Frontline

All that’s happening in plumbing and heating

The government has a critical chance to help people retrain

KEEP INFORMED

Get in touch with editor Chris Smith using the email address on p3 Read all the latest news, updates, and member benefits

Facebook/CIPHE twitter.com/CIPHE

Manifesto

INDUSTRY URGES TREASURY TO INVEST IN SKILLS

Got a news story?

www.ciphe.org.uk

CIPHE backs industry submission warning that government must take action as part of its Comprehensive Spending Review

The Chancellor has been urged to invest in industry skills and adopt a plan backed by the CIPHE.

The National Engineering Policy Centre submission to the Treasury for the Comprehensive Spending Review, agreed by 43 sector bodies including the CIPHE, said the government must invest in engineering skills if it wants to meet emissions targets and create jobs. It set out a four-point plan for the government to prioritise retrofit and refurbishment, fund up-skilling for people already in the industry, invest in research and green-light high quality infrastructure projects.

“Investing in the engineering actions we set out will result in progress for all of the priorities of the Spending Review,” the submission said.

Other supporters included the Royal Academy of Engineering. Professor Sir Jim McDonald FREng FRSE, President, said: “It is a crucial time for government to take practical actions to help the economy recover while addressing inequalities and reducing our carbon emissions.”

The lobbying is part of a change by the Institute to a yearly manifesto to influence ministers, industry and the public.

CIPHE chief executive officer, Kevin Wellman, said: “The Spending Review is an opportunity to make changes at a time when people need help. This will create more jobs and prosperity.” A copy of the spending review submission and the letter co-signed by the CIPHE are available at www.ciphe.org.uk/ newsroom/Latest_News/nepc/

Health

SIX HOSPITALISED AFTER LEGIONELLA OUTBREAK HEALTH OFFICIALS LAUNCHED an investigation after eight people were confirmed to have been infected with legionella bacteria.

Six people were hospitalised in West Bromwich in September and a joint investigation has been launched with the Health and Safety Executive and Public Health England, supported by local agencies, to find what was believed to be a single source of the outbreak.

Dr Lisa McNally, Sandwell Council’s director of public health said: “The council is working closely with PHE and the Health and Safety Executive to find the source of this outbreak.”

Campaign

CIPHE MARKS WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY MORE FUNDING FOR mental health services is needed, the CIPHE has said. The Institute backed World Mental Health Day on 10 October as part of its Under Pressure campaign to raise awareness of mental wellbeing, particularly for lone workers and those affected by COVID-19. The theme this year was resources. Membership director Tim Sainty said: “We’ve all been challenged this year and it’s highlighted the need for more support. Wellbeing help is part of our healthcare cover and it’s a resource that will make a real difference.”

THE HOT SEAT

The next President of the USA will have to contend with the White House’s unique HVAC challenges Page 20

Training

Industry urged to help redundant apprentices

BIG FIRMS HAVE been urged to lend their support to struggling apprentices by hiring people made redundant before completing training.

The National Apprenticeship Service and CIPHE have called on industry leaders to step up help to avoid a skills shortage after the COVID-19 crisis ends because trainees have been laid off before completing their apprenticeships.

The CIPHE is also calling on major players who have frozen job hiring to earmark their training money allocations for small traders.

Neil Weller, Chair of the London Apprenticeship Ambassador Network which is part of the NAS, said: “COVID-19 has had a huge impact on us all and, as employers, we can make a positive difference by helping those who find themselves in a difficult situation. By hiring an apprentice who has been made redundant, we can help build lives and allow people to complete the first stage of their journeys.”

CIPHE chief executive officer Kevin Wellman said: “We are encouraging big companies to take on redundant apprentices and allocate their resources to the plumbing industry where it is needed most – among small firms that will train new entrants. If we don’t there will be a skills shortage when the recovery begins.” Find out more at http://ow.ly/JVLz50BGmCO

Safety

BURNS FROM HEATING APPLIANCES UP 24%

ADMISSIONS OF CHILDREN and older people with burn injuries from heating appliances have increased by a quarter, according to CIPHE research.

The CIPHE marked National Burn Awareness Day in October by releasing data showing contact burns from heating appliances had skyrocketed by 25% and scalding incidents from taps rose by 9% during 2018-19. Finished consultant episodes for heating burns were up by 24% from 838 to 1,042. Early indications are that the number of cases has already increased this year, in part due to the COVID-19 outbreak which meant more people have been at home.

Kevin Wellman, chief executive officer, said, “With the elderly often living alone, in older homes with outdated plumbing, those who may have to shield in a second wave of COVID-19 are at particular risk. This, amongst a background of weak legislation on TMVs and poor public knowledge, is likely to lead to further avoidable burn and scald injuries.”

TWITTER TALK

The Institute and members have been influencing the big issues on social media

Some customer nudging by @CIPHE got people thinking about winter heating: “The autumnal weather is here and its time to turn the heating on, but has your boiler had its annual service? Make sure your heating appliance is safe and ready for the colder seasons.”

Find a #professional #heating #engineer @CIPHE also shared advice on green energy: “If you are thinking about investing in solar, our latest #blog is a must read. Find out more on #photovoltaic #solar #power and solar #water #heating: http://ow.ly/hBUL50BGgHy

Anyone thinking of improving their skills got a boost from the Institute of Civil Engineers: @ICE_Engineers: “#EngTechMICE has opened more doors for my #career’ – says ICE’s 2,500th Technician Member, Liam Roche”

The low-carbon economy was a talking point for Troup Bywaters+Anders @TroupBywaters “Alongside our carbon reduction strategy, we’ve partnered with @ClimateCare to offset our GHG footprint to become a #CarbonNeutral Partnership.”

And @CIBSE promoted the skills agenda: “It’s really exciting to see a new wave of Building Services Engineering Apprentices start their journey. Best of luck to everyone starting apprenticeships or courses at the moment!”

ONE STOP SHOP FOR PUMP TECHNOLOGY PUMP TECHNOLOGY HAS launched a full supply range for its sewage pump station. The Minimatic is now supplied with everything for installation. The submersible pump station, which has 50mm solid handling capacity and 160 litre tank capacity, is used in domestic sewage and drainage applications where gravity flow is not appropriate or available. For more information, call 0118 982 1555.

EU BACKS SMART DEVICES THE EU HAS renewed its push to achieve a common technical system for Smart buildings. An optional common EU scheme will assess the technological readiness of buildings to interact with their occupants, to interact with connected energy grids and to operate more efficiently. The aim is to raise awareness of the benefits of smarter building technologies and functionalities and make their added value more tangible for building users and smart service providers.

OPEN ALL HOURS A college has held an online information day to help apprentices thinking about HVAC careers. CIPHE Approved Training Centre Plymouth College hosted a week of videos with lecturers and local employers as part of Access All Areas, created to help people find out about training for the industry – without breaking social distancing rules. Contact the college on 01752 305300 or by emailing info@cityplym.ac.uk

Health & Safety

Work on but stay site safe, urges CIPHE

INSTALLERS CAN WORK in areas where restrictions are in place – but they must take precautions to protect themselves and clients, according to the CIPHE.

As the sector faces a winter of lockdown restrictions, the Institute clarifi ed that the government has accepted installers count as emergency workers but there are limits on what they can do and where they can work.

Offi cial guidance remains that there are two options for plumbers and heating engineers working in areas where emergency restrictions have been put in place.

They can respond to emergencies such as a broken down boiler or a job that involves working outside. But they must maintain social distancing and wear PPE.

CIPHE chief executive offi cer, Kevin Wellman said: “Together, the industry has successfully argued to the government that being without heat and ventilation at

Fuel poverty

STRUGGLING FAMILIES GET HELP

ENERGY FIRMS HAVE pledged to help people struggling with energy bills due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Under a protocol agreed with the government, energy companies will seek to identify and prioritise customers who may need additional support, taking into account Priority Service Register customers, prepayment meter customers, and customers who are vulnerable to having a cold home. https://www.gov.uk/government/ news/advice-for-people-who-arestruggling-to-pay-essential-billsbecause-of-coronavirus

Installers should protect themselves and customers

the moment is an emergency – especially as we go into winter. So working where there are restrictions isn’t a problem. But it is also about member safety; you will be going into environments with people you don’t know so protective equipment is as much for your benefi t as theirs.”

The HSE warned employers still have a duty of care, despite the pandemic: “The coronavirus pandemic has not changed your duty as an employer to protect people in your workplace from health and safety risks. This includes making sure they are not exposed to hazardous substances as part of their work.”

FIND OUT MORE

To keep up to date with the latest changes on guidance go to www.ciphe.org.uk or follow @CIPHE on Twitter. HSE advice on PPE can be found at: www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus

Low carbon

CONCERN OVER GREEN GRANT TIME LIMIT

FUNDING TO KICKSTART energy saving upgrades on domestic properties has a tight time limit, the government has been warned.

The government’s Green Homes Grant offers 600,000 vouchers for energy efficiency improvements to homes for up to £5,000 but the application and work have to be done within six months. Kevin Wellman, CIPHE chief executive officer, said: “Sadly this is another scheme which creates bureaucracy for businesses involved with installations and is arguably anti-competitive for qualified and experienced members of the CIPHE. Only time will tell if the short timescale for accessing the Grant has been successful and worthwhile.”

LEARNING THE HARD WAY

Rogue trainers are ripping off vulnerable people with worthless courses. Here’s how to stop them Page 14

Find out more You can find more regulation updates at www.pandhengineering. co.uk

Police are urging businesses to be vigilant about van tool theft

Security

Van tool thefts rise again

POLICE FORCES HAVE renewed their advice for installers to get equipment marked and improve vehicle security after a fresh wave of tool thefts.

Police are urging van owners to remain vigilant after a series of thefts from vans and attempted thefts that took place in west Suffolk, Stowmarket and Hadleigh.

Suffolk Constabulary was the latest force to issue a warning after a spate of break-ins last month.

Inspector Kevin Horton said: “I’d urge all those who own vans used for building, maintenance and trade to stay vigilant and think carefully about what crime prevention methods you can use to stop becoming a victim.”

Police advice to van owners

Remove tools from the van. Always lock all doors and shut windows, physically checking doors are locked. Always set your alarm/ immobiliser and take action if you hear the alarm sounding. Park in a garage or secure area covered by CCTV, with the doors against a wall. Mark tools with your postcode using forensic markers. Register tools for free at: www.immobilise.com

Guidance

SCHOOLS LOOK FOR HVAC ADVICE ON COVID-19

EDUCATION UNIONS AND head teachers have raised concerns over heating and ventilation in schools during the winter, as the COVID-19 crisis continues. The Health and Safety Executive said it would include ventilation measures as part of inspections of anti-COVID-19 measures. The Department for Education suggested “opening windows and doors” but the National Education Union said schools would need to keep a classroom temperature of 18°C. CIPHE technical manager Jerry Whiteley said: “Ventilation is a vital part of combating COVID-19. Our advice refl ects this but members working in education settings should get in touch if they are unsure.” To find out more, go to: www.ciphe.org.uk

Innovation

BAXI SECURES GOVERNMENT FUNDING BOOST

BOILER MANUFACTURER BAXI has won part of a government grant to increase Smart meter manufacturing.

The firm has been confirmed as part of a £300m UK government initiative to boost manufacturing productivity by 30%. The Manufacturing Made Smarter initiative is dedicated to the innovation of digital technologies in UK manufacturing. Baxi is working on the project with the Advanced Services Group, part of Aston University Business School.

Training

SUPPORTING INDUSTRY APPRENTICES

NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

2021 will take place from 8-14 February.

The week of campaigning is an opportunity for employers to shine a light on apprentices of all ages and backgrounds who helped transform businesses, whilst promoting apprenticeship vacancies within their organisation. More information on #NAW2021 can be viewed at: https://lnkd.in/g4bCEJG

PARTNERSHIP GENERATES 450K JOB LEADS A new partnership with the CIPHE has opened access to up to 450,000 job leads. Finding new work has never been more vital and with free access to www. copronet.com, members can find out about UK job leads in the public sector and more by location and sector type. Read more at more at www.copronet.com/cipheworking-with-copronet/

PLUMBER GETS GONG FOR COVID-19 WORK An NHS estates plumber has been given a medal for his work at the heigh of the COVID-19 crisis. Tony Cocker was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Mr Cocker, who works for Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, had worked to through the crisis to ensure extra hand washing facilities were available across all wards and departments. Find out more at www. pandhengineering.co.uk

CIPHE CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH The CIPHE’s president has shared his experiences in the industry as part of Black History Month. Mel Gumbs, the Institute’s first Black president, has been sharing his story with members and is encouraging BAME people to become apprentices. He said: “My advice to BAME youngsters is to grab the opportunity with both hands. There’s a good living to be made and prospects to progress yourself.” Read more at www. pandhengineering.co.uk

Yvonne Orgill (top left), Richard Soper (top right) and Julie Spinks (below) spoke at the online event

Find out more Big Data can also improve water efficiency. Read more on p18

Water

LEAD ON WATER SAVING, SAY INFLUENCERS AT ANNUAL EVENT

Installers and manufacturers should take the lead on water e ciency, said speakers at the Worshipful Company of Plumbers Autumn Lecture

The 200 people who logged in for a web stream of the annual Worshipful Company of Plumbers Autumn Lecture were urged to step up efforts to improve water effi ciency because the government is focused on COVID-19 and Brexit.

At the online event, hosted by the CIPHE, two industry leaders said the sector could not let progress stall following confi rmation from the government that the Environment Bill had been put on hold because of current uncertainty.

Julie Spinks, managing director of Water Regulations Advisory Scheme, said manufacturers have improved the effi ciency of products but more could be done.

One area of work to develop is to lobby for revisions to the water use rates on products to achieve further savings.

Let’s get the basics right, fi rst and foremost

Spinks said: “The current limits that are set in those current regulations are out of date.”

She also renewed her call for compulsory regulation so that only approved professionals who have trained in sustainability can install, supply and fi t products.

Although water companies can also increase work to reduce leaks, more simple approaches could also make a big difference, said Spinks. “Let’s get the basics right, fi rst and foremost. Let’s check compliant products, use an approved contractor and fi x those leaky pipes and fi ttings.”

Yvonne Orgill, managing director of Unifi ed Water Label, said the industry would have to work with customers to meet targets and change behaviour.

She said: “We have to be more innovative. We have to recognise that choice is important and the products have to deliver better performance. We all have a role to play going forward.” An event recording is available at: https://bit.ly/3oNfGr8

Find out more You can find more regulation updates at www.pandhengineering. co.uk

Legislation

Local authorities will no longer be solely responsible for air quality

Defra seeks Air Quality Partners to cut CO2

THE GOVERNMENT IS deciding which public organisations should lead the drive to cut emissions.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is assessing the agencies that could become Air Quality Partners to improve delivery of work across England to reduce harmful emissions.

Defra is effectively stripping local authorities of responsibility for air quality. It will also decide what action will be taken to deal with sources of local pollution such as a specific stretch of road or site that emits pollution.

The department has already issued a call for evidence that will feed into an Environment Bill in the new parliament session. The Bill will update the Local Air Quality Management Framework (LAQM).

Options include strengthening the powers of the Environment Agency and trading standards officers.

Environment minister Rebecca Pow said: “Local authorities are best placed to tackle certain issues at a local level, but we want to ensure they don’t shoulder the burden alone and that all relevant public bodies are pulling in the same direction to help clean up our air.” To find out more go to www.defra.gov.uk

Guide

BUY IT: LEGIONELLA GUIDANCE FROM CIPHE THE CIPHE GUIDE demonstrates a practical approach to assessing the risks associated with legionella in residential dwellings and aims to equip the professional plumbing and heating installer with a structured approach to understanding how to protect the consumer and to ensure the system is both compliant and safe.

To get your copy, go to: www.ciphe.org.uk

Safety

HSE WARNS ON FAKE FACE MASKS

THE HEALTH AND SAFETY Executive (HSE) has renewed concerns over fake PPE equipment.

It revealed that fraudsters hoping to gain from the extra demand of COVID-19 have been selling “a substantial number” of face masks claiming to be of KN95 standards.

But the products provide an inadequate level of protection and are accompanied by fake or fraudulent paperwork.

The HSE said: “KN95 is a performance rating under the Chinese standard GB2626:2006, the requirements of which are broadly the same as the European standard BSEN149:2001+A1:2009 for FFP2 facemasks. However, there is no independent certification or assurance of their quality and products manufactured to KN95 rating are declared as compliant by the manufacturer.”

Manufacture

BEIS WARNS ON 3D AFTER MARKET PARTS

THE FIRST ASSESSMENT of parts made by 3D printers for domestic appliances has been carried out by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). It covered the safety and legal issues relating to the manufacture, sale and installation of 3D printed parts made by unauthorised manufacturers for use in consumer domestic appliances. It highlighted risks including safety and fraud. Read the review at: bit.ly/3lifRbj