www.heatingandventilating.net
Ductwork & ductwork cleaning
Compliance with these standards is essential for ensuring that ductwork installations meet the necessary performance criteria and are safe for use in a variety of environments. Though these specifications and standards play
a vital role in ensuring best practice, high levels of competency amongst installers in equally important and shouldn’t be overlooked.
Building a competent workforce
Setting standards in ductwork
The Association of Ductwork Contractors and Allied Services (ADCAS) looks at how to ensure competency through a combination of compliance to key specifications and the prioritising of training and professional development.
T
he ductwork industry plays a key role in ensuring that buildings meet required air quality and ventilation standards and, like
many industries operating in the building services sector, is currently examining its approach to maintaining high standards and suitable levels of competency.
The latest edition of the DW/144 specification
provides a foundation upon which industry standards can be built but ongoing training is crucial to ensuring that these standards are met in practice.
Cornerstone of competence
The DW/144 specification remains the definitive standard for ductwork manufacture and installation in the UK. The latest edition, which reflects updates in technology, materials, and industry practices, sets out rigorous guidelines for the production, installation, and testing of ductwork. Compliance with DW/144 ensures that ductwork systems are efficient, durable, and capable of meeting the environmental demands placed upon them.
One of the primary functions of DW/144 is to
standardise the quality of ductwork across projects, ensuring that installations are consistent and reliable. The specification covers a range of topics, including materials, construction methods, jointing techniques,
and testing procedures. Adherence to these standards is critical for ensuring the performance and safety of ductwork systems, especially in environments where air quality is paramount, such as hospitals, laboratories, and office buildings. In addition to DW/144, there are several key
pieces of legislation that impact the ductwork industry. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) place significant responsibility on contractors to ensure that health and safety are prioritised throughout the lifecycle of a construction project. This includes ensuring that ductwork installations are carried out by competent professionals who are aware of the risks associated with their work. Similarly, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 imposes a duty on employers to provide adequate training and supervision to ensure the safety of their employees. Other relevant standards include BS EN 1507
for sheet metal ductwork (characteristics and test methods to determine strength and air leakage of rectangular ductwork) and BS EN 12237 for rigid circular ductwork (requirements, terms and definitions, and test methods to determine the strength and air leakage of circular ductwork). These standards complement DW/144 by providing specific guidelines on the design and performance requirements for different types of ductwork systems.
Employers play a crucial role in improving competency levels within the ductwork industry. By prioritising training and professional development, they can ensure that their workforce is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their work to the highest standards. As a nationally recognised qualification, an SVQ in Ductwork Installation is often the favoured route towards demonstrating competency. The Level 2 SVQ in Ductwork Installation focuses on the foundational skills required for the installation and maintenance of ductwork systems. It is suitable for those new to the field or those working under supervision. The qualification covers various aspects of ductwork installation, including: ¡ Understanding and applying health and safety regulations ¡ Interpreting technical drawings and specifications ¡ Cutting, shaping and assembling ductwork components ¡ Installing ductwork systems according to standards and best practices ¡ Testing and commissioning installed systems ¡ Troubleshooting and rectifying issues with ductwork installations SVQs are assessed through a combination of
practical observation, work-based evidence (e.g., reports, logbooks), and sometimes written or oral questioning. Since SVQs are work-based, candidates usually need to be employed or have a placement in a relevant role to complete the qualification. This allows them to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in a practical setting. With time now about to be called on CSCS cards obtained through industry accreditation, experienced workers will shortly need to enrol on an SVQ relevant to their skillset (enrolment deadline is 31st December 2024) and pass an experienced worker assessment within 18 months of enrolment.
Commitment to excellence
Industry bodies such as ADCAS play a central role in promoting competency within the ductwork industry. By providing guidance, setting standards, and exploring new training opportunities, ADCAS is ensuring that the industry continues to improve and evolve. The DW/144 specification provides a strong
foundation but should be supported by ongoing training and professional development. By investing in the workforce and promoting a culture of continuous learning, the ductwork industry can meet the challenges associated with modern construction and deliver high-quality, safe, and efficient ductwork systems.
DOWNLOAD THE HVR APP NOW October 2024 29
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36
