BESA gets a fix on
alternative support systems
BESA has published technical guidance designed to help contractors
make more informed decisions when selecting suspension systems for building services.
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Above:BESA technical director Graeme Fox
he latest in the Association’s series of technical bulletins, TB58 Alternative Systems for Building Services Supports outlines the potential benefits of switching from traditional supports and fixings to more modern approaches that can make installations safer and more sustainable. TB58 provides a concise and practical overview
of the various alternative solutions available and is designed to be used in conjunction with more detailed publications including BESA’s Guide to Good Practice for Supports and Fixings (TR50) and the British Standards: BS 8539 Code of
Practice for the selection and installation of post-installed anchors in concrete and masonry, and BS EN 1363 Fire resistance tests – general requirements. It explains how alternative systems often provide a quicker and lighter
alternative to traditional threaded rod and channel support. For example, wire and track-based supports come as complete kits designed for specific applications meaning there is less cutting and assembling required on site. This can considerably reduce installation time and is often more sustainable as they reduce the embodied carbon emissions of the complete installation. TB58 outlines the main considerations when selecting an alternative support
system including the need to ensure that the components have been tested together. Combining products from different manufacturers/suppliers should be avoided unless there is evidence they have been tested together as a complete system, it explains.
Limitations
The guidance covers the steps needed to assess the right support for the type of services being installed and the importance of carefully considering the overall weight of the application when selecting bracket sizes and orientation – including assessing load limitations and safety factors. Other considerations include the layout and orientation of services (e.g. single
or multi-tiered) and any potential linear or lateral movement of services due to thermal expansion of pipework or pressure changes. Fire safety is also heavily emphasised in the guidance along with the possible impact of corrosion. “The whole subject of fixings and support tends to stay under the radar and,
therefore, often gets less consideration than it should,” said BESA technical director Graeme Fox. “Yet it is fundamental to the success of almost every installation. “And because it tends to be something of an afterthought most contractors
just stick with what they are used to,” he added. “However, there is so much more choice available now that can make a huge difference to the ease, cost, robustness, and sustainability of every project. That is why BESA’s technical committee thought it was important to update our guidance and thinking on this crucial issue.”
HVR Awards welcomes returning sponsor EFAM Air
This year, the HVR Awards is delighted to welcome ductwork maintenance specialist EFAM Air back as a sponsor.
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he team at EFAM Air has been in the ventilation business for over 25 years. Starting in the ventilation maintenance and ductwork space, Founder Karl Edwards, quickly realised a holistic approach towards indoor
air quality was needed. That ethos has carried through to all the engineers and operatives working under the EFAM Banner. With over 90% of our time spent indoors, it is vital that the air we breathe each day is clean and free from contaminants. Working with some of the largest manufacturers of IAQ products and contributing towards the guidance that operates use across the industry, EFAM Air has been trusted to look after the needs of thousands of people across the country. EFAM Air have been announced as the Oficial Ventilation Partner of Crystal
Palace Football Club for 2024/25 and will be engaging with the club and partners across the Premier League to highlight the importance of indoor air quality. The company will also be contributing to the needs of the local community through their involvement with the Palace for Life Foundation. EFAM Air operates nationwide offering a range of services across commercial and domestic properties. Specialising in the needs of social housing, all their engineers are fully trained to rectify issues caused by damp and mould to fire damper testing, inspection and maintenance as well as all types of ductworks systems.
Domestic ventilation is becoming ever more important as people realise the
effects of spending time indoors, and the EFAM Air team are experts in dealing with MEV, MVHR and PIV. This is a key area of growth for EFAM Air as the organisation seeks to rectify issues caused through inaction on the importance of ventilation within domestic dwellings. Sponsorship of the HVR Awards is a key date in the diary for everyone at EFAM
Air, it’s a fantastic opportunity to bring together the best of the industry to learn from each other and celebrate the successful teams that are overcoming the issues with ventilation and indoor air quality across the nation. For 2024, EFAM Air are delighted to sponsor two awards to celebrate the
success of the Domestic Ventilation Product of the Year and the Air Quality Initiative of the Year. Karl Edwards said ‘I’m looking forward to seeing the winners and celebrating everyone shortlisted for the awards in September, we just want to highlight the success of everyone who is putting their colleagues and clients at the forefront.’ As EFAM Air, look to the future they are launching
their Official Partnership with Crystal Palace Football Club, sponsoring the HVR Awards and expanding their partnerships with individuals, councils, and businesses across the country.
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April 2024
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