BSEE
INDUSTRY COMMENT
in retrofit installations It’s important to ensure that sprinkler systems are discrete and wellprotected, and that disrupon is minimised when they are being installed. Fing preformed specialist pipe boxing is a quick and eecve way to conceal and protect sprinkler systems in retrofit applicaons, as Richard Braid, managing director of Pendock, explains...
Concealing sprinkler systems W
hile there is currently no requirement to retrofit sprinkler systems in existing buildings, many building owners and managers are nonetheless doing so. Fires in residential buildings can of course have devasting consequences, and domestic sprinkler installations have been increasing, particularly in existing high-rise social housing. And, with public sector and commercial buildings being at risk too (in London schools alone, for example, fire crews are called to over 80 fires a year [1] and one in five warehouses in England and Wales will have a fire requiring the attendance of firefighters over the course of its lifetime [2]), sprinklers are also being fitted in hospitals, care homes, schools, hotels, offices and industrial buildings. Retrofit installations will of course increase further if the associated Building Regulations are amended; the UK Government has said it intends to undertake a technical review of the Approved Document B (Fire safety), when possible changes to the guidance, including on the use of sprinklers, will be considered [3].
The benefits of sprinkler systems are well-documented. In the event of a fire, they not only protect life, but also buildings (and, in turn, the business or organisation itself; not all will be able to recover). In the UK, no one has ever died in a fire within a building fitted with working sprinklers, while injuries are reduced by at least 80 per cent and property damage is reduced by 90 per cent [4]. It’s also been suggested that it’s becoming increasingly important for property investors to ensure that satisfactory fire risk management systems are in place to protect their investments [5].
Many building occupants will welcome sprinkler systems, but anecdotal evidence suggests there’s a perception that retrofit installations are unsightly, and that installations are disruptive, potentially creating barriers that building managers will need to overcome.
Concerns about aesthetic impact need to be taken on board, so building services managers often arrange for the pipework to be concealed (‘boxed-in’) for a neater, more discrete look. Boxing in also protects the system; accidental, or even deliberate, damage to sprinkler heads can have major consequences, including huge refurbishment costs. As building occupants can also have concerns about installation timescales and disruption, it’s important to choose a boxing-in method that will save time on site. Some contractors fabricate their own solutions, cutting lengths of wood or MDF to size and shape (including fabricating correctly sized holes for the sprinkler heads), gluing it around the pipework and then priming and painting it. This takes time, and is therefore costly and delays completion. In addition, the results are not always satisfactory in terms of aesthetics and consistency of fit and finish. The alternative is to use pre-formed pipe boxing, which provides a uniformed finish while reducing the time and costs involved. Made to measure, it effectively covers lengths of sprinkler pipework running along ceilings and walls. It’s simple to fit and doesn’t require painting, making it a cost-effective, quick solution. In fact, we estimate it takes half the time to fit pre-formed pipe boxing compared to on-site fabrication, meaning, importantly, that upheaval is minimised. Manufactured in Britain, Pendock’s specialist sprinkler system pipe boxing fits closely around typical circular sprinkler heads, and provides a consistent, neat finish. Almost every flat and communal area will have a different situation subject to existing pipes, wires and trunking. Unlike extruded plastic trunking, our ply boxing system provides a flexible and adaptable generic solution for every environment. A range of accessories is available, including access panels and a bracket system that eliminates the removal of asbestos ceilings. We also offer site visits and assistance with overall project design.
Sprinkler systems protect life and buildings, and we are seeing retrofit installations increase. The aesthetic impact of these systems and potential exposure to damage must be considered and managed, and, during installation, building occupants will want disruption minimised. With pre-formed pipe boxing, pipework can be covered easily and cost- effectively, with minimal upheaval.
www.pendock.co.uk
uPendock’s specialist sprinkler system pipe boxing fits closely around typical circular sprinkler heads, and provides a consistent, neat finish
[1]
https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/news/2017-news/fire-chief-urges- action-on-sprinklers-as-grenfell-inquiry-opens/ [2]
https://www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org/about- sprinklers/industry-information/local-government-and-planning/ [3]
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building- regulations-and-fire-safety-government-response-to-select-committee -report
[4]
https://protecttwentyfour.co.uk/sprinklers/ [5]
https://www.propertyinvestortoday.co.uk/breaking- news/2018/11/protecting-your-investments-from-going-up-in-smoke
10 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JANUARY 2019
enewable heating products distributor Go Geothermal Ltd has completed its 600th project with Stiebel Eltron. Go Geothermal will be delivering the equipment for this landmark project of their client Pure Renewables, who will receive £600 credit from Stiebel Eltron and Go Geothermal for future purchases to celebrate the milestone. Demand for heat pumps and other renewable energy sources is rising in the UK market, as housebuilders and developers look to new innovations that enhance the sustainability of their properties. This has also been boosted by the growth of mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems, which have seen increased popularity as homes become more airtight. Go Geothermal also exclusively provides this range of Stiebel Eltron’s product line. Mark McManus, managing director at Stiebel Eltron UK, said: “This is a great landmark for both of our organisations and really demonstrates the demand for renewable options in the UK.
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“The team at Go Geothermal have been a key contributor to our success. It’s vital for us
NEWS
Go Geothermal delivers landmark 600th Stiebel Eltron heat pump
to work with partners that have the same passion for sustainable energy sources as us and Go Geothermal fits that bill perfectly. “We’re looking forward to continuing to work together with Go Geothermal to provide customers with latest innovations in the renewables sector.”
Ideal Commercial’s ‘free commissioning’ offer extended
deal Commercial Boilers has announced the extension of its ‘free commissioning’ offer. Available on all Evomax, EVO S, Imax Xtra, Imax Xtra EL and Evomod condensing boiler ranges, free commissioning can be claimed on installations until 31 December 2019. Introduced in January 2018, this service offering is said to have made a major impact on specifiers, merchants and installers. Not only does it reduce customer costs, commissioning carried out by Ideal Commercial ensures that boilers are operating correctly and activates the warranty, which can be up to five years. “Free commissioning is a fantastic offer which further positions Ideal Commercial as the market leader for commercial boilers in the UK,” said Andy Forrest, national sales manager.
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To apply for free commissioning on an installation, customers simply have to complete a straightforward online form
which is sent directly to Ideal Commercial’s customer service team. Bookings are then confirmed via email or telephone. The free commissioning offer was recognised by national merchant BSS, which awarded it Business Initiative of the Year in 2018. Full terms and conditions and more information can be found on the Ideal Commercial website:
www.idealcommercialboilers.com
Barbour ABI works with the government to deliver the National Infrastructure & Construction Pipeline
T
he Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA), supported by Barbour ABI, has recently published its forward-looking pipeline which contains projections of over £600bn of investment over the next decade.
The National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline (NICP) provides a single source of data for both government and the private sector on future infrastructure projects, bringing certainty and confidence for investors and helping businesses to plan for future skills and resource needs.
For the last six years, construction intelligence specialist, Barbour ABI has worked with the government on the Pipeline and presenting the data in new and interactive ways that make it more accessible for industry and the general public.
Barbour ABI has proven data collection processes and existing knowledge in researching, tracking and publishing construction projects making it well placed to work with the IPA on this publication. Group director of construction industry
analyst, Barbour ABI, Simon Mahoney said: “Having won a renewed competitive tender to produce the construction pipeline last year for the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA), we look forward to continue helping the industry plan for the future with over £600 billion of investment already underway and upcoming by 2028.
“As industry leaders and experts in construction intelligence, we will be leveraging our existing knowledge and industry relationships to continue presenting a strong and resilient pipeline to the broadest possible audience within the built environment.”
Simon Lawrence, programme director, major infrastructure tracking, said: "There is over £600 billion of projected investment in the pipeline of both public and private investment over the next 10 years. We hope our annual infrastructure and construction pipeline will give industry the certainty that there is great appetite to develop infrastructure and will encourage the sector to invest in the right technology, modern methods of construction and skills to meet this demand."
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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