DUCTWORK
With the construction sector facing fresh calls to ensure competency at every level, what is ADCAS doing to enable members to demonstrate that they are working to the highest possible standards?
There are significant changes going on within the industry and further accountability and certification are quite rightly being insisted on – both by clients and government. ADCAS fully embraces these changes and is committed to establishing a robust industry-leading framework designed to demonstrate competence and upskill not only its membership but the industry as a whole.
ADCAS has a responsibility to ensure its members receive clearly defined guidance on how to prove their competency. As such, the association is now taking the necessary steps to ensure members will, in time, be able to demonstrate that they are working to the highest possible standards.
What are the reasons behind the current skills shortage in the ductwork sector and what can be done to tackle the problem?
The ductwork industry remains reflective of the wider construction industry in that there simply aren’t enough skilled workers to go around. The ductwork sector is not alone in its fight to plug the skills gap but this means it is often competing with larger, better supported building services sectors. A significant proportion of new workers joining the industry do so because they have links through friends and family but there are countless school leavers being lost to other more well know professions because they have no knowledge of the ductwork industry and the opportunities it can provide. Attracting young people is key to securing the future of the industry and in an ideal world we would have a network of colleges spread throughout the country offering ductwork training for apprentices. The ductwork industry as a whole has a duty to act and encourage businesses to reassess the viability of an apprenticeship programme. We must also work together with other companies, organisations, government and the UK education system to promote stronger links between schools and local businesses.
How does ductwork leakage impact efficiency in commercial buildings and what can be done to minimise the issue?
In uncertain economic times the issue of late payment tends to worsen and it’s the smaller companies further down the supply chain that feel the squeeze.
A ventilation system with poorly designed or installed ductwork can negatively impact efficiency within a commercial building and will only worsen if left unattended - so it’s always worth getting it checked out if there are any doubts at all around system performance. Poor construction and incorrect installation, insufficient clips or clamps at on the cross joints flanges or the use of incorrect gaskets between flanges is a major cause of air leakage in ductwork systems. This will result in energy bills being higher than expected as the cooling system will be working harder to try and compensate for the leaky ductwork. Using reputable suppliers and installers can ensure high levels of efficiency and save money in the long term.
With various studies demonstrating a link between indoor air quality and overall productivity, health and happiness in the workplace, how can a properly maintained ventilation system help to improve air quality? A reliable ventilation system has always been
a central component in maintaining the overall wellbeing of building occupants whilst poorly maintained ductwork can facilitate the spread of contaminants – quietly carrying dust, dirt and other particulates around a building. This is why routine inspections and cleaning by specialists with suitable tools and expertise should be carried out at routine intervals It is recommended that system designers should specify their expectations for the routine cleaning of the ductwork system which then allows for the provision of suitable access points for maintenance personnel. Once a suitable number of cleaning access panels has been determined and fitted, the contractor can verify the practical access requirements for future cleaning and maintenance operations, identifying potential issues that could disrupt scheduled upkeep further down the line.
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A properly maintained ductwork ventilation system can help improve the wellbeing of employees, allowing owners and operators to uphold the highest standards when it comes to indoor air quality.
Recent reports have suggested that late payments increased significantly last year – what can be done to tackle the issue and ensure those towards the bottom of the supply chain are paid on time?
Data suggests that more than half of all invoices sent to construction firms were paid late last year – a rise of 13% compared with 2021. It’s clear from these worrying figures that the practice of cash retentions hasn’t gone away and continues to cause problems for parties in the supply chain. ADCAS has consistently called for fair and transparent payment practices at all times but widespread adoption of prompt payment practices remains elusive. The Prompt Payment Code has made a
difference and those signed up to it (almost 3,000 businesses) must now abide to stricter terms – payment times having been halved from 60 days to 30 days in 2021 – but the fact remains that the code is voluntary, meaning businesses are under no obligation to sign up. In uncertain economic times the issue of late payment tends to worsen and it’s the smaller companies further down the supply chain that feel the squeeze. The industry desperately needs government action to ensure the Prompt Payment Code is properly enforced and more organisations are encouraged to sign up.
What role does ADCAS play in the ductwork sector and what are the benefits of membership?
ADCAS was formed in 1997 by leading ductwork contractors who believed that the industry needed an independent voice and a specific identity.
As the sector’s leading trade body, ADCAS offers a way for its membership to represent themselves to the wider construction industry and actively promotes better specification, design and installation of ductwork. All ADCAS members are invited to attend
regular meetings with peers to discuss technical issues; receive information on and influence legislation affecting the ductwork sector; have access to specialist interest groups that aim to tackle pressing industry issues; and gain free membership of the Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA) and BuildUK.
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