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Vent-Axia, leaders in air management technology, has published its new handy-sized product selector and price guide to provide essential technical information on the company’s extensive product range.

An invaluable, simple to use source of information for wholesaler and contractor, the comprehensive, new A5 guide features product and pricing information on the company’s high quality residential and commercial product range. It covers toilet, bathroom, kitchen and utility room fans, unitary heat recovery units, commercial fans, the cooling range, heating products, whole-house systems, controllers, sensors and accessories and the company’s Roof Units product range. These product groupings are categorised by colour-coded sections in the guide to help navigation and speed up selection, estimation and specification.

Vent-Axia is the UK’s leading provider of air management technology, with over 70 years experience supplying industrial, commercial and domestic ventilation and is the company behind the innovative Lo-Carbon™ collection of energy saving ventilation solutions. Committed to protecting health at home, at work and at leisure, protecting property from the damaging effects of condensation, removing stale air, creating thermal comfort and protecting the environment, Vent-Axia delivers on all fronts.

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Leading plant hire company L. Lynch Plant Hire has marked its switch to new generation dual pin capture quick hitches by calling on other construction industry personnel to help improve site and equipment safety – and prevent serious injuries and fatalities.

Lynch, with headquarters based in Stanmore, Middlesex, is holding a series of Quick Hitch Safety Road Shows to highlight the benefits of its new hitches and to address safe on-site working practices – particularly when using different types of quick couplers – with all appropriate staff including both equipment users and non-operator personnel.

The company is currently investing around £1.4m in replacing the fully automatic hitches on its entire 500-strong excavator fleet with industry-leading Auto-Loc 3 dual pin capture quick hitches manufactured by Ireland-based Hill Engineering, through Hill’s ‘new for old’ exchange scheme, and will complete the upgrade by February 2010.

Hill is also supporting Lynch in the road shows to explain how the advanced technology in its fully automatic Auto-Loc 3 model works, by not only doing away with the need to manually insert a locking pin, as with semi-automatic hitches, but also providing fully independent locking.

This means that if the operator fails to connect the attachment properly with the back pin, the front pin will remain securely locked in place, ensuring that the attachment does not accidentally become detached.

Lynch Plant Hire director Rob Lynch has already hosted around a dozen road shows on sites operated by major contractors such as Skanska, Bam Nuttall and Balfour Beatty.

He said that not only was there interest in how the automatic dual pin capture hitches work, but participants were also extremely keen to find out how they can help to reduce site and equipment accidents.

He said: “Automatic dual pin capture hitches are the single-most important progression in quick hitch safety because they ensure that both pins are totally secure, which all but eliminates the chance of unintentional bucket or attachment separation.

“However, they are not an absolute solution because, as always, there still remains the potential for human error, either from the machine operators themselves or somebody outside the cab getting too close to working equipment.

“Safety on site is everyone’s responsibility, so it was clear to us that while Lynch can certainly play its part by continually upgrading our equipment and operator training to the very highest possible industry standard, we should work closely with contractors and on-site personnel to help establish correct and safe operating practices.”

The Lynch Quick Hitch Safety Road Show takes a three-pronged approach, by outlining the correct procedures for safe hitch usage, establishing the need for proper and responsible hitch maintenance and determining the correct management and performance of people in and round the excavator.

The issue of quick hitch safety still remains high on the industry agenda following a spate of injuries and deaths over the last few years due to buckets becoming accidentally detached and striking workers – a problem generally attributed to incorrect operator use.

In a bid to improve site safety, a number of major contractors, such as Skanska, have already banned all non dual pin capture hitches. This exceeds the agreement between the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and the main European quick hitch manufacturers, which means that new semi-automatic hitches will no longer be supplied to the UK market.

Lynch operates an excavator fleet comprising of one-tonne to 45-tonne machines from Volvo and Komatsu and has an unblemished safety record stretching back 30 years. It provides its operators with extra quick hitch training, even beyond that already undertaken as a matter of course by Hill, as well as carrying out special training for outside contractors using its machines.

All qualified Lynch operators are issued with a Lynch Quick Hitch Competence card, which they carry alongside their Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card for inspection on site.

L. Lynch Plant Hire was established in 1980 and has since grown to become one of the leading names in the UK plant hire industry. With three main depots across the UK, its machines are currently in use on major highways, rail and utility projects.

Rob Lynch said: “The events held so far have been extremely successful in spreading the site safety message, as well as helping us to further evolve our quick hitch operating and safety procedures using the feedback we continue to receive.

“We are extremely proud of our excellent safety record, which is a legacy of always insisting on proper in-depth training, together with a continuing investment in any measures that will help prevent accidents and save lives.

“This is why we have chosen to replace all our existing hitches with Hill’s dual pin capture automatic models. Not only are they fully tried and tested products, but Hill has provided us with a first-class service – nothing has been too much trouble for them.”

Not only does the Hill Auto-Loc 3 automatic hitch ensure that there is no need for an operator to leave the cab to change attachments, it also allows them to visually confirm from within the cab that the bucket or other attachment is securely locked in position.

It complies with all existing UK and international safety standards and legislation by ensuring attachments can only be released when the boom is in a safe working position and it is also universal, allowing the fitting of a mixed range of attachments such as hammers and rippers.

Ian Hill, Managing Director of Hill Engineering, said: “As a leading quick hitch, bucket and excavator attachment manufacturer, we share Lynch Plant Hire’s dedication to improving safety on the UK’s construction sites and so had no hesitation in participating in the road shows to ensure the proper use and maintenance of our hitches.

“A strong commitment to improve quick hitch safety has developed within the industry, particularly after a number of high profile incidents over the past few years in which failure to properly use traditional models has, in some cases, resulted in serious injuries and fatalities.

“At Hill Engineering safety has always been an overriding priority, which is why we developed the Auto-Loc range of quick couplers incorporating dual pin capture technology back in 2005. With the proven track record of safety and reliability, we believe the Auto-Loc range to be the safest and best-engineered quick hitch on the market today.

“We very much welcome an initiative such as the Lynch Quick Hitch Road Show, which sends out the message that by using the best and most up–to-date equipment technology, combined with comprehensive training and the implementation of correct on-site safety procedures, there is no longer any need for lives to be put at risk.”

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Mitsubishi Electric’s Commercial Director, Donald Daw has put the company’s belief in the energy-saving value of air source heat pumps to the test recently by taking part in a special ‘Dragon’s Den’ style presentation involving Grand Design’s Kevin McCloud.

The Channel 4 star was part of a panel which included Professor David Strong, Chair of the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes, and David MacKay, Chief Scientific Advisor, Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

The trio quizzed Mitsubishi Electric and three other companies (the Mark Group, Knauf Insulation, and BEAMA) who have come up with new and innovative ideas to make homes more energy efficient.

“The panel didn’t pull their punches just like the real Dragon’s but I think heat pumps came out very well because they are one of the few technologies that are flexible, affordable, and scalable enough to really make a difference to the majority of our homes,” commented Daw.

“However, the real winner was the idea of everyone working together to find a whole house solution rather than believing that one single technology can be the answer in every situation,” he added.

The event was one of the highlights of the Civil Service Live expo held at London’s Olympia on the 6th – 8th July attended by over 10,000 visitors.

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Two products from Mira Showers – the UK’s leading manufacturer of showering products and accessories – have been awarded the prestigious Waterwise Marque, acknowledging their contribution to improving water efficiency. The Minilite Eco and Miniduo with Eco handset are ‘environmentally friendly’ showers designed to significantly reduce water and energy consumption, by as much as 75%, while still delivering superb performance.

Waterwise is an independent Non-governmental organisation dedicated to reversing the upward trend in how much water is used in the home and workplace; and is the leading authority on water efficiency.

The Minilite Eco which – as the name suggests – combines the company’s compact Minilite with the efficiency benefits of a 6 litres-per-minute (lpm) flow regulator; while the Miniduo is united with the innovative Eco showerhead. Importantly, both shower combinations assist in meeting the requirements of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Both the valves are half the size of ‘standard’ ones – without any compromise in shower performance; are thermostatic and are available in both chrome built-in and exposed variants. The Minilite Eco has a simple, single sequential control; and is complete with a Mira fittings kit.

The Miniduo and Eco showerhead is just as it states: the Miniduo concentric valve combined with all the water saving benefits of the Eco showerhead. Operation is by separate ‘Select & Forget’ controls for temperature and flow.

The Miniduo also has 110mm pipe centres; and is suitable for easy retro-fitting onto pipe centres between 133 -153mm with the use of an adjustable elbow kit.

The Eco showerhead’s unique design reduces the amount of water normally used by up to a massive 75% (compared to a standard Logic showerhead at 0.5 bar pressure). The ‘ecoefficient™’ technology uses the Venturi principle, by which air is introduced into the flow without a pump. Mixing air with the water spray creates larger droplets filled with air bubbles. The droplets explode on impact and produce similar coverage to conventional, finer sprays giving the impression of increased volume of water and a refreshing shower. Not only does this offer the user huge savings in water, but in energy too – as less hot water needs to be heated.

The adjustable showerhead also provides a choice of three aerating spray modes – Start, Soothe and Force – which allow the user to ‘customise’ their shower ‘experience’.

Mira’s ‘eco’ Minilite and Miniduo with Eco handset delivers a win-win situation for all concerned. The user gets a high quality, high performance shower that is both water and energy efficient and therefore saves money on water and fuel bills; while developers and social landlords are able to meet the requirements of the Code for Sustainable Homes as well as delivering their buyers and tenants a superbly effective and economical shower.

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The London Development Agency (LDA) in conjunction with The Building Centre Trust has selected Vent-Axia’s Air Minder heat recovery unit for No.1 Lower Carbon Drive, a two-bedroom life-size eco-house recently built in Trafalgar Square to showcase energy saving devices. An initiative from the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone’s Climate Change Action Plan, the building is constructed in the shape of a quaint, pre-war two-storey house, and made national headlines at the start of December when it was erected right next to Nelson’s Column.

Filled with fun and interactive exhibits that illustrate what Londoners can do in their home to tackle climate change, No. 1 Lower Carbon Drive, is divided into six zones, covering energy, ventilation, appliances, water, recycling and insulation. Within the ventilation zone Vent-Axia’s low carbon Air Minder has been selected as the product of choice to demonstrate the benefits of Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) in the modern home. The house was constructed by Hub Design through project manager Max Turner in conjunction with Andrew Scoons of the Building Centre Trust.

“At Vent-Axia we are committed to producing energy saving technology which reduces electrical consumption and, ultimately, our carbon footprint. Using proven heat recovery technology, our Air Minder system can reduce the heating system requirement in a property to save upwards of 500kg of carbon per annum,” explains Kevin Sargeant, Managing Director of Vent-Axia, leaders in air management technology.

The Air Minder combines continuous ventilation with the most advanced heat recovery system available. Sized correctly it will gently ventilate a property at a rate of about half an air change per hour, removing moist air and unpleasant smells from the kitchen, bathrooms and toilets and extracting it to the outside. Heat is extracted from this air by the unit and used to warm fresh filtered air which is drawn into living spaces such as bedrooms and living rooms, providing continuous ventilation even when the house is sealed up for the day.

No. 1 Lower Carbon Drive was opened by the Mayor to launch London Green Homes service, part of the Mayor’s Climate Change Action Plan – a comprehensive programme of initiatives to reduce carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2025. The flagship London Green Homes service is unique to the capital and will offer a free comprehensive telephone advice service, a free website and a paid-for green ‘concierge’ service to provide a hassle-free tailor-made package of carbon saving lifestyle improvements.

No 1 Lower Carbon Drive was on show in Trafalgar Square until 16 December. It is scheduled to move to several locations across London before remaining at the Building Centre in Store Street, London as a permanent display.

Vent-Axia’s Air Minder is part of Vent-Axia Lo-Carbon™ collection of energy saving ventilation solutions. The aim of the Lo-Carbon initiative is to offer the latest low carbon ventilation technology in order to reduce building energy consumption and so carbon emissions. Vent-Axia Lo-Carbon™ will be showcasing its collection of energy saving ventilation solutions on Stand E356 at Ecobuild 2007, 26-28 February, where the company will also allow visitors access to its comprehensive information resource the VA Knowledge Bank.

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Leaders from ten global companies gathered in London today to announce publicly the formation of the “Friends of the Supergrid” (FOSG) which has been set up to progress policy towards the construction of a pan-European Offshore Supergrid. Through the combination of their respective areas of expertise, the FOSG members have unique insight into the policies needed to create the Supergrid and have the capability to deliver it in practice.

The FOSG is the only representative body that combines companies in sectors that will deliver the High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) infrastructure and related technology, together with companies that will develop, install, own and operate that infrastructure. It brings together the organisations that will design the physical equipment, with those who will build the structures at sea.

The founding members include 3E, AREVA T&D, DEME Blue Energy, Elia, Hochtief Construction AG, Mainstream Renewable Power, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Prysmian Cables & Systems, Siemens and Visser & Smit Marine Contracting.

Speaking at the launch on behalf of the members, Mainstream Renewable Power’s Chief Executive Dr Eddie O’Connor said,” The UK government has recently shown its commitment to large-scale offshore wind by announcing the development of up to 50GW by 2020. We now need to integrate this huge resource into Europe to enable the open trade of electricity between Member States. The Friends of the Supergrid is uniquely placed to influence policy-makers towards creating the Supergrid and ultimately changing how we generate, transmit and consume electricity for generations to come.”

In December last year, nine EU Member States, including the UK and Germany, signed a political declaration for the “North Seas Countries Offshore Grid Initiative”. Last month Norway signed the declaration, whose aim is to develop policy to advance offshore interconnection in Europe. The FOSG is solely able to present “cradle to grave” interconnection solutions to the policy-makers and others looking to develop energy policy across Europe through to 2050.

FOSG will be run by an Executive and directed by the Board of members. Membership will be kept to a maximum of 20 companies and aims to have both an industrial and geographic cross-section, with its base in Brussels. The concept of the Supergrid was first launched a decade ago and it is defined as “an electricity transmission system, mainly based on direct current, designed to facilitate large-scale sustainable power generation in remote areas for transmission to centres of consumption, one of whose fundamental attributes will be the enhancement of the market in electricity”.

The Supergrid will open markets, strengthen security of supply and create another global opportunity for European companies to export sustainable energy technology. The technology underpinning the Supergrid will give competitive advantage to the companies involved with its specification and design. This type of integrated AC/DC grid will be a template for what will be needed in other global markets including the US and China.

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MK Electric, the UK’s leading manufacturer of wiring devices and accessories, is transforming light operation with the introduction of a range of innovative ‘self powered’ switches – called Echo – that are entirely wireless and battery-free! MK is the first major UK manufacturer to incorporate this patented technology – so-called ‘enabled by EnOcean’, after the German company that developed it – into switches; and the new Echo range harvests tiny amounts of ambient energy to wirelessly operate lighting at ranges of up to 30 metres within buildings.

The benefits of such technology – combined with MK Electric’s market-leading wiring devices and accessories – include almost instant switch installation; total location flexibility of light switches within buildings; and easy relocation, re-installation and considerable cost-savings when ‘churning’ office and other commercial spaces. The Echo range is also incredibly low maintenance thanks to the lack of batteries (that would need replacing) and lack of wiring in the wall.

Furthermore, the switches aid compliance with Building Regulations such as Part L by providing for localised control of lighting and integration with lighting management systems and other networks covering areas such as heating and air-conditioning. They also help with meeting Part M requirements thanks to their immense flexibility when positioning them, combined with their easy-to-operate wide rockers.

The wireless, battery free Echo range is suitable for a wide range of applications and installation environments: from office new build and refurbishment which may have a need to re-arrange space periodically, or glass partitions – preventing the use of wired devices – through to conservation or listed environments where chasing wires is not possible.

It also lends itself to domestic extensions or conservatories where switch location may be an issue or – again – where areas of glass feature; and, finally, one-off or ‘portable’ locations such as park homes, caravans, exhibition stands and temporary buildings where a fast, flexible solution is required.

The MK Electric Echo lighting system essentially comprises two components: the ‘self powered’ switch, and an RF receiver. The receiver is installed at the lighting fixture and wired into to the lighting circuit at the time of ceiling installation. The switch is then mounted, using either adhesive pads – for super-fast fixing or onto awkward surfaces like marble or glass – or with screws if additional security is necessary.

The switch is simply ‘aligned’ to the receiver by setting it into ‘learn mode’ and pressing the rocker. The switch is now wirelessly dedicated to the fixture in question. One receiver can be programmed so it can be operated by up to 30 switches; while, conversely, any number of receivers can be activated by a single switch. Where signals may be obstructed by impervious materials such as granite or steel, repeater units are available which will divert and/ or extend transmissions around a building.

MK Electric’s first ‘enabled by EnOcean’ Echo switches will be from its immensely popular Logic Plus wiring accessories range. Logic Plus has been designed to complement contemporary interiors and is probably the largest selection of wiring accessories available in any single range on the market today. The Logic Plus Echo switches are available in one or two gang variants; and readily integrate with other accessories in the Logic range – from socket outlets through to Euro, LJU6C and MK modular data frontplates. Other Echo range styles and options will be added over the coming months.

MK Electric’s new ‘enabled by EnOcean’ Echo range of ‘self powered’ switches mean no wires, no batteries and no fuss. They will radically revise the way switching is treated within commercial spaces; and deliver a host of benefits to the specifier, installer and facilities manager – whether seeking products permitting super-fast installation; to mount switches on glass; or total flexibility over switch location in partitioned offices subject to re-arrangement.

Low maintenance, sustainable and highly accessible products; MK Electric’s Echo range represents a new generation of switching devices and helps take the company’s renowned strength of product in depth, quality and service to a new level.

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For those seeking a roof window which combines good eco-credentials with added security, Fakro roof windows now use the patented, topSafe® system. This provides the highest standard of security and safety currently available (Class 3 – EN 13049), its micro-opening facility enabling it to remain secure even when open. Additional steel reinforcement is built into the lower part of the sash, while improved lock security and fixing screws driven in at an angle prevent hinges being ruptured.

U.K. Sales Director Phil Adams commented, “topSafe is not used in any other manufacturer’s roof windows and the fact that a number of our windows achieve EN13049 Class 4 adds further emphasis to the benefits that the system provides”. The level of safety provided means most windows will withstand the weight of an individual if stepped on. Fakro roof windows are also made using only close-grain, knot-free, redwood pine, a growing proportion of which is from FSC approved sources. They have also been designed to enable every element to be stripped out easily for recycling.

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