Training


A lot to be gained C


ommercial boiler training courses benefit both contractors and manufacturers in many ways. Correctly installed, commissioned and maintained equipment minimises damage to suppliers’ reputations. The same goes for contractors, but they also benefit from increased knowledge, confidence and even job progression. Training is a crucial part of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), so, no matter what stage of their career they are at, there is always something to gain from attending. In a survey of more than 200 industry


professionals, 39% said it helps them to keep up to date with the latest products and techniques; 38% said it gives them greater confidence in specifying and maintaining products; and 38% said it enables them to make better decisions. It’s not only for newly-qualified apprentices, or people who are new to commercial boilers. Many experienced engineers attend courses because they have a complex project coming up and want to know how to overcome potential challenges, or they simply want to learn about a new product range. Where possible, a trainer will tailor their course to suit all levels, ensuring everyone benefits from attending the course.


Servicing to succeed


Driven by industry demand, commercial product training often focuses on servicing and maintenance. There are also a number of large companies which deal purely with building maintenance, which has resulted in manufacturers focusing heavily on this area. Contractors who attend one of these courses can pick up insider hints and tips on all areas of servicing to help them complete jobs competently and quickly. Common topics covered include: the most effective method for cleaning both stainless steel and aluminium heat exchangers; accessing fault codes for identifying and fixing faults; and combustion testing. In addition to these practical elements, training is also useful for contractors to stay up to date with ever-evolving energy legislation – an issue which 39% of respondents said they would like to be trained on in the next 12 months. For example, the Energy Labelling Directive (ELD) applies to boilers and water heaters with outputs of up to 70kW and storage cylinders of up to and including 500 litres volume, and so will apply to most light commercial installations. The Directive dictates that products


www.heatingandventilating.net A training centre


Baxi Heating has a training centre in Warwick which is fully equipped with a comprehensive range of their commercial heating and hot water products to give contractors real hands- on experience during training. There are also additional centres in Warrington and Dartford with a selected range of boilers. What’s more, all trainers have worked 'in the field' so they understand the challenges contractors face every day, and can give them handy hints and tips to make their working lives easier.


Moving on up


For gas engineers with a desire to expand their skillset or diversify their business, manufacturer training courses provide a useful starting point. Take a domestic gas engineer who is interested in taking on light commercial work, for example. Domestic ACS qualifications permit the installation of boilers up to 70kW, with pipes up to 35mm diameter and a total volume not exceeding 0.035m3


. However,


undertaking additional learning before that all- important first job is crucial as it ensures the whole process runs smoothly and safely. Some of the main differences between domestic


and commercial installations include, but are not limited to: pre-installation checks, hydraulic separation, flue options and controls. In the case of flue accessories, there is greater


choice in the commercial market. Domestic boilers are only installed with


When tendering companies favour contractors who show proficiency


should display an alphabetised, colour-coded label according to their efficiency. The labelling system provides transparency for


consumers, enabling them to compare the energy credentials of all products on the market, based on the outcome of standardised laboratory tests. However, it is the engineer’s responsibility to ensure a package calculation datasheet – otherwise known as a fiche – and package label are made available to the end-user when installing certain combinations of products together. Manufacturers provide assistance by making their products’ efficiency data available online, in product brochures and leaflets. Guidance documents are also free to download from many manufacturers’ websites, including Potterton Commercial.


concentric flues, yet conventional flues are used for some commercial applications. Since flueing is such an integral part of gas safety, it is important for gas engineers to familiarise themselves with every option available – which is where training comes in. Another commercial discipline that installers can pick up in training is the use of low loss headers to achieve hydraulic flow separation, which is necessary to maintain the correct flow rate in commercial systems. Those without prior experience of low loss headers can benefit from learning both the theoretical knowledge and practical installation tips in a safe, supervised environment.


Taking the lead


In addition to building confidence and honing practical skills, attending training can also have commercial benefits. When tendering for a large contract, companies


favour contractors who can demonstrate proficiency in the products required, and training is an easy way for them to prove this. Indeed, 12% of those surveyed said training gives them competitive advantage. Often, sending engineers on a manufacturer’s


training course can make the difference between winning or losing business, as this shows their skills have been verified in line with best practice. Having product-specific knowledge ensures jobs are completed quickly and smoothly and reduces the likelihood of call-backs.


August 2017 27


Incorrectly installed or maintained commercial heating products can cause a multitude of problems, which is why manufacturers invest heavily in training. For some contractors, taking time out to attend a course may be difficult, but there is a lot to be gained no matter what their job role or level of experience. Mark Lovegrove, divisional training officer – commercial at Baxi Heating UK, discusses


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