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Iron technology solutions provider, Saint-Gobain PAM UK, has secured its first major order for its recently launched 150mm diameter Ensign EEZI-FIT range of push-fit cast iron above ground drainage systems supplied through the local Hailsham branch of one of its major distributors, Drain Center

Saint-Gobain PAM UK fought off tough competition to secure the contract to replace the sanitary soil stacks as part of a major refurbishment of four 17-storey tower blocks in Hastings, East Sussex, from main contractor United House. Each block contains 96 flats, and is owned by AmicusHorizon. United House, one of the largest specialist housing construction companies in London and the South East, has been contracted by AmicusHorizon to undertake this major £6.5 million refurbishment of the four blocks. As a resident-focused housing association, it was important for AmicusHorizon to work closely with its contractors on this flagship project to develop solutions to improve local residents’ homes and community.

Steve Madell, Regional Asset Director (Sussex) of AmicusHorizon said: “This is a ground-breaking project, whereby residents are able to remain in their homes during the replacement of soil stacks. Through careful planning with both our residents and contractors, disruption to residents has been kept to a minimum.”

Ensign EEZI-FIT was approved following extensive trials on a three-floor test stack, in which Saint-Gobain PAM UK assisted throughout to prove the effectiveness and speed of installation of these products.

John Ryan, Site Manager for United House, explained: “We selected Saint-Gobain PAM UK as Ensign EEZI-FIT provides a versatile platform for refurbishment of the tower blocks with far less complications than alternative materials. Compared with competitors, this was the best product for the job and has meant we could complete the project quickly and efficiently.

“We needed a solution which minimised the impact of the works on the residents who continued to live in their homes during the refurbishment, which had a high fire and sound rating, and which offered ease and speed of installation. There are six soil stacks in each of the four blocks, so this was a major installation with the potential for a lot of disruption for the residents, many of whom are elderly. The Saint-Gobain PAM UK solution ensured that this was minimised.”

Mike Rawlings, Marketing Manager – Soil & Drain at Saint-Gobain PAM UK, added: “One of the main issues for consideration was noise reduction in the soil stacks. A major benefit of the Ensign EEZI-FIT system is that it has excellent acoustic properties; tested to BS EN 14366, it has been proven to be the quietest drainage solution on the market, ensuring noise transference through the drainage system will be the lowest possible.

“Unlike systems that require solvents for jointing, the installation and testing of the newly-fitted EEZI-FIT stacks could be completed in one day, saving United House any ‘out of service’ charges, and could actually be fitted while residents remained in their homes.

“Ensign EEZI-FIT, which is kitemark approved to BS EN 877, was ideal for this project – it meant minimal disruption for residents as we could complete a stack in a day, during working hours. And, as EEZI-FIT has a life expectancy of 50 years, AmicusHorizon can be assured that this is a long-term solution.”

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An innovative hi-tech management reporting and safety system designed to prevent the premature departure of vehicles from the loading bay is set to be installed at the Goods In section of every one of Tesco’s distribution centres across the UK.

The supermarket is investing in the Dock Management System, which was jointly developed by UK firms Easilift Loading Systems and Traka, after it impressed during a pilot scheme at Tesco’s distribution centre in Hinckley, Leicestershire.

The system combines Easilift's dock door and associated control equipment with Traka's electronic key control system and was tailored to complement Tesco's existing safety processes, creating a high-tech solution to the problem of vehicle drive-off accidents.

The Dock Management System works by using electronic keys – known as iFobs –each containing a unique electronic chip, which is individually programmed to open or close one specific door when inserted into a control panel.

At Hinckley, the system is now an integral part of a robust protocol whereby drivers are required to hand in their ignition keys when they arrive at the Goods In office. The keys are clipped to an iFob, which is inserted into the main Traka control panel, allowing a corresponding iFob to be removed and handed to the driver.

Only then is it possible to open the bay door, when an authorised operative inserts their personal iFob into a secondary control panel located adjacent to each door.

Once loading or unloading is complete, the operative closes the door. This sends a message to the Goods In control box, permitting the removal of the driver’s keys – but only after the deposit iFob is inserted back into the box.

Tesco trialled the Dock Management System at 26 Goods In loading bays at the Hinckley depot. The bays are used by between 300 and 400 vehicles each day, many of which arrive from overseas, representing a stern test for the new Easilift system.

“We have an excellent safety record at Hinckley, but worker safety is paramount and there is always room for improvement,” said Joe Carthy, distribution health and safety manager for Tesco UK and Ireland.

“It was important therefore that the system was tested in the Goods In section, where we deal with a high volume of drivers, many of whom will be unfamiliar with the layout.

“If the system worked there, we knew that it would be able to achieve our objectives at other loading bays too.”

Fitting the system involved surface-mounting cabling on the inside of the exterior walls and linking 26 individual boxes stationed next to each loading bay door with the control panel in the Goods In office.

“The Easilift Dock Management System was attractive to us because by using control boxes and indicator lights, it lessens the chance of human error,” said Joe.

“This was a limited trial, but the results were fantastic. The system was easy to operate and to understand, and it took a huge amount of human element out of the process. Importantly, it made people feel safe and put them at ease.”

Although the system was developed with a health and safety angle in mind, it has a whole range of other benefits. The system minimises the amount of time the door is open – which can save money and reduce carbon footprints for chilled distribution centres – and, furthermore, can provide an audit trail, logging who used what door and for how long.

This can not only improve efficiency and assist companies in tracking down any missing stock, but can also help with servicing costs. By using the information recorded within the system and the reports generated, a company can devise a servicing programme which takes into account how much the door is used over a set period of time.

The Dock Management System can be easily retro-fitted to virtually any loading bay door and will now be installed in all of Tesco's distribution centres, representing what David Whyatt, sales director at Easilift Loading Systems, described as an excellent way to launch the product onto the market.

He added: “We are thrilled that Tesco has agreed to roll out the Dock Management System UK-wide and by doing so has shown great foresight by investing in a solution which has the potential to cut out serious accidents.

“There could have been no tougher test for the system than to trial it at Hinckley, which is an extremely busy depot where any shortcomings in the system would have been very quickly highlighted.

“It is testament to the technology and expertise at Easilift Loading Systems and Traka that the system proved itself to be watertight and demonstrated that it goes further than any other system on the market to offer peace of mind.”

With 35 years’ experience in the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of high quality loading bay equipment and industrial doors, Easilift Loading Systems is the UK’s leading specialist supplier of total loading bay solutions to some of the biggest names in retailing, manufacturing, logistics, distribution, warehousing, building, construction and the service sector.

In addition to its unique new Dock Management – Anti Drive-Off System, the company provides a complete range of loading bay equipment, including dock levellers, dock shelters & seals, industrial & high speed doors, and lifting platforms, together with a wide selection of safety aids & accessories such as dock plates, dock bumpers, dock & traffic lights, wheel guides & vehicle restraints, and integrated control systems. Easilift also provides comprehensive service and maintenance programmes for all makes and types of loading bay equipment – irrespective of the manufacturer.

Easilift was also one of the pioneers in the design and installation of dock pod systems, which are complete stand-alone loading bay enclosures that can be installed directly onto the external face of a building. Suitable for new buildings, extensions and refurbishments, they can be quickly and easily re-positioned, if required, and are ideal for use with the increasingly popular and highly cost-effective double deck trailer units.

As the UK’s leading loading bay specialist, Easilift was one of the first in its sector to achieve the prestigious SAFEcontractor accreditation in recognition of its excellent health & safety record and competence, confirming to prospective customers that effective policies and systems are in place.

Easilift is a member of the Loading Systems International Group, one of Europe’s foremost manufacturers of loading bay equipment. The Group has over 450 employees across Europe and a total turnover in excess of 60 million Euros.

An active member of the Association of Loading & Elevating Equipment Manufacturers (ALEM) and the Confederation of Construction Specialists, Easilift operates to the International ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management Standard. The company has Investors In People Bronze status accreditation and is a participant in the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), with all its engineers fully qualified under the CITB Site Supervisory Training Scheme.

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Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, the £32million state-of-the-art facility, recently opened its doors for the new school year to reveal 12 revolutionary air curtains from Airbloc. The Academy welcomes more than 1,600 pupils, teachers and staff through its doors every day. With this high footfall, and multiple entrances in regular use, the Academy turned to Airbloc to solve the common problems caused by frequently opened doors – temperature fluctuations, wasted energy and increased running costs.

Airbloc supplied ten of its wall mounted AC Series and two of its recessed ACR Series air curtains to provide a cost-effective, energy efficient solution. Located above twelve external doors, the Airbloc air curtains will reduce the demand for air conditioning and heating systems by cutting heat loss by up to 80%. AC Series air curtains were the perfect solution for many of the Academy’s exposed entrances. The innovative semi-circular profile, whilst aesthetically appealing, serves a more functional purpose as it can be installed closer to the doorway for a stronger, more effective seal.

Designed for discreet positioning, Airbloc’s ACR Series of recessed air curtains were installed above two entrances. Suspended in the ceiling above the Academy’s doorways, the ACR Series’ subtle, refined finish proved ideal for the contemporary design of the Darwen Academy. The AC and ACR Airbloc air curtains create a high-velocity wall of heated or ambient air that prevents the external atmosphere from passing through doorways. By separating the internal and external climates, the Academy maintains a comfortable internal temperature, improving working conditions for staff and students.

As well as improving the building’s internal climate, installing the air curtains will also have a positive effect on the Academy’s energy costs. By preventing fluctuating temperatures within the building, the air curtains will substantially reduce the energy consumption of air conditioning and heating systems. The Darwen Academy places considerable value on ‘education for sustainable development’. By installing Airbloc air curtains, it is certainly leading the way in sustainability, reducing carbon emissions and cutting energy loss, whilst also providing a comfortable environment for staff and students.

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The new ABB Busch-ComfortTouch panel offers the sophistication of intelligent building control in an easy-to-use, one touch display. Suitable for hotels, housing and commercial properties, it combines state-of-the-art control with exciting new energy efficiency and security features, providing users with full control of all living areas and building functions from one location.

The ComfortTouch panel gives users a single point of control for a range of functions including lighting, security, temperature and humidity. An intuitive colour coding system that distinguishes different aspects of the building – yellow for light, amber for heating, blue for blinds, orange for climate control and purple for living scenarios – makes the system easier to use for those with little or no experience.

The control panel allows users to operate or dim the lights, adjust blinds, regulate the room temperature or create scenes from a combination of the functions listed. For further ease of use, a all functions can also be controlled remotely where there is line-of-sight between the panel and the remote control pad.

Another key feature is the panel’s energy monitoring function. The Busch-ComfortTouch panel provides access to energy consumption data, enabling property owners to monitor and reduce energy use by identifying areas for improved lighting efficiency, energy consumption and security.

The security function makes it possible to simulate presence within buildings, applying realistic living patterns even when nobody is there. The security system is designed to detect when doors or windows have been left unlocked and can even detect breakages. Once an alarm has been raised, an alert is sent to the user’s mobile phone informing the user of the problem. The panel can also be linked to external monitoring systems, such as surveillance cameras, to monitor and record parts of a building directly from the touch panel.

with a built in MP3 player, The Busch-ComfortTouch makes it possible to create audio files or play films. Users can monitor the weather, look at the latest traffic reports, track up-to-date news, access their e-mails and even use the panel as an alarm clock. The panel can also be used to leave voice or written messages for other users to view.

The Busch-ComfortTouch is available in a black or cream coloured, high quality polished finish. Users can customise the screen colours to suit their own personal preferences. Once installed the touch panel will work in tandem with ABB’s KNX intelligent installation system as a source of control within a building. The number of control functions available through the ComfortTouch is up to the individual to decide when they are installing the system.

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Megger’s new KC series of test leads, which were developed in conjunction with leading manufacturers of wind turbines, provide a complete and convenient solution to the problem of finding reliable test leads that are long enough to be used for testing the continuity of lightning protection conductors in wind turbine blades.

• Choice of three lengths
• Long lead Kelvin clip terminated
• Short lead terminated with duplex spikes

Another first for Megger

Believed to be the first commercially available products of their type that have been specifically designed for wind turbine applications, Megger’s new test leads eliminate the need for engineers and technicians involved in wind turbine testing to fabricate their own test leads – a time consuming and inconvenient process – or to resort to makeshift arrangements that may deliver uncertain results.

KC-series wind turbine test leads are available 100 m, 50 m and 30 m versions, and are equally suitable for use on site or in the manufacturing plant. For convenience and ease of handling, they are supplied as standard on a heavy-duty cable reel that is fitted with a friction brake to avoid tangles when paying out the cable.

New DLRO10HD makes an ideal partner

KC-series leads are ideally suited for use with Megger DLRO10HD low-resistance digital ohmmeters, which combine robust construction with a high test current capability. They also have an IP65 protection rating with the lid closed, and an IP54 rating when the lid is open and tests are being performed, which means that they can be safely used outdoors even when it is raining.

While these features make DLRO10HD ohmmeters an excellent choice for wind turbine applications, KC-series leads can also be used successfully with most modern types of low-resistance ohmmeter.

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Specialist Glazing System company Fendor, working in close cooperation with the consultants and main contractor, has developed a window system that offers a revolution in terms of both performance and the living environment for a new secure unit at Rampton high secure Hospital.

The new High Security Learning Disability Unit at RamptonHospital in Nottinghamshire has been built by Laing O’Rourke with Gilling Dod Architects being the architectural practice leading the design team. Knowing Fendor's expertise in relation to supplying window systems meeting the highest standards of security, the main contractor approached the company to take a radical approach to meeting the facility's needs.

As a result, Fendor has supplied double glazed curtain walling for communal areas, as well as double glazed windows to patients' rooms and other vulnerable locations, offering a wide range of attributes. These include full anti-ligature protection and patient control over ventilation, as well as high levels of natural light and resistance to attack.

Project Architect Mark Cowpland from Gilling Dod, comments: “In recent years at RamptonHospitalthey have used a polycarbonate glazed window, which meant there were no thermal properties and there were also condensation issues. So with the Learning Disability Unit we were re-introducing glass into the facility for the first time in over 30 years.

“Although it was not clear exactly what the client wanted at the beginning, we were given the brief that there was to be natural ventilation, operated by the service user themselves, and as much daylight as possible; while it should also meet Part L2 of the Building Regulations. Laing O'Rourke brought Fendor on board early and the manufacturer helped us work up a design, supplying numerous window sections and samples of glazing for testing.

“Fendor was therefore an integral part of the design team and has performed very well, while the windows themselves meet all of our aspirations on safety, security and energy as well as natural light and ventilation.”

For the Therapeutic Core building there were 27 areas of AlphaLine Aluminium curtain walling installed with SwingVent opening windows on actuators. Fendor also supplied steel glazed doors and 26 Steel SwingVent windows incorporating anti escape top hung vents.

In Houses A, B, C & D, the manufacturer fitted 22 high security SwingVent bedroom windows that were fully anti ligature and anti-pass. These windows are a special composite steel and aluminium frame. They were triple glazed with a laminated glass centre pane protected by a 'sacrificial' polycarbonate inner layer. The opening vents are operated by the patient via an internal anti ligature control knob, which is on a continuous turn mechanism to prevent potential damage to the operating gear by the patients. Fendor further supplied nine steel entrances for each building, incorporating doors and anti-escape top hung SwingVents.

The installation teams had to be fully vetted for working in secure areas, and were trained by Fendor to ensure quality standards were maintained throughout the contract.

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Wiring accessories with clip-on cover plates that meet the visibility requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act combined with significant installation benefits are being used in a new school in the London Borough of Lambeth. Approximately 14,000 of Eaton’s COPA accessories were installed in the first phase of the project, which opened in April, and another 16,000 will be installed in Phase 2, due for completion in September 2010.

Five years ago Stockwell Park High School, situated in one of the most deprived areas of London, was underperforming. This has all changed. The school received an “outstanding” rating in a recent OFSTED report. The school is being totally rebuilt under the Government’s Building Schools for the Future programme and will eventually provide the latest educational facilities for 1200 pupils, a 33% increase on the present capacity.

Stockwell Park High School makes full use of modern IT equipment for teachers and pupils. This called for extensive provision of socket-outlets and data connection facilities. Teaching areas have one or more “teaching walls” equipped with conventional whiteboards and interactive projection facilities. Socket-outlets and data connection units are installed in wall boxes and two-compartment trunking and below floor access units.

A novel element of the design is “feature strips” inside the main doorways. These are brightly-coloured vertical service pillars which house the main lighting control switch and a variety of other control and communication devices including power and data outlets, WiFi access points, CO2 alarms, window controls, thermostats and public address equipment.

Architects, Sheppard Robson, specified that electrical accessories should contrast with their surroundings to ensure compliance with the visibility requirements of the Building Regulations Part M and the Disability Discrimination Act. After considering various options, Richard Gilbert, Project Manager for electrical and mechanical services contractor, EIC Ltd. of Alcester, selected Eaton’s COPA clip-on plate accessories.

“We wanted accessories with separate cover plates so that we could install them and then leave them for decoration to take place before we clip on the cover plates” explains Richard Gilbert. Eaton’s COPA accessories satisfied both the visibility and installation requirements. A grey finish was selected. This satisfied the visibility requirements and matched the finish of other internal fittings.

The plates are clearly visible whether they are installed in white walls, UPVC trunking or in the coloured feature strips. COPA accessories span the whole range of devices including lighting switches, power accessories and datacom outlets. At Stockwell Park High School there is extensive use of twin switched socket-outlets, spur connection units, lighting switches and data connection plates. In addition, Eaton metalclad twin switched socket-outlets are installed on the floor slab below the service access traps.

COPA accessories are available with a choice of ten different plate finishes. They are designed for ease of installation and can be fully installed, tested and left energised before the cover plates are fitted. This means not only that decorators can paint right up to the accessories without damaging or splashing the cover plates but that installation of the plates themselves can be left to the last moment before handover. Cover plates can be removed safely at a later date to permit redecoration.

Stockwell Park High School is designed by Sheppard Robson Architects and is being built by Wilmott Dixon. In addition to the main teaching areas, it will include a modern ampitheatre, multi-use games area and sports hall. There are ICT suites, a special educational needs (SEN) unit and an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) unit.

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Daikin Europe NV has introduced a new air to air heat pump system for heating and cooling residential premises and small offices. Designated Nexura FVXG, the system comes in three sizes with heating capacities from 4.5 to 8.1kW and cooling capacities from 3.0 to 5.6kW.

Daikin Europe N.V. has extended its range of low temperature air to water heat pumps with a stylish new indoor unit (hydrobox) and hot water cylinder. The new floor standing system benefits from reduced installation times plus improved domestic hot water (DHW) COPs and allows the cylinder to be mounted on top of the hydrobox. The result is a single box, sleek and attractive solution for heating and DHW production.

The new integrated design option comes in heating only or heating and cooling versions and is compatible with the existing Daikin Altherma range of low temperature split outdoor units. Capacities range from 6 kW to 16 kW. Dimensioning software makes it easy to select the best configuration for optimum performance.

Compact footprint, easy installation and maintenance

One of the most energy efficient heating solutions on the market today, the Daikin Altherma low temperature system can produce 3 to 5 kW of heat for every 1 kW of electricity used by extracting heat from the ambient outside air. It is capable of comfortably heating homes in outdoor temperatures down to -20°C and supports optional domestic hot water production and comfort cooling. The new floor standing units features a highly insulated integrated unvented stainless steel DHW cylinder. Key benefits of this system include the ability to produce domestic hot water at temperatures of 600 C, simplified and drastically reduced installation requirements due to its use of times pre assembled components and ‘plug and play’ couplings. Its small footprint makes it suitable for use in areas where space is at a premium, whilst its easy to remove panel simplifies maintenance and in the event of ceiling clearance limitations, enables the optional split installation of the indoor unit and DHW cylinder.

A programmable commissioning function for under floor heating gradually increases system water temperature in time blocks of up to 72 hours to allow for complete screed drying

Improved economy and performance

The Daikin Altherma low temperature floor standing unit also offers performance improvements, a larger DHW coil and better insulation, improving heat-up times by 33% and performance by 20%, resulting in a DHW COP of 2.0.

The DHW cylinder is available in 200 litre and 260 litre versions, a unique reheat function extending tank capacity and allowing a lower overall tank temperature without

compromising comfort. When additional hot water capacity is needed during the day, the heat pump can reheat the tank more efficiently to a lower temperature. In addition, a single electric heater serves as both DHW booster and back-up for room heating.

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Britain has stormed to victory at the IFD World Championship for Young Roofers' 2010 in Belfast by installing Hambleside Danelaw's roofing and ventilation products on the competition rig.

Unlike Rooney and co, the British team beat off the Germans to win the pitched roof gold medal in a fierce contest which attracted 24 two-man teams from 12 countries.

Gold medallists, Martin McAllister and Matthew Timby, used Hambleside Danelaw's lightweight polyethylene dry soaker for plain clay and concrete tiles and rigid underlay support trays – all manufactured by the British company.

Hambleside Danelaw dry soakers are quick and simple to install. Made from lightweight high density polyethylene they are available for both tile and slate roofs in right and left handed versions. They offer thermal stability and resistance to UV light, acid rain and cracking under temperature change.

The rigid underlay support trays are ideally suited for eaves refurbishment, but can also be used on new build. The rigid PVC unit provides an immediate and cost effective solution to situations where damage to the roof underlay or felt has occurred.

The ease of installation of both products helped to facilitate the accurate build quality that the judges were looking for at the world championships.

These Hambleside Danelaw products form part of a complete dry fix solution of roofing products from the sustainability award-winning manufacturer. The range includes Dry Fix Valley Troughs and Bonding Gutters which are BBA approved.

Specifiers will note that many of the company's roofing and ventilation products are included in the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) Procurement Guide for construction materials. This means:

• using less raw material
• avoiding and reducing waste
• re-using materials
• recovering wastes by recycling into new applications.

Using WRAP approved products therefore has a beneficial impact on the environment.

Chris Avery, Hambleside Danelaw's Vice Chairman, said: “As a British manufacturer, Hambleside Danelaw is delighted that a young generation of skilled construction workers are being trained in this country to match the highest standards in the world.

'The Young Roofers' World Championships and Roofing Industry Showcase is the ideal forum to show the innovation and sustainability of our roofing products and it is great that they have helped to win a gold medal for Britain.”

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New from Thorn, unique in its styling, Adelie is a highly distinctive post top mounted luminaire. It combines a ring of 32 x 1.1W LEDs with a funnel shaped canopy to create a soft indirect light in parks and building surrounds.

Adelie is crafted from sandy grey aluminium with a white reflector to direct the cool light (5300K) down without glare. The surface is Teflon-coated, to ensure that it remains both water and stain repellent (sealed to IP65).

The circular LED compartment has a ribbed base, with distinctive red decoration ring, to dissipate heat and prolong life (up to 50,000 hours). It is topped with a PMMA lens, inclined to allow water run off.

A dedicated 3m tapered aluminium column blends perfectly with the lantern continuing the design theme through column and lantern. The slim section control gear, pre-wired with 3.5m cable, is positioned in the column base to save depth and allow easy access.

It is these features that help the Adelie blend especially well with modern architectural styles. From a distance the lit shape is similar to a ‘flying saucer’ that appears to hover in space.

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