Registered Gas Engineer magazine November 2020

Gas REGISTERED

The Ripple Effect Looking back at the 10th Gas Safety Week

THE ONLY OFFICIAL INDUSTRY PUBLICATION

Issue 140 November 2020

Homes get smarter What is a truly connected home – and what could be yet to come?

WIN: Great prizes from Checkatrade and Scalemaster

We’re best

A boiler range that’s always ava Code

Description

2000 25kW combi 333539 Greenstar boiler only pack Greenstar 30kW combi 333540 boiler only2000 pack 333821 2000 25kW combi 333822 2000 30kW combi 333608 Greenstar 25i combi 333609 Greenstar 30i combi 333610 Greenstar 25Si combi 333611 Greenstar 30Si combi Highflow 440CDi 333710 Greenstar boiler only Highflow 550CDi 333711 Greenstar boiler only 333839 Greenstar 9Ri 333840 Greenstar 12Ri 333841 Greenstar 15Ri 333842 Greenstar 18Ri 333843 Greenstar 21Ri 333844 Greenstar 24Ri 333845 Greenstar 27Ri heat only 333846 Greenstar 30Ri heat only 30CDi floorstanding 333847 Greenstar heat only 42CDi floorstanding 333848 Greenstar heat only 333853 Greenstar 9i system 333854 Greenstar 12i system 333855 Greenstar 15i system 333856 Greenstar 18i system 333857 Greenstar 21i system 333858 Greenstar 24i system 333859 Greenstar 27i system 333860 Greenstar 30i system 8000 50kW style 333956 Greenstar combi 8000 45kW style 333957 Greenstar combi Greenstar 333958 combi 8000 40kW style 8000 35kW style 333959 Greenstar combi Greenstar 333960 combi 8000 30kW style 8000 50kW style 333961 Greenstar combi Greenstar 333962 combi 8000 45kW style

Price

£599 £699 £644 £744 £799 £899 £899 £999 £1,759 £2,099 £669 £689 £699 £759 £779 £799 £899 £929 £1,349 £1,769 £715 £759 £799 £839 £875 £899 £899 £939 £1,839 £1,569 £1,321 £1,169 £1,069 £1,819 £1,569

Code

Description

8000 40kW style 333963 Greenstar combi 8000 35kW style 333964 Greenstar combi Greenstar 333965 combi 8000 30kW style 8000 35kW style 333966 Greenstar system Greenstar 333967 system 8000 30kW style 8000 35kW style 333968 Greenstar system 8000 30kW style 333969 Greenstar system 333984 Greenstar 8000 50kW life combi 333985 Greenstar 8000 45kW life combi 333986 Greenstar 8000 40kW life combi 333987 Greenstar 8000 35kW life combi 333988 Greenstar 8000 30kW life combi 333989 Greenstar 8000 35kW life system 8000 30kW life system 333990 Greenstar boiler only pack - white 333998 Greenstar 8000 50kW life regular 333999 Greenstar 8000 45kW life regular 334000 Greenstar 8000 40kW life regular 334001 Greenstar 8000 35kW life regular 334002 Greenstar 8000 30kW life regular 333861 Standard horizontal flue pack 333677 Greenstar HE II vertical flue kit telescopic flue 350334009 Standard 570mm - silver

333152 333153 333616 333617 333618 333619 333620 333621 333685 333686 333687 333688 333689 333690 334010 334011

I-mini C24 combi I-mini C30 combi Logic+ C24 combi Logic+ C30 combi Logic+ C35 combi Vogue C26 combi gen2 Vogue C32 combi gen2 Vogue C40 combi gen2 Logic Max C24 combi Logic Max C30 combi Logic Max C35 combi Vogue Max 26 combi Vogue Max 32 combi Vogue Max 40 combi Vogue S15 system gen2 Vogue S18 system gen2

Price £1,321 £1,169 £1,069 £1,179 £1,069 £1,179 £1,069 £1,749 £1,499 £1,249 £1,099 £999 £1,129 £1,019 £1,849 £1,639 £1,439 £1,239 £1,039 £69 £97 £76

£472 £508 £649 £739 £839 £884 £971 £1,073 £798 £879 £998 £954 £1,053 £1,150 £787 £861

Code

334012 334013 334014 334015 334016 334017 334018 334019 334020 334021 334022 334023 334024 334025 334026 334027 334028 334029 334030 334031 334032 334033 334034 334035 334036

Description

Vogue S26 system gen2 Vogue S32 system gen2 Logic+ S15 system Logic+ S18 system Logic+ S24 system Logic+ S30 system b Logic Max Heat H12 b Logic Max Heat H15 Logic Max Heat H18 Logic Max Heat H24 Logic Max Heat H30 Vogue Max 15 system Vogue Max 18 system Vogue Max 26 system Vogue Max 32 system Logic Max S15 system Logic Max S18 system Logic Max S24 system Logic Max S30 system Logic+ Heat H12 Logic+ Heat H15 Logic+ Heat H18 Logic+ Heat H24 Logic+ Heat H30 Standard horizontal flue pack flue kit with vertical 333678 Roof connector 333682 Telescopic flue B pack

333603 333604 333594 333595 333600 333601 333602 333338 333339 333340 333348 333796 333797 333798 333812

224 combi 228 combi 424 combi 428 combi 624 combi 630 combi 636 combi 825 combi 830 combi 836 combi Platinum+ 40kW combi boiler only pack 415 Heat only 418 Heat only 424 Heat only 615 system

Price

£976 £1,049 £719 £749 £789 £859 £759 £789 £839 £869 £976 £869 £949 £1,049 £1,124 £819 £849 £879 £899 £679 £759 £789 £819 £859 £60 £101 £75

£447 £476 £515 £555 £652 £731 £898 £761 £834 £939

£1,101

£569 £589 £619 £731

Code

333813 333814 333816 333817 333818 333819 333820 333676 333680 333811 333013 333014 333015

333622 333623 333624 333625 333626 333627 333628 333629 333630 333631 333632 333712 333713 333754 333755 333756 333757 333758 333759 333760 333761 333762 333763 333764 333765

Description

618 system 624 system 613 Heat only 616 Heat only 619 Heat only 625 Heat only 630 Heat only Multi fit vertical flue 60/100 Multi fit standard telescopic flue 60/100 - black/white Standard horizontal flue pack 816 16kW boiler only pack 825 25kW boiler only pack 830 30kW boiler only pack

Ecofit Pure 825 Ecofit Pure 830 Ecofit Pure 835 Ecotec Plus 825 combi Ecotec Plus 832 combi Ecotec Plus 835 combi Ecotec Plus 838 combi Ecotec Plus 938 combi Ecotec Pro 24 combi Ecotec Pro 28 combi Ecotec Pro 30 combi Ecotec Exclusive 835 IQ combi Ecotec Exclusive 843 IQ combi Ecofit Pure 412 heat only Ecofit Pure 415 heat only Ecofit Pure 418 heat only Ecofit Pure 425 heat only Ecofit Pure 430 heat only Ecofit Pure 435 heat only Ecotec Pure 412 heat only Ecotec Pure 415 heat only Ecotec Pure 418 heat only Ecotec Pure 425 heat only Ecotec Pure 430 heat only Ecotec Pure 435 heat only Pure 612 system boiler 333766 EcoFit only pack Pure 615 system boiler 333767 EcoFit only pack EcoFit Pure 618 system boiler 333768 only pack

Price

£783 £836 £679 £732 £784 £836 £889 £76

£65

£60 £779 £879 £949

£758 £866 £973 £987 £1,091 £1,164 £1,247 £1,403 £831 £935 £987 £1,248 £1,456 £644 £675 £748 £811 £863 £1,309 £675 £748 £831 £883 £935 £1,375 £727

£800 £863

Get your boiler today in branch or online at wolseley.co.uk/boiler

All

for boilers

major brands

in stock

ailable in over 450 branches Code

Description

Pure 625 system boiler 333769 EcoFit only pack Pure 630 system boiler 333770 EcoFit only pack EcoTec Plus 612 system boiler 333771 only pack Plus 615 system boiler 333772 EcoTec only pack EcoTec Plus 618 system boiler 333773 only pack EcoTec Plus 624 system boiler 333774 only pack Plus 630 system boiler 333775 EcoTec only pack EcoTec Plus 637 system boiler 333776 only pack Exclusive 627 system 333777 EcoTec boiler with green iQ 333778 Standard horizontal flue pack telescopic flue duct 333684 Horizontal - pro/plus Rear telescopic flue kit - pure 333683 only 333679 Roof terminal 60/100 - black

333691 333692 333693 333694 333159 333160 333161 333862 333863 333864 333865 333866 333867 333868 333869 333870

Compact 24/18 combi Compact 28/24 combi Compact 36/30 combi Compact 36/40 combi Xclusive 30 combi only Xclusive 36 combi only Xtreme 36 combi only Compact HRE OV 18 heat only Compact HRE OV 24 heat only Compact HRE OV 30 heat only Compact HRE SB 18 heat only Compact HRE SB 24 heat only Compact HRE SB 30 heat only Compact HRE SB 40 heat only Standard horizontal flue pack Standard vertical flue pack

Price

£995 £1,081 £779

Code

£1,039 £1,143 £1,271 £1,143 £72

£81 £83 £97

£673 £745 £813 £901 £849 £949 £1,151 £589 £632 £717 £602 £685 £751 £832 £66 £66

Etec 28 high efficiency combi Etec 33 high efficiency combi Etec Plus 28 combi Etec Plus 33 combi Standard horizontal flue pack

£431 £464 £660 £730 £54

£84

333705 333706 333707 333708 333709

£629 £734 £890 £930 £980

£831 £915

Price

£698

Vitodens 050-W 29kW combi Vitodens 050-W 35kW combi Vitodens 100-W 26kW combi Vitodens 100-W 30kW combi Vitodens 100-W 35kW combi

13kW compact 333871 Vitodens natural gas boiler only pack 16kW compact 333872 Vitodens natural gas boiler only pack 19kW compact 333873 Vitodens natural gas boiler only pack 26kW compact 333874 Vitodens natural gas boiler only pack 35kW compact 333875 Vitodens natural gas boiler only pack

19kW system boiler 333876 Vitodens only pack

26kW system boiler 333877 Vitodens only pack 30kW system boiler 333878 Vitodens only pack 35kW system boiler 333879 Vitodens only pack

333880 Standard horizontal flue pack 333746 Vertical flue terminal 60/100mm flue kit +K48 333745 Telescopic 60/100mm

333157 333158 333699 333700 333701 333702 333881

333695 333696 333697 333698 333891

Description

333730 Vertical flue terminal inc 1m flue 20kW system boiler only 333889 Etec pack 30kW system boiler only 333890 Etec pack

333882 333883 333884

Excel 25kW combi Excel 29kW combi Evolve 24C combi Evolve 28C combi Evolve 32C combi Evolve 36C combi Evolve 18kW system boiler only pack Evolve 24kW system boiler only pack Evolve 30kW system boiler only pack Evolve 35kW system boiler only pack

£647

£693 £714 £727 £774 £1,107

Code

334213 334205 334208 334210 334212 334215 334207

£900

333892

£926

333893

£970

333894

£73

£389 £399 £683 £718 £736 £819

Vision Plus 25kW combi boiler only pack Vision Plus 30kW combi boiler only pack Vision Plus 35kW combi boiler only pack Vision Plus 40kW combi boiler only pack Vision Plus 20kW system boiler only pack Vision Plus 25kW system boiler only pack Vision Plus 30kW system boiler only pack

Price

£55

Code

333895 333896 333897 333898 333899 333900 333901

£702

333912

£724

333913

£808

333914

£829

333902

Vortex 15/21 Eco utility floorstanding Vortex 21/26 Eco utility floorstanding Vortex 15/21 eco utility floor standing oil system boiler only pack Vortex 21/26 eco utility floor standing oil system boiler only pack Vortex 21/26 eco utility floor standing oil system boiler only pack Vortex boilerhouse red 15/21 boiler only pack Vortex boilerhouse red 21/26 boiler only pack Vortex 21kW Pro combi oil Vortex 26kW Pro combi oil Vortex 26kW XS combi oil boiler only pack Vortex 15/21 Eco utility external floorstanding Vortex 21/26 Eco utility external floorstanding Vortex 26/35 Eco utility external floorstanding Standard flue kit 12-26

Description

£989

333918

£1,089

333919

Vortex 26/35 eco utility floor standing heat only oil boiler only pack Vortex 36/46 Utility oil boiler only pack Vortex 46/58 kitchen/utility boiler only pack Vortex 58/70 kitchen/utility boiler only pack Vortex boilerhouse red 26/35 boiler only pack Vortex boilerhouse red 36/46 boiler only pack Vortex boilerhouse red 46/58 boiler only pack Vortex boilerhouse red 58/70 boiler only pack Standard flue kit 26-70 Vortex 15/21 eco external floor standing oil system boiler only pack Vortex 21/26 eco external floor standing oil system boiler only pack Vortex 26/35 eco external floor standing oil system boiler only pack Vortex 21kW outdoor HE combi oil boiler only Vortex 26kW outdoor HE combi oil boiler only

333953 333954 333955 333952 333951

Energy 25C ErP Energy 30C ErP Energy 35C ErP Vertical flue pack 60/100 Horizontal telescopic flue pack

£65

333903

£85

333904

£65

333905

£65

333906

£452

333907

£478

333908

£580 £610 £520 £570 £610

333909 333910 333911 333915 333916 333917

£870

£69 £78

Description

333739 Fixed length horizontal flue kit standard horizontal 333888 Vision flue pack XV vertical flue kit 333736 Evolve 60/100mm Evolve standard horizontal 333887 flue pack telescopic horizontal flue 333735 Evolve kit 60/100mm

Price

£1,285 £1,699 £1,759 £1,809 £1,299 £1,529 £1,685 £1,749 £172

£1,335 £1,519 £1,725 £1,849 £1,999

£1,165 £1,279 £1,489 £889 £929

£1,809 £1,829 £1,819

333154 Amptec 6kW electric 333155 Amptec 9kW electric 333156 Amptec 12kW electric

£629 £721 £809 £72 £73 £415 £603 £708

£1,149 £1,279 £1,469 £149

PRICES SHOWN ARE FOR TRADE ACCOUNT CUSTOMERS. ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT.

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER

In this issue

Issue 140 November 2020 13 News

New UKCA marking to start in 2021; Which? accolades for boiler brands; Consumers are worried about their heating reliability and cost; Replacing a gas boiler with a heat pump could cost £25,000+

21 Letters 22 The good, the bad and the ugly

26 Industry Standard Update 098

Liquid Gas UK CoP 22 – 2020

28 Your say

What it’s like to work as gas engineer when you live with anxiety

32 Liquid Gas UK 2020 census

The state of the LPG industry as the UK aims for net-zero carbon emissions

06 Gas Safe News

Highlights of Gas Safety Week 2020, in which the industry came together with different and innovative ways to have conversations about gas safety

08 Updated guidance and advice on maintaining

your ACS qualifications PLUS new Gas Safe ads give a warm glow

11 Gas Safe Register at a glance

Shining a spotlight on the work of the inspections and investigations teams in 2019/2020

Competitions We’ve got double prizes this month, with great competitions from Scalemaster and Checkatrade

34 Smart homes

What is a truly smart home – and what could be yet to come?

45 Water heating

The importance of choosing the right hot water cylinder

46 Safe working

How you can have a successful 2020 heating season despite the challenging circumstances

49 Products

38 Carbon monoxide

November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness month and we’ve talked to some of the organisations working to make sure that people stay safe from the dangers of the deadly gas

Win Page 58

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 05

FROM THE EDITOR

Comment P

eople are concerned about the reliability of their heating and their energy bills, as we head into winter, according to a new survey from Spirotech.

That’s hardly surprising, given how much we depend on our boilers, especially as the temperature drops, and given the likelihood that many people will be spending more time at home this winter.

Regular servicing and keeping the system water clean and free from debris help to make boilers run more efficiently and keep bills down. And both are likely to keep gas engineers busy over the coming months, particularly in the light of recent reports that routine maintenance may have been missed during lockdown.

People are comfortable with their familiar boilers heating their home, and so it’s no surprise that decarbonising the grid with hydrogen so that they can continue to do so is touted as a logical path towards a zero-carbon future. All the more so, given the findings of a recent government report, which found that replacing a gas boiler with a heat pump could cost more than £25,000.

With consumers potentially tightening their belts amid economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19 as well as Brexit, and probably facing bigger energy bills too, sticking with a well-maintained and energyefficient boiler has never seemed more attractive.

Nicki Shearer, editor The quickest way to reach the magazine team is via email.

Gas Safe Register, PO Box 6804, Basingstoke, RG24 4NB. Email: enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk, register@gassaferegister.co.uk or technical@gassaferegister.co.uk Managing editor: Scott Darroch scott.darroch@gassaferegister.co.uk Editor: Nicki Shearer editorial@registeredgasengineer.co.uk News: Jennie Ward news@registeredgasengineer.co.uk Publisher: Peter McCreary publisher@registeredgasengineer.co.uk Technical consultants: Gary Ames, Carl Banister, David Smith, Jonathan Stirling

Gas Safety Week 2020 highlights T

he 10th Gas Safety Week certainly wasn’t like those in previous years. COVID-19 meant that people found new ways to get involved: no meetings, events, local stands or talks. But, as in so many other areas of life in 2020, the pandemic drove people to work really hard to find new ways to make sure that they took part in the industry’s biggest annual gas safety event.

And as we head into winter, supporters knew that gas safety awareness was more important than it’s ever been as we start to spend more time indoors.

Gas Safe Register’s chief executive Jonathan Samuel kicked things off in style with a message spread across a host of different online and social media platforms.

Reflecting on the 10th anniversary, he said: “I remain astonished at the momentum and focus that this week continues to receive; not to mention how it has grown from that initial idea through to becoming an industrywide initiative.

“I remain proud of my team at Gas Safe Register, not forgetting my respect for the 130,000 engineers who form the backbone of our industry.

“COVID has taught many of

us to consider our communities and those most vulnerable around us. During Gas Safety Week, we will share gas safety advice and tips with our neighbours and communities.”

Gas Safe Register’s eyecatching short film, the Ripple Effect, reinforced the importance of communities, showing the devastating effect that one small gas safety slip had on a residential street.

Community is here to stay Research carried out by Gas Safe Register found that Britons’ new sense of community in a COVID world is here to stay. More than two in five people (43 per cent) said they feel an increased responsibility for the health and wellbeing of their neighbours since the start of lockdown, and over half (57 per cent) said they are taking better care of

Production: Mark Turpin Advertising enquiries only: Ian Carter ian@rgemagazine.co.uk The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Gas Safe Register.

The publishers will accept an advertisement or other inserted material only on the condition that the advertiser warrants that such advertisement does not in any way infringe copyright or contravene the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act. All copy is subject to the approval of the publisher, who reserves the right to refuse, amend, withdraw or otherwise deal with advertisements submitted to it at its absolute discretion and without explanation.

All advertisements must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice. ABC membership approved 19 March, 2009. Calls to phone numbers starting 084 and 087 cost up to 7p per minute plus your service provider’s charge.

Registered Gas Engineer is written, designed and published by The Team on behalf of Gas Safe Register.

30 Park Street, London, SE1 9EQ

CIRCULATION:

Jan-Dec 2019

76,651 06 November 2020

More than two in five people (43 per cent) feel an increased responsibility for the health and wellbeing of their neighbours

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | GAS SAFE REGISTER NEWS

The Gas Safety Superheroes were keen to highlight the importance of gas engineers showing their Gas Safe ID card to customers, and also ran a competition to give away five CO alarms.

The non-profit organisation was founded by gas engineer Paul Hull, and has since been joined by other gas engineers as ambassadors in helping to improve gas safety.

57 per cent of people are taking better care of themselves specifically so they can do their part to protect the health of their neighbours themselves specifically so they can do their part to protect the health of their neighbours.

But the research also found that a lack of awareness of the signs and symptoms of unsafe gas appliances could be jeopardising people’s ability to responsibly look out for their neighbours. Fewer than one in 10 people (9 per cent) reported being very confident of being able to spot the signs of an unsafe gas appliance and, when put to the test, just 5 per cent could correctly identify the six main signs of a dangerous gas appliance.

33.9 million

reach via regional media

This research piqued the interest of 170 radio stations and reached nearly 6 million listeners, who heard the news with comment from Jonathan Samuel and gas engineer Paul Hull.

Crucial messages around gas safety in local communities and neighbourhoods were also picked up by key regional press, including the Yorkshire Post and the Edinburgh News, as well as Good Housekeeping magazine – in fact, more than 150 local titles ran Gas Safety Week stories.

Gas Safe Register head of Communications Scott Darroch says: “Above all, the whole industry really picked up the ball and ran with it, using different and innovative ways to start new conversations about gas safety with their own audiences and communities.

“The campaign was well integrated and got everyone talking about gas safety, sharing their own information and intelligence.”

The week’s overall theme was community safety, but each day took a look at different topics and areas of gas safety: Monday Community safety Tuesday 10 years of Gas Safety Week Wednesday Carbon monoxide awareness Thursday Gas safety when renting Friday Registered engineers and tackling illegal gas work Saturday Don’t DIY with gas Sunday Winter safety tips

‘One-third of boiler safety checks overdue’ Worcester Bosch shared some alarming facts about homeowners and tenants when it comes to boiler maintenance – something that has deteriorated during lockdown.

Almost one-third of boilers were overdue on their gas safety check, and lockdown measures had delayed these further. Nearly one-quarter of those surveyed said they were unaware that their boilers should be checked every 12 months.

Just one in five renters said they didn’t know whether their landlord had had a gas safety check carried out on their boiler.

And 40 per cent of people didn’t know that servicing and saving money go hand in hand.

The research also found that one-quarter of Brits believed a

Worcester Bosch’s Martyn Bridges hit the radio airwaves to reveal the survey findings and to remind listeners of the importance of regular servicing. He appeared on 47 stations across the UK and reached nearly 2 million people

boiler would only last up to five years, when they can actually last up to two decades with correct maintenance.

Gas Safety Week has traditionally started with a Parliamentary launch, which was not possible this year. But that drove more MPs than ever to get involved, and they created a video in which they gave their whole-hearted backing to the week. www.gassaferegister.co.uk 07

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | GAS SAFE REGISTER NEWS

Maintaining your ACS qualifications: update Updated guidance and advice from Gas Safe Register.

Gas engineers are expected to take all reasonable measures to maintain their ACS qualifications, including planning ahead, as maintaining gas safety competence is essential.

However, Gas Safe Register is aware that some ACS assessment are operating at reduced capacity. This has led to some engineers being unable to take their ACS re-assessment or experiencing a delay in securing a date for re-assessment.

Where assessment centres can operate, they should do so, and follow Gov.uk advice on good hygiene. Gas engineers should

Open Channel Open Channel is back this month Watch out for Gas Safe Register’s next Open Channel event this month (November). As ever, the conversation will be driven by you: and topics could include LPG safety, its role in the industry, and how new biofuels might play a role in helping the UK on its path to zero carbon.

If you have any questions that you’d like answered, you can put them to the expert panel during the Facebook Live event, or send them in advance to RGEOpenChannel@ GasSafeRegister.co.uk Don’t forget to look out for full details of the event on Gas Safe Register’s social media, and join in at Open Channel from Gas Safe Register on Facebook.

08 November 2020

not attend if they are selfisolating.

To maintain their Gas Safe registration, gas engineers must ensure that expired ACS qualifications are renewed.

• Engineers whose ACS qualifications expired before 1 October 2020, and who have been unable to book ACS re-assessment, have been permitted to remain on the Register for up to six months from the expiry date on their ACS certificate while they arrange for re-assessment.

• Engineers with ACS qualifications that expire on

or after 1 October 2020 must renew their qualifications by 31 March 2021.

• Engineers with ACS qualifications expiring after 31 March 2021 will be required to renew ACS by the qualification expiry date as shown on the certificate.

Gas engineers are advised to book ACS re-assessment in advance: this is because, although most centres are open and have availability, some are fully booked up to two months in advance.

Engineers MUST maintain their Gas Safe registration if they are carrying out gas work during any extension period applied due to ACS expiry during the pandemic.

The extension of Gas Safe registration is a temporary measure, which is reviewed regularly. It does not remove the standing requirement for registered gas engineers to maintain their ACS qualifications and renew their certification every five years.

If you have any questions, please email: enquiries@ gassaferegister.co.uk

• Registered Gas Engineer’s annual directory of Great Britain’s ACS centes and the assessments they offer will be published in December 2020.

Have you seen the new ads?

A new wave of Gas Safe Register advertising has started across Great Britain. Rolling for the new few months across TV, radio, press and online, the ads remind people that gas safety starts at home – a message that is particularly resonant as people spend more time indoors during the winter.

The striking creative treatment of the print and online ads features a range of typical British homes, from apartments to terraced homes to detached properties, all featuring the warm glow that shows the family are safe and warm in their home.

The ads remind people how and why to search for their registered gas engineer through Gas Safe Register to service gas appliances so that they can be safe in their homes, with a simple three-word reminder: Search, Service, Safe.

TV ads are back too, featuring the popular Jack Corner, who loves corners but will never cut them when it comes to getting work done on family’s gas appliances.

Hot water

Heating

Renewables

We’re taking care of business, so you can return to business At Vaillant, we want to help all installers get their businesses back to the new normal way of working. Our latest offer is designed to do just that. Get an ecoFIT pure combi boiler, a standard horizontal flue, plus a Boiler Protection Kit all from only £889. Register your installation on the Advance loyalty programme, and you’ll also get a 10-year guarantee and an additional £50 cashback.

REGISTER YOUR INSTALLATION ON ADVANCE AND GET

BACK £50 CASH AND A 10-YEAR GUARANTEE SCAN THE QR CODE TO SIGN UP TODAY

Recommended retail prices shown.

To find out more visit vaillant.co.uk/10year

Pro

Be the change

The switch to eco-friendly home heating is happening. The Government’s £3 billion green investment plan is opening up new opportunities for professionals with the skills to deliver home energy efficiency improvements. Daikin can help you turn this change to your advantage.

With the Green Homes Grant launching in September, now’s the ideal time to diversify and expand your business – and take advantage of the increased demand for heat pumps by joining the Daikin Sustainable Home Network.

To help you lead the way, we’ll give your team free training on the Daikin Altherma product range. Free commissioning and installation support on your first new heat-pump project. A free welcome pack of branded workwear and office supplies and workwear. Even free qualified homeowner leads.

So if you have the energy for change, and want to find out more about our Sustainable Home Network, visit www.energyforchange.com or call 01932 879070

Up to £5,000

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | GAS SAFE REGISTER NEWS

Gas Safe Register at a glance “Our risk-based inspection programme continues to identify areas for improvement among registered businesses, and we remain committed to identifying and stamping out illegal gas work.”

Bob Kerr, Gas Services Director

Inspections Total number of inspections carried out

Investigations Total number of defects found on gas work classified as AR or ID

53,628 6,406

24,294

Number of registered businesses inspected

Number of previously unseen businesses inspected

239

Defects attributed to illegal gas fitters

Defects attributed to registered businesses

3,417

17,471 Illegal gas work

Number of inspection events

Number of inspection event attendees

9,823

8,307

Top three issues found at inspection: • Appliance safety on boiler installations • Flue construction for appliances • Installation of meters.

Source: Gas Safe Register at a Glance report 2019/2020

Number of reports received regarding illegal gas fitters

567

1,848

Investigations of illegal gas gas work, of which 64% was classified as AR or ID

Investigations with no site visit* * This figure can be attributed to factors such as: no response from customers to arrange an inspection, work being corrected by Gas Safe registered engineers, and on further questioning no gas work had been undertaken.

1,281

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 11

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If you were already a member of our previous loyalty scheme, your points and registrations will automatically be transferred over to Excelerate.

To celebrate the launch, you’ll earn double points* every time you register our Greenstar 8000 Style (until 31st December) via your Excelerate account.

worcester-bosch.co.uk/excelerate *Terms and conditions apply.

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | AROUND THE INDUSTRY

New UKCA marking to start in January 2021 It says: “Any purchaser of equipment should look for the CE mark as they do already and carry out the same diligence steps to ensure that the manufacturer has made the correct declaration of conformity and has the required technical documentation available.

“Most products from all sources will continue to have CE marking as well as UKCA, even when it comes fully into force.”

HHIC adds: “Businesses will be encouraged to use the UKCA mark as soon as possible after 1 January 2021, and the government advises that businesses should prepare for the introduction of the UKCA mark.

“The HHIC team is in the process of a more in-depth review of the guidance and will provide further updates.” www.gov.uk/guidance/ using-the-ukca-mark-from-1january-2021

The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is a new UK product marking that will be used in Great Britain. It covers most goods that previously required the CE markingand will apply to goods that currently use CE marking.

The government says that, from 1 January 2021, the technical requirements (‘essential requirements’) that manufacturers must meet – and the conformity assessment processes and standards that can be used to demonstrate conformity – will be largely the same as they are now.

The UKCA marking can be used from 1 January 2021.

However, to allow businesses time to adjust to the new requirements, they will still be able to use CE marking until 1 January 2022 in most cases.

UKCA marking will not be recognised on the EU market.

Products that currently require a CE marking will still need a CE marking for sale in the EU from 1 January 2021.

The requirement to use UKCA

marking does not apply to existing stock – for example, if the goods are fully manufactured and ready to place on the market before 1 January 2021. In these cases, they can still be sold in Great Britain with a CE marking even if covered by a certificate of conformity issued by a UK body.

From 1 January 2022, the CE marking will not be recognised in Great Britain for the areas covered by the government’s guidance – including gas appliances.

However, a product bearing the CE marking will still be valid for sale in the UK as long as it was also UKCA marked and complied with the relevant UK rules.

The new rules do not apply to Northern Ireland.

BEAMA, the trade association for manufacturers and providers of energy infrastructure technologies and systems, has welcomed the confirmation that CE marking will continue to be recognised.

Government pledges more help

HSE Safety Alert

Self-employed gas engineers whose business has been affected by COVID-19 may be eligible for two further grants from the government. The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) has been extended to cover November 2020 to April 2021.

An initial taxable grant will be provided to those who are currently eligible for SEISS and are continuing to actively trade but face reduced demand due to coronavirus. The initial lump sum will cover three months from November to the end of January 2021, up to £1,875.

The second grant will cover February to April 2021. The government says it will publish details of how to claim in due course.

Failure to detect dangerous gas/vapour due to incorrect specification of sample tube.

HSE has issued a Safety Alert that highlights the risk of misleading gas detection readings associated with the use of sampling tubes with pumped gas detectors. Sampling tubes are sometimes used to extend the reach of the detection device and/or to allow detection at an increased distance from the user.

In a recent incident, a gas detector failed to detect the presence of a flammable vapour. Hot work proceeded in the belief that there was no flammable vapour present. The subsequent explosion resulted in a fatal injury.

The investigation found that a significant contributor to the failure to detect the flammable

vapour was it being adsorbed on the inner surface of the sample tube. This meant that no flammable vapour reached the detector before the test was completed and a false conclusion that the work area was free of flammable vapour.

This incident highlighted the importance of selecting the correct systems for gas detection and verifying the effectiveness of the detection system.

The purpose of this Safety Alert is to highlight the risk of adsorption if an unsuitable sample tube is used.

You can read the full Safety Alert at: www.hse.gov.uk/ safetybulletins

Technical Bulletin 129 updated Gas Safe Register has made minor editorial changes to Technical Bulletin 129: Boiler Inlet Pressure Measurement.

No revisions have been made to the Bulletin’s technical content.

You can read and download all Technical Bulletins by logging into your online account at www. gassaferegister.co.uk/sign-in

Correction In last month’s Legislative, Normative and Informative Documents List, an outdated standard was referred to.

BS6173: 2020 – Installation and maintenance of gas fired catering appliances for use in all types of catering establishments (2nd and 3rd family gases) has replaced BS6173: 2009.

Clarification In last month’s article Gas Safe Register at a Glance, we stated that the number of Gas Safe registered businesses in Great Britain is 76,371. This figure fails to acknowledge registered businesses in other parts of the United Kingdom, namely 705 businesses in Northern Ireland, 68 in the Isle of Man, and 18 in Guernsey.

The total number of Gas Safe registered businesses in the UK is 77,162.

Baxi cashback is back Baxi’s popular cashback promotion is back with a £300 bang. For every three Baxi 600 or 800 boiler installations registered on the company’s loyalty scheme, Baxi Works, you can claim £300.

There’s no limit to the number of claims you can make during the promotion, which runs until 30 November 2020.

Boilers must be installed and registered on Baxi Works, and terms and conditions apply. www.gassaferegister.co.uk 13

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | AROUND THE INDUSTRY

Baxi to develop digital servitisation project Baxi Heating has secured funding to develop a ‘Digital Servitisation Demonstrator’.

Servitisation is the strategy of creating value by adding services to products or even replacing a product with a service.

At a time when customers want to buy a complete service, rather just a commodity, servitisation will become increasingly important. In home heating, customers wouldn’t just buy a boiler: they would be buying a complete comfort package that includes monitoring,

maintenance and servicing of all their heating requirements.

The Baxi Heating Digital Servitisation Demonstrator will be developed by combining advanced services and digital servitisation technologies, including sensors, software and other technologies, often referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT), to create a digital model of Baxi’s manufacturing and service business.

The digital model will be converted to a neutral digital platform that can be used as a

New Vaillant TV ad asks: why wait?

Vaillant is highlighting the individual impact that UK homeowners can have on the environment by having an efficient heating system.

It’s new Why Wait marketing campaign, which includes a new TV ad, aims to inform millions of homeowners why upgrading to a more efficient home heating system, such as heat pump or energy efficient boiler, can have a big impact on the climate.

Vaillant says it’s the first major

UK boiler manufacturer to include renewables in TV ads, highlighting the role of lowcarbon technologies.

Marketing director Alice Woolley says: “While we continue to work towards a more sustainable tomorrow, we’re also focused on the ways we can continue to support our loyal installers. Our latest TV ad really brings to life how, by investing in sustainability, we’re also investing in them.”

wider, all-industry, adaptable servitisation model. It can be transferred between sectors and developed as a bespoke model for individual companies. The model will enable a range of manufacturers to use digital technologies to manage contracts, supply chains, customer contacts and all aspects of their business.

Baxi Heating managing director Karen Boswell says: “This is just the sort of innovation strategy that UK manufacturers should be looking at if they want

to continue to grow their businesses. Customers are demanding much more than products with a maintenance programme now: they want complete peace of mind, a fit-and-forget service, knowing that everything will be taken care of for them.

“This project could be ground-breaking, not just in manufacturing, but in other sectors too, boosting productivity and facilitating logistics, supply chains and service. We are very excited to be at the leading edge.”

Thomas is HIP Apprentice of the Year Thomas J Thomas has won the HIP Apprentice of the Year 2020 competition.

Dozens of competitors took part in seven regional heats between January and March before the lockdown caused the competition to be postponed.

The seven regional winners completed a short online test and their scores were added to their regional test results.

The top three competed in a one-day live final, which took place at their own colleges.

The Level 3 Coleg Llandrillo student said: “The competition was great. The final was a step up from the regional heat – it was a challenge to get it done in time.

“It definitely increases your

technical skills and gives you a focus on being accurate to the point of complete precision.

You have to be confident in what you do and not secondguess yourself.”

Which? Best Buy accolades for boiler brands

Fill in your work gaps It’s My Plumber’s new website offers fixed-price plumbing and heating jobs for gas engineers. They can sign up free to receive job alerts by text and email. All alerts are for confirmed jobs, so no quoting is involved.

The company says its business can provide an extra work stream for gas engineers, filling in any gaps in their current work. Engineers are free to choose whether or not to accept the work.

The company says it is currently looking for engineers in Birmingham, Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Worcester and Coventry. www.itsmyplumber.co.uk 14 November 2020

Gas boilers by Vaillant and Worcester Bosch have been awarded Best Buy status by consumer champion Which?

An independent survey carried out by Which? asked more than 7,500 consumers about the boiler brand they own and whether they would recommend it to a friend.

The two brands were awarded Best Buy status, scoring strongly for reliability and customer satisfaction.

Worcester Bosch was the most trusted boiler brand by owners in terms of reliability, with survey respondents holding the company’s customer service in high esteem. The company also scooped Best Buy for its oil boilers.

Gas engineer feedback gave Vaillant five stars for build quality, ease of servicing, fixing common faults, and parts and spares availability.

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | AROUND THE INDUSTRY

‘Consumers are concerned over heating reliability and cost’ Over 90 per cent of Brits are expecting to spend more time at home this winter, and concerns about the reliability and cost of home heating are driving demand for system protection, according to new research commissioned

by Spirotech.

Nearly 60 per cent of homeowners surveyed said they are concerned about how reliable

and/or expensive their heating may be, as the nation faces more time working from home and less time travelling and socialising.

Their concerns were wellfounded: one-third said they have experienced symptoms of an unhealthy heating system in the past 12 months, including noisy pipes and radiators, radiator cold spots and higher-than-expected energy bills.

But 70 per cent of respondents said they would be interested in investing in products that would protect their boiler and make their heating more reliable and energy efficient. This suggests that appetite for system protection measures including deaerators and dirt separators could be at an all-time high.

APHC launches online hot water storage system training The APHC’s new Domestic Hot Water Storage Systems (Unvented) course has been developed using webinar software.

The course is run by Graeme Dryden, APHC’s deputy CEO and technical services manager, who says: “The situation with COVID-19 has meant that we are launching this new course for online delivery.

“As with the delivery of our other online plumbing courses, we are running this course over a five-day period in two-hour segments.

“This maximises the effectiveness of how we deliver the course and has the added advantage for installers of not

having to take a whole day off from trading, as appointments can be scheduled around the two-hour time slots.”

The course is for heating engineers who want to install vented and unvented domestic hot water storage systems that comply with the Building Regulations and standards.

Training materials are delivered electronically and can be printed or viewed on a second screen or via a tablet. The end assessment uses Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Contact APHC for course delivery dates or to discuss the course requirements. www.aphc.co.uk/trainingcourses

£120,000 boost for cancer charity Groupe Atlantic UK, the parent company of Ideal Heating, has raised more than £120,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, to help people with cancer heat their homes. Employees have organised their own initiatives at home and at work, and donations are also made from every boiler sold to a member of staff.

Shaun Edwards, CEO of Groupe Atlantic UK, ROI & North Americas Divisions, says: “Without the passion of individual employees and the group as a whole, this fantastic result would not have been achievable.”

Kevan Peaker, UK business unit director at Spirotech, says: “With more government advice encouraging working from home and schools already having to send pupils back out of the classroom, it’s no surprise that many homeowners are concerned by the prospect of heating their properties for far longer than normal this winter.

“Heating engineers have a great opportunity to advise homeowners on the benefits of system protection measures, when they are carrying out the many postponed boiler services that are needed.

“Our Better Heating website, videos and advice leaflet are all designed to shine a light on just how many heating complaints are

caused by air and dirt, and to help customers understand how easily they can be remedied through the installation of a deaerator and dirt separator.

“By advising homeowners on these measures now, installers can help customers get their systems into the very best shape, so they can worry less about system breakdowns, annoying heating complaints and high energy bills, as we head into the uncertain winter months.”

The Better Heating toolkit was developed in response to research that showed that 80 per cent of gas engineers said homeowners don’t understand deaeration, and nearly one-third are confused by dirt separation. www.betterheating.co.uk

National Register of Tradeswomen goes live Stopcocks Tradeswomen has launched a National Register of Tradeswomen. The register’s initial aim is to ensure that vulnerable householders who feel safer with women can find a fully verified tradeswoman in their area.

The not-for-profit organisation also has plans to enable women to train in trades and access funds for training.

Hattie Hasan MBE (pictured) says: “We believe that women want to know they’re supporting and contributing to empowering other women through helping them into worthwhile and well-paid careers.

“We believe that women feel good about themselves when they know they’re helping and supporting other women. That’s why we’re confident this Register, School and Fund, with all skilled tradeswomen nationally joining, will be a huge success.”

Hattie adds that, as well as making tradeswomen easier to find, they can be counted, which will provide the data needed to increase their number: no one knows how many women

plumbers and gas engineers or other skilled tradeswomen there are in UK, she says.

“We want all tradeswomen, not only self-employed ones, to register so we can get an accurate picture in the UK and work towards making the changes we want to see. We’ll be asking all employers to encourage their female trades employees to register. We don’t count if we’re not counted.”

The register is free to join, and will be available for customers to use in early 2021. registeroftradeswomen.com www.gassaferegister.co.uk 17

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | AROUND THE INDUSTRY

Replacing a gas boiler with a heat pump could cost £25,000+ A new report says replacing gas with heat pumps for home heating could cost up to £27,350 per household.

The Cost of Installing Heating Measures in Domestic Properties was published by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and outlines the fully installed costs for different types of heating systems, ranging from gas and oil boilers, to electric heaters, heat pumps and biomass.

Certain technologies were not considered in detail as part of the report, including LPG boilers, electric boilers, hybrid heat pumps or combined heat and power units.

BEIS commissioned consulting company Delta-ee to carry out the study to get up-to-date data and insight on the current costs of installing different types of heating measures in domestic properties.

This included providing a detailed breakdown of equipment and installation costs, which could then be used to inform future government policy.

The costs involved in the installation of a new gas boiler range from £2,250 plus VAT for a direct 24kW combi-for-combi swap, up to £6,228 for a new-build or first-time central heating installation, according to the report.

The stated installation costs of a heat pump, meanwhile, range from £13,200 for an 8kW ground source heat pump and cylinder (excluding ground works and controls), up to £27,350 for the full installation of a 12kW heat pump including cylinder, ground works, controls, underfloor heating and radiators.

Oversizing The report also considered the oversizing factor that BEIS uses to calculate the potential costs of heating installations, and how much this impacts the different technologies. For gas boilers, the report focused mainly on non-combi boilers, as combi models tend to be sized based on their hot water output and flow rate.

BEIS uses a typical oversizing factor of 3.1 for gas boilers, which the report found credible, noting that gas boilers tend to be oversized by 280-360 per cent.

This large degree of oversizing was described as “not detrimental to the homeowner”, because most boilers can modulate by a ratio of at least 5:1 or greater.

The report also noted a general increase in the size of gas boilers being installed since 2012, with more 24kW boilers being fitted as a share of total gas boiler sales.

The report concluded that this was evidence of increasing boiler over-sizing, as boilers are matched with a wide range of buildings with design heat loads driven by continuous distributions of floor area and heat-loss parameters.

Stay on the gas Responding to the report, trade union GMB London says existing central heating systems should be maintained and powered by natural gas until such time as they can be replaced by zero-carbon

hydrogen at reasonable prices.

The union says the costs outlined in the report, plus the additional costs of the expansion of electricity supply needed to run them, should drive the Labour Party to conclude that this is not the way to go for low-carbon home heating.

An analysis of the report by the Gas Users Organisation, which says it promotes the interests of domestic gas consumers, says: “Heat pumps are a very efficient form of electric heat, but a report

by Element Energy for the Westminster government concluded that, even if the costs of heat pumps fell considerably, their lifetime costs would always be higher for consumers than gas.

“There is also a question mark about the huge expansion of electricity capacity required and whether that would be sourced from renewables. This report clearly shows that gas central heating is by far the cheaper option for households.” n You can read the BEIS report at: tiny.cc/Heatpumpsreport

JTL celebrates 30 years of training people JTL is celebrating its 30th anniversary as a national training provider for electrical and heating and plumbing apprenticeships.

Established in 1990 by the Electrical Contractors’ Association and what is now known as Unite the Union, JTL became a registered charity in 2000.

After two years, it started offering apprenticeships in plumbing, as well as maintaining its electrical opportunities; and professional short courses were introduced in 2011.

Over the years, JTL has introduced a number of initiatives, including a free tool kit scheme, celebrated the achievements of JTL apprentices at its annual Apprentice of the Year awards, as well as supporting and giving back to the building services engineering sector by offering free, bite-size digital courses through its 18 October 2020

new resource, Power Up. Today, JTL works with more than 3,800 businesses, supporting 8,000 young people across four apprenticeship disciplines (electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilating and engineering maintenance).

It’s a registered charity and every penny is re-invested back into its training.

Chief executive Jon Graham says: “We have seen many changes in the industry over the past three decades, and 2020 has certainly been the most challenging to date, with the outbreak of COVID-19. JTL recognises that this is a worrying and unpredictable time, so we are continuing to raise the profile and appeal of apprenticeships, as well as supporting both learners and employers, to ensure that the pipeline of skilled tradespeople continues.”

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | LETTERS

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Please send your letters, which may be edited, to editorial@registeredgasengineer.co.uk.

Why don’t you include information about boats?

I have been Gas Safe registered for four years and, in that time, I have received and read your publication monthly. Why does your magazine never include anything to do with the state of gas installations on boats? There are approximately 30,000 boats that are in scope of the regulations in the UK – that’s equivalent to a medium-sized town. Yet I have never seen any mention of a single issue on a boat. Why is that?

I regularly report illegal gas work to Gas Safe Register and nothing is ever done because that old mantra of ‘we couldn’t gain access’ is rolled out (probably because it’s in the ‘too difficult’ pile).

The last report I completed was in February, when I found 15 cases of illegal gas work on a hire fleet of vessels in Congleton by a BSS examiner. Not a peep was heard from Gas Safe Register and nobody contacted the hire company. Why is that?

Take a look at this photograph, which shows an all-too-common situation.

The cheap LPG boiler was connected to the underside of a vent with little over 100mm of flexible duct held in place with two jubilee clips. The appliance was emitting massive amounts

of CO. All I could find out about the installer was his first name.

Am I to assume that the inland waterways craft that are within the scope of the Regs are too insignificant to qualify for any mention in the magazine and/or investigations? Or is it that the industry is just too small to matter until such time as there is a death?

Stephen J Williams, Marine Engineering Services Gas Safe Register replies: Going forward, Gas Safe Register will be developing magazine articles relating to gas work undertaken within the less widely used ACS elements within the gas industry – for example, boats and caravans.

Gas Safe Register takes illegal gas work seriously.

However, not all gas work undertaken on inland waterways craft falls under the scope of the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998 as amended (or other geographical legislation as appropriate). Where gas work is undertaken on a boat that falls under the scope of GSIUR, this can be reported via the Gas Safe Register website: we investigate all such complaints.

Remember that Gas Safe Register does not have the right

Customers must come before money

of access, so where an allegation is made of unregistered gas work on a boat, we will only be able to inspect the gas installation if given access by the owner to do so. Our investigations are restricted if access is not provided.

We also require sufficient information to investigate fully: the example provided, where the writer was unable to find out the name of the person who undertook the gas work, shows how important such information is when undertaking gas work enquiries.

When I was working for a national company some years ago, I was asked to attend a breakdown with a Code F. I queried this as the boiler I had previously serviced [at this address] was a top-of-therange modern freestanding boiler which was in the outhouse of the property.

The boiler I had serviced previously had never broken down before and, because the house was on the edge of a moorland, it was obviously used to getting very cold. However, the new boiler, a middle-range boiler, would shut down in the slightest of cold weather. This left the owner, who was disabled, with no heating.

The person who recommended the boiler replacement, saying that parts were hard to get, was a blatant liar and only sold it for the commission. In my opinion, the engineer and his manager should be severely reprimanded as they put commission before the customer.

Mike Winstone

Rule breakers are getting away with it The letters published in the September issue regarding declining professionalism within our industry are of great concern.

I totally agree with the many aspects that are raised and I hear the same concerns from my fellow professional gas engineers.

There is also no end of photos

published that reflect the fact that many jobs are being carried out by non-qualified people, so I have to ask what is being done to address this growing problem?

Registered engineers are assessed and inspected on a regular basis but the ones that

are flouting the regulations are getting away with it. I don’t know the answer. I’m a timeserved apprentice in the gas industry who has had an intense training scheme and worked and learned from experienced engineers and I believe this is how it should be done.

I know those days are gone but is the training that is being done today adequate? As more experienced/competent gas engineers retire, I can only see the problem getting worse and the reputation of gas engineers declining.

Tony Harmsworth

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 21

Thegoodthebad+theugly We want your pictures Registered Gas Engineer wants to see your pictures – whether you’ve come across some horrors or instances of really good work.

And there’s a prize for the best one: so go on, get writing and email your stories and pictures to editorial@registeredgasengineer.co.uk or via Twitter @RGEMag

Martyn Defurey spotted what he first thought was an external letterbox when he arrived at this property to change some taps.

On closer inspection, he found this covering on a chimney/flue from a water heater, with a deflector above it. Martyn made safe and a new boiler has now been installed.

Daniel Sloan came across this installation by the homeowner.

Apparently they used to be a plumber.

Daniel made safe.

Duane Saunders was asked to repair a water heater and found scorch marks on the casing. We can see why. Duane replaced the water heater the very next day.

22 November 2020

Mitchells Plumbing & Heating’s photo shows the importance of checking behind the gas fire. The debris in the catchment area shows that the fire hadn’t been checked for years.

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | YOUR PHOTOS

George Mason was called to a nonworking boiler that had been serviced six months previously (allegedly). George carried out a proper service.

Iltid Nicholl sent a photo of a hob connected using a plumbing fitting. He put the installation right using the correct pipework and fittings.

Stuart Reading found an LPG cooker installation using garden hose pipe and insulation tape. But worse was to come: he followed the route of the hosepipe to the conservatory, where he found it connected to an LPG cylinder in a cardboard box. The installation was disconnected and made safe.

Wayne Worthington was called to a property to service three boilers and says he could smell gas. On investigation, he found the culprit: this corroded steel pipework.

This month winne ’s r

We may share some of your pictures on social media, so remember to include your contact details so we can tag you (or let us know if you’d rather we didn’t).

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 23

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | YOUR PHOTOS

Thegoodthebad+theugly Bruce Eastbrook found high readings of CO from a boiler when he was carrying out a landlord’s gas safety record check.

He soon found out the reason.

Raw Plumbing was called to this relatively new installation of a boiler in a compartment because the customer was complaining of drafts from around the appliance. On removing the unit surrounding the boiler they could see why.

The hole in the wall around the chimney/flue has now been sealed correctly.

Andrew West tells us that the installation pipework connected to the gas meter apparently had been done by a builder renovating the property.

Andrew made safe and rectified the pipework using the correct materials.

Photo prize There’s a prize for the best photos sent in (in our opinion). Please remember to take pictures at high resolution and email them to editorial@registeredgasengineer.co.uk This month, Anton is giving away its APM 135 differential manometer, complete with a standard boot and a zipped hard carry case with the unit, worth £145.

The APM 135 is robust and simple to use, and suitable for all domestic pressure testing. The test-only manometer has standard push-fit spigot connections and 8 units of pressure measurement, ranging from -39.99mbar to 130.0mbar This month’s winner is Stuart Reading from Bridgwater, Somerset. Congratulations!

24 November 2020

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Industry Standard Update 098 Liquid Gas UK CoP 22 – 2020 Date issued: 28 September 2020

This Industry Standard Update (ISU) provides an overview of the key areas of change arising from the revision of Liquid Gas UK Code of Practice 22 – 2020 Design, Installation and Testing of LPG Piping Systems.

Introduction During June 2020, Liquid Gas UK published a revised Code of Practice 22 – 2020(1) – Design, Installation and Testing of LPG Piping Systems. This superseded the previous edition, published in August 2011 (with amendment 1 (corrigendum) February 2012)(2).

The revision to this standard came into effect in June 2020.

Gas Safe Register will inspect to the new requirements of this Standard from 1 November 2020.

The following is a brief overview of the areas of significant change to the amended standard, Liquid Gas UK CoP 22.

General Legislation, normative references and current standards have been updated throughout where necessary.

Scope Liquid Gas UK CoP 22 sets out the guidance for: • Steel pipework up to and including 150mm nominal bore • Copper pipework up to and including 35mm outside diameter • PE pipework up to and including 180mm outside diameter • Composite pipework up to and including 150mm nominal bore • Flexible hoses, tubing and associated assemblies up to and including 80mm nominal bore.

While primarily intended for static installations, the recommendations in this Code of Practice may be applied to mobile equipment, including road tankers.

The Code of Practice applies to: • New pipework

26 November 2020

•M odifications and/or alterations to existing pipework •S ervice pipework (as defined in the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998 as amended(3)).

Section 3: Pipework design limits and materials This section contains much of guidance that was provided in Section 2 of the previous edition.

Clause 3.2.5 states that for new installations, buried pipework operating at a nominal pressure >75mbar shall be run a minimum distance of 3000mm from buildings, except at the point of connection to the premises.

For further guidance, refer to Table 5 and Figures 1a and 1b.

Buried pipework operating at a nominal pressure of ≤75mbar shall be run a minimum distance of 250mm from buildings, except at the point of connection to the premises.

For further guidance, refer to Table 5 and Figure 2.

Table 5 and Figures 1a, 1b and 2 are new to this version of CoP 22.

Clause 3.2.6 provides guidance for existing buried pipework.

For existing buried pipework installations installed before the publication of this Code of Practice, where proximity distances are less than those given in Clause 3.2.5 (for the operating pressure), the buried pipework may continue to be operated in accordance with their existing inspection and maintenance strategy.

Where opportunities arise, such as modifications or repairs, the owner/operator should comply with Clause 3.2.5. If this is not practicable, the proximity distance does not need to be modified, subject to

the inspection and maintenance strategy being reviewed and recorded by the pipework operator/owner to mitigate the risk of operating this pipework.

Where reasonably practicable, extensions to existing pipework installations should comply with Clause 3.2.5. However, for extensions to existing installations on caravan holiday home (CHH) and residential park home (RPH) sites, where a high degree of ventilation between the base slab and the CHH or RPH can be guaranteed either by no skirts or ventilation in accordance with HSE Research Report RR945, reduced proximity distances may be permitted.

Where this is not reasonably practicable and a documented risk assessment by a competent person concludes that the cost of compliance with these requirements is grossly disproportionate to the safety benefit gained, then the proximity distance for pipework operating at a pressure of >75mbar may be reduced, but it shall not be less than that required for pipework operating at ≤75mbar.

Section 3, Clause 3.2.7 provides guidance for additional emergency control valves (AECV) as well as emergency control valves (ECV).

Clause 3.2.8 provides guidance for above-ground entries into buildings. Figure 4 has been included in this Clause and above-ground entries or exits shall be installed in accordance with the principles shown.

Clause 3.2.9 provides guidance relating to belowground entry/exit of pipework, with Figure 5 providing further clarification.

The following Figures have been included in this section: Figure 6: Cylinder Installation, Standard Regulator Figure 7: Cylinder Installation, Automatic Changeover

Figure 8: Bulk Vessel, 37mbar supply Figure 9: Bulk Vessel, Property End Final Stage Regulator Section 5: Special requirements for pipework installed below ground level (buried) Pipework should be laid at a sufficient depth to provide cover adequate for the likely superimposed loads. Where depth of cover alone is insufficient to protect against such a load, additional protection shall be provided.

Cover should not be less than: • 600mm within private property and under tarmac or grass footpaths where there is no likelihood of heavy traffic, or • 750mm under roadways and adjacent grass verges, and elsewhere • 1100mm when passing through agricultural land.

Where it is not reasonably practical to achieve the depth of cover specified, then, subject to approval by a competent person, it may be reduced provided that the pipework is suitably protected. eg, by the installation of additional mechanical protection approximately 100mm above the pipe.

Figure 10 provides details of a buried pipework trench.

Ducts may be used where it is inconvenient or impractical to leave an open trench. Ducts should be coloured yellow and should be overlaid with gas marker tape and preferably should be perforated along their length.

Ducts shall have the same depth of cover as PE pipe.

If ducting is to be laid around bends, the same bend radius as given for the PE pipe should be applied. A clearance of at least 250mm should be maintained between gas pipe ducting and the known position of other utilities’ plant being installed

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | INDUSTRY STANDARD UPDATE

alongside or crossing the service. Where this cannot be achieved when crossing, other plant additional protection should be applied to the service.

For ease of insertion, the internal diameter of a duct should be sufficient to allow insertion of the pipe without damage. For excessive lengths of duct, the gas supplier should be consulted.

Ducting should terminate adjacent to the service pipework entry point, allowing sufficient room to assemble entry fittings.

Section 6: Hoses and hose assemblies This section is new to the Code of Practice and applies to all types of hoses and flexible connection in use with both vapour and liquid LPG. Hoses should comply with a standard ensuring they are acceptable for conveying LPG as vapour or liquid as required and for the service intended.

In this section, hose and hose assemblies refer to all types of flexibles unless otherwise specified.

This section provides guidance on: • Storage • Flexible connections • Hoses and tubing for use with LPG vapour • Hoses for use with liquid or at vessel vapour pressure • Installation of hose assemblies • Twisting and bending • Protection • Hydrostatic protection.

Section 7: Pre-service, inspections, testing and commissioning All pipework shall be inspected and, where necessary, tested under the following circumstances: • For new installations, as part of the commissioning process • For alteration to, replacement of, or re-use of, existing installations

•F or new extensions to existing installations • Prior to any work on existing installations • Where there is a known or suspected gas escape or if there is a smell of gas • Where there has been a complete loss of supply pressure, ie, upstream of the ECV, or of installation pressure • For routine testing of existing installations • Before purging of installations • Before introducing gas • Before re-establishing an existing gas supply.

The following pipework shall be purged into service after inspection and testing as part of the commissioning: • For new installations • For alteration to, replacement of or re-use of existing installations • For new extensions to existing installations • Where there is the possibility of extraneous air being present in the installation.

Where pipework is to be taken out of service temporarily or permanently, it shall be purged out of service in accordance with Section 8 and Appendix J. The guidance in this section in relation to strength and tightness testing has been revised and aligns with the guidance provide in the IGEM/ UP/1(4) series of documents.

Section 8: Purging A satisfactory tightness test shall be completed immediately prior to a purge and admitting LPG into any pipework.

Purging shall be carried out in accordance with Appendix J, or an alternative recognised method such as IGEM/UP/1.

Purging of pipework systems should only be carried out by or under the supervision of competent persons. For installations subject to GSIUR, the competent person shall be an appropriately qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.

For larger pipework and systems, which include large volume items, eg, vaporisers, air-gas mixers, etc, the system should be purged before introducing LPG. Purge gas should be introduced in a controlled manner using an adjustable pressure regulator.

During the introduction of LPG, it may be necessary to release any inert gas from the system. The gas should be released at a safe location and must not be allowed to accumulate in any confined space. A flare stack with permanent pilot and flame arrester may be used provided that it is adequately supervised and is located at a safe distance from the LPG storage vessel or other vulnerable structure.

If necessary, the introduction of LPG may be undertaken in sections provided that suitable purge gas release points have been provided.

Liquid pipework shall be purged to LPG vapour before admitting liquid LPG. Section 9: Commissioning and records A final leak check should be carried out in operating mode following commissioning using a proprietary leak detection fluid.

Any leak detection fluid used to test pipework joints should be washed off with clean water at the end of the test.

Final checks of the working pressures should be carried out to ensure that the system is functioning correctly and vapour pressure at ECV checked to ensure it is within permissible limits.

Installations at commercial and industrial premises subject to the Health and Safety at Work etc Act(5) should include the necessity of developing an inspection strategy. For guidance refer to Liquid Gas UK User Information Sheet UIS15(6).

The following appendices

have been included in this revision of CoP22: • Appendix B: LPG Safety Data Sheets • Appendix C: Legal Requirements • Appendix G: Pipe Sizing, Regulators and Working Pressures • Appendix H: Proprietary Pipework Systems • Appendix I: Gas Tightness Testing of LPG Pipework • Appendix J: Purging • Appendix K: Guidance on Domestic LPG Metallic Underground Pipework (Liquid Gas UK Industry Information Sheet 033 (IIS033) ).

Summary As previously stated, this Industry Standard Update is only a brief overview of the information contained in the amended standard.

Registered businesses should be aware that they have a responsibility to ensure that they are fully apprised of all the requirements of the whole published standard and its practical application.

Bibliography 1. Liquid Gas UK Code of Practice 22 – 2020 Design, Installation and Testing of LPG Piping Systems. This supersedes the previous edition 2. Liquid Gas UK Code of Practice 22 – 2011 (Including amendment 1 (corrigendum) February 2012) – Design, Installation and Testing of LPG Piping Systems.

3. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 4. IGEM/UP/1 suite – Strength testing/tightness testing/direct purging of gas installations 5. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 6. UIS 15 Inspection and Maintenance of LPG Pipework at Commercial and Industrial Premises

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 27

Working when you live Paul, a sole trader gas engineer based in the South-east, writes about how anxiety can affect his life as a gas engineer.

A

nxiety is a perfectly normal emotion: we all feel anxious about certain situations. But some of us experience anxiety more than others, and some deal with anxiety better than others.

Anxiety has a significant impact on my life and I could be a lot better at dealing with it.

I wasn’t born anxious but developed anxiety throughout my childhood, living with an abusive, controlling and authoritarian father.

That led me to fear all authority: an issue that continues to haunt me today as a gas engineer.

My first career was in project management for a research agency in London. I steadily climbed the corporate ladder and the financial reward was fantastic.

But job satisfaction was nil; I felt as though I did not mould well into the corporate world.

I had a natural technical flair, so, with some gentle encouragement from my wife, I retrained as a plumber some 16 years ago. Financially we were worse off but I took to plumbing like a duck to water and enjoyed being my own boss. The battle with anxiety continued, however, with the constant fear of that gut-wrenching call: “You came today but we have a leak,” or “Now that’s fixed, this no longer works,” or “My tile wasn’t scratched beforehand,” and so on.

I considered becoming Gas Safe registered but I worried that

if I was this anxious about water leaks, how much more anxious would I be dealing with deadly fumes and gases? In addition, I had read that you needed to pass the gas exams with 100 per cent, and I get very nervous and make silly mistakes when I’m being practically assessed. For those reasons, I cowardly decided against training as a gas engineer.

One day, a good friend and gas engineer, David, came to my house and undertook some gas work. He explained that there were procedures in place to prove that you’ve carried out your job correctly – more so than in plumbing – and that if you were diligent then there was actually

I felt I had a duty to do something and my anxiety was spiralling.

I called the customer one last time and thankfully she answered.

One of my very first boiler services didn’t go too well either as I was unable to locate the boiler flue. Eventually I found it buried deep in overgrown climbing plants. I explained that the plants would need cutting back but the elderly couple were having none of it – they became irate at the thought of having to cut their beloved plant. I tried to explain why it was potentially unsafe but they frogmarched me out of their house and slammed the door behind me. Gas Safe were very helpful when I called for advice on the matter.

“Anxiety prevents me from being able to turn my phone off: I dread the thought of a customer being unable to get hold of me.” very little to worry about. After almost a decade, I was tiring of bathroom renovations and needed a new challenge. Jump forward a couple of years and in 2016 I qualified as Gas Safe.

I had sailed through the exams.

I advertised myself as Gas Safe and awaited my first solo gas job. It wasn’t long before the phone rang, but I was under a kitchen sink and so it went to voicemail. A short time later, I listened to the message, and a lady had said: “My carbon monoxide alarm is going off and we need someone to take a look.”

This clearly required an urgent response so I called her straight back. No answer. I tried again several times but still no answer.

I started thinking of the worst scenario – is she now lying unconscious? I didn’t yet have an address. I called again: still no answer. I contemplated calling the police (I was at the time a long-serving Special Constable).

28 November 2020

I thought if this would be the life as a gas engineer then I wouldn’t be able to cope long term but, fortunately, my early experiences were not typical.

I do, however, still fret about commencing the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure for fear of how the customer will react. The right words do not always come naturally when I’m anxious, so I rehearse the conversation several times before explaining it to the customer.

Working as a gas engineer with anxiety issues certainly has its challenges. Not least the fear of a call from Gas Safe (aka ‘the authority’) saying that a customer has called them and that they will be inspecting my work, or the fear of another gas engineer raising issues with my work – neither of which has yet occurred.

This constant fear means that I try to work strictly in accordance with the MIs and relevant regulations, while trying to apply common sense. I don’t knowingly

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | YOUR SAY

with anxiety deviate from regs, I read the MIs and appropriate regs thoroughly so that all the Ts are crossed and the Is are dotted. I check with manufacturers. If it’s not perfect, I redo it. I’m extremely self-critical and, for these reasons, gas appliance installations often take me longer than the average engineer, at my own expense.

However, I’m not perfect and despite believing that I’ve carried out my work correctly, I dread callbacks from customers (also viewed as ‘the authority’). No matter what the issue, related or unrelated to my work, I take callbacks extremely personally and this stems from my childhood where, in my father’s eyes, nothing I did was right. The issue will play on my mind and affect my ability to focus on other work

“I do still fret about commencing the Unsafe Situations Procedure for fear of how the customer will react.” until I can return to investigate, so I feel the need to return promptly to assess whether I’m at fault or if the latest issue is coincidental.

I will rehearse the conversation over and over. I’m always honest with the customer but I live in fear of the customer who wants to blame me regardless. In this world of social media, one of my biggest fears is seeing my company name mentioned online in a negative context. I also have a big issue with manufacturers’ engineers attending and unjustly

and unfairly criticising me to the customer – something I have experienced on several occasions. This to me is the height of unprofessionalism.

Anxiety prevents me from being able to turn my phone off.

I dread the thought of a customer being unable to get hold of me with an issue over my work.

My phone never leaves my side, the battery never runs out, and it’s rarely on silent. Even on holiday, I cannot properly relax.

It can be exhausting, and a

problematic customer or job will often prevent a good night’s sleep.

My anxiety is part of me and I have learned to accept it. It makes me conscientious and thorough, and I mitigate its negative impact on my life as best I can, mainly by talking. I talk with my wife, I talk with customers to alleviate any concerns they have, and sometimes I talk with a therapist.

Long spells of anxiety can lead to depression so I take mild medication to prevent that from occurring. I turn down work or customers that my instinct says to avoid. And I record everything at the end of each job, probably more than I need to, but I feel that if it’s recorded, it’s put to bed.

For now anyway. ■

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | LPG

BioLPG’s role in delivering a green recovery Liquid Gas UK’s 2020 Industry Census outlines the state of the LPG industry as the UK aims for net-zero carbon emissions.

B

ioLPG can play a central role in the UK’s transition to a net-zero country, says Liquid Gas UK, whose 2020 census report sets out the strengths of the LPG industry and the challenges facing it.

The trade association says bioLPG, also known as biopropane, could be a convenient and non-intrusive solution to decarbonisation for a variety of the 2 million off-grid homes, as well as rural businesses and industries.

Liquid Gas UK is now campaigning to the government for bioLPG to be considered as part of a mixed-technology approach to achieving the UK’s net-zero goals. Its chief executive George Webb says: “The UK needs a green recovery from COVID-19 and, in rural areas, the LPG industry can help deliver this.

The census proves we have the appetite for growth and the ability to deliver, with the industry building up its workforce, improving its infrastructure, making huge investments, and expanding into new, as well as existing, markets. There are huge opportunities ahead.”

Confidence in the future More than 50 companies took part in the census, giving their opinions on the current state of the market and what the future might hold.

The census revealed that investment totalled more than £115.5 million in the past 12 months, with confidence high that this figure will rise to more than £600 million across the sector over the next five years. And 74 per cent of census respondents have enjoyed significant growth over the past year: 86 per cent expect turnover to rise even further over the coming year.

Most of this investment is expected to be in infrastructure and new technologies, with an

32 November 2020

£1bn

193,000

3,500

Industry turnover in the past year

Households in the UK using LPG for space and water heating

People employed directly

£115m

up to

20

%

90%

Invested in the LPG sector last year

Less CO2 emitted

by LPG than oil

Reduction in carbon emissions from bioLPG compared with conventional LPG

additional £106 million currently invested by industry into producing or acquiring bioLPG in the UK. For gas suppliers, the most significant areas of growth in the past year were domestic heating (68 per cent of respondents) and leisure and recreation (50 per cent): a trend that is anticipated to continue.

technical roles such as engineers and LPG installers. Eighteen per cent said the skills shortage is of greater concern to their business now than it was 12 months ago.

There is a shortage of younger talent in the LPG sector, where 63 per cent of the workforce are aged over 40. Across the whole energy sector, it has been estimated that 27 per cent of the workforce will retire in the next decade, but only 0.4 per cent of those who graduated in 2017 entered the energy and utilities sector.

Other challenges identified in

the census include Brexit and concerns over exchange rates, which 40 per cent of respondents said is a greater challenge than it was this time last year. Liquid Gas UK says 91 per cent of LPG equipment providers are reliant on imports for raw materials, assembly or final products, with most coming from Europe.

Sixty per cent of respondents said government policy was challenging, and that they would like to see more positive messaging from the government about the role ahead for LPG and bioLPG. ■ www.liquidgasuk.org

There may be trouble ahead Despite the overall confidence, there are challenges ahead: 74 per cent of respondents expressed concern over skills shortages, particularly with

Trademarks displayed in this material, including but not limited to Grundfos, the Grundfos logo and “be think innovate” are registered trademarks owned by The Grundfos Group. All rights reserved. © 2020 Grundfos Holding A/S, all rights reserved.

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Connected homes get Smart technology has become more and more popular in UK properties as more households embrace the advantages that a connected home can bring. But what does it mean to have a truly smart home – and what could be yet to come?

S

mart technology has transformed our lives in recent years. Since IBM created the first smartphone in the early 1990s, companies have vied to bring out products that can help people manage their lives more efficiently.

From wearable tech that monitors our fitness levels to smartphones, smart heating controls to voice-activated entertainment systems, there are

plugs. This may explain why they are among the most popular devices, as most households will initially need some form of ‘hub’ through which all their future smart device purchases can be connected.

While total market penetration is still at relatively low levels, a smart home report from Statista3 predicts that almost half of all UK households (49.6 per cent) will

“The terms ‘connected’ and ‘smart’ are often used interchangeably but, in fact, connected homes and smart homes provide different features.” very few parts of our lives that can’t now be made ‘smart’, and gizmos that help us control our home environment are among the most popular.

Most people have at least heard of the smart home concept: the 2018 YouGov survey The Dawn of the Connected Home showed that almost one-quarter of UK households (23 per cent) owned some kind of smart home device.1 The number has increased dramatically since, with a 2020 YouGov study2 suggesting that more than one-quarter (27 per cent) of UK households now have a smart speaker, compared with just 10 per cent in the first half of 2018.

Over the same period, the number of households buying smart security products doubled to 6 per cent from 3 per cent, while smart lighting rose to 7 per cent from 4 per cent.

Smart speakers are often the entry-level device. People buy them initially to stream music, contact family and friends, or ask questions of the assistant. But once they have become part of the home, they can be connected to and operate further devices such as smart bulbs and smart 34 November 2020

have a smart home device by 2025, up from its current 2020 levels of 24.5 per cent.

In terms of households who actively use smart devices for energy management of areas such as fuel usage, Statista says the number is expected to reach 11.7 million by 2025, with an annual growth rate of 12.3 per cent.

Thermostats get smart A report The State of the Connected Home 2020, from TechUK, carried out in conjunction with consultancy GfK, suggests that the market for smart thermostats has remained stable, with 10 per cent of those surveyed saying they already own or use a smart thermostat in both 2019 and 2020.4 This 10 per cent ownership means there is still a big potential market for companies and engineers to target: especially because being able to control the heating remotely was cited in 2018 YouGov survey as the main feature of the technology that appeals to homeowners.

Martyn Bridges, director of technical communication and product management at Worcester Bosch, believes the

Smart meters spread the word The national roll-out of smart meters via energy suppliers is a key part of the government’s strategy to cut energy bills by giving homeowners greater awareness of the amount of electricity, gas (and water) they are using.

The government has a target that, by the end of 2020, all households should have been offered a smart meter by their energy supplier.

As of 30 June 2020, there were 21.5 million smart and advanced meters operating in homes and small businesses across Great Britain5, according to figures from the Smart Meter Statistics in Great Britain: Quarterly Report to end June 2020. This means that 39 per cent of all installed meters are now smart, although 8 per cent of these are still operating only in traditional mode.

The speed of the smart meter roll-out has been disrupted significantly by the Coronavirus pandemic, however, with just 135,000 meters installed in Quarter 2 of 2020 – 850,000 fewer than were fitted during Quarter 1.6 Smart meters usually feature an in-home display so that people can see how much energy they are using at any given time, as well as communicating their readings directly with the energy supplier, so there’s no more meter reading.

When people are more aware of cost of their electricity and gas, they can make choices about their fuel usage and reduce their bills. Smart meters also open the door for them to learn about the benefits of embracing other connected devices.

Once someone owns and embraces one smart device, they are considerably more likely to invest in other devices: so, for gas engineers, a visit to any property that already has a smart meter could provide a good opportunity to expand their business and upsell other smart products such as smart thermostats, alarm systems and lighting.

5 Smart Meter Statistics in Great Britain: Quarterly Report to end June 2020 https:// assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/ file/912324/Q2_2020_Smart_Meters_Statistics_Report_FINAL.pdf 6 Smart Meter Statistics in Great Britain: Quarterly Report to end June 2020 https:// assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/ file/912324/Q2_2020_Smart_Meters_Statistics_Report_FINAL.pdf

market for smart thermostats and smart controls is still increasing, particularly at the point when a new boiler is required. He says: “Since the early adopters, we now tend to find that the interest mainly comes when people change their boiler for a new one.”

While early smart thermostat systems came with their own

dedicated app that users could control with their phone or tablet, as the smart home market has developed and more people understand the benefits of a connected home, people are increasingly looking for smart thermostats that can integrate with other devices.

“Most people want to have the

1 https://yougov.co.uk/topics/resources/articles-reports/2018/08/10/dawn-connected-home 2 https://yougov.co.uk/topics/media/articles-reports/2020/08/21/how-has-covid-19-affecteddigital-media-and-conten 3 www.statista.com/outlook/279/156/smart-home/united-kingdom 4 https://spark.adobe.com/page/xAZEUOfDB4I9E/#i-the-connected-home-report-%E2%80%93overview

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | SMART HOMES

smarter

ability for their smart thermostat to communicate with a voiceoperated home management system, such as the Amazon Alexa...[these] voice-operated systems now influence what control is bought,” adds Martyn.

“We find some local authorities are quite advanced and want to have a home automation system that integrates smoke alarms, CO sensors, humidity sensors and burglar alarms. They also want this system to be able to communicate with their management system and inform them if the boiler has broken down.

“For engineers, they now have the benefit of offering more choices to their customers and potentially creating more busines opportunities.”

Jamie Bennett, engineering director at Drayton, says: “In most instances, if a homeowner is looking to invest in a smart heating system, they already own other smart technology products or would consider purchasing them in the future. For example, our research found that over 50 per cent of our customers already had at least one other

smart device in the home.”

The TechUK report suggests that although the smart home market to date has focused on getting early-adopter products such as Amazon Echo and Google Home into people’s homes, the market is beginning to shift towards developing technology that will tie the various smart devices together into single connected systems that can work together, as well as introducing additional services.

What makes a home truly smart?

The terms ‘connected’ and ‘smart’ are often used interchangeably but, in fact, connected homes and smart homes provide different features.

A connected home is where devices that connect to the internet are used to control areas such as the heating, lighting or alarm systems remotely. These days, almost everything in a home can be connected, for example, by using a voice-controlled assistant such as Amazon’s Alexa, to turn a device on or off.

Connected devices transfer

data online, and can also be controlled using an app on to a phone or tablet. Provided that the device is connected to the internet, the user can turn the device on or off from anywhere.

Now, truly ‘smart’ technology is bringing with it a degree of self-learning and artificial intelligence that allows the device to act autonomously, without the need for user intervention.

“As more people understand the benefits of a connected home, they are increasingly looking for smart thermostats that can integrate with other devices.”

This is often seen with heating controls, which enable people to turn their heating on as they begin their journey home, or stop the heating from coming on if they have been delayed from their usual schedule.

This is the most common type of so-called smart home technology – a connected device that is either app-controlled or responds to voice command.

But even in the six years since voice assistants and smart speakers came along, there has been a step-change in the type of technology being developed.

A smart device still provides the features of an internet-connected product, but also offers an element of self-learning that means it can operate autonomously thanks to its access to other information.

In terms of smart heating controls, this could mean the smart control uses geolocation technology to monitor where the resident is, via their mobile phone, and automatically delays the heating from coming on if the mobile hasn’t yet moved from its location – without the user telling it to do so. www.gassaferegister.co.uk 35

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | SMART HOMES

Connected homes get smarter continued Automatic monitoring of the external temperature means an accurate prediction of how long it will take for the heating to raise a property to the desired warmth, then adjusting the boiler’s start time. So if the user has asked for the property to be at 21°C by 7am, it will always be exactly that, regardless of the temperature outside.

Win a Halo We’ve got our hands on Ideal Heating’s new Halo Combi Wi-Fi to give away to one lucky reader.

Ideal Heating has launched a new wireless programmable room thermostat range: the Halo Combi RF and Halo Combi Wi-Fi are compatible with Ideal Logic and Vogue combi boilers.

The Halo unit comes with a smart interface, which slots into the aperture on the front of the boiler with no need for wiring.

The Halo Combi Wi-Fi connects easily to the home Wi-Fi network through the Halo app, with no need for an additional gateway.

The Halo Combi RF and Halo Combi Wi-Fi provide time and temperature control, and enhanced load compensation as standard, complying with Boiler Plus to provide smart control with automation and optimisation.

Ideal’s Lizzie Wilkinson says: “After a simple ‘plug, pair and play’ install sequence, households can enjoy more flexibility and control over their home heating – delivering

comfort and energy efficiency.

We’ve also carried out user testing on the interface and screen, to ensure the Halo is as easy as possible for consumers to use.”

Up to six heating periods can be programmed throughout the day, and users can vary the schedule from one day to the next. Additional features include a child lock, holiday mode and frost protection.

The Halo Combi Wi-Fi also comes with internet connectivity and app-controlled heating, so that it can connect via Google Home or Amazon Alexa smart home assistant, or simply by geolocation on the app. www.idealboilers.com/ products/halo-combi

Your chance to win For your chance to win a Halo Combi Wi-Fi, just answer the following question correctly: How many heating periods in a day can the Halo programme? a) 4 b) 5 c) 6 Send your answer, plus your name, address and registration number to HaloCompetition@citypress.co.uk One winner will be drawn at random from all correct entries received by the closing date of 30 November 2020.

Competition terms and conditions apply. You can see the terms and conditions at www.registeredgasengineer.co.uk

36 November 2020

The future of the smart home The smart products available to buy today are already pretty impressive, but the market is still in its infancy.

You can buy smart lights that change colour depending on your mood, smart plugs that can connect any electrical device with

an on/off switch to a smart home, and alarm systems that will automatically switch on when the final occupant of a property leaves. Smart packaging in development can monitor when its contents are running low and order a refill automatically.

As the technology becomes more advanced, the potential of the smart home is really only limited by the imagination of the people creating the products.

Consumers expect smart devices to be easy to use, and to make their lives easier. And in the case of heating controls and security systems, they will pay a premium for them to be installed correctly and safely by experienced engineers. ■

What do people want?

Smart Home Week asked 2,000 UK adults what type of smart home gadgets they would like to see developed.7 Some of this technology already exists, while others are unlikely to be available for some time (if ever), but they all show how people are looking to technology to make their lives easier.

•A toilet that cleans itself •A carpet that cleans itself •A n oven that can cook separate items of foods at different temperatures at the same time •A n oven that turns itself off when your food is cooked •B oiling the kettle by voice request •B ins that empty themselves •A vacuum cleaner that runs when the house is empty •O pening the curtains/blinds by voice request •A bin that tells you what you can recycle and what you can’t •A music system that lowers the volume of the music in response to the telephone ringing or someone knocking at the door •A fridge that knows what food has run out and creates a shopping list •L ights switching off automatically when you fall asleep •T V/tablet switching off automatically when you fall asleep •A fridge that tells you how long your food will stay fresh •W indows that change colour, so there’s no need for curtains •F loor lighting that moves with your step, so you can navigate the room in the dark without waking your partner •A monitor to tell you the weather forecast when you open your curtains •A smart meter to tell you when your house needs a clean and where.

7 www.smarthomeweek.co.uk/smart-homes/

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D A O L N PP W A O E D TH OW N

Working to keep people safe Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week takes place every November. Here, Registered Gas Engineer speaks to some of the charities and organisations working hard to make sure that people stay safe from the deadly gas.

Helping those in need to stay safe and warm

T

he charity’s work has been disrupted by COVID-19, just like everyone else, but it has changed and adapted to meet new needs. That includes recognising that many people are living and working in their homes for longer periods and so they may be more at risk from faulty appliances and carbon monoxide.

The Think CO project is a mainstream part of the charity’s work. It delivers free workshops across the UK for those who visit vulnerable people in their own homes: nurses, volunteers, care workers, fire service home assessors, and many more.

These courses are now online.

Think CO has also gone live with its CO e-learning course, which is a great refresher even for

experienced gas engineers. It’s a single module and covers the sources and signs of CO and the symptoms of poisoning, how to help prevent it, and how

through Foundations lndependent Living Trust and so far it has distributed over £1,675,000 to more than 7,000 households with vulnerable people.

“The Gas Safe Charity gives grants to help the people in the greatest need be gas safe in their own homes.” organisations should prepare and respond to a suspected CO incident.

The charity works with local Home Improvement Agencies and Care & Repair to give grants for gas safety assessments, repairs and maintenance to people who can’t afford it themselves. The project works

Grants awarded are usually less than £150 and they are more than doubled in value by other grants and helping people to claim the benefits to which they are entitled.

The work has kept going with urgent cases through the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has had to be cut back because the

people who are most likely to need help are also the ones who most need to stay at home.

The Charity’s support for Safety Centres has also been disrupted by COVID-19 and it’s not clear when the centres will be able to open again. The project promotes gas safety and CO awareness messages to tens of thousands of primary school children every year.

The charity is always looking to work with gas engineers on projects to help people to understand gas safety. The priority is to support the people who most need that little bit of help to stay gas safe. If you have a project or even just an idea, get in touch at enquiries@ gassafecharity.org.uk ■

Black spot detectors removed from sale

K

atie Haines Memorial Trust (KHMT) has always stressed the importance of an audible CO alarm rather than a dot that changes colour. Early in 2020, trustee Avril Samuel says she was concerned to see ‘black spot’ CO detectors on sale on Amazon.

“In early March, I wrote to Amazon and alerted them to our Trust’s concerns – and those of other interested stakeholders.

“I’m very pleased to report that my Amazon contact immediately raised this with their team and came back within a short time to inform me that black spot CO detectors had now been removed from the Amazon website. We are extremely grateful to Amazon for their quick and positive response.”

Gordon and Avril Samuel also met with their MP to raise their concerns that legislation on CO alarms in England is behind that of the rest of the UK. Their MP agreed to write to Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick on their behalf. They received a response from Building Safety minister Lord 38 November 2020

Greenhalgh, which confirmed the status quo but added: “We will be bringing forward a Social Housing White Paper and setting out the next steps on carbon monoxide alarm requirements in due course.”

The similarities between the symptoms of COVID-19 and those of CO poisoning are of concern to the charity too. Avril says: “Coronavirus is a major concern to everyone in the world – it is a frightening, silent killer. We were very pleased to see that Baroness Finlay has raised three important questions in the House concerning the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning in the light of the current pandemic, to ask the government, in view of carbon monoxide poisoning risks in the home, what steps they have taken to: • Raise awareness of the availability of free call-out gas services • Ensure that every pregnant woman has a CO alarm, following the suspension of antenatal screening for carbon monoxide

“Our mission is to raise awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide and to prevent unnecessary loss of life. Our vision is that everyone in the UK understands the dangers of carbon monoxide and takes preventative measures to make sure that they do not fall victim to it.”

•A mend the symptoms algorithm on the NHS 111 line to take account of the fact that the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can masquerade as those of COVID-19.

Over the coming year, the organisation says it will continue to support gas safety and carbon

monoxide awareness initiatives and wants to produce more films on the topic. It will continue to support any moves to make CO alarms mandatory in all homes, particularly in rented accommodation, which at present only requires CO alarms to be installed where there are solid fuel appliances. ■

The Katie Haines Memorial Trust was founded in 2010, following Katie’s death from CO poisoning. It aims raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide and in time support and promote other charities that would have been close to Katie’s heart. www.katiehainestrust.com

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | CARBON MONOXIDE

from the silent killer Case study: no heating and hot water for a year Mrs Bell contacted Blackpool Care & Repair for help with heating in her home. She had been without heating and hot water for more than a year and the boiler, which had been fitted in

Safe and warm: (L-R) gas engineer Jay Law, Mrs Bell, and caseworker Diane Simone

1997, had not been serviced since her mother died five years previously.

Blackpool Care & Repair contractor Jay Law attended the property and found it to be Immediately Dangerous but Mrs Bell did not have the means to pay for a replacement.

Foundations Independent Living Trust and the Gas Safe Charity stepped in and provided the financial support to replace the boiler.

Jay said: “Many properties have been visited across Blackpool and many gas fires and boilers have needed to be condemned for reasons of safety. Since running the Gas Safety initiative throughout Blackpool, I can honestly say people feel a strong sense of relief knowing we have been able to save them from any harm and that we’ve been able to resolve dangerous situations.

“It’s all thanks to the Blackpool Care & Repair team and the Gas Safe Charity funds for these vulnerable people.”

Find out more about the Think CO virtual workshop and register to attend at: www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/115618952399 The free CO e-learning course takes about 40 minutes: you can find out more by emailing: elearning@gassafecharity. org.uk You can see and download the Think CO video at: https://youtu.be/ FgKxkC80ifM

Looking for a new biomarker for exposure

I

n 2020, the Gas Safety Trust continues to identify and support empirical research which looks to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CO exposure.

The main aim of the Gas Safety Trust is to better understand the risks of low-level CO exposure, to develop ways to quantify the number of non-fatal incidents, and to give engineers and healthcare professionals the tools to spot the signs and symptoms of exposure.

We’re funding work to develop a novel new biomarker, which will make it easier for healthcare professionals to confirm whether someone has been exposed to CO. The current method of measuring carboxyhaemoglobin, which is where CO bonds to red blood cells, is limited because the level quickly reduces after exposure to CO stops.

A more reliable measure will help us understand how many people are being exposed at lower levels and being misdiagnosed, because the

symptoms of CO exposure can be similar to other illnesses, such as influenza, migraines, and the common cold.

Another key area of the Gas Safety Trust’s work has been to look at vulnerable groups to better understand the nature of their increased risk. This has included people living in fuel poverty, marginalised communities and older people.

We have taken an interest in the comorbidities of CO exposure – where CO exposure exacerbates an underlying health

examine possible links to cardiovascular diseases.

We make all our evidence and data freely available for awareness campaigns and lobbying groups to use in order to better inform the public and influence policymakers.

We work with industry partners, other funders, and the global research community through the International Carbon Monoxide Research Network (ICORN) to ensure that we target the right areas, and that our research is accessible to those who can use it.

“The Gas Safety Trust is the UK’s principal CO research charity, and since 2013 has awarded around £3 million in grants to academic bodies and other institutions.” condition and could increase the risk of illness and death.

We continue to look at the potential effect upon neurological conditions and are starting to

Looking forward, despite the challenges of operating in the COVID-19 world, we are continuing to build on this work.

Later this year we will be hosting

a series of online lectures and debates featuring current and past recipients of our grants, looking at various aspects of our research. We hope that this will be informative while also helping to identify future necessary projects. Plans are in place to host a stakeholder event next spring to get feedback on our work and to inform our strategy for the next three years.

We will be carrying out work on how coroners identify and report CO fatalities. This has been a longstanding project, which will inform the introduction of the new Medical Examiner role within the coronial system.

We will also be looking to fund a project looking at CO exposure in relation to solid fuel. With the increased popularity of solid fuel appliances in homes over the past few years, this is an increasing area of interest.

Our current grant call has just ended and we will be launching our small grants call (for grants up to £10,000) in the new year. ■ www.gassaferegister.co.uk 39

>

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | CARBON MONOXIDE

Working to keep people safe from the silent killer Helping to shape CO policy >

A

PPCOG is coordinating this month’s annual CO Awareness Week, which takes place on 23-27 November. This is an online, social media-focused campaign where, as we approach the winter months, when deaths and injuries are traditionally highest, we encourage people to help raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of CO; promote regular gas safety checks by a registered engineer; and encourage people to buy a CO alarm.

In addition to CO Awareness Week, we will be hosting a virtual workshop looking at CO data collection, with a view to coordinating industry and healthcare data better. The aim is to improve preventative targeting of high-risk properties, and to improve outcomes for patients who have been poisoned by CO. This workshop, sponsored by the Gas Safety Trust, will help to

“The All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group (APPCOG) is a forum for Parliamentarians to discover, discuss and promote ways of tackling carbon monoxide poisoning in the UK.”

inform the Trust’s grant funding, as well as uncovering any policy actions that we might be able to take forward.

APPCOG has been working across a number of workstreams over the past year. We’ve carried out an inquiry into the threat posed by CO to health and social care workers going into patients’ homes in the UK, particularly live-in carers and other healthcare workers who spend long periods of time in homes with high risk of dangerous CO levels. The

literature review for this is now complete and we will issue a call for evidence shortly.

We’ve coordinated a workshop that led to the Gas Safety Trust funding the launch of a CO Neurology Clinic, built on the university-hospital partnership model, at St George’s University Hospital Trust, although the launch was temporarily delayed due to COVID-19.

We also held a round table and report on CO safety in short-term lets, such as AirBnB,

and the case for mandatory licensing of short-term rental accommodation, which is soon to be introduced in Scotland.

We’re anticipating the release of the Social Housing White Paper before the end of 2020, which contains the outcome from the CO Alarms Review conducted by the government in late 2018. When the White Paper is released, APPCOG will coordinate a consultation response across our stakeholders.

Finally, depending on the COVID-19 landscape in spring 2021, we will be looking to resume our regular annual campaigns around CO safety at festivals, and the CO ‘Safety Seymour’ schools competition in Parliament. ■ If you would like to be involved in CO Awareness Week, please email: Mathew.Willis@ policyconnect.org.uk

How has COVID-19 affected boiler servicing?

P

roject Shout is currently carrying out research into how many people have postponed their boiler service due to the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions – and the potential impact this may have had on CO safety.

Since late March, many households have significantly restricted the number of people they have allowed to enter their home, including gas engineers carrying out gas safety checks and services.

This, combined with many families having to address pressing priorities including work and childcare issues, means that their annual boiler service may have been forgotten or pushed down their list of priorities.

The result is that households may be at risk of CO poisoning and be completely unaware.

40 November 2020

Project Shout is working hard to try to identify the scale of the issue and raise awareness of the potential dangers, particularly for those families whose boiler service is overdue.

Throughout 2020, Project Shout has been educating people on the potential dangers of CO poisoning. It has worked closely with families who have

been affected by CO poisoning and given them a platform from which they can share their stories.

It has worked in partnership with Cadent to help raise awareness of the dangers of CO with its customers, and supported the Safety Seymour campaign (pictured above), which is focused on teaching

children and their families.

This research will play a central role in next year’s activity, as we look to understand the true scale of the potential problem. Throughout 2021, we will continue to raise awareness of CO poisoning, the potential causes, symptoms, and preventions to help beat the silent killer. ■

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | CARBON MONOXIDE

Keep your customers safe Every year, people across the suffer from CO poisoning caused by incorrectly installed and inadequately serviced gas appliances. Richard Harvey, commercial director of Plumbing and Heating at Wolseley, highlights best practice, legislation and technology in combating the poisonous gas.

Best practice: protecting lives and livelihoods Ensuring that the gas installation is safe is a fundamental responsibility of gas engineers when fitting, inspecting and servicing boilers and appliances.

Understanding the required scope of this work is critical to be able to complete it successfully and meet your legal responsibilities.

•C heck that there’s adequate ventilation that is suitable for the appliance installed • Check that flues, chimneys and air vents are in good condition and operating correctly • Check for correct and efficient combustion • Look for visual signs of an issue.

Burn or scorch marks on the appliance should be investigated • Conduct a negative pressure test and a CO test • Check that safety switches and cut-off devices are functioning as they should. This includes thermocouples and thermostats • Carry out a visual test of all parts and replace them if they show signs of fatigue or heat damage

42 November 2020

•C heck and, if necessary, reset the appliance’s operating pressure •C heck for gas escapes, including pilot lights, burners, and gas controls.

Power to the people Education is key. You can build trust and raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide – and always make sure that your customers know how to check your qualifications.

Let your customers know about some of the warning signs to look out for. Tell-tale signs include black marks on or around the appliance, pilot lights that go out, and excess condensation in the room. Remind them of the symptoms of CO poisoning, which include headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness.

Remember that landlords must arrange for a gas safety check every year and they are responsible for the pipework, appliances and flues in the properties they let.

A government review into CO alarms in 2018 suggested that

only 8 million are installed in the 28 million homes across England.

At a conservative estimate, that’s 20 million homes without an alarm. For gas engineers, who are in and out of people’s homes regularly, there is a unique opportunity to assume the role of trusted advisor, limiting risk and building all-important trust with your customers.

You could consider keeping some alarms in your van, ready to take immediate and decisive action for customers who have inadequate protection. The market is crammed with options, but make sure that people are aware that black-spot alarms won’t alert people audibly to the presence of CO. When making recommendations, think about the needs of your customer too, from additional visual signals for people with hearing loss, to extra loud alarms for heavy sleepers.

While alarms can be bought for as little as £10, it is worth encouraging your customers to spend more to get the reassurance of an alarm with

a screen, a long-life sealed battery or light.

The role of smart technology With many homes now embracing smart technology, the market for CO alarms is following suit. Smart alarms have added functionality for additional peace of mind. As well as alerting users to potential issues when away from home, smart apps can identify whether the alarm has detected smoke or CO so that the homeowner knows exactly how to deal with the situation.

The savvy gas engineer can take this one step further, and some manufacturers are designing apps specifically for gas engineers and other service providers to help with annual maintenance checks and servicing. They can also provide an easy way to confirm incident reports and download data.

Alerting your customer that they have an inadequate alarm and ensuring that they’re aware of the signs of CO means you could genuinely save their life. ■ www.wolseley.co.uk

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Choose the right cylinder Homeowners are increasingly renovating rather than moving, and many are adding a bathroom to increase value and comfort to their home. George Linder, product manager for cylinders at Heatrae Sadia, looks at the opportunity for gas engineers to upgrade heating and hot water provision to meet demand.

W

hen working with a household with a gas combi boiler currently, it is important to establish whether it will adequately meet the increased demand when adding more hot water outlets. If not, opting for a heat-only or system boiler with a hot water cylinder could be a suitable solution. If there is limited space, however, then a higher-output combi boiler combined with electric showers could solve the issue.

In homes that already have a cylinder, confirm the size and heat recovery time of the one in place before you recommend a replacement. The addition of another bathroom may require an upgrade on the current model, especially if the customer does not want an electric shower.

Vented vs unvented There are two types of hot water cylinder used in the UK: vented and unvented. The traditional vented system is fed by a separate cold water tank and the more modern unvented is fed directly by the cold water mains. Whether vented or unvented, both types have been built with safety in mind

cope with the increased hot water demand.

Homes with low water pressure are more likely to benefit from the installation of a vented cylinder linked to a regular or system boiler.

Choosing the size For houses with multiple bathrooms, it is useful to consider the general rule of thumb that 60 litres of hot water will be required per wet room. To get a clear idea of the household’s hot water requirements, ask the customer how many people live there and how often they use hot water simultaneously. This estimate will help you to size the cylinder accordingly, applying the general guide for the amount of water needed per bathroom.

For example, a two-bathroom home would usually benefit from a cylinder size of 210 litres, based on the guide of 60 litres per wet room. A cylinder of this size has an expected recovery period of 30 minutes for 70 per cent of its volume, when a heat input of roughly 15kW is used.

You must have G3 qualifications to install and maintain an unvented hot water

“To get a clear idea of the household’s hot water requirements, ask the customer how many people live there and how often they use hot water simultaneously.” and can be found in millions of UK homes.

Unvented cylinders are a good choice for households with multiple bathrooms because the cylinder uses mains pressure, so there’s a better, more stable flow of hot water. The connection to the mains supply enables different outlets to be run at the same time, as well as a variety of terminal fittings, so that it can

cylinder, and the cylinder should be serviced annually.

Providing high-performance hot water for your customers by fitting a cylinder will satisfy their need for increased hot water, but there is no one-size-fits-all solution: working together with your customer to choose the most suitable installation will lead to the best result. www.heatraesadia.com www.gassaferegister.co.uk 45

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | SAFE WORKING

Keep your business safe this winter

With the right attitude and an eye to the future, gas engineers can have a successful 2020 heating season, despite the challenging circumstances. Mark McShane, managing director of Skills TG, has some tips and advice on how to make it through.

A

fter an unprecedented period of lockdown, during which many heating businesses were forced to furlough workers and operate at a vastly reduced capacity, many are now back in business – albeit facing a volatile working and business environment.

This heating season is unfolding in unique circumstances.

We’ve never been more conscious of the spread of germs and our potential impact on our fellow humans. The virus has changed the way we communicate and consume information, pushing more people online than ever before. And because of lockdown and fears about the virus, many people will have neglected routine maintenance or put off new installations.

To navigate these exceptional circumstances, heating businesses will need to be organised, adaptable and safe.

Care for customers, colleagues and yourself For the moment, COVID-19 is here to stay and we must all find a way to live alongside it. Gas safety is the core of the gas engineer’s daily work: however, personal safety and the safety of customers when working on site, in commercial premises or people’s homes, must now also take centre stage.

Risk assessments need to consider COVID-19 to ensure that all relevant steps are being taken to prevent its spread. Aside from the obvious health risks, employers could face severe legal repercussions if they neglect their duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees.

Check in before you step in Everyone’s approach to COVID-19 is unique so extra sensitivity is needed. Check in with your customer before you start work to confirm they are still happy to 46 November 2020

proceed and do not have any symptoms. This also provides an opportunity to discuss the work, how it will happen in practical terms, and the measures you will be taking to minimise risk – while giving your customer the opportunity to stipulate any conditions that would make them feel more comfortable.

The pandemic has seen social media usage soar. Smartphones are already ubiquitous, but over the lockdown period our online activities – from virtual pub quizzes and Zoom meetings, to sharing the latest meme on social media – have been a major source of contact with friends and colleagues.

There’s never been a better time to catch people’s attention online and as a business, your presence online is an essential back-up to traditional word-ofmouth recommendations.

Make sure that your marketing materials, whether digital or printed, are valuable and targeted at the customer. Heating bills may be higher this winter because more people are at home, so think about the sort of information that will help people out: for example, tips on how to maximise the efficiency of their heating.

Take some time to remind your customers about gas safety and when their checks and maintenance are due. As well as a GDPR-compliant contacts list for e-mailing customers, keep a list of the appliances you install so that you can offer specific advice when necessary. You can also keep people informed about grants that they may be entitled to, for example, the Green Homes Grant – ensuring that your customers stay warm and keep their costs down.

Finally, make sure your business gets the financial support to which it is entitled.

You may be entitled to apply for a Bounce Back Loan, which offers

Top tips for COVID-safe working eep a safe distance away from customers, contractors K and employees Wear a face covering ncourage customers to wipe down their surfaces and E door handles before you arrive Ensure adequate ventilation where possible o not share tools and disinfect your equipment D after use ash your hands and/or use hand sanitiser before W entering a household ake your own food and drinks, and avoid using your T customer’s bathroom where possible I f you must work in close proximity with colleagues, for example you travel in a van together, have a fixedpairing system to avoid unnecessary contact with others, and wear a face covering Check www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus and gov.uk/coronavirus for more information and guidance about safe working practices. a low-cost, six-year loan to small businesses up to 25 per cent of their turnover, capped at £50,000.

There is no interest payable for the first 12 months, and thereafter it is charged at 2.5 per cent – a good deal compared to other loans on the market.

Despite the challenging conditions, there are always

opportunities for growth for businesses that are willing to invest in their future – so you could use your Bounce Back Loan to tighten up your digital marketing strategy, invest in some new kit or diversify into up-andcoming technologies or sectors through ongoing training and professional development. ■

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | PRODUCTS

Productnews Test inhibitor the Express way The Express inhibitor test from Fernox is a new dip-test designed to make annual testing of the water in central heating systems easier and quicker.

For fast results, just dip the test strip provided into the system water, and within just 10 seconds, it will change colour.

By comparing the test strip to the colour chart label on the bottle, heating engineers can assess whether the system water has the correct concentration of inhibitor.

A fully protected system will have inhibitor levels of 100ppm or above, and will pass the test. However, if the test fails and a result of less than 100ppm is received, the system should be re-dosed with protector.

The free Fernox water test app can be used to manage and evidence each test. Using

the in-app camera, take a picture of the test strip and select its colour to generate the pass or fail result. If the test passes, users will receive a digital certificate that proves the test has been completed and the system is fully protected.

If the test fails, gas engineers can also show that action has been taken and the system subsequently re-tested to receive a positive result.

Richard Crisp, head of chemistry at Fernox, says: “The test will save time on site, as results are received within just 10 seconds. This also means that, even if the test fails, there is no requirement for a repeat site visit.”

The Express inhibitor test checks for the presence of any molybdate-based inhibitor in the system water. Each small, portable kit contains enough test strips to test 50 systems. www.fernox.com

Free covering with Testo 830 infrared thermometers Testo is giving away free face coverings when you buy any Testo 830 infrared thermometer.

Testo 830 infrared thermometers can carry out efficient, non-contact surface temperature measurements for a range of applications, from heating and AC system checks, to incoming goods – and even measuring body temperature.

You can also use Testo’s easy-to-handle infrared thermometer for preventative maintenance, mould detection, underfloor heating systems, radiator surface temperature and overheating components The speed of Testo’s infrared thermometers means you can carry out bigger measuring tasks quickly and efficiently, and the ‘gun’ style design makes them easy to handle.

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | PRODUCTS

Productnews >

Sleeved CSST solution for unvented voids

Baxi Assure offers complete home service for contractors

Gastite UK has added Gastite P2 to its range of corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST). It’s been developed as a solution for installing gas piping in unvented voids, which can often be difficult to access and timeconsuming.

Gastite P2 has an outer, secondary jacket, which means there is no need for additional sleeving.

Compatible with the Gastite range of XR2 fittings, which eliminate exposed steel beyond the nut, Gastite P2 has a ridged underside on the external jacket: this creates space between the outer jacket and the inner pipe, ensuring gas can ventilate if needed.

Sales director Andy Carpenter says: “Thanks to our innovative manufacturing techniques, we have ensured that the outer, secondary jacket is thin enough to offer excellent flexibility, while still being robust enough to protect the inner CSST pipe.” www.gastite.co.uk

Baxi has launched a suite of products and services for heating and hot water systems: Baxi Assure.

The comprehensive residential specification range of products and services is the result of listening carefully to contractors, developers and housing providers, says the company.

The Baxi Assure range covers Assure boilers (formerly Potterton), energy-efficient hot water Assure cylinders, designed by Heatrae Sadia and Megaflo, and a range of low-carbon air source heat pumps; SAP energy booster accessories such as flue gas heat recovery; and smart, easy-to-use comfort controls.

The complete home service is backed up by the company’s customer service, including Baxi Design, to help achieve optimum

Chemicals Sentinel and Fernox Etc. Text information to Martin on 07821 517 954 Email: Webuyplumbingstock@live.co.uk 50 November 2020

performance and efficiencies; bespoke product training at centres across the UK; a Project Hub to manage project product registrations, and technical support and advice from installation to legislation.

Specification director Tom Murray says: “We are committed to developing products that use the latest low-carbon technologies to support the UK’s transition to net-zero, and are dedicated to supporting contractors on this journey.” www.baxi.co.uk/assure

from

£2,016.18 excl VAT

EHC can provide an Electric Boiler solution for almost any situation from small domestic properties to large commercial buildings.

from

£504.78 from

excl VAT

£897.72 excl VAT

Domestic single phase boilers are

from

available from 4kW to 14.4kW and

£1,122.22 excl VAT

New Combi

commercial 3 phase boilers are available in 18kW, 23kW and 39kW outputs.

If the project requires a larger output, all our boilers are designed to work in conjunction with each other on a low loss header setup.

If you are unsure of the boiler you require, we can provide a bespoke service to ensure the solution we provide is the most appropriate.

We also offer various bespoke boiler pack options.

years

Contact us for a quote or more information

www.electric-heatingcompany.co.uk

01698 820533 www.gassaferegister.co.uk 51

years

Experienced Gas Engineer looking for work?!

PH Jones are currently recruiting across the UK for both permanent and contract gas service, repair and installation engineers. These are great opportunities with local, guaranteed British Gas work and includes competitive weekly payments, training, uniform, PPE equipment and vans / fuel cards for permanent offered roles.

By joining British Gas, the UK’s largest energy, solutions and homes service provider, you will be part of a growing team, focussed on satisfying the changing needs of our customers in an evolving energy market. We are striving to create a positive working environment for you, and we can offer work life balance through flexible shift times to suit you and your family lifestyle.

We also understand that your experience is one of your most valuable personal assets. If you’re passionate about driving change, making customer’s lives and experiences better, and being part of a company that allows you to be at our best, and you are ready to help shape our future, then we may have a role for you.

We are offering a great package to join our team which includes: 3 Competitive Reward + uncapped OTE (Dependant on location and commitment level) 3 Great company pension and 28 days paid holiday 3 Access to over 1 million parts, held in our national distribution centre, to support you in making first fix turnaround rates more achievable, increasing your earning potential 3 Low overheads for contractors as well as flexibility to work your own business around us (3-5 days commitment) 3 Full PPE supplied so you’re assured to be working safely in customers’ homes 3 G1 tool which is a great piece of kit supporting you in the field - allowing you to fault find and diagnose ‘on site’ with Hints & Tips and direct contact to a dedicated team that helps diagnose and fix boilers 3 Fully stocked vehicle & fuel card for permanent engineers 3 We recognise work life balance is important so offer flexible shift tish Gas are part of Bri ence s e n o J H P times to suit your lifestyle. years’ experi with over 50 ating as Central He ns.

G g in d vi ! ro p nted team r & Installatio Service, Repai growing tale

our everin jo d n a ontact us on e c , m re o Co m t u o ly or find

988 To app or 07769541 k .u o .c s a g h s itment@briti engineerrecru

52_ACS.indd 52

21/10/2020 10:38

RECRUITMENT

VitoEnergy Domestic and commercial heating engineer

required for the UK’s no 1 hydrogen fuel cell installer

Based in Farnborough/Camberley, Vitoenergy work is mainly based in north Hants and surrey, occasionally touching into SW London We are a young dynamic, but down to earth company that respects its employees and values family and looking for an experienced installation and break down engineer that enjoys technology and innovation.

We serve a mix of domestic and commercial properties, mainly in gas but are doing increasingly more renewable tech and are currently the UK’s number 1 hydrogen fuel cell installer.

Long term our aim is geared more towards commercial renewables but enjoy keeping things interesting with variety.

Commercial or renewable experience and certification is not absolutely necessary however will reflect in pay.

Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm.

There is currently no call out rota or weekend requirement.

Salary 37k-50k PA depending on experience.

Fuel card, uniform, phone and van supplied

P: 01252 596300.

E: info@vitoenergy.co.uk W: www.vitoenergy.co.uk

Commercial Heating Engineer Armstrong Fluid Technology leads the industry in fluid flow, heat transfer, variable speed pumping, pressurisation units and demand-based control systems. As part of our UK operation we manufacture specialised heating systems for use within the gas transmissions industry.

We are seeking an Engineer with extensive experience in commissioning and maintenance of commercial boilers up to 600kW output and associated pumps and control systems. This is a varied and interesting position with everyday being a “school day” working closely with our customers to resolve any issues.

The work is predominately in the North with travel throughout the UK and Eire.

Ideally you will be located within a 50-mile radius of Manchester, Leeds or Derby.

If you have commercial boiler qualifications and are interested in being part of a very successful engineering team in return for a competitive package, please call or send you’re CV to the email below; Harriet Simpson – 0161 274 2486 hsimpson@armstrongfluidtechnology.com BUSINESS FOR SALE

Business for Sale

Plumber/Gas Engineer For work in central London Trace and access and installations Do you have your own van and tools?

Are you able to use your own initiative?

Are you able to work in high specification property’s?

And are clean and tidy in appearance?

Would you like regular payment never late?

All genuine expenses paid And a top hourly rate If you answer yes to all of these Call John on 07791 431754 or Mathew on 07889 333676

Gas Safe Registered LPG installation business with good customer base in agricultural, commercial and industrial applications.

The business is run singlehandedly with subcontract assistance and has significant opportunity for growth.

Returning 41% profit, the business will be a useful addition to a similar concern looking to expand.

With customers throughout the UK, but mainly Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Hereford, Shropshire and Mid-Wales, work results from repeat business, recommendation and service contracts.

Current order book value over £150,000 The business is home-based and can easily be relocated.

The proprietor is prepared to work with the purchaser for up to 12 months to ensure a successful transfer of business.

Asking price: offers invited More details from classified@rgemagazine.co.uk quoting reference 150147

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 53

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20/10/2020 14:12

NATIONWIDE

Train with a company that has over 100 years experience.

Training Courses

Sign up now for a FREE of charge course

Online course booking: Register online Receive your login details Login and view all the current courses available Book your place at a time to suit

Viessmann Academy Tel: 01952 675032 Email: academy-uk@viessmann.com Online course booking: www.viessmanninstallerportal.co.uk

LONDON AND SOUTH EAST

Water Regulations

ACS, NG, LPG Domestic, Commercial, Industrial Safe Electrical Isolation Un-vented Hot Water & Water Regs

Training & Assessment Specialists • Domestic gas & appliances • Commercial gas • Commercial catering • ACS re-assessments • New entrants to gas (GGFO) • Unvented hot water

• Water regulations • LPG changeover • Legionella • 18th Edition Wiring Regulations • Electrical Testing and Inspection

020 8394 3280 gascentre @ nescot.ac.uk

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Reigate Road, Ewell, Epsom, KT17 3DS www.nescot.ac.uk

54 November 2020

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LONDON AND SOUTH EAST

Boiler Breakdown and Fault Finding

PLUS Parts Replacement and Service Course BTAAC offer a full range of Domestic and Commercial Gas training and re-assessments in a well-equipped training facility at very competitive prices. · All ACS Domestic Gas – core + appliances ·All ACS Commercial Gas including CMDDA1,BMP1,LPG · Unvented Hot Water & Water Regs · Essential Electrics & Heating Controls · Highly knowledgeable trainers with years of experience

Learn how to repair ALL types of combi/system boilers PLUS way, PLUS MUST know

NEW

• Parts Replacement and Service Day – get hands-on experience removing and replacing boiler parts • Parts and Service days – max 3 people • Both courses can also be booked 1 on 1 to suit you • Company discounts available

WOODYS TRAINING Special offers on the day, FREE tea & coffee all day.

FREE parking. LOOK ON WEBSITE FOR DISCOUNT CODES

Bromley Training & Assessment Centre (BTAAC) Unit 4 Ashgrove Industrial Estate Ashgrove Road, Bromley Kent, BR1 4JW

FO

R

www.boiler-training.co.uk

Online shop at www.boiler-training.co.uk/shop Give us a call and we will help you:

Tel: 01375 841804 Mob: 07958 783 681 Email: info@boiler-training.co.uk Woodys Training, Unit 62c Thames Industrial Park, Princess Margret Road, East Tilbury, Essex RM18 8RH

the co origi urs na e l

For more information and to book your course contact us on:- Email: sarah.bygraves@bromleytraining.co.uk Telephone: 0208 315 5678

O

BU PE SI N NE SS

The Leading Training Company

s at course NORTHOLT

Friendly Helpful Staff FREE On-site parking FREE Lunch, tea, coffee and biscuits Comfortable Stress Free Environment Air Conditioned Finance Available

LUTON

BASILDON

SITTINGBOURNE We offer the following courses: n GAS ACS n PLUMBING & HEATING n ELECTRICAL n OFTEC OIL n RENEWABLES n HEALTH & SAFETY n REFRIGERATION

or call our Customer Service Team on:

0345 845 7222

For our latest prices and SPECIAL OFFERS visit www.logic4training.co.uk www.gassaferegister.co.uk 55

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20/10/2020 14:12

LONDON AND SOUTH EAST

ESSEX SKILLS CENTRE Q U OT E G A S M AG TO G E T 5 % D I S C O U NT

GAS Initial / Reassessment

ELECTRICAL PART P

18th EDITION

INSPECTION AND TESTING

CCN1 CENWAT HTR

PLUMBING

CKR

Unvented hot water

Boilers / Heaters

Water Regulations (WRAS)

Cookers

Legionella Risk

Fires

Part L Energy Efficiency

C&G AND LOGIC ACCREDITED 01702 337565 info@essexskills.co.uk Southend Colchester www.essexskills.co.uk MIDLANDS

Training Services

A friendly and professional service for all your Electrical and Gas Training and Assessment requirements.

We offer short courses in the following

Primary Assessments

EXTENDED HOURS AND SAFETY DUE TO COVID-19

Offering training and assessments in:

Electrical Part P full scope 17th Edition Pat Testing

Basic electrical safety Essential electrics

ACS for Natural Gas and LPG All Domestic elements All Industrial/Commercial elements Commercial Catering Elements Mobile Catering Commercial Laundry Commercial Meters Emergency Service Providers Flue Gas Analyser

(Initial and Re Assessment) (Initial and Re Assessment) (Initial and Re Assessment) (Initial and Re Assessment) (Initial and Re Assessment) (Initial and Re Assessment) (Initial and Re Assessment) (Initial and Re Assessment)

DomesCc Gas Commercial Gas LPG

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1 Day Gas Safety Awareness For further information on any of our courses please

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Fax

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Sheffield’s Premier Gas Training Provider

New Entrant Basic Gas Utilization Course For Domestic or Industrial / Commercial Training Needs Analysis Bespoke Training and Assessment courses for Managers/Landlords/Agents

Legionella Water Hygiene Oil Basic Pipe Skills Basic Understanding of Central Heating Systems

OFTEC Oil

For all enquiries please contact our team: 0115 9201144 ptas44@aol.com

Other Courses Unvented Hot Water Systems Water Regulations Energy efficiency Plumbing to Gas Engineering

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01322 310 223

paul.chambers@egtrainingservices.co.uk EG Training Services Ltd - 3 Mulberry Court - Bourne Industrial Park Bourne Road - Crayford - DA1 4BF

• ACS Domestic Natural Gas & LPG • ACS Industrial / Commercial Gas / ESP • Catering ͬ >ĂƵŶĚƌLJ

• K&d Kŝů • Unvented Hot water • Legionella/Water Regs • Part L • Essential Electrics

Call now to Reserve your place at prices not to be missed

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56 November 2020

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MIDLANDS

SOUTH WEST

Introductory Gas Training Courses (Commercial, Domestic & LPG) ACS Domestic Core & Appliances and CPA ACS Non-Domestic Core & Appliances ACS Commercial Catering, Mobile Catering & Appliances Swimming Pool Boilers ACS LPG Core & Appliances (incl Boats, RPH, LAV, PD, Caravans) LPG Generators OFTEC Oil Assessment & Training (OFT 50, 101, 102, 201, 105e, 600a) & Solid Fuel Un-vented & Vented Domestic Hot Water, Legionella and Water Regulations Gas Supervisor Courses and courses designed for your specific needs EAL Electrical Courses and Electrical Part P Fire Alarm BS5839 and Security Lighting BS 5266 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Courses (Solar, Photovoltaic) BESA F Gas Courses

SOUTH WEST PENINSULAR TRAINING LTD Westover Trading Estate Langport, Somerset TA10 9RB Tel: 01458 253493 Fax: 01458 253445 Email:info@swptraining.co.uk www.swptraining.co.uk

EQUIPMENT PURCHASED

WE BUY ANY BOILER AND HEATING PARTS Cash waiting for job lots of new boiler and heating parts Genuine parts in good condition and manufacturer’s original packaging

Gas Initial Gas Qualification for new starters Full scope ACS initial and Re-assessments for; Domestic, Commercial, LPG, Catering and COMCATS 1 to 5, Change Over Packages, Hot Water System Safety, Water Regulations, Energy Efficiency, Legionella, Cavity Wall Oil OFTEC Oil Courses including; OFT101, OFT102, OFT105E, OFT201 and 600A Solid Fuel Wet & Dry Electrical C&G 2382 Wiring Regulations (Full and Update) C&G 2391 Inspection & Testing Level 3 C&G 2377 Portable Appliance Testing UK Certification (PART P) Full Scope UK Certification (ACOP 6/7) Essential Electrics For more information call us on 0121 788 2165 or visit our website: www.tctraininglimited.co.uk

• Excess Stock • Retirement Sale • Closing Down Sale • Slow Moving Parts • Pristine Van Stock

Text or WhatsApp on 07958 665075 joblotboilerparts.co.uk

197507

TRAINING LITERATURE

ADVERTISE YOUR TRAINING COURSES, SERVICES OR RECRUITMENT REQUIREMENTS TO 74,000 GAS SAFE REGISTERED BUSINESSES, AND REACH MORE THAN 123,000 GAS ENGINEERS.

PLEASE TELEPHONE 020 3475 6811 OR EMAIL: classified@ rgemagazine.co.uk

Core Gas Safety Study Core GasBook Safety 11 CCN1 Sections + CPA1 + Regulations Book + KeyStudy Word Index + FREE online training Designed to build on your knowledge Study Book and give confidence with exams WRITTEN BY A GAS ENGINEER FOR GAS ENGINEERS

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Learnatrade - 07975 830411 published & delivered by Learnatrade Ltd

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 57

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20/10/2020 14:12

Competition

4

cha to wnces in

See inhibitor performance with an i-Test We’ve got 4 new i-Test units from Scalemaster up for grabs - don’t miss out!

T

he addition of a chemical corrosion inhibitor to a wet central heating system is mandatory under Part L of the Building Regulations: but how do you check whether any inhibitor added is doing a good job once it is in the system? Heating engineers can now reliably check the performance of the corrosion inhibitor on site in less than five minutes using Scalemaster’s i-Test.

Different chemical inhibitors work in different ways. Some form protective barrier coatings over system metal surfaces, while others employ anodic and/or cathodic protection strategies.

This can create a significant challenge in devising a simple, single test to determine whether a chemical is present in the system and whether it still provides protection.

Scalemaster R&D has been developing a test method which works with any chemical inhibitor present and addresses these problems. The portable electronic device can determine the level of corrosion protection afforded by the water in a wet central heating system on site in less than five minutes.

Scalemaster i-Test uses a

patented process in which small tabs of dissimilar metals (typical of those used in the manufacture of central heating system components) are introduced into just 10ml of mains and system water.

The i-Test connects to free mobile app.

Response in the mains water is used to check cleanliness of the corrosion probe. Results from the system water are used to give a pass or fail indication of the level of corrosion protection achieved, compared with the target level that ‘certified’ corrosion inhibitors must satisfy.

The app report can be sent directly to the customer.

The Scalemaster i-Test unit is supplied in a protective storage case with enough probes for 10 tests. i-test.com

Your chance to win To be in with the chance of winning, please answer the following question correctly.

Scalemaster is a British manufacturer since 1984 of quality water treatment products. Where is it based? a) Stone, Staffordshire b) Loughborough, Leicestershire c) Peterborough, Cambridgeshire Send your answer plus your name, address and registration number to andy.martin@scalemaster.co.uk Four winners will be drawn at random from all correct entries received by Monday 30 November 2020.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS By entering this prize draw, you agree to these terms and conditions: • Registered Gas Engineer and Scalemaster do not accept responsibility for lost, delayed, corrupted or invalid entries.

• Four winners will be chosen at random from all correct answers submitted in accordance with these terms and conditions.

• The winners will be notified by email. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

• The prize cannot be substituted or upgraded.

58 November 2020

• The prize is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative.

• Registered Gas Engineer and Scalemaster may disqualify you from winning if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that you are in breach of these terms and conditions or your participation is fraudulent or otherwise unlawful.

• This draw is not open to employees of Scalemaster, Gas Safe Register or Registered Gas Engineer or their direct family members or agents.

• Registered Gas Engineer and Scalemaster do not accept any responsibility for any network

connection, technical failure or other problem in any telephone line, network, system, provider or otherwise which results in any entry not being properly recorded or received.

• One entry per person.

• Your entry details will be provided to Scalemaster, which may use them for marketing purposes.

By entering this competition, you agree that you may receive communications from Scalemaster.

If you do not wish to be contacted, please add NO COMMUNICATIONS in your email entry.

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | COMPETITION

Competition

Wor £1 th

,100 +

Win a year of Checkatrade membership Registered Gas Engineer and Checkatrade have teamed up to offer one reader free Checkatrade membership for a whole year.

S

ince 1998, Checkatrade has stood for reputation, raising standards and doing things right. We’re the UK’s number one trade business platform and we generate more than 4 million monthly homeowner searches.

And now we’re offering you the chance to win free Checkatrade membership for an entire year. Plus, all entrants will receive their first two months of membership free.

As a Checkatrade member, you will become part of the UK’s busiest online trade directory and be found in your share of more than 2 million monthly website visitors looking for a tradesperson just like you. Boost your business today and receive more local, relevant work free.

Full Checkatrade membership includes help to build your own webpage on Checkatrade.com: • Use it to showcase your services and high standards of work by uploading your best images • Promote your credentials with independently verified customer reviews.

Your page will be found in thousands of searches for local trade experts each week. You’ll also receive free Checkatrade-branded marketing materials and become part of an exclusive members’ club for big savings

Your chance to win To be in with a chance of winning, please answer the following question correctly: How many homeowner searches does Checkatrade receive each month? a) Over 50,000 b) Over 4 million c) Over 1.5 million Send your answer plus your name, address and registration number to competition@registeredgasengineer. co.uk

on your business essentials.

You can display your membership with pride on your vehicles, stationery, website and social media pages, as well as access to the members’ club, saving you thousands of pounds on business essentials like vehicles, fuel, tools, insurance and workwear, etc.

One winner will be drawn at random from all correct entries received.

All entries must be received by Wednesday 18 November 2020.

Last month’s winner Wayne Booth from County Durham won last month’s competition.

He will receive a bumper bundle of tools from Anton. Congratulations!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS By entering this prize draw, you agree to these terms and conditions: • Registered Gas Engineer and Checkatrade do not accept responsibility for lost, delayed, corrupted or invalid entries.

• One winner will be chosen at random from all correct answers submitted in accordance with these terms and conditions.

• The winner will be notified by email. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

• The prize cannot be substituted or upgraded.

• The prize is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative.

• Registered Gas Engineer and Checkatrade may disqualify you from winning if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that you are in breach of these terms and conditions or your participation is fraudulent or otherwise unlawful.

• This draw is not open to employees of Checkatrade, Gas Safe Register or Registered Gas Engineer or their direct family members or agents.

• Registered Gas Engineer and Checkatrade do not accept any responsibility for any network

connection, technical failure or other problem in any telephone line, network, system, provider or otherwise which results in any entry not being properly recorded or received.

• One entry per person.

• Your entry details will be provided to Checkatrade, which may use them for marketing purposes. By entering this competition, you agree that you may receive communications from Checkatrade Heating Innovation. If you do not wish to be contacted, please add NO COMMUNICATIONS in your email entry.

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 59

TRADE SAVER TRADE SAVER TRADE SAVER TRADE SAVER TRADE SAV

40% OFF HEATING SPARES UP TO

Nov - Dec 2020 Ex. VAT / Trade Only

EXPANSION VESSEL

FAN ASSEMBLY HSAVA478 • 171461

HSBA2764 • 181051

WAS £115.00

NOW ONLY

£90

.00

WAS £125.00

NOW ONLY

EX VAT

SET OF ELECTRODES

NOW ONLY

EX VAT

PCB Xi RANGE HSAU2238 • 2000802731

HSAZ9241 • 87186643010

WAS £37.49

£93 .00

£32

.00

WAS £159.00

NOW ONLY

EX VAT

GREAT HEATING SPARES OFFERS

MANUFACTURERS REF 5108265 5114692 S900847 173799 175896 0020059717 10027352 8716105545 87161066850 87161064310

BAXI TEMPERATURE SENSOR BAXI EXPANSION VESSEL 10L GLOW-WORM TWIN FUSE PCB IDEAL PCB 25E IDEAL SUMP KIT VAILLANT WATER PRESSURE SENSOR VOKERA THERMISTOR WORCESTER EXPANSION VESSEL WORCESTER HEAT EXCHANGER 16 PLATE WORCESTER PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE

£95.00 EX VAT

CODE HSAD4034 HSAD8215 HSAU6603 HSAV9973 HSAVC774 HSBA4161 HSCT1853 HSAZ3376 HSAZ4504 HSAZ4441

WAS £ £16.49 £70.49 £119.00 £130.00 £45.99 £20.49 £10.49 £66.99 £115.00 £17.29

NOW £ EX VAT

£12.00 £54.00 £69.00 £90.00 £35.00 £15.50 £7.00 £50.00 £89.00 £14.00

FOR MORE GREAT OFFERS ON HEATING SPARES go to grahamdirect.co.uk TRADE SAVER SAVES YOU TIME AND MONEY ORDER DIRECTLY FROM THE GRAHAM APP

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PARTS ARENA

Terms and conditions. *30 day money back guarantee on products in Trade Saver. Products should be returned unused, in a saleable condition, with their original packaging and accompanied with a copy of their original proof of purchase. Prices and details correct at time of going press.

Images are used as a guide only and do not necessarily represent the products on offer. Graham cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. E&OE. The promoter is Saint-Gobain Building Distribution Limited. Saint-Gobain House, East Leake, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 6JU. Registered Number: 1647362. Graham, Merchant House, Harry Weston Road, Binley Business Park, Coventry CV3 2TT.

OFFERS END 31st DECEMBER 2020

FREE RETURNS*