines, and how to maintain them for efficiency and productivity.

The first FSC to be opened is based at South Street, Glasgow, which offers Makita product training across the complete range of products; product servicing courses, as well as accredited courses such as the successful and certificated City & Guilds Correct & Safe Use of Handheld Power Tools. A user or instructor certificate is issued upon successful completion. Courses are available to meet individual needs and bespoke power tool training can be designed to meet specific requirements.

At each location the theory elements of courses are held in a lecture theatre, followed by essential hands-on practical work which is carried out in specially adapted and fully equipped training demonstration rooms. Courses are of 1 or 2 day duration or tailored to specific needs. The CITB certificated course, which can include a combination of in-house and on-site training, relates to abrasive wheel training, and both instructor or user courses are available. Gas nailer user training, chainsaw cross cutting and service courses are also available.

Tony Coleman, Technical Manager, Makita UK, says: “We are already receiving a very warm welcome from all sectors of the power tool industry in this heavily populated area of west London. If demand becomes similar to that we’ve established in Glasgow and Milton Keynes we will be looking for additional training personnel. Both employers and operators will benefit from this convenient location offering improved local services to all customers.”

Makita has great experience in supporting worthwhile challenges as WorldSkills UK, APL Apprenticeships and Hire Association Europe Apprenticeship schemes to help support customers of the future with product and training support. Employees and employers can benefit from Makita’s outstanding training courses, which compliment high quality power tools used by professional trades’ people, raising ambitions and abilities for many.

The Makita range is supported with an equally comprehensive range of over 4,500 accessories and consumables products.

For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com. Follow us on Twitter @MakitaUK, Facebook.com/makitauk and google.com/+makitauk
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Can gathering data really save lives? The modern emergency lighting scheme is becoming intelligent

Rene Joppi, Commercial Director at Mackwell discusses the challenges we face and opportunities that lie ahead.

Since the tragic events of June 2017, which saw 72 people lose their lives in the fire that engulfed Grenfell Tower in West London, the area surrounding building safety and compliance is now, more than ever before, at the forefront of people’s minds.

Although not defined as a public or commercial premise, the 24 storey residential tower block contained many communal areas such as escape routes, assembly points and walkways which would have required a building risk assessment to help ensure the safety of the occupants and minimize the risk of fire. Amongst other things, the risk assessment would have defined the need for evacuation aids such as the provision of a fire prevention system, sprinkler system and emergency lighting.

In 2005, engineering consultancy, Capita Symonds compiled a report into the tower which contained a number of health and safety concerns regarding the emergency lighting system installed throughout the building. The report stated that the emergency lighting had fallen below standard and that the system was not being properly managed by the appointed responsible person, and that there was a perceived unwillingness to acknowledge the need for urgent maintenance and repair.

The report went on to specifically highlight the essential requirement for adequate emergency lighting to ensure the safe and immediate evacuation of occupants in an emergency situation, due to a lack of natural daylight in the building’s stairwells. Furthermore, the report stated that the building’s occupants were constantly at risk because of the ‘non-functioning emergency lighting’.

Grenfell Tower is just one example of a residential building where the emergency lighting of communal areas was deemed as inadequate, yet in this area, it is unfortunately not alone, and this continues to be the case. As recently as 2018, a survey revealed that more than 40% of residential housing estates have the same issue of sub-standard and inadequate emergency lighting systems. This 40% figure however, is only representative from actual buildings surveyed and found to have to have non-compliances. In reality the figure is much higher and is estimated to be closer to 80%.

Compliance and emergency lighting

There are a number of health and safety and construction directives together with legislative material which is published to ensure the health and safety of building occupants. In the area of fire safety, the government’s fire regulatory reform order applies, and it is this order that specifies the need for the initial risk assessment.

The risk assessment

Before embarking on the design, a full risk assessment must be undertaken to determine the areas in the building which have a requirement for emergency lighting. This will include escape routes, open areas, points of emphasis such as locations of essential fire safety equipment and any areas deemed as high-risk task. Communal areas within residential properties may only form perhaps 10% of the core area but must still be covered by a full risk assessment, carried out by a qualified, responsible person.

Lux levels and signage

An accurate and compliant emergency lighting scheme design, undertaken in line with the initial risk assessment, and the emergency lighting code of practice, BS 5266-1 and its accompanying standards; BS EN 50172 and EN 1838, will ensure that the areas covered are illuminated correctly and adequately. In many cases however, the risk assessment is not adhered to correctly, partly due to budgetary constraints and unhelpful timescales etc. As a result, the lighting levels can be compromised as lower quality, inferior fixtures are used and the number of fixtures as specified is reduced. This can lead to poor uniformity and ‘dark spots. Similarly, a poorly designed escape route with poor quality or incorrect exit signage can lead to confusion and ambiguity in an emergency escape period.

Component abuse and end of life failure

A scheme designed and installed in line with the risk assessment and the relevant emergency lighting standards will ensure initial compliance. This, however, is just the start. For the emergency lighting to remain compliant throughout its designed lifetime, there are many factors to be considered. The performance of its associated components is heavily dependent on how they are operated and maintained. The rechargeable battery for instance is a critical component but it can be highly susceptible to abuse through neglect, exposure to high temperatures and over-cycling etc. For self-contained emergency lighting applications, the battery must satisfy a four-year design life in line with BS EN 60598-2-22. It is often the case though that the battery has seen many full cycles in a very short period of time due to mains interruptions and power outages associated with ‘pre-handover’ installation periods. In many cases, the battery is connected and installed sometimes weeks or months before the mains power is applied. In these critical periods the battery may discharge to dangerous levels from which it cannot recover. Some control gears use remote software commands such as inhibition mode and rest mode to prevent unnecessary battery discharge, but this is generally in conjunction with a control system. The battery has a maximum ambient temperature rating of 50⁰C but often this figure is exceeded as the battery is placed in thermally unsuitable luminaires during the re-engineering process. Exposure to temperatures above the battery’s maximum rating can impact greatly on the lifetime.

Another consideration is the maintenance of the emergency lighting fixture. For instance, if placed in a dirty environment, the light source may not be delivering its declared luminous flux, resulting in lower levels of illumination.

Intelligent diagnostics and compliance

Taking into account the requirements and challenges mentioned above, it is easy to see how difficult it can become for the appointed ‘responsible person’ to maintain the compliance of the emergency lighting scheme. Upkeep of the logbook, including logging any changes to building layout, structure and the internal fabric. Reparations, changes to the décor, colour schemes, all have an impact on the on-going compliance of the scheme. Monitoring the health of the battery and control gear manually, without an automatic test system renders the task almost a full-time role.

To take the battery as an example, it is almost impossible to monitor its health whilst ensuring it still operates within its designed parameters throughout its life. Some manufacturers have now started to develop diagnostics through on-board software to monitor battery health.

Diagnostics allow the user to interrogate several parameters from the emergency lighting control gear, as it logs and records through its lifetime. The idea is to provide the responsible person with preventative data regarding the on-going performance of the associated equipment and to highlight any potential problems or drop in performance.

One example of diagnostic data collection is the ability for the control gear to monitor and record its own temperature for retrospective and on-going analysis. This can then be used to help maintenance of the battery for instance, as it approaches end of life, rather than after end of life failure.

Additionally, and perhaps more significantly, diagnostics can be used to monitor and record the number and frequency of emergency switching cycles. From this it can be interpreted whether the components are being operated correctly within their designed parameters.

Diagnostics can be used to measure and record the battery voltage, again providing valuable preventative information on battery health and status.

These are just some of the benefits that intelligent emergency control gears can offer through their diagnostic functionality. As developments expand, many more values can be recorded and used to aid more efficient, preventative maintenance and thereby ensure the scheme remains compliant and effective, whilst keeping tighter control of the costs associated with reactive maintenance.

In a rapidly changing world where technology is evolving on a daily base and impacting on our personal lives, it is logical to presume that more intelligent technologies will find their way into public buildings as well.

Diagnostics, if used correctly and as intended will help to ensure that safety critical systems, such as fire prevention and emergency lighting, benefit in terms of compliance and efficiency whilst helping to keep occupants safe.

The Capita Symonds report highlighted the lack of a compliant emergency lighting system in Grenfell tower in 2005. Whether this situation remained in place up to and during the tragic events of June 2017 is not clear, but what is certain is that a non-compliant emergency lighting system could only have added to the general feeling of panic and disorientation. In short, it would have served as a hindrance rather than help. If we have the opportunity to help maintain the on-going compliance of these buildings and the safety of their occupants, by producing intelligent technologies, we should take it. These are just some of the benefits that intelligent emergency control gears can offer through their diagnostic functionality. As developments expand, many more values can be recorded and used to aid more efficient, preventative maintenance and thereby ensure the scheme remains compliant and effective, whilst keeping tighter control of the costs associated with reactive maintenance.

Further information is available from Mackwell on 01922 742145 by email info@mackwell.com or by visiting the company’s website at www.mackwell.com
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Stay on guard with Kee Walk

Kee Safety, a global supplier of fall protection equipment and safety railing systems, has expanded its range of safe access solutions for roof top walkways and stepovers with the introduction of Kee Walk® with Guardrail. A cost effective and modular approach to guardrail protection, this system provides roofers, contractors and maintenance teams with a clear demarcation route to eliminate potential fall hazards.

Designed to provide a level, anti-slip walking surface on standing seam, composite panels and metal roofing, Kee Walk® with Guardrail can be easily adapted to a wide range of roof surfaces, slopes, steps, traverses and pitches up to 35⁰. Thanks to its modular design, the system can be quickly and easily set up and mounted to the roof, with no need for any on site assembly, bespoke brackets or fabrication. The guardrail – which is built from 48.3mm tubes and Kee Klamp® corrosion resistant fittings – is fixed directly to one or both sides of the walkway subframe, restricting the need for too many fixings into the roof, therefore reducing the possibility of roof leaks in the future. The walkway is available as standard in nylon or aluminium trends and supplied in pre-assembled 1.5m or 3m sections to suit the requirements of different roofs.

“A walkway with a guardrail is the preferred fall protection system as dictated in the hierarchy of control measures” comments Ben Rutter, Kee Safety Product Manager – Safe Access and NPD. “It provides the highest level of collective fall prevention for roof access and work at height. We have introduced this new walkway system to provide our customers with a collective solution that eliminates the need for personal protection equipment (PPE) or harnesses, allows multiple people to use the system at the same time, and is suited to retrofit and new build projects.”

Kee Walk® with Guardrail is CE approved and compliant with EN 516:2006 (Prefabricated Accessories for Roofing – Installations for roof access – Walkways, treads and steps). It exceeds the deflection criteria and slip resistance requirements of this standard and achieves almost double the friction requirement of BS 4592 in both wet and dry conditions, providing assurance that the treads are safe to walk on in all weather conditions. Thanks to reinforced nylon treads that are fire rated to Class HB of UL94, this roof top walkway system will have the same, if not better, fire rating than the roof itself. The guardrail complies to BS EN 14122-3, BS EN 13374 and OSHA requirements to provide customers staff and contractors with the best possible protection.

Kee Walk® with Guardrail can be used in conjunction with Kee Safety stepover platforms to provide safe access across roof mounted pipework, low level walls and other plant equipment.

Boasting almost 85 years in business, Kee Safety has the knowledge, technical excellence and awareness of regulation requirements to be able to market some of the best safety products in the industry. Despite having a large product offering already in place, Kee Safety continues to launch new solutions — Kee Walk® with Guardrail is Kee Safety’s 14th product launch in the last ten years.

For more information, visit www.keesafety.co.uk
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Sliding version of Crittall InnerVision steel screens launched

Creating a seamless transition between internal areas by opening or closing space is now possible with new single or double leaf sliding doors from Crittall’s range of InnerVision interior screens. The new doors offer wider opening areas than more intrusive hinged alternatives by virtue of their sliding design maximising use of inside room space, particularly where it may be limited.

Offering the strength and ultra-slim profile which are the hallmark of the Crittall range of products the InnerVision range allows the sub-division of internal commercial or domestic spaces without interrupting the transmission of light or reducing valuable space.

In commercial applications screens and sliding doors can be used to create quiet spaces in busy offices, schools and colleges, or calm interiors in restaurants while hectic kitchens or bars are still in full view.

Matching an existing décor presents no difficulty as the steel frames can be powder-coated to the customer’s choice of RAL or BS colours.

A range of glazing options are available to provide privacy or reduced noise levels.

The new sliding door features concealed top positioned running gear and a bottom guide for particularly large models.

Fully compatible with other InnerVision products, the sliding door variant can be specified with a secure latch-able configuration. The doors are available with a wide range of handle styles and brass finishes.

Each screen or door is created specifically to suit the application, panel shape or size, with single or double glazing using clear, decorative or obscure glass.

www.crittall-windows.co.uk
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