CABLEtalk August/September 2020

August/September 2020 £4.50

Cutting through the red tape

Member Scott McLean reveals the benefits of Building Standards Certification in a post-pandemic world

20

Toolbox Talks move online with EV film

26

Industry innovation under the spotlight

40

Exploring the future of skills in Scotland

CONTENTS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 OPINION

05

Alan Wilson on adjusting to working with the new normal

NEWS

06

CORONAVIRUS

18

All the latest news from across SELECT and the wider industry

CORONAVIRUS

Help and resources to support your firm’s safe return to work

12 14 17

SELECT’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic in numbers Member Neil Robson describes his company’s return to work Helping your staff cope when you need to make redundancies

FEATURES FEATURES

25

New animation explains the approved certifier scheme

APPRENTICES

42

Introducing Conor Reilly, our latest Talent of Tomorrow

20 22

Toolbox Talks continue online thanks to our new EV video

30

Electrical Safety First on how safety could look in the future

Why becoming an approved certifier could help your business

FOCUS

34 36

Len Bunton explains why the pandemic is a chance for change

TRAINING

FEATURES

26

Why lighting is the perfect route into smart home technology

38

Discover how CSIC is leading the way on industry innovation

SELECT’s virtual classroom hosts more successful training sessions

APPRENTICES

40

MANAGING EDITOR Iain Mason iain.mason@select.org.uk EDITOR Sarah Wolstencroft sarah.w@connectcommunications.co.uk 0141 560 3022

ADVERTISING David Hughes davidh@connectcommunications.co.uk 0131 561 0022

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Ryan Swinney ryan@connectcommunications.co.uk

CABLEtalk is produced by Connect Publications on behalf of SELECT connectcommunications.co.uk

Giving the next generation of electricians skills for the future

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

44

The latest gadgets and gear to make your working life easier

DIARY

46 CABLEtalk

Meet Iain Mason and your chance to win with our prize wordseach AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

3

COMMENT

What is the new normal?

A

s lockdown eases and we move towards what is likely to be the ‘new normal’ for some time to come, it is apparent that we will all need to adjust our behaviour both from a social and business context.

Restrictions on how many people we can socialise with and the wearing of face coverings in shops and on public transport focuses our minds on the fact that we are still very much in recovery mode from this terrible pandemic.

From a business view, firms are also adjusting to new working practices to ensure they keep their staff and their clients safe.

From their first day of training as an apprentice, the electrical industry quite rightly highlights the importance of working safely. The various regulations which apply to the industry spell out what we need to do to keep people safe and these regulations – and the guidance which underpins them – drive the safety culture we should all embrace.

It is therefore pleasing to see and hear the steps Members are taking to make sure that the health and safety challenges which COVID-19 presents are being tackled in the same positive and responsible ways as other health and safety requirements.

As well as new conditions for working, businesses also face challenges in productivity

“The recovery of the industry has never been more vital – and it’s equally vital to ensure that only properly qualified and competent electricians build our electric future” levels, completing existing projects and securing additional work. Members who operate in the domestic and small commercial/industrial sector have reported that they are busy, but some of this activity is undoubtedly catching up with work that was postponed during lockdown.

For our larger Members, especially those who work on sites, productivity still remains low.

However, the recent announcement by the Scottish Government that the industry can move to Phase 4 of its restart will assist in raising productivity levels on these sites.

As the industry moves into recovery mode, SELECT is, via the CICV Forum, inputting and influencing the work being carried out by each of the Construction Recovery sub-groups set up by the Scottish Government, which are dealing with a host of subjects including procurement, pipeline of work, payment, employment and skills,

the green agenda, quality, health and safety. This work will be vital as we seek ways of ensuring workflow and job retention.

Regulation of the industry

The consultation process for Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston’s Member’s Bill to introduce regulation for electricians via Protection of Title is planned to be launched in August, with the consultation due to last for three months.

More details will be announced soon, but it is important that as many Members as possible take the opportunity to respond.

We are also working to ensure that a commitment to introduce regulation is contained in each party’s election manifesto.

The recovery of the industry has never been more vital – and it’s equally vital to ensure that only properly qualified and competent electricians build our electric future.

Alan Wilson Managing Director, SELECT CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

5

NEWS SELECT

The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian EH26 0SB Tel: 0131 445 5577 Fax: 0131 445 5548 admin@select.org.uk

Follow SELECT online at:  TWITTER @Updates_SELECT @Training_SELECT @Regulate_SELECT  FACEBOOK SELECT.TheECAofS

Ready for our team’s safe return ●

 

● Visit our websites at:

select.org.uk select.org.uk/training cabletalkmagazine.com selectawards.co.uk

Please phone our membership team on 0131 445 5577 to apply to become a Member of SELECT or if you would like more information about joining.

Alternatively you can email us on memberservices@select.org.uk or submit an online enquiry.

CABLEtalk is the official magazine of SELECT and is distributed free to qualifying readers.

ISSN 1365-3288 SELECT is the trading style of the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland. The SELECT logo is a registered Collective Mark.

6

CABLEtalk

●

Protective measures put in place as staff look ahead to getting back to work at The Walled Garden Phased comeback planned for SELECT HQ in coming months with no interruption to our service Members helped with latest advice and information as well as plans for updated assessments

S

ELECT is putting a range of same uninterrupted service as during safety measures in place as it the past five months, with the following prepares The Walled Garden health and safety measures now in place for a potential return of staff in at The Walled Garden: the coming months. ● Double car park spacing The move follows the recent ● Protective reception screen announcement by First Minister ● Temperature testing facilities Nicola Sturgeon that non-essential offices ● Hand sanitiser stations are expected to remain closed until at least ● Extra wipes, cleaning products and bins 14 September. ● Reduced usage of kitchens and toilets SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson ● Clear safety signage said: “The safety of our staff is a priority ● Physical distancing enforced in all areas at all times, so we will continue ● Increased cleaning to abide by Scottish Government ● Separate entrance and exit. guidance, while at the same time To help reduce the risk of contamination, preparing the office for when all external visits to SELECT HQ will it is safe to return.” continue to be suspended once the After working remotely office reopens, apart from any during lockdown, the current essential deliveries. plan is for staff to make a Training courses will also phased return to SELECT continue to be delivered online HQ when the government and SELECT is currently gives the go-ahead. Teams exploring options for future will then be split into two delivery of practical groups, who will work in assessments. the office and at home on Our Technical team is also busy finalising a possible alternate weeks. alternative to external technical Whether working in the office or at home, staff will assessments being carried out in Hand sanitiser will continue to provide the person, with more details to be be made available

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

The Walled Garden now features a range of health and safety posters (left)

“We’d like to thank all our Members for their patience and understanding during this unprecedented time” revealed shortly. The Employment Affairs team is currently busy compiling and providing essential advice and guidance, issuing SJIB cards and processing ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment requests, marking and returning the results to the employers.

And the Membership and Communications team will continue to answer Member queries and provide the latest updates and information as they develop.

Alan said: “While we would obviously like to return to The Walled Garden,  Due to ongoing physical distancing measures, this year’s SELECT AGM will be held online via webinar on Wednesday 2 September.

Hosted on the Zoom platform, the meeting

the safety of our staff is paramount so we will continue to be patient and work from home.

“We will review these measures going forward, but for the time being we hope Members understand the importance of staying aligned with current Scottish Government guidance.

“We’d like to thank all our Members for their patience and understanding during this unprecedented time, and rest assured we will continue to do all we can to support them as we help businesses rebuild, recover and regenerate.”

will follow the usual format, with the AGM itself followed by a technical presentation on EICR coding from Director of Technical Services Dave Forrester.

SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson

said: “As with all our services over the past four months, we are keen to stress that it’s ‘business as usual’. Our online meetings have worked well so far, and I’m sure that this year’s AGM will be no different.”

The First Minister announced on 30 July that the Scottish Government would be pausing its move to the next phase of Route Map to Recovery.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Working from home and working flexibly will remain the default position. By staying at home, office workers and employers are playing a vital role in helping suppress the virus, and ensuring our transport network remains safe.”

What SELECT has done: Pages 12&13 Toolbox Talks EV video: Pages 20&21 Online training courses: Page 38&39

NEW MEMBERS

Six firms have become SELECT Members since March 2020

Pilley Electrical Services Ltd, Stirling GSB Electrical Services, Perth Corrigan Contractors Ltd, Fort William SPG Fire & Security Ltd, Galashiels A90 Electrical Ltd, Stonehaven Border All Trades Ltd, Galashiels CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

7

NEWS ROUND-UP SELECT helps create eight new apprentice routes with BSE Skills Apprentices in Scotland have eight new routes to specialist qualifications thanks to SELECT’s ongoing work as part of skills organisation BSE Skills.

The new qualifications are the result of a two-year collaboration between SELECT and its fellow BSE Skills members, the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and the plumbing federation SNIPEF. The eight new pathways have now received approval from the Scottish Qualifications Authority and comprise: ● SVQ in Electrical Installation ● SVQ in Plumbing & Heating ● SVQ in Heating and Ventilating: Ductwork Installation ● SVQ in Heating and Ventilating: Ductwork Planning and Installation ● SVQ in Heating and Ventilating: Industrial and Commercial Installation ● SVQ in Install, Commission and Maintain Air Conditioning Systems ● SVQ in Install, Commission and Maintain Refrigeration Systems ● SVQ in Service, Maintain and Commission Building Engineering Services Fiona Harper, Director of Employment and Skills at SELECT, said: “We are delighted that our joint venture has achieved another success by gaining approval for these qualifications, which will provide a welcome shot in the arm for skills development in Scotland.”

BSE Skills manages and develops apprenticeships, qualifications and National Occupational Standards for the building services engineering sector across the UK.

E

The future of skills: Pages 40&41

8

CABLEtalk

Laptop loans help apprentices keep up with studies

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

lectrical apprentices and trainees across Scotland have been thrown a digital lifeline after being loaned laptops that will allow them to continue their studies remotely.

Laptops are currently being distributed to apprentices across Scotland by the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) after joint funding by SELECT, the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), and the Electrical Engineering Training Foundation (EETF).

Apprentices and trainees will now be able to continue with their studies via online learning platforms until colleges finally reopen in the coming weeks.

Anne Galbraith, CEO of SECTT, said: “When we went into lockdown, it soon became clear that some apprentices were suffering digital poverty and couldn’t continue their studies online.

“With no funds available to electrical apprentices, the SECTT Board of Trustees agreed that we should help and our colleagues at SELECT, the SJIB and the EETF immediately contributed towards the purchase of laptops.”

The first devices were distributed to apprentices and trainees across Scotland in July, with SECTT staff observing physical distancing and health and safety measures during handover.

One of the first recipients was Darren McLay, from ID Systems UK in Cumbernauld, who said: “With the college and public libraries being closed I haven’t been able to continue with my college work. I’m therefore grateful to SECTT for lending me this laptop so I can now get on with things properly.”

Plans are currently being formalised

Darren with his laptop

for apprentices in all stages to return to college in August and September. Once they have completed their training, SECTT will focus on recruitment and supporting employers.

SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson said: “We were delighted to be able to contribute to this extremely worthwhile cause.

“The past four months haven’t thrown up many good news stories, so it’s good to be talking about something positive like this for a change.”

Fiona Harper, The Secretary of the SJIB, added: “We were also more than willing to contribute to this project and have been encouraged to see the impact it has made already. There is obviously no substitute for face-to-face learning, but this lifeline will help the next generation until colleges can open properly once again.”

Tayside’s £1,000 thank you to NHS

T

he Tayside branch of SELECT has made a generous £1,000 donation to NHS Tayside’s COVID-19 appeal in recognition of its ongoing work during the coronavirus pandemic.

The move was the brainchild of branch chair Tony Harvey, who said: “We wanted to do something to say thank you to our local NHS for its fantastic work, both over the past weeks and before the COVID-19 lockdown.

“We have accrued a pot of money in our branch funds over the years from various sources and felt £1,000 could be put to more productive use in the NHS Tayside Health Fund than simply sitting in our bank account.”

Tony, a manager at Ness Electrical, which operates from Forfar and Brechin, said he and his fellow committee members came to a unanimous decision to donate the funds.

Lorna Donnelly, of Tayside Health Fund Fundraising Support Team, said: “We are touched and delighted by this donation and I can assure its big-hearted Members that it will be put to excellent use.”

Emma Jane Wells, Chair of Tayside Health Fund, added: “I would like to extend a huge thanks to the Tayside branch for this generous donation. It is gratefully received and will be spent on alleviating suffering caused directly by COVID-19 within the local Tayside area.”

Tony (left) hands over the donation

 SELECT’s social media presence continues to rise, thanks to a recent competition to attract new followers to our Twitter and Facebook channels.

Member Gordon Young won a £50

Amazon voucher as we reached the 500 followers mark on Facebook. As CABLEtalk went to press, a similar competition on Twitter was just 100 short of its 1,500 target.

The increase means our Facebook and

Twitter followings have doubled in the past year, with successful relaunches of our LinkedIn and YouTube channels also helping to keep Members updated and spread the word to the industry and general public.

Spotlight on Lutron prize winner Neil SELECT Member Neil Ross was the lucky winner of Lutron products worth £650 in a special prize draw held during a recent webinar co-hosted

by SELECT. Neil, of ACR Electrical Systems, received a Lutron RA2 Select Starter kit and lamp dimmer during the online session in June, which advised Members on how to take advantage of smart home opportunities when work returns to normal.

Neil said: “The seminar was really enjoyable and informative.”

The session was one of several hosted by SELECT in partnership with BEMCO and Lutron to explain the opportunities in smart home lighting. They are now available to watch again on SELECT’s YouTube channel.

Darren Brindley, Branch Manager of BEMCO Edinburgh, said: “We’re delighted for Neil and this is a perfect starting point for ACR to develop the smart technology side of their business. It will be interesting to monitor their progress and we’ll certainly be there to support them.”

Julian Barkes, Director of BEMCO, said: “We’re grateful to SELECT for letting us put on these webinars.

Hopefully we've shown that the Lutron RA2 Select products can help Members modernise their business and offer simple to install whole home smart solutions as an extension of their existing services.”

The future of smart home lighting: Pages 34&35 CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

9

NEWS ROUND-UP SELECTcerts guide available soon A new SELECTcerts operating guide is currently in production and will be released for users soon.

The 60-page digital booklet includes in-depth information on all aspects of the service, from getting started to creating certificates and making the most of the app’s many functions.

The new guide follows a recent update to the app, with version 2.1.7 now available in Apple App and Google Play stores and the Windows version available shortly. This new version features the following updates, all tested by SELECT’s Technical team: ● Spacing added to R2 and Zs columns on circuit chart/test results ● Fix for toggle fields (e.g. polarity) showing incorrect value on test results when scrolling ● Improvements to back-up feature to assist support calls ● Fix freezing issue after inactivity on Windows and iOS (Microsoft Xamarin Forms bug/update) ● Fix issue with EICR inspection schedule tick on item 5.12a.

In addition, the SELECTcerts Facebook group continues to attract followers, with 28 new users signing up in June and July.

MSP set to launch consultation calling for regulation of electricians

A

s CABLEtalk went to press, an MSP was preparing to launch a consultation exercise which he hopes will lead to the introduction of a Member’s Bill calling for regulation of electricians.

Jamie Halcro Johnston is backing the call for protection of title, which would ensure that only properly qualified and experienced professionals could call themselves an electrician.

Once issued, his consultation will seek the views of the wider industry, including SELECT Members, in the hope of making that a reality.

Mr Halcro Johnston, Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said: “Poor quality work has potentially dangerous consequences and presents a risk to neighbours and a financial cost to insurers, as well as placing our

SELECT joins welcome for minister’s certification support SELECT is among the influential construction bodies who have welcomed a ministerial intervention in support of vital certification schemes.

Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, wrote to Scotland’s 32 local authorities in June, highlighting the potential for certification by approved scheme providers to facilitate early approval of building warrants as well as their

10

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

emergency services unnecessarily in harm’s way.

“The proposed Bill would ensure that electricians undertaking work are qualified to do so and effectively registered. This will not only benefit the end consumer, but also the electrical industry, which depends on the trust of the wider public.”

The impending launch of the consultation has been endorsed by both the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and Unite the Union.

Fiona Harper, The Secretary of the SJIB, said: “This consultation is the first part of a very important journey to ensure that only those who are appropriately qualified and experienced are allowed to call themselves an electrician.”

Pat Rafferty, Unite Scotland Regional Secretary, added: “This announcement is another step on the road to protecting the reputation of properly qualified

positive impact on verification capacity.

His letter received the backing of major industry scheme providers including SELECT, Structural Engineers Registration, BRE Global, RIAS Services, NICEIC and SNIPEF. Mr Stewart said in his letter to local authority chief executives: “Although certification is an optional method for compliance, certificates of design support the earliest approval of warrants by removing the need for verifiers to

Final AGMs and Branch Updates a success online

MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston

electricians, both now and for the next generation.”

The SJIB and Unite are among the organisations supporting SELECT’s #BackTheBrick campaign, which has received significant support from MPs, MSPs and major organisations.

In May, Liberal-Democrat MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton and SNP MP Alan Brown added their names to the SELECT Wall of Support, following in the footsteps of  SELECT has welcomed the UK Government’s further postponement of the planned VAT reverse charge scheme.

HMRC announced in June that the scheme would be delayed until 1 March 2021 after SELECT joined other UK trade bodies calling

the 32 MSPs who vowed to support the campaign in November 2019.

The issue has already been debated in the Scottish Parliament, with an Electricians Working Group convened to explore the challenges of ensuring the safety of electrical installations and protecting consumers.

Details of the consultation and how to take part will be revealed

by SELECT soon.

for a postponement.

Alan Wilson, SELECT Managing Director, said: “A further six-month delay will at least give SELECT Member businesses the breathing space they need to recover from the lockdown and alter their systems and processes.”

check compliance in these areas. The use of certificates of construction would also have significant value at this time where there is a need and requirement to actively manage the number of people on site to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

“As electrical, drainage, heating and plumbing work can be certified by qualified building professionals, their increased use will reduce the need for building standards inspection visits.”

Dave Forrester, Director of Technical

Director of Finance and Resources John McGhee added: “The UK Government is to be congratulated for having the foresight to push the changes into next year, by which time we hope some semblance of normal business will have been restored.”

Services at SELECT, said: “I welcome this statement from the Minister and hope it helps to raise awareness of the benefits certification provide towards achieving those objectives.”

Building standards verification services are key to ensuring that construction can return in Scotland and be able efficiently to deliver new buildings and improved facilities across different sectors.

SELECT has joined with other certification scheme providers to work with the Scottish Government’s Building Standards Division

The final two Branch Updates and AGMs were successfully held online in May and June, after lockdown again prevented physical meetings taking place.

The Aberdeen Branch Update and AGM was held via Zoom on 27 May, with Stewart Anderson confirmed as chair, Eric Rae as vice-chair and Alick Smith as third representative.

At the virtual Glasgow meeting on 15 June, David Harris was elected as chair, Kenny Berrie vice-chair and David Smith and Ian Young third and fourth representatives respectively.

During both meetings, SELECT staff also answered questions on a range of topics as Members discussed the pandemic, lockdown and the return to work.

The meetings followed similar online sessions for the Tayside and Dumfries and Galloway branches in May. Plans are now in place to host the autumn Branch Updates in the same way, with dates to be announced soon.

Resilience Group to address short, medium and long-term issues created by the coronavirus outbreak. It has also released an animation which focuses on the benefits of certification to help guide firms through the easing of the lockdown process.

Certification special: Pages 22-25

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

11

CORONAVIRUS SELECT SERVICES

362

enquiries dealt with via employment hotline

238

Members assisted via calls to technical helpline

1,062 calls handled by the Scottish Joint Industry Board

1,243 one-to-one calls to Members by Central Board

Lockdown Since The Walled Garden shut its doors on 23 March, SELECT has worked harder than ever on Members’ behalf to help them deal with the effects of the pandemic. As well as continuing to deliver our normal wide range of services, we’ve adapted to the ever-changing situation to provide a wealth of additional help and support. Here’s how SELECT rose to the challenge between 23 March and 31 July – and how we will continue to help you in the months ahead…

141 4 updates issued via the dedicated COVID-19 hub

Branch Updates and AGMs held online

41,935 visits to the SELECT website

68

pieces of essential guidance created as part of the CICV Forum 12

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

36

new employment guidance documents issued

143

ECS electronic Health, Safety and Environmental Assessments created

in numbers 8

special COVID-19 e-newsletters delivered to all Members

754 202% 1,798 social media updates posted

delegates trained via SELECT e-classroom

42

online training courses delivered

new social media followers

£329,405 issued in membership subscription refunds

253

rise in social media followers

15

new applications for membership processed

17

9

new guidance videos uploaded to the SELECT YouTube channel

2

Digital Drop-In webinars hosted to answer Member questions

Clap for Carers videos produced CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

13

CORONAVIRUS RETURNING TO WORK

Our trends in the north

Knee-jerk reactions, new health and safety measures and people who are stuck in their ways – Aberdeen-based Member company AJ Robson has had quite a bit to deal with during the COVID-19 crisis. Director Neil Robson outlines how they’ve coped and how they’re keeping one eye on developments in the oil and gas sector Hi Neil, what sort of work do you do?

Most of our work is around industrial and commercial contracting. We do some domestic work, but it has never been our main focus. We’ve got a 14-strong team, a number that’s remained pretty steady recently.

How was your business impacted by COVID-19?

Initially it was like turning off a tap – the effect was immediate. In some cases there was a knee-jerk reaction. A few of our customers closed right away then opened again within two weeks. We kept cover in place for those customers who could be classed as essential. Gradually,

“The hardest part for us is making sure that new ways of working are maintained” we’ve seen business come back. We’re still affected now but we’re in a better situation than I expected. We’re at about 80% of where we were before lockdown.

Neil has seen business come back gradually as the lockdown eases

What precautions did you take?

In the short term we had to concentrate on getting the health and safety side of things bang up to date. There were weekly COVID assessments, we had to get PPE in place, hand sanitisers and so on. All our guys now have visors and face masks. Rather than simple face masks we invested in antiviral snoods. These are reusable, while being laboratoryqualified to inhibit COVID, and at £20 a time they’re good value for money compared to disposable masks.

People have adapted okay. Some are a bit old school. We’ve got a couple of guys who are more set in their ways, but everyone is coping.

Did you have to put any workers on furlough? If so, how was that?

Aberdeen’s economy relies on the oil and gas industry in the area 14

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

Initially everyone was on furlough apart from four of us. Over time we’ve added people back in and now we only have two people on furlough. We’ve had no issues, everyone’s been fine with it.

Before coming back to work we discussed the changes in the workplace

QUICK FACTS

AJ Robson (Electrical) Ltd BASED: Aberdeen PHONE: 01224 248123 WEBSITE: www.ajrobson. com

and carried out additional training on social distancing.

Where did you find out information about what you had to do?

It’s been relatively simple to get information about coping with this crisis. We enrolled with a company called Citation that provides guidance on health and safety, and, of course, we’re members of SELECT. As a result, we’ve had lots of information come in to us and we’ve not had to go out looking. SELECT has been fantastic.

The amount of information on the website is great. And Citation has been sending through information quicker than we can absorb it.

operatives continue to wear their PPE and operate with the right level of protection at all times. I have to say I’m as guilty as anyone else in falling back into old habits. I still go to shake people’s hands when I meet them and then find them backing away!

How are things now? What are you having to do differently?

The way we interact with customers has

What’s most difficult about the ‘new normal’?

The hardest part for us is making sure that new ways of working are maintained. People have a habit of slipping back into old ways pretty quickly. We have to make sure that

Neil Robson

totally changed. The amount of video calling we’ve had to do is off the scale.

It’s not something I necessarily enjoy, to be honest. There are still customers who prefer face-to-face conversations and will ask me to visit them. I’m very happy to do that and I like the social interaction. You don’t get as much value and feedback when you’re sitting in front of a screen. I’d like to get back to going out and seeing people all the time.

A two-minute face-to-face chat can solve so many issues that often take ages to sort if you’re communicating through email. Apart from the new health and safety approach, working on site hasn’t changed much. There has been significant change in the way our admin works. We’ve had to reduce the number of manual tasks we do and increase the use of services like email. Another area that will change is how we work with apprentices. We’re looking at how to handle that. It’s difficult to teach someone when you’re trying to be Continued on page 16 >>>

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

15

Workers at the firm have visors and other PPE >>> Continued from page 15

socially distant from them. And it’s hard for a journeyman to take an apprentice to a site if they’re not able to sit in a van beside each other.

How do you see the future progressing? Are you confident things will get back to normal?

As far as the future is concerned I’ve no idea what will happen. No one knows if this will be long term or things will eventually revert back to the way they were.

I’m leaning toward a feeling that the way we operate has changed for good. The use of masks might fade, but things like sanitisation and

in-depth cleaning will remain. How we return depends on levels of business. The big concern in this part of the world is the health of the oil and gas sector. It was showing a downturn even before COVID-19 hit. Several of our customers are involved in hiring equipment to oil and gas companies and the number of units that have come back into them is scary. In March, one customer had 85% of his equipment come back in and it’s all still sitting in his yard. Overall though, it would be a brave person who would predict where things are going next.

“We’re still affected, but right now we’re in a better situation than I was expecting. We’re at about 80% of where we were before lockdown” 16

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

CORONAVIRUS REDUNDANCY

W

ith businesses of all sizes making rapid adjustments to cope with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s inevitable that redundancies will be necessary for some employers.

Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE), is the Scottish Government’s initiative for responding to redundancy situations. It supports businesses of any size, no matter how many employees are involved, is free of charge and can help take away some of the strain of dealing with redundancy.

Staff will get support from PACE partners like Skills Development Scotland (SDS), JobCentre Plus, local authorities, Citizens Advice, colleges and training providers. PACE advisers are experienced, know the labour market and can help staff move on.

They can: ● TALK to your employees and understand their needs ● PROVIDE free, impartial advice and offer one-to-one support ● ASSIST your staff in their job search, giving support with CVs, job applications, interviews and training opportunities ● HELP to check what benefits they may be entitled to, as well as their rights and entitlements.

Among those to have benefited from PACE support is 53-year-old Garry Pollock, who had been working for Gemini Rail in Glasgow for 10 years when he was made redundant.

He said: “PACE stepped in straight away. People from DWP and SDS came

“Thanks to the support and training I received, I got a new job pretty quickly”

Support in a crisis

How to help your staff when job cuts hit

in and supported everybody in any way they could.

“We got offered support with things like how to make a CV stand out more so that it would be noticed, help with interview skills, that kind of thing.

“I would definitely recommend PACE to anyone. Losing your job is not good for morale or self-confidence, but thanks to the support and training I received, I got a new job pretty quickly.”

Calum MacLean, National PACE Manager at SDS, added: “PACE is available to support any business faced with the prospect of making redundancies.

“It’s there to help those affected and to reassure them that they’re not on their own throughout the redundancy process.

“While we can’t meet anyone faceto-face at the moment, we’re available to chat on the phone to give free, confidential advice and guidance on next steps, so I’d encourage any employers in need of support to get in touch.”

i

Find out more by visiting www.redundancyscotland. co.uk or by calling 0800 917 8000.

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

17

CORONAVIRUS CICV FORUM

Getting back

to business

NEW GUIDANCE  Social distancing campaign Animations and posters reminding workers to observe physical distancing in their social lives as well at work.

Watch the animations at bit.ly/CICV-social

Over the past two months, SELECT has continued to play a key role in the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum as it listens to the industry and speak on its behalf

By Iain Mason Director of Membership & Communications

W

ith the restart under way in earnest, SELECT remains at the forefront of the CICV Forum, collaborating with other organisations, speaking to government and shaping essential guidance to help the industry return to work safely.

The association has been playing an important role in the latest work issued by the Forum, helping to develop a raft of practical guidance to help businesses and apprentices across the country.

The Forum also hosted a number of webinars, including a useful session that offered advice on unfurloughing and returning to work hosted by Fiona Harper, SELECT’s Director of Employment and Skills.

In addition, SELECT staff played a key role as the Forum issued a consultation about the future of the industry and participated in meetings with Kevin Stewart MSP, the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, as part of the Restarting Construction Sub-Group.

SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson continues to chair the Forum, with Fiona Harper involved with the Skills and Employment sub-groups and Director of Membership and Communications Iain Mason leading the Communications sub-group.

Specifier and Client Relations Manager Yvonne Wilson also continues to coordinate the body.

Alan said: “With the phased return now advancing, it’s been vital for the whole industry to be updated with clear and relevant information, and SELECT continues to play a leading role in helping to produce such guidance for the Forum.

“Working in collaboration with our fellow trade organisations and other bodies has been key to all the ongoing work carried out, just as cooperation will be vital for the whole construction sector moving forward.”

The Forum has continued to grow over the past two months, welcoming more bodies and its 100th individual member, as well as creating an eighth sub-group made up of leading consultants.

Alan added: “It is heartening to see so many organisations keen to join the Forum’s ranks as this unique collective goes from strength to strength. For our own part, SELECT will continue to provide expertise and support, helping with recovery during the challenging times we all now face.”

CICV Forum Members:

18

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

 Industry webinars In-depth guidance and topical Q&A sessions about employment issues, contracts, health and safety and more. Watch the webinars at bit.ly/CICV-webinars

 Restart animation Ongoing measures that workers everywhere can take after restart to protect themselves and each other. Watch the animation at bit.ly/CICV-restart

 Apprentice PowerPoint A presentation advising how apprentices and tutors could make a safe return to colleges and training centres.  Health and safety advice Seven documents giving practical guidance on topics including hand hygiene, face coverings and pre-site visits.

 Blueprint for the future A wide-ranging consultation of the industry to determine how the sector can work together better in future.

 Safety and furloughing guidance Health and safety information for returning to site and practical advice to manage the return from furlough.

 Return to work pack More than 20 printable signs, posters and checklists to help keep workers safe onsite and in offices and depots.

CABLEtalk

See all guidance and find out more at www.cicvforum.co.uk/ downloads

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

19

FEATURES TOOLBOX TALKS VIDEO

Keeping you in the picture Despite the cancellation of this year’s Toolbox Talks, SELECT was determined to keep Members in the loop with the latest technical developments – so has embraced the digital revolution and delivered its firstever update on electric vehicles via YouTube

By Iain Mason Director of Membership & Communications

S

ELECT has overcome the enforced postponement of its popular Toolbox Talks roadshow by broadcasting digital versions of the technical presentations on YouTube.

The Technical team came up with the alternative solution after this year’s keenly-anticipated annual event became a casualty of the coronavirus pandemic.

Instead of delivering the updates at 12 venues across Scotland in June as planned, electricians can now watch special videos hosted on our ever-expanding YouTube channel.

The first 30-minute film gives an in-depth update on electric vehicle (EV) charging, including an overview of requirements, list of charging mode definitions and initial verification.

20

CABLEtalk

The film – developed by SELECT Technical Advisor Mark McLaughlin and brought to life by Skills Player – also explains the impact and changes to EV charge point installation caused

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

Our popular Toolbox Talks have moved online and are now available on YouTube

by the first amendment to BS 7671 issued earlier this year.

Dave Forrester, SELECT’s Director of Technical Services, said: “Every professional needs to keep up to date with their skills and knowledge and

The first talk is an in-depth update on EV charging

continue to carry out first-class work.”

SELECT’s Toolbox Talks are SELECT is now working on a designed to bring the latest second film and is also planning developments into focus. an online Q&A session in “Many of our member firms which our technical are turning their skilled experts will answer expertise to the issue of member questions on EV charging and we can EV issues arising from foresee only a rapid Watch the new EV increase in demand for the Toolbox Talks.

Toolbox Talk at this type of work.

Earlier this year bit.ly/EV-Talk “The regulations now CABLEtalk ran a special in place are extensive and feature on the rise of EVs, have already been revised, so including a feature on an we believe it is our job to equip Edinburgh-based member, our members with the very latest ECS, which switched its fleet of knowledge and understanding to vehicles from diesel to electric power.

“Many of our Member firms are turning their skilled expertise to the issue of EV charging” Dave Forrester, Director of Technical Services, SELECT Its MD, Willie Fairhurst, outlined the significant cost savings the company had enjoyed, and also revealed that staff concerns around range anxiety soon fell away.

He said: “Getting people to actually use them is the biggest challenge, but once they do we find they understand the advantages.

Times are changing – people just need to be brave and do it.”

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

21

FEATURES CERTIFICATION

E

By Tim Power

ven with 30 years of electrical experience behind him, Scott McLean still likes to be kept on his toes, updating himself and his team with the latest electrical regulations so he can offer the highest standard of work to his customers.

That’s why he joined SELECT and, at the same time, applied for Approved Body status for his company Stirling Electrical Services Ltd and Approved Certifier for himself when the Local Authority Scotland Building Warrant Scheme was launched in 2005.

In fact, these two events acted as a springboard for his company that now comprises 11 employees, helping them build a strong reputation for high quality electrical and security system services.

Scott said: “In 2005, we were proud that our business was at a standard where we could apply for SELECT membership, and, as the new building standards certification register scheme had just launched, it made practical business sense to apply for this as well.

“We recognised the importance of what this new register could play in setting a high standard, not only for approved bodies and certifiers, but also to help improve the awareness amongst the public and local authorities about the importance of choosing a registered electrician with up-to-date training.”

Raising the standards

Scott believes being part of the scheme brings multiple benefits to his company and his team, and also reflects more widely on the high standards and professionalism in the electrical construction industry.

He explained: “From an approved certifier point of view, it keeps certifiers on their toes by making sure their knowledge of the current electrical and building regulations is up to date as well as, and crucially, their health and safety training.

“From an approved body point of view, it helps the business maintain a high standard of work and a willingness to constantly improve and provide training to our team to update their knowledge.”

22

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

Seal of approval SELECT Member Scott McLean explains how being part of the Approved Certifier scheme has brought extra benefits to his business

Scott with the Wallace Sword during a recent job at Stirling’s National Wallace Monument

“Some local authorities could still do a lot more to help promote the importance of using a company on the scheme” The company’s approved status is publicised on its website and business documentation, such as quotations, but Scott admits more could be done to publicise the scheme, particularly with the local authorities, who are the ultimate ‘verifiers’.

He explained: “We’re proud to be in the scheme and promote that fact on our website and through advertising, but electrical companies as a whole

could benefit from an awarenessraising campaign to help local authorities and the general public understand the importance of choosing an approved body. In my opinion, some local authorities could still do a lot more to help promote the importance of using a company on the scheme.”

Understanding the benefit

The scheme had a stuttering start back in 2005 as Scott believed that not many local authorities really understood the process or the benefits.

This situation has since been partly rectified following Scottish Government audits, which were critical of some councils on their uptake of the scheme. Special presentations and Toolbox Talks by SELECT also helped more local authorities understand both the procedure and the benefits.

He added: “While those changes have been very welcome in enhancing the scheme, I believe there is still too much leeway for verifiers to use alternative methods of verifying installations other than using approved Continued on page 24 >>>

QUICK FACTS

Stirling Electrical Services Ltd BASED: Stirling PHONE: 01786 813916 WEBSITE: stirlingelectrical. co.uk

The Stirling Electrical Services team CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

23

FEATURES CERTIFICATION >>> Continued from page 23

bodies and certifiers. Unfortunately, the only way that I see that this can be improved is if the campaign by SELECT to protect the title of an electrician as a profession is successful. Not only will that improve the overall training and standard of all electricians in Scotland, I believe the certifier of construction register is the ideal platform from which to adapt and operate the new professional electrical register.”

New opportunities

While the coronavirus pandemic initially stemmed new business opportunities for Scott, he used the downtime to look at how his business operated and decided to bring forward a remote working project he had planned, which is now delivering benefits to the business, its work as an approved body and the wellbeing of his employees.

He explained: “There was no point in just waiting and sitting back to see how things panned out, so I decided to take a good hard look at how we operate some of our day-to-day systems.

“One of the outcomes of this is our new remote job scheduling software project, which I had planned before but brought forward by six months. When this is fully operational it will allow us to operate every aspect of our business remotely via online tablets and away from our office premises.

“We can now have all the information we need at our fingertips and, as our team already has remote access to electrical certification and the building warrant certificates, the new job scheduling software will enhance that facility even more, allowing us to increase what we can already do onsite.

“This will not only increase our efficiency and productivity but will help keep our team safer with physical distancing.”

Getting to grips with the sword thought to once belong to William Wallace

process can only be helpful to not only the business and client, but also help physical distancing measures with fewer bodies required on site.

He added: “I think that the COVID-19 situation has given us all the chance to stop and reflect on how we do business and carry out work. By reflecting on those old practices, we can all help create a more efficient, productive and

Enhancing efficiency

Scott believes there are other ways to enhance the efficiency of the scheme’s process by increasing the number of employed approved certifiers on site.

Reducing the need to have different people to install, inspect and sign off the whole electrical and building standards 24

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

Scott’s firm has picked up awards during decades in business

safer site, and I think we have already seen a lot of changes implemented.

“As approved bodies and approved certifiers, we are already trained in and aware of health and safety issues, and that should hold us in good stead to encourage others on-site to adhere to and adapt to the new way of working.”

Safe and sound

So, what would he say to those organisations who are perhaps unaware of certification or haven’t used it?

“Having been in the industry for 30 years and seen the dangers of work carried out by some electricians, the certification scheme is critical to driving up the standards.

“The importance of up-to-date training should never be forgotten; an electrician who qualified 20 years ago may still be able to undertake electrical work, but to be on the certification register you are required to be trained and up to speed on the latest electrical safety measures and building regulations. It’s that up-to-date knowledge that is critical to being able to safely install and test electrical work to meet today’s regulations and, ultimately, protect life and property.”

FEATURES CERTIFICATION VIDEO

Gold standard

New animation explains the benefits of using an approved certifier

S

ELECT has helped develop a new animation

by Scotland’s building standards scheme providers which explains the vital role of certification to the construction sector.

The 90-second film outlines the many benefits certification can bring to the post-pandemic landscape and how it can help the industry rebuild and recover from the impact of coronavirus, including: ● BETTER health and safety, with fewer bodies on site ● IMPROVED efficiency and productivity, thanks to fewer delays and hold-ups ● INCREASED peace of mind, with the highest standards upheld.

The film has been jointly Watch the produced by SELECT and video at bit.ly/ Scotland’s other five major more secure and more SBSC-film scheme providers – BRE skilled, and lead to a quicker Global, NICEIC, Royal and more efficient sector Incorporation of Architects in in Scotland.”

Scotland, SNIPEF and Structural Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of Engineers Registration.

SNIPEF, the Scottish and Northern Alan Wilson, Managing Director at Ireland Plumbing Employers’ SELECT, said: “We have produced this Federation, said: “This is another step film to shine a spotlight on the many forward in proving that the various benefits that certification services bring, elements of the industry can work including improved health and safety, together for the common good, and greater efficiency and better peace that certification can help ensure best of mind. practice and uphold the highest “It creates a straightforward, easy-topossible building standards.” understand message that use of these Dr Richard Atkins, Chartered services can make construction safer, Architect and member of the RIAS,

said: “Calculating energy use of buildings is complex but key to tackling a move to zero carbon. Certification of Design and Construction will contribute to raising and improving the quality of buildings across Scotland.”

“This is another step forward in proving that the various elements of the industry can work together for the common good” CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

25

FEATURES CONSTRUCTION SCOTLAND INNOVATION CENTRE

A new way of thinking

CSIC is helping the Scottish construction sector find smarter solutions and driving positive change that could transform how we work in the future

‘I

nnovate or die’ was the clear message for the construction industry set out in 2016’s Farmer Review of the UK construction sector, being last but one in the ranking of sectors for modernisation and advancement.

Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) was set up to change this as one of seven publicly funded innovation centres tasked with using

The AIMCH Transforming Homes project will impact the way future homes are built

26

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

innovation to deliver economic benefit for Scotland.

Since its beginning in 2014, CSIC has worked on more than 350 projects, creating more than 3,000 jobs and more than £830 million of revenue for the Scottish construction industry.

CSIC defines innovation as “change that unlocks new value.” One of CSIC’s most valuable assets is its connected ecosystem of collaborators focused on driving positive change that would

otherwise be impossible in silos. By linking together businesses, university experts, the public sector and the economic development networks, its industry-led team supports a culture of innovation that drives transformational change across the construction industry.

The centre’s work revolves around creating new products, business models and services, collaborating with industry to find solutions to key challenges, giving industry access to advanced equipment at its world-class Innovation Factory, and connecting and engaging networks through a rich events and educational programme.

Digital twin buildings are transforming the way electrical work is carried out

Innovation is the new norm

COVID-19 has certainly been a driver of rapid change. Over the past few months we’ve formed new habits, altered how we interact and socialise, and adapted how we work and lead businesses. Many of us have had to embrace change at a pace measured in days and weeks, rather than the years and decades it normally takes to alter behaviours.

This pandemic has shown us that creativity and innovation are essential to build future resilience. Yet in a sector like construction, where business investment in R&D lags behind other countries and sectors, innovation has been taking place every day right under our noses (think offsite manufacturing, digital technologies, low carbon retrofit).

This is a chance to mainstream innovation, to buy into a new future and not simply go back to old ways.

What does innovation look like?

CSIC works across industry with businesses of all sizes and across the full supply chain. As we’ve seen in recent times, companies big and small have had to implement new technologies and new processes. As a sector that touches on all areas of life, there are compelling social and economic reasons for investing in change.

CSIC’s innovation support is focused on four main areas:

● Building sustainably

With construction in the UK accounting for approximately 60% of material use and generating almost 50% of carbon emissions, nearly 80% of which are from

buildings in use, then transforming the built environment and how we design and deliver it must be a key focus.

Decarbonisation is a major challenge but also a major opportunity for the sector and its supply chain. By 2050, 80% of the UK’s housing stock will already exist so there is a major opportunity for the decarbonisation of the existing built environment as well as ensuring new homes are carbon neutral.

An example of CSIC’s work in this area is a current project with The Halo Regeneration Company to create the first town centre net zero carbon energy project in Kilmarnock, a ‘Community Urban Village’ setting the standard for low carbon energy sites and smart homes across the UK. CSIC has also led on many other key sustainability projects such as the development of the K-Briq – the world’s first recycled brick made from 90% recycled materials – and supporting work on ‘Passivhaus’ standards that can be used to provide high quality sustainable housing at competitive cost levels.

SCOTLAND’S CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION FACTORY

CSIC’s state-of-the-art Innovation Factory is home to a wide range of product development, manufacturing, robotics and visualisation equipment. It can be accessed by companies in the sector or used together in collaborative R&D projects led by the CSIC technical team.

Taking inspiration and learnings from other automated industries, equipment in the 35,000 sq ft facility includes the UK’s only vacuum press for the production of cross laminate timber, robotics, virtual and augmented reality equipment, an insulation line, an offsite manufacturing line and various other enabling equipment and digital tools.

● Accelerating industrialisation

The move to offsite and industrialised construction is improving efficiencies and quality across the industry. CSIC is a partner in a major UK Governmentfunded project alongside Barratt Group,

Industry can access state-ofthe-art equipment at CSIC’s 35,000 sq ft Innovation Factory

Continued on page 28 >>> CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

27

FEATURES CONSTRUCTION SCOTLAND INNOVATION CENTRE Continued from page 27

Stewart Milne Group, Forster Group, L&Q and MTC, which is studying the whole housebuilding process and ways to build homes more efficiently, faster, to better quality and in a more sustainable way. The project itself will build 5,000 homes and have an impact on 35,000 more.

This project looks at prototyping new build methods on and offsite, creating standard product families, using new technology such as augmented reality, creating new business processes and systems. At the project’s end in 18 months, it will deliver to industry some key learnings for all involved in housebuilding which will have a major, positive, impact on the way homes are built.

● Digital transformation

The recent pandemic has seen businesses of all sizes adopting new technologies. The use of simple technologies such as proximity sensors, remote site inspection tools and digital workflow tracking is increasing every day.

However, the industry will benefit

Decarbonisation is a major challenge but also a major opportunity for the sector and its supply chain from the long-term approach to integrating and scaling up the very best tried and tested digital, manufacturing and enabling technologies that already exist, while continuing to innovate where there are gaps in knowledge and new solutions still required, to create a digital ecosystem fit for the future.

CSIC recently led a major Building Information Modelling (BIM) In Practice programme to increase awareness and adoption of BIM across the Scottish construction industry and its supply chain.

An area of that is the creation of digital twins – digital models of buildings that change the ways that sub-contractors such as electricians work on site. The use of augmented reality headsets helps to see through walls to better identify the location of equipment, transforming the way the work is carried out, compliance and

The Play With the Future project aimed to change the way future generations think about construction

quality. An example of this is available at CSIC’s Innovation Factory.

CSIC is also involved in digital awareness and future digital solutions research and is working with Scottish Enterprise to develop a digital diagnostic tool for the construction sector to help individual companies understand which digital tools and processes would most benefit their business.

● Culture change & skills

Products and processes don’t innovate themselves – it’s people who drive change. However new ways of doing things need new skillsets. Progress in offsite and modular construction will require electricians to modify their skills and knowledge to work in these environments.

The industry has the opportunity to work with Scotland’s world-class universities and colleges to develop the skills of our future workforce.

So from apprentices to university students to those working across industry at all levels, CSIC offers access to a range of skills and knowledge programmes to equip the sector with the required expertise.

The sector’s image problem also needs to be addressed if we are to attract the right talent. This is another area of focus for CSIC, promoting the opportunities we provide for all other sectors, the benefits we bring to society, the value we create, the communities we empower and the global challenges, like climate change, that we will solve.

If you’d like to know more about how CSIC can help your business on its innovation journey please visit cs-ic.org or email info@cs-ic.org

i

28

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

UPCOMING SELECT ONLINE COURSES

i

See Pages 38&39 for more details

SELECT is now delivering even more online training after teaming up with Training First Safety to offer an extensive range of approved and accredited e-learning courses

Requirements for Electrical Installations ● 12 August 2020 ● 19 August 2020 ● 25 August 2020

Scottish Building Standards

ECS Health, Safety and Environment

● 25 August 2020

● 19 August 2020 ● 27 August 2020

Emergency Lighting ● 25 August 2020

To book, call 0131 445 5577 www.select.org.uk/training

FEATURES POST-COVID SAFETY

Building a safer future Electrical Safety First is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to reducing fires, deaths and injuries from electricity. CEO Lesley Rudd discusses the impact of COVID-19 and future developments in a post-pandemic landscape

By Lesley Rudd CEO, Electrical Safety First

A

s I write this, lockdown has been eased and we are feeling our way into a ‘new normal’, although it is still early days to specify exactly what that might be.

However, one change wrought by the pandemic – which I sincerely hope continues to be properly acknowledged – is our recognition of the importance of key workers. This group of people are crucial to our lives and our economy.

And it is a group which includes electricians, who are well positioned

30

CABLEtalk

to increase their significance in a post-pandemic landscape.

One issue highlighted by COVID-19 is the climate crisis.

The reduction in international and domestic travel has led to a significant improvement in air quality, heightening our awareness of the environmental emergency and our need to address it. Today, with electricity increasingly produced from renewable sources, the electrotechnical industry has a major opportunity to be part of the solution to this critical problem.

Heating our homes makes up a significant part of our energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Decarbonising heat – reducing and eliminating the greenhouse gases it produces – is essential to tackling climate change. To achieve net zero greenhouse emissions by 2045, we need to heat Scotland’s buildings with low-carbon heating, such as electrically operated heat pumps.

Making new homes zero-carbon has been described as the ‘low hanging fruit’ and this

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

Lesley Rudd

“It’s been estimated that at least 80% of the homes we live in will be those that exist today. So retrofitting them will be essential”

will indeed be far easier to achieve than decarbonising existing homes.

Currently, 81% of Scottish homes are heated by gas and, by 2045, it’s been estimated that at least 80% of the homes we live in will be those that exist today.

So retrofitting them will be essential.

In response to climate concerns, there has also been increased focus on various measures to accelerate innovation in new low-carbon technologies, such as electric vehicles (EVs) – yet another area of opportunity for the electro-technical industry.

People usually choose to have a dedicated EV home charging point installed because it’s generally faster to charge and has built-in safety features.

New infrastructure and planning measures will need to be introduced to meet the need for more of these domestic charging points and address installation issues for apartments and areas of highdensity housing. But ‘green’ policies alone will not achieve this. We need appropriately trained and qualified electricians to make it a reality that is both effective and safe.

COVID-19 has also accelerated the shift to homeworking. But while it might offer various conveniences, it does carry safety concerns. Almost 75% of all domestic fires in Scotland arise from electricity, with most caused by electrical products. And, inevitably, homeworking requires the use of several of them, from laptops and tablets, to phones and heaters.

Our research discovered more than three quarters of Scots now working from home are doing so for the first time, in response to the pandemic. And 38% of them have more appliances plugged into extension leads than usual, often unaware that overloading sockets is a fire risk.

At the launch of lockdown, we ran a consumer awareness campaign around electrical safety while homeworking and offered various online tools to help. We also stressed the importance of using registered electricians and not Continued on page 32 >>> CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

31

FEATURES POST-COVID SAFETY >>> Continued from page 31

attempting DIY electrical work. This is particularly important, as the development of home offices may well enhance the mainstreaming of the smart home – and offer an opportunity for suitably trained electricians.

If the climate emergency has highlighted the importance of electricity, the COVID-19 crisis has (inevitably) highlighted the importance of ‘home’.

Our homes are our safe place, the refuge we retire to at the end of the day and, increasingly for some, a place to work from. The primary mission of Electrical Safety First is to help people use electricity safely in their home.

COVID-19 has also highlighted inequalities in our society that are reflected in our homes.

Despite electricity being the number one cause of all of Scotland’s domestic fires, housing legislation is subject to a ‘tenure lottery’ – with different levels of protection for different tenures. We believe everybody should feel electrically safe in their own home, regardless of tenure, and this forms the basis of our ‘Inequality Street’ campaign.

Electrical Safety First led the charge for regular electrical checks in Scotland’s private rented sector, which came into force in 2015. And social landlords in Scotland must now also undertake five-yearly electrical checks. So our present focus is on extending this safety

“The development of home offices may well enhance the mainstreaming of the smart home – and offer an opportunity for suitably trained electricians” essential to mixed-tenure blocks and the owner-occupied sector.

The probability of fire spread can be exacerbated in high density housing, especially in multi-storey apartments or blocks of flats. And many homeowners are older and vulnerable people, yet there is no requirement for regular checks in this tenure. We will continue to campaign for a uniform set of safety measures, across all tenures, to ensure consistent electrical safety.

We believe in a collaborative approach and we work with government and industry – and a range of other, relevant bodies – to develop solutions. For example, as members of the Scottish Government’s Electricians Working Group, alongside SELECT, our objective is to ensure the safety of electrical installations.

The charity also sits on the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service’s Electrical Safety Working Group, which works in partnership to reduce the risk of electrical products and services causing

fire, injury and death. And our collaboration with organisations such as SELECT is also fundamental to our work in creating a joined-up approach to electrical safety. Post-COVID, I see such collaboration as even more important.

Electricity was already becoming increasingly significant before COVID-19 but this crisis has changed our world and refocused our priorities.

We have seen electricians fitting out the temporary NHS Louisa Jordan Hospital at the SEC in Glasgow, carrying out essential repair work under difficult circumstances – and now playing a key role in restarting the economy.

I grew up in the north east of England, where the focus on getting a ‘proper job’ meant training in a practical skill to gain a trade. And in the hierarchy of trades, electrical apprenticeships were up there at the top.

Many other apprenticeships that were important during my childhood – such as in shipbuilding and mining – have faded. But today, electricians are still as important as ever. In a post-pandemic landscape, they have the opportunity to become even more so. But key to such development, is the provision of a highly trained, skilled, and trusted workforce.

Because in an electric world, we put our lives in your hands.

Throughout the year, Electrical Safety First hosts a number of major events to support industry in staying up-to date with legislative changes, product innovation and risk prevention.

Its forthcoming product safety conference – A Sustainable Future – will be held online in November. To find out more, visit: tinyurl.com/ thw4vlo

i

A rise in homeworking could bring opportunities for trained electricians 32

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

FOCUS SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY

Lighting the way to becoming a smart electrician After recent online training sessions for SELECT Members proved popular, BEMCO reveals the simple way to get your business more involved with the tech of tomorrow

T

he age of the smart home is well and truly upon us.

Technology has changed dramatically over the past ten years to such an extent that smart tech in the home has moved from a perceived luxury to becoming an accepted part of our everyday lives.

According to its 2019 digital home report, the research company EY found that 22% of UK households now own a voice-controlled digital home assistant device, such as an Amazon Echo or Google Home, doubling the 11% figure recorded in 2017. This survey of 2,500 UK consumers found that 12% of households own a smart heating device, 11% a smart lighting device and 41% and 36% respectively plan to own these products over the next five years.

What’s also clear is that while this DIY market is thriving, so too is the professional (B2B) smart home sector.

In its latest Size and Scope Report, CEDIA, the trade body representing the professional home technology market, revealed that the UK sector is worth just under £700 million and includes 1,600 active companies.

Confidence is high among the participants of this survey, with 80% 34

CABLEtalk

22% of UK households now own a voice-controlled digital home assistant device, such as an Amazon Echo or Google Home expecting to continue to grow their revenue over the next 12 months.

In fact, it is the surge in popularity of DIY-led solutions that is helping to grow the market opportunity for professional electrical installation services.

Homeowners are becoming weary of the volume of smart-tech and getting bogged down in the technical configuration of different devices, particularly if they are looking to integrate with existing home lighting and heating systems.

If anything, consumer experiences in lockdown are accelerating this shift.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

By spending more time at home, consumers have seen how much they have come to rely on a fast connection for seamless home working, school education and accessing entertainment services efficiently.

The opportunity for SELECT Members to be part of this smart home future is there.

But, with so many home technology devices and sub-systems to choose from, the challenge can often be: How do I get a foothold to build a reputation in smart home, without it being too overwhelming a step for my business?

Smart lighting control is the way in

Lighting is bread and butter business for SELECT Members. You know the dimming challenges with LED inside and out. Today’s larger houses have many more lighting circuits than in the past for LED strip accents, wall lights, feature pendants, and even chandeliers.

Without proper lighting control, achieving the right effect is difficult to achieve.

Bringing smart lighting control into the mix allows you to add value by transforming individual rooms, the whole house and the lifestyle of the homeowner.

Customers will be able to set multiple

12%

11%

of households own a smart heating device

ecosystem of keypads and sensors, in-line dimmers, switches and repeaters, running off its own internet independent network, RA2 Select offers personalised lighting and blind control for smart homes that’s perfectly pitched for you and the consumer.

The in-line dimmer or in-line switch fits in the ceiling void for fast, convenient retrofit installation.

At the same time, the Pico wireless controls require no wires, the batteries will last for ten years and the main repeater is connected to the home network to enable setup, control and monitoring via the Lutron App. It’s an easy retrofit solution. In essence, RA2 Select offers 80% of the functionality of Lutron’s flagship HomeWorks system at a fraction of the cost.

It integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Honeywell WiFi Thermostats, Nest and Sonos as well.

RA2 Select genuinely is a crowd pleaser and an all-round game changer.

of households own a smart lighting device

Training now available

lights and blinds to just the right level, with pre-programmed scenes automatically bringing the best lighting for the task at hand.

In the kitchen, for example, lights and blinds can automatically adjust for cooking, enjoying a quiet dinner, entertaining mode or cleaning up.

BEMCO’s strategic partnership with the global leader in residential lighting control, Lutron, can help SELECT Members access this market with a trusted brand and proven technology.

Lutron RA2 Select is the perfect entry level smart home lighting control solution. It’s simple, reliable and affordable. Comprising a wireless

ABOUT BEMCO BEMCO is an independent electrical wholesaler which offers an extensive range of brands and operates nationally from stores in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The company has five branches in England with a Head Office in Newcastle.

BEMCO is a leader in smart home technologies for the electrical market and is an authorised KNX supplier and KNX Certified Training Centre. Visit www. bemco.co.uk for more information.

For more than 125 years, BEMCO has served the electrical market as a supplier of domestic and commercial installation equipment, appliances and multi-service distribution boards manufacturer.

We understand electricians. We’re also keen to help them succeed in the future and take full advantage of the changing, post-pandemic market that’s seeing continuing growth in smart home.

That’s why we’re offering SELECT Members full support at our Glasgow and Edinburgh branches to get you started with Lutron RA2 Select Training.

Training will be available as soon as it is safe to do so, and we invite you to get in touch at training@bemco.co.uk for more details.

Now is the perfect time to get into smart lighting. So what are you waiting for?

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

35

FOCUS INDUSTRY CONSULTATION

A chance for real change The coronavirus pandemic has forced everyone into new ways of working, but it’s also brought an opportunity for the whole industry to think again about how we can do business better

By Len Bunton

FRICS FCIArb, HON FRIAS

T

SEC Group Scotland

he COVID-19 crisis has presented the Scottish construction industry with a potentially unique opportunity to bring about long-lasting change.

I believe a number of issues, including conflict avoidance and procurement, could be due for a shake-up, while the new culture of collaboration and sharing ideas for the benefit of the whole industry is something that could continue long after the pandemic is over.

As a specialist in dispute resolution, 36

CABLEtalk

I’ve been leading a consultation on the future of the sector launched by the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum.

The Forum has brought together a number of trade and professional bodies to share advice and information, as well as talk directly with government, and this recent consultation has been asking the Scottish construction industry what

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

they would like to see in the future.

The Forum could have written a document TELLING industry what it would have to do but instead we are asking industry what it wants. Quite simply, what are the issues that are causing the most problems and what can we do to deal with them. That’s why we launched our Blueprint for Change document and I’m hoping that at the

end of the consultation period we’ll have a very powerful and rounded view on the future of the industry.

The next step will be to work with government to get the changes implemented. There’s absolutely no shortage of desire to change the way the Scottish construction industry operates.

It’s universal.

I’m hopeful that the industry will see

widespread adoption of the Conflict Avoidance Pledge, a joint initiative from professional bodies including the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), which aims to use early intervention techniques to resolve issues before they escalate into full-blown disputes.

Most of all, I want to see a real ‘culture change’ within the sector, in particular the procurement process, with a greater emphasis on quality, experience and capability when tendering.

For too long, the industry has been driven by a race to the bottom of accepting the lowest price. That’s got to stop. Architect fees have been annihilated over the years, so we need to get back to paying designers properly to design buildings.

I would like to see the reintroduction of a scale of fees in the public sector because most of the construction disputes I deal with go right back to a project not being designed properly from the outset.

Despite these grumbles, one thing I have been encouraged by is the way industry has mobilised during the crisis.

The CICV Forum has been incredible because it’s the first time in 40 years we’ve had a collective group of people pointing in the same direction, all trying to improve the construction industry.

This Forum has demonstrated that everybody has a desire to achieve a better industry which will benefit all those involved. We’ve worked hard to solve

problems and I have come across some of the most incredibly talented people in the past 16 weeks that I’d never met before. We recently had a discussion which involved four major contractors just sharing problems – that’s fantastic and has never happened before.

Despite this optimism, let’s be under no illusions that the challenges facing the industry during the recovery period will be enormous.

Contractors probably won’t be able to generate any applications for payment during restart, which creates an immediate cashflow problem.

Then they’ll go on to sites and not be fully productive because of the distancing regulations.

Anecdotally, people are saying productivity might be down 30-60%.

Nobody knows for sure, but obviously that will have an impact on the value of applications that contractors are able to make every month.

Health and safety is also absolutely of paramount importance and observing these site operating procedures is going to be critical. The industry has responded well on that. The Forum has produced excellent guidelines on site operating guidance, which have been very helpful for people going back on site.

So progress HAS been made during lockdown – and I just hope we can continue to make progress and bring about real change that benefits us all.

This article first appeared in Project Scotland and has been reproduced with their permission.

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

37

TRAINING SELECT TRAINING

Passing the test

With classrooms still shut, SELECT continues to offer an increasing range of online training courses via its virtual learning platforms

By Jenny Cryans Training Manager, SELECT

S

ince launching our online learning facility earlier this year, we’ve gone from strength to strength, delivering more than 40 courses to around 250 delegates across Scotland.

It’s clear that there’s an appetite for this e-learning, so we will continue to run virtual classrooms to help Members develop new skills and keep them up to speed with the latest developments.

The Requirements for Electrical Installations Course (18th Edition) – also known as the 218 course – is still our most popular topic, so we have three more virtual sessions lined up for August.

Each one allows you to complete a course in the comfort of your own home, 38

CABLEtalk

with the sessions running from 9am to 5pm.

The programme also includes a separate online course which delegates are asked to complete before the virtual classroom session. This is a great prior study learning tool and helps you navigate through the 18th Edition Regulations Book during the session itself.

In addition, we now have spaces available for our online Scottish Building Standards, ECS Health, Safety and Environment and Emergency Lighting courses, delivered, like all our e-learning, via the GoToMeetings webinar platform.

Feedback for the courses continues to be positive, and our Technical team is continuously refining the sessions to ensure Members receive an excellent online experience.

With many Members still unable to attend regular training courses, e-learning offers a good opportunity to continue learning and ensure your business is safe and compliant.

With that in mind, we’ll continue to expand our virtual offerings, refining the e-learning platform to ensure you get the very best from every session.

For information and to book your place, email training@ select.org.uk or call SELECT Training on 0131 455 5577.

For more information, visit www.select. org.uk/training

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

i

UPCOMING SELECT ONLINE COURSES Requirements for Electrical Installations ● 12 August ● 19 August ● 25 August Scottish Building Standards ● 25 August ECS Health, Safety and Environment ● 19 August ● 27 August Emergency Lighting ● 25 August OTHER COURSES PASMA ● 13 August – Glasgow ● 14 August – Edinburgh IPAF ● 13 August – Aberdeen ● 20 August – Glasgow ● 21 August – Edinburgh SSSTS ● 18&19 August – Edinburgh ● 7&8 September – Edinburgh ● 14&15 September – Glasgow OTHER COURSES AVAILABLE ● Scottish Building Standards Update Course ● The Effective Manager Programme – starting January 2021 ● Training First Safety Ltd – online courses, see page opposite ● Construction Scotland Innovation Centre online training

Courses include a range of safety topics

TRAINING ONLINE COURSES

Learning for less

S

ELECT is now delivering even more online training after teaming up with Training First Safety to offer an extensive range of approved and accredited e-learning courses.

The new partnership means exclusive Member discounts on more than 100 courses in health and safety, health and social care and business skills.

Each one-to-one tutor-led interactive course progresses at the pace of the individual learner, giving an opportunity to

go over content as often as required to get the optimum learning experience.

Training First MD Jenny McIntyre said: “This method of learning is practical, cost-effective, flexible, convenient and meets the regulations for statutory training.

“It is an especially useful tool for refresher/renewal training – but only when written by approved and qualified industry experts, which these are.”

Courses range from working at height, manual handling, Jenny McIntyre workplace safety

and asbestos to mental health awareness, GDPR and conflict resolution.

Jenny added: “As passionate and experienced training specialists, we understand the complexities of health and safety regulations for businesses, in particular those within the construction sector.

“We also appreciate how time consuming it can be to balance dayto-day work pressures and training requirements for employees. Working in partnership with the UK’s leading instructors, Training First Safety focuses on ensuring businesses are qualified, competent and compliant.

“As we move out of lockdown there is still an enormous amount of uncertainty around where the future of our industries lie. That’s why I’m delighted to be able to help SELECT Members by providing a way of learning that is undoubtedly going to become a huge part of our new normal.”

For information, and to book your place, email training@select.org.uk For more information about SELECT training, visit www.select.org.uk/training

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

39

APPRENTICES FUTURE SKILLS

Rising to the challenges of tomorrow

Training the next generation of skilled electricians properly is now more vital than ever if we are to have a truly electric-based economy

By Fiona Harper Director of Employment and Skills, SELECT

O

ver the past five months, I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve read that we are living in “unprecedented times”.

But it’s the stark truth.

As we begin to emerge from this devastating pandemic, helping the construction industry to recover and preparing the next generation of electricians has never been more important.

Part of the recovery process will involve equipping this next generation with the relevant skills they need to rebuild Scotland, with a pathway from 40

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

school to college and full-time employment more vital than ever.

Without apprentices coming through the ranks and being comprehensively trained, there will be no electrical industry in the future, with all the implications that would have for our wider society as Scotland becomes an electric-based economy.

Therefore, we need professionallyminded people dedicated to the highest possible standards in the electrotechnical sector who will, in turn, help to bring on the skill base of the future.

As I write, employers are facing huge uncertainty, with apprenticeships perhaps not being the priority they were before lockdown. But once they are ready to take on trainees again, Preparing the next generation of electricians is a vital task

Apprentices are essential to the future of the industry

those with a head start in electrical knowledge will make extremely attractive candidates.

The benefits of pre-apprenticeships

A pre-apprenticeship programme is one invaluable way for would-be electricians to get a flavour of the industry, preparing them for the time when employers will contemplate taking on apprentices and adult trainees again.

Delivered at colleges across Scotland, these programmes offer basic training in hand skills, health and safety and an

“Once employers are ready to take on trainees again, those with a head start in electrical knowledge will make extremely attractive candidates” understanding of the college system.

Pre-apprentices are also provided with personal protective clothing and, once they have completed the health and safety requirements, are awarded an SJIB ECS health and safety card to allow them on site.

The advantages of the programme are three-fold, with pre-apprentices gaining an invaluable insight into the role of an electrician, helping them to make an informed career choice. Employers gain a ‘job ready’ candidate who has shown a good attitude and understanding of what’s required. And when the preapprentices return for a Modern Apprenticeship, colleges gain students who are motivated and understand the college system.

Pre-apprenticeships are extremely flexible and are designed to suit the needs of today’s candidates, helping them develop a greater understanding of the electrical industry and making them attractive to potential employers.

Employers are now actively asking for people who’ve taken part as it helps them identify people who are obviously ready to take the next step on their electrical career path.

A challenging time ahead

Of course, apprenticeships themselves will not be without their own challenges in the months and years ahead.

The return to college has already been a challenging one, with class

numbers reduced and workshop times being at a premium.

But it’s vital that we all play our part and give the next generation of electricians access to a world of exciting technology that we’re only just starting to see dawning.

Renewables, electric vehicles, smart homes and the Internet of Things will revolutionise the way we live, so it’s vital we have a working population that understands them.

Training and workplace apprenticeships are a vital part of ensuring we produce this excellence in skills, both in Scotland and beyond – but, as ever, attracting suitable candidates remains a challenge.

Being an electrician is a fantastic career, with ever-expanding opportunities, but we need to educate the electricians of tomorrow that it’s more than the cliched image of a man in a boiler suit fitting a socket.

Instead, we should be inspiring and exciting the next generation with the possibilities that await them as part of a thriving global industry. As part of this recruitment drive, we should also be doing more to improve inclusion, diversity and quality.

Our sector has traditionally been seen as white and male-centric, so it’s important that we’re more open to the concept of thinking differently when it comes to recruitment. After all, if our working population really is shrinking, there should be no barriers to anyone wanting to pick up the tools.

At the same time, it’s also about educating those self-same groups we’re trying to attract and saying: “You can be an electrician – we’re a welcoming industry and you will be supported, no matter your gender, race, sexual orientation or beliefs.”

There are encouraging signs already, but if we’re to secure a positive future, we can all do more to attract the brightest young minds from right across the board.

New and unexpected challenges lie around the corner for all of us. But if we equip the electricians of tomorrow with the right tools now, we can successfully tackle those challenges head-on and rebuild a strong and productive post-pandemic industry.

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

41

APPRENTICES ELECTRICIAN INTERVIEW Hi Conor. You got started in the industry by doing the Get Into Electrical Installation course that SECTT runs in partnership with the Prince’s Trust and Edinburgh College. What was it like?

I was working in retail at H&M and had just been dotting from job to job, but I really wanted to do something long-term, get into a proper career and not just settle for a minimum wage job.

I saw the advert for the Get Into Electrical Installation course and thought that it was something that I could try.

NAME: Conor Reilly AGE: 26 POSITION: Recently qualified electrician WORKS: HF Electrical Ltd HOBBIES: Playing football

What did you enjoy at college?

The college was good and handy to get to, and we covered lots of topics in a relatively short time. In particular, we received a good grounding in health and safety in the first stage, which was really helpful. Health and safety runs through the whole course, both in theory and in the workshop practical, which gives you a good grounding for the job. I also really enjoyed the second stage warehouse project that I did.

In the second stage, I found the lecturers seemed more relaxed as they got to know us. I also found that having the SECTT Training Officer on hand was really beneficial too – it was good to have someone else to talk to.

Finding the right route to success

How was your Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA) experience?

To be honest, I was pretty relaxed and tried not to get too worked up.

I started out by looking at the booth and developing a plan, and came away after the first day feeling pretty positive. I was pushed for time during the inspection and testing part, but I felt that I managed fine. I also found the test centre staff were excellent and was certainly made to feel welcome and relaxed. And of course I was delighted to pass first time!

What do you enjoy most about your current job? Is there anything on-site you don’t enjoy so much?

Before lockdown I was helping to refurbish the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, which was a great job 42

CABLEtalk

In the second of our new features on the talent of tomorrow, we caught up with a recently-qualified electrician before lockdown to find out how he enjoyed his journey from apprentice to fully-fledged tradesperson

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

Conor helped refurbish the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh

“There’s nothing I don’t enjoy on site – every day brings new challenges and I’m always learning” VIEW FROM THE TOP “Conor is testament to what hard work and commitment can achieve, and I was thrilled that he passed his FICA first time. It’s been lovely to hear about the variety of experience that HF Electrical is able to offer and the excellent range of work that Conor had during his apprenticeship. This is a great example of how successful the Prince’s Trust Get Into Electrical Installation programme has been, and how many of those who take part go on to gain full-time employment.”

Anne Galbraith, CEO of SECTT

– the empty rooms were just like a big FICA booth! I got to carry out the job from start to finish, moving switch sockets and adding in lights which I really enjoyed doing. I also like inspection and testing too. In fact, there’s nothing I don’t enjoy on site – every day brings new challenges and I’m always learning. HF carries out a number of hotel refurbishments across Scotland, from the Isle of Skye to Mull and Oban, so before the pandemic the opportunity to travel had been a real bonus.

What would you say to anyone wanting to be an electrician?

Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll definitely be glad you did it. At first, I was worried about giving up a

full-time job but it’s been the best thing I’ve ever done. I’m just glad I saw the advert for the Prince’s Trust course – I’ve never looked back.

Have you any future plans?

I just want to get good at what I do and, when I’m ready, sit the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA).

I have no complaints at all – it’s been a great experience.

SECTT manages high-quality training on behalf of the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB). To find out more about SECTT and its work call 0131 445 5659, email admin@ sectt.org.uk or visit www.sectt.org.uk

i

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

43

Keep up to date with SELECT Follow our website www.select.org.uk and social media channels for the latest developments during this unprecedented time

PRODUCT SHOWCASE Our guide to the latest 1 ESP OPENS THE DOOR TO INNOVATIVE NEW ACCESS CONTROL TECHNOLOGY ESP is continually developing its Aperta range of door access control products and the latest is the next generation of Wi-Fi door stations that offer enhanced features and benefits.

A Wi-Fi door station connects directly to a smart phone offering instant front door security and convenience. ESP’s new Aperta Wi-Fi Door Stations aim to cater for a wide range of applications.

For a quick installation with primary functions, there is a rechargeable battery version.

For installs which require lock release, there’s a low voltage wired version.

Visitor recording, 1080p live view, automatic motion detection and clear two-way audio are some of the key features

available via the subscriptionfree ESP Smart APP. The new models are offered in black and silver with internal RF door chimes.

Contact ESP for further information: www.espuk.com, 01527 515150, sales@espuk.com

3 GET CONNECTED TO THE FUTURE WITH THE LATEST SOCKETS FROM SCOLMORE

select.org.uk

select.org.uk/training / selectawards.co.uk cabletalkmagazine.com Twitter / @Updates_SELECT @Training_SELECT / @Regulate_SELECT Facebook / SELECT.TheECAofS 44

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

Scolmore has expanded its wiring accessories range to include 13A 2-gang socket outlets with integrated Type A and Type C USB charging ports.

Originally available in the popular Click Mode range, the new socket outlets are now available in all wiring accessories ranges – Polar, Metal Clad, Part M, Deco, Deco+, Define and Definity.

By integrating Type A and Type C, the range will have broader functionality and cover charging options for the widest possible range of devices.

Type C USB is the connector of the future. Smaller and thinner than its predecessors, Type C USB is reversible and can be plugged in either way with no risk of damage.

As with all Scolmore Group products, the new USB sockets have been independently tested, and they are fully compliant with the most up to date set of USB test standards.

For further information, contact Scolmore on 01827 63454 or visit www.scolmore.com

CONTACT OUR TEAM TO SHOWCASE YOUR GREAT NEW PRODUCTS HERE

industry solutions 2 SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON OVIA’S EMERGENCY PRODUCT RANGE Ovia’s extensive emergency lighting range comprises more than 60 individual product lines and provides an unparalleled variety of product choices for the end user.

They fall broadly under the following categories – bulkheads, exit boxes, downlights, twin spots, surface/suspended exit signs and self-test and non self-test emergency lighting. There is also a

range of accessories which includes battery replacements, wall brackets, adhesive legends and flush mounting kits.

As well as being highly competitive, the range has been designed to offer speedy and low-cost installation as well as low-cost maintenance.

The complete range of Ovia emergency lighting products and batteries are supplied with a four-year warranty.

Through the Ovia Lighting Design Service, customers can also have free access to emergency lighting designs for their commercial projects.

For further information, contact Ovia on 01827 300640, sales@oviauk.com or visit www.oviauk.com

4 Q-FIRE MASONRY SCREWS FROM UNICRIMP HELP YOU FIX IT FAST Unicrimp, part of the Scolmore Group of companies, has added masonry screws to its growing range of fixings. They will form part of Unicrimp’s Q-Fire range of fire-rated products which also includes metal fire safe cable clips.

These self tapping screws measure 4.8mm x 40mm and are manufactured from C-1022 low carbon steel with a Blue Ruspert coating. Designed for concrete, brick and block, they are ideal for fixing fire collars and fire rated cable clips, to help meet the 18th Edition requirements.

The use of metal fixings can help prevent some of the increased risks associated with the breakout of a fire, for example preventing the

premature collapse of wiring.

With the Unicrimp range, construction site managers, electricians and electrical contractors can be assured that the products they are specifying and installing are compliant with the latest regulations.

For further information contact Unicrimp on 01827 300600, sales@unicrimp.com or visit www.unicrimp.com

David Hughes: 0131 561 0022 davidh@connectcommunications.co.uk

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Scottish Appeal Court upholds landmark decision on severance in Scottish adjudications

By Neil Kelly Partner, MacRoberts LLP In November, I highlighted what I called ‘a landmark decision on severance in Scottish adjudications’. The case was about an attempt to resist enforcement of an adjudicator’s decision. While the judge found that the adjudicator had purported to decide certain matters which were outwith his jurisdiction, the adjudicator had decided certain other matters in dispute which did fall within his jurisdiction and his decision on those matters was enforced by the judge, despite opposition from the losing party.

The judge decided the adjudicator’s reasoning on those other matters was not tainted by his reasoning on the matters outside his jurisdiction. The decision meant that the employer had to pay a substantial amount to the contractor.

I commented that it remained to be seen whether the employer would seek to appeal that decision. Well they did appeal but the Scottish Appeal Court held that the judge was correct ‘in both his conclusions and reasoning’.

The Appeal Court rejected a submission for the employer that the judge had given too CABLEtalk

much weight to the policyrelated considerations behind the introduction of adjudication. It also rejected the ‘one dispute/one decision’ argument for the employer and said: “In relation to an adjudicator’s award that is partially valid and partially invalid, the valid part should in our opinion be enforced if it is realistically practicable… the court should adopt a practical and flexible approach that seeks to enforce the valid parts of the decision unless they are significantly tainted by the adjudicator’s reasoning in relation to the invalid part.”

What, then, should be taken from this Appeal Court decision?

Stated briefly, severance will be possible in Scotland and the courts will enforce the valid parts of an adjudicator’s award unless those parts are significantly tainted by the adjudicator’s reasoning in relation to the invalid parts of the award.

The Appeal Court’s decision clarifies the law in Scotland.

It is also likely to be referred to in enforcement proceedings south of the border. ● To find out more, email neil.kelly@macroberts.com or call 0131 248 2124.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

45

DIARY STAFF

GETTING TO KNOW YOU Iain Mason

Director of Membership and Communications Hello Iain, how long have you been at SELECT?

I’ve been at The Walled Garden since July 2019, but had worked with the association in another capacity for around two years before that.

What were you doing before you joined SELECT? Tell us a bit about your background Before SELECT I was an account manager at Connect, a creative agency in Paisley.

SELECT was my main client, so I edited CABLEtalk and helped create a range of animations, brochures and other collateral, which meant I had a good grounding in the association’s work. Before that, I was a journalist for 22 years, working for The Sun in London and The News of the World in Glasgow.

What does your job entail?

Tell us more about what you do

I work with Membership Manager Sandra Bennett to ensure the Membership team continues to fully serve Members’ interests.

I also oversee our many campaigns, delivering the latest updates to Members and raising our profile with the public and wider industry. We now have many digital and print channels at our disposal, so it’s essential we use them effectively to highlight the great work that SELECT does.

I also oversee the Branch Updates, Toolbox Talks and the SELECT Awards.

with our PR partners and coordinating campaigns for the months ahead.

I’ve also been closely involved with the CICV Forum for the past five months, so I’ll spend time writing, reviewing and issuing communications for them too.

Do you get the chance to meet SELECT Members?

Before lockdown, yes. It was good to attend Branch Updates, meet Members and listen to their views. Hopefully when lockdown is eased I can continue with that. The SELECT Awards was another great way to meet Members – and it was certainly different being there as an organiser, rather than a guest!

What do you know now that you didn’t before working at SELECT?

Having worked closely with SELECT for two years, I thought I knew what it did.

However, when I started it became clear that the association has a much wider reach than I imagined. SELECT is involved in so much behind the scenes, it’s vital we

What’s a typical day like for you at work?

There’s the usual mountain of emails, speaking with the Membership team and, at the moment, checking the news for COVID-19 updates and adapting our own communications accordingly. Other tasks include gathering and writing content for CABLEtalk and other publications, liaising

communicate just how hard it works on Members’ behalf to improve the industry and help their business.

What do you find most enjoyable about your job?

Before lockdown, meeting Members. In the past few months, it’s been hearing how SELECT has given them the help and support they need. Trade associations come into their own at times like these, and it’s been good to hear that Members think we’ve listened and responded properly.

What impact have the lockdown and working remotely had?

I’ve missed the office and my colleagues.

But thanks to modern technology, I think it’s been business as usual. There’s been a lot of uncertainty and change, but everyone has responded professionally, which I think has been reflected in the service we’ve been able to provide.

‘Above and beyond’ has been our mantra from the start and will continue to be in the months to come.

 QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS: Cheese or chocolate? Chocolate Dog or cat person? Dogs, definitely First car owned? Mini Metro.

It lasted about four months.

Favourite film? It’s A Wonderful Life Favourite TV show? Black Mirror Favourite holiday spot? Greek islands Dream date? Salma Hayek Favourite colour? Navy blue One thing people might not know about you? I once worked as an oyster shucker in Key West.

Please note: All 2020 SELECT events are currently cancelled and will be held online where possible. Please contact memberservices@select.org.uk or call 0131 445 5577 for further information.

46

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

WIN COMPETITION WORDSEARCH £50 OF

R

A

A

S

A

Y

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

G

F

E

D

C

B

A

Z

Y

X

W

B

V

U

T

S

R

S

Q

P

A

H

I

J

K

L

A

E

M

N

O

P

U

Q

R

U

I

S

T

S

T

R

R

I

H

G

F

E

I

D

C

B

A

T

Z

Y

N

X

W

A

V

U

R

U

J

K

L

M

N

L

L

O

P

Q

E

R

S

S

T

U

F

V

W

A

M

L

K

J

I

H

E

G

S

F

E

D

C

B

T

A

Z

F

Y

X

N

M

N

O

U

L

V

A

P

Q

A

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

A

Y

Z

A

Q

P

O

N

M

L

N

K

J

I

C

O

L

L

H

G

F

E

D

C

B

R C D

S A E

T Z A

U Y F

V X G

W W H

D O N

X V I

Y U J

Z T K

A S L

R R M

B A N

C L I

D Q O

E P P

F

G

O

N

Q

R

H M S

I L T

J K U

C

O

L

O

N

S

A

Y

E

D

C

B

A

S

G

Z

Y

X

W

E

V

F

G

U

H

I

J

N

K

L

M

N

O

P

M

Q

R

S

T

E

U

V

N

M

C

L

K

J

I

H

G

F

E

D

C

O

B

A

Z

R

Y

X

W

O

P

E

Q

R

S

F

T

U

V

W

X

Y

R

Z

A

I

B

C

D

E

N

M

B

L

K

I

O

N

A

J

I

H

W

E

S

T

R

A

Y

G

F

O

P

N

Q

J

R

U

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

A

B

C

E

D

S

T

S

E

R

U

Q

L

P

O

N

M

L

K

J

I

H

G

F

L

E

K

U

V

B

A

R

R

A

W

X

Y

U

Z

A

B

C

D

I

S

L

A

Y

V

U

T

S

A

R

Q

P

O

N

L

M

L

K

J

I

H

G

F

E

E

W

X

Y

Z

A

B

C

D

E

F

L

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Keep up to date with SELECT Due to the ongoing coronavrius outbreak, all SELECT meetings and events are currently postponed. We will update Members with new information as soon as possible.

In the meantime, follow our website www.select.org.uk and social media channels for the latest developments Twitter @Updates_SELECT @Training_SELECT @Regulate_SELECT

Facebook SELECT.TheECAofS

select.org.uk select.org.uk/training

cabletalkmagazine.com selectawards.co.uk

VOUCHERS

February/March 2020 answers: A

B

C

D

E

C

O

W

N

G

H

I

N

B

R

A

D

P

I

T

T

O

R

E

D

C

A

R

P

E

T

P

I

Q

R

S

T

U

E

V

W

X

Y

Z

A

B

C

D

E

U

F

G

U

H

S

M

I

C

H

E

L

L

E

W

I

L

L

I

A

M

S

K

J

X

I

S

L

A

M

N

Q

U

V

W

E

I

N

T

H

S

T

Y

J

L

M

O

P

X

S

A

I

T

R

A

P

R

E

T

F

A

G

F

E

D

C

D

B

N

C

K

L

E

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

L

W

X

O

Y

G

O

A

Q

U

I

N

P

H

O

E

N

I

X

C

L

B

A

S

Z

L

K

C

Q

Z

K

J

Y

R

R

J

H

T

F

D

X

E

F

Q

G

H

I

J

L

M

N

O

P

S

I

X

W

T

A

R

O

N

E

G

E

R

T

O

N

V

R

U

G

T

I

N

Y

Z

A

B

A

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

O

M

O

R

N

S

A

K

A

D

U

C

H

A

M

P

A

G

N

E

T

S

R

Q

W

P

W

O

V

N

C

V

W

I

X

Y

Z

A

L

A

U

R

A

D

E

R

N

B

R

A

Q

T

P

C

O

N

J

M

L

W

K

J

E

I

H

G

S

F

E

E

M

R

S

O

I

T

T

O

M

H

A

N

K

S

P

U

V

W

X

G

Y

T

M

L

K

R

J

I

K

H

G

R

F

E

D

C

O

B

D

A

Y

C

Z

E

N

S

O

T

S

P

E

Q

R

D

S

T

U

V

W

R

X

Y

K

Z

K

A

M

B

A

C

T

R

E

S

S

E

S

C

D

A

B

T

C

C

D

C

S

L

R

P

Q

P

O

N

M

L

K

J

I

M

H

G

F

E

I

E

O

L

I

V

I

A

C

O

L

M

A

N

N

A

T

U

V

W

X

R

Y

R

Z

F

A

B

D

C

F

E

H

G

N

O

I

S

S

E

C

C

U

S

Ailsa Craig Arran Barra Benbecula Bute Coll Colonsay Eilean Donan

Here’s the chance to win £50 of Amazon vouchers with our prize wordsearch compiled by SELECT Training Administrator Laurie Burns. Find the words listed below, take a pic of your finished grid and email it to memberservices@select.org. uk by 4 September. Winner drawn at random. T&Cs are online. Congratulations to our February/March winner, Graeme Stewart of Link Group.

Foula Iona Islay Jura Lismore Mull Raasay Rum

Skye Staffa Tiree Uist Ulva Unst Westray Yell

HELPLINES Technical Advice Helpline: 0131 445 5577 or email technicalhelp@ select.org.uk Employment Advice Helpline: 0131 445 9216 Legal Helpline (MacRoberts): 0141 303 1111 Commercial Support (Len Bunton): 07769 670 089 Main switchboard: 0131 445 5577 or email admin@select.org.uk

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

47