NEWS & APPOINTMENTS
Increasing global legionella risk must become a priority
Amid rising concern about the increasing risk of legionella, legionella rapid testing specialist Hydrosense is calling on organisations to tackle the problem head-on by reviewing how they test, assess and manage water systems. It comes as experts warn that the UK is facing
an increased legionella risk fuelled by climate change and warmer temperatures, providing an ideal breeding ground for legionella bacteria. It’s estimated that there are between 4,000-6,000 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the UK each year, killing between 7-12 per cent of all those infected In light of this, Hydrosense has revealed some thought-provoking new findings which advocates the need for a faster, more agile and more accurate approach to detect the full spectrum of legionella pneumophila risk, the main cause of Legionnaires’ disease The extensive 3rd party study2, conducted by the CDC ELITE laboratory Chemicals Incorporated (CHEM Inc.) of CA, USA, saw Legionella samples using CDC reference legionella materials tested using both the traditional lab-culture testing (CDC method) and the Hydrosense PRO rapid testing kit. One complete set of samples was processed using the lab culture method – where a culture medium is controlled and observed under laboratory conditions – which took seven days. A further three complete sets of samples were processed using the Hydrosense PRO lateral flow test method, taking just 25 minutes. Greg Rankin, chief executive at Hydrosense commented: “The statistics show that the scale and severity of Legionella cases happening in the USA, the UK and Europe are all increasing at alarming levels. With an alarming 1000% increase in the US since 2000 and only recently, the EU observed its highest annual notification rate of Legionnaires’ disease to date. Clearly continuing to do what we have previously done is simply not good enough. “As such, there has never been a more appropriate time for businesses, employers,
property owners, restaurants, hotels and the like to act and review how they assess, test and control the risk of exposure to legionella bacteria. As part of this, there’s is a clear case to encourage those responsible for water management not to solely rely on conventional testing methods which cannot detect all viable bacteria and are simply too slow.”
Diversify into heat networks with fully funded training
MEHNA (Manufacturers of Equipment for Heat Networks Association) is involved in a joint venture to provide funded training for people working in the heat network industry. Working in conjunction with the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), the
Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) and the Midlands Net Zero Hub, the courses are fully funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The first course is the Heat Networks Foundation Course. Worth £150 and fully funded (although a £30 refundable deposit is required), it is suitable for everyone working in the building engineering services industry, both technical and non-technical. This hour-long online introductory course provides an overall awareness of heat networks, including the basic principles and key components, diversified loads and the importance of water treatment.
The other course on offer is the Heat Networks Installation and Maintenance Course, which is accredited by BESA. This fully funded course is worth £500 (requiring a £50 refundable deposit to secure a place), and has been designed for qualified heating, plumbing and RAC engineers who would like to enter the heat network field. The course consists of two parts. The first part is online theory, consisting of eight, self-paced modules. These include health and safety, installation and commissioning, performance monitoring and handover, and fault finding. The second part is a one-day practical session held in one of four training centres across the UK, giving delegates the opportunity to get hands on with heat networks, and put the theory they’ve learned into practice. Steve McConnell, director, MEHNA, explains: “Ofgem and DESNZ have published a joint consultation on consumer protection and technical standards for heat networks, that will inform the regulatory framework that heat network operators and suppliers will need to comply with. The new framework must also support investment in this growing sector and the government’s net zero targets. “As the sector grows, the demand for well-trained engineers who can design, implement and manage reliable, cost effective and efficient heat networks will also increase. The aim of these courses is to help engineers upskill, giving them practical knowledge that will help them diversify their businesses and tap into new income streams.” For more information or to secure a fully funded training place, visit https://www.
thebesa.com/heat-networks-courses#HN-1-Course
Appointments
Saniflo welcomes Wendy Shore as NSM
Saniflo is delighted to welcome Wendy Shore to the sales team. After 18 years in key accounts and regional sales roles at Baxi, Wendy joined Saniflo as National Sales Manager in July 2024 and is responsible for driving growth of Saniflo products through a team of Area Sales Managers. Wendy’s previous roles – which included 12 years at British Gas prior to Baxi – means she’s been able to bring extensive experience within key accounts and national merchants to the role, as well as contacts in distribution, independent merchants and specifiers. She’s looking forward to supporting the team in their daily roles as well as ensuring customers remain right at the heart of the business. “I am very focused on making sure we provide the right solutions for customers at all times and I am tasked with supporting and empowering my team to deliver that. We have a great team and amazing customer service; all the tools we need to deliver business growth,” says Wendy.
Albion creates new role – national specifications manager
Due to unprecedented growth, Albion Valves, leading valve supplier, has created a brand-new role in the business for a national specifications manager and appointed Paul McGrath, who brings over 22 years of experience in the industry. Paul’s career began as a military engineer in the British Army, followed by years of hands-on experience in the plumbing and heating sector. More recently, he has lectured on plumbing and heating, construction, and the built environment from Level 1 to HNC (Higher National Certificates), combining his technical expertise with a passion for educating the next generation. He has also held the role of technical specifications manager. At Albion, Paul’s new role will see him provide technical support to consultants, specifiers, and engineers on project specifications, whilst also developing a comprehensive suite of CPD programs to be delivered nationwide. Dan Crosswaite, sales director, said: “With Paul’s unique combination of hands-on, industry knowledge and academic teaching experience, he is the perfect fit to support consultants and drive Albion’s commitment to adding value. His dedication to educating the industry makes him an invaluable asset to our team” Paul said: “Being part of this dynamic and ever-evolving industry has brought, and will continue to bring, exciting challenges. At Albion, we’re committed to supporting your objectives with detailed schedules of works and valve take-offs for projects of any scale. So, whatever project or obstacles you encounter, don’t hesitate to reach out, I would be thrilled to collaborate with you. I will also be offering a range of CPD sessions that can be tailored to your needs.”
Contact Paul on
paulmcgrath@albionvalvesuk.com
GEZE UK welcomes two new members to its management team
GEZE UK, a manufacturer of door and window control systems, has welcomed two new members to its management team; Allan Randall as national specification manager and Lewis Tandy as marketing manager.
Allan will lead GEZE UK’s specification team, playing a critical role in supporting architects, engineers and end users to deliver innovative technical solutions for all GEZE products. With a proven track record of success in specification management, project coordination, and client relations, Allan will ensure compliance with all the latest legislation and regulations. Allan said: “I’m looking forward to starting my journey with GEZE UK, bringing over 20 years of commercial experience in the A&D sector. I will carry on taking the GEZE name out to the specification marketplace and continue to offer the best product, provide the best service and constantly improve everything we do.” As the new Marketing Manager, Lewis is set to lead marketing efforts and drive innovative campaigns that resonate with customers. His expertise in digital marketing, content creation, and market analysis will be invaluable as GEZE UK continues to grow and adapt in today’s dynamic marketplace.
Lewis said: “I am very excited to be joining GEZE UK. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team here to create impactful marketing initiatives that inspire our customers and strengthen our brand presence.”
4 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER DECEMBER 2024
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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