Plumbing and Heating Magazine Issue95

DIGITAL ISSUE

IN THIS ISSUE

INDUSTRY NEWS INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

COVID-19 UPDATES HELP FOR NHS/HSE GAS CHAT

ISSUE 95 - MAY/JUNE 2020

commercial washrooms A smart solution for

Silfra 5 YearWarranty Unrivalled Durability Easy To Install

The Altecnic range leverages over 40 years of experience in the field of design and production of Commercial WashroomProducts. The range includes Taps, Shower Heads, FlowControl, Thermostatic Mixing Valves & Thermostatic Regulators built to last, delivering cost-effective performance for many years to come. To find out more visit our website.

Altecnic Ltd - Caleffi group www.altecnic.co.uk For further details: oemsales@altecnic.co.uk +44 (0) 1785 218208 or Chris Reilly, Country Manager for Ireland, on 00353 85 2152288, chris.reilly@altecnic.co.uk or Gary Swann, Northern Ireland Sales Manager, on 07760 596727 or e-mail gary.swann@altecnic.co.uk

EDITOR’S MESSAGE

LET IRELAND’S PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE CONTINUE TO CARRY YOUR MESSAGE… Essential workers oil thewheels write about, but we can adopt their approach to these unprecedented

A nyone who has experienced a boiler break down, sprung a leak, found the ventilation on the blink, or suffered a building management system malfunction will already know the essential service provided by workers in the plumbing and heating industry. Yet, prior to the current Coronavirus pandemic, it’s highly unlikely many would have taken the time to recognise that fact. Now it’s official. Governments on both sides of the Irish Sea have acknowledged the key role played by men and women in the P&H sector, a previously unheralded workforce that has suddenly found itself thrust into the frontline. With an increased risk of catching the COVID-19 virus, they nevertheless answered the call from beleaguered homeowners and stressed business owners. They also accepted that sacrificing a measure of personal safety (and in turn that of their families) was necessary to maintain vital heating, ventilation and air conditioning - systems pivotal in the NHS and HSE’s efforts to cope with the pandemic. Of course, as magazine publishers all we can do is try to take a leaf out of your book. We can’t make the sort of essential contribution as the companies and workers we

the mix 10,298 followers across our social media channels and 3,282 digital subscribers to our Plumbing & Heating E-zine. It all points to the same conclusion - there is an increasing digital platform for you to exploit. There is also a captive audience eager for updates on how the industry is coping and plans to cope. So, if you have advice, project or product news, even inspirational accounts of people in the industry going the extra mile to help others, please consider getting in touch with us. We all face an uncertain future, with small businesses like our own heavily reliant on your continued financial support. That is why we wanted to take this opportunity to say THANK-YOU to each and every advertiser for enabling Ireland’s Plumbing & Heating Magazine to carry on providing a voice for the industry. Finally, all at KMP Ltd would like to pass on our thanks and best wishes to workers on the frontline - we hope that you and your families stay safe.

times and find a way to adapt. To that end we have decided to continue publishing an exclusively digital version of Ireland’s Plumbing & Heating Magazine for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis. This will enable KMP Ltd to play its part in preventing the spread of the coronavirus, whilst still providing a platform for the latest industry news, advice, projects, products, and stories. We all look forward to a gradual lifting of the lockdown, but there is no getting away from the fact that more and more people are spending time on their desktops, laptops, tablets and smart phones. It’s a trend we’ve noted with our own rapidly developing digital channels. Even before the lockdown, we had witnessed a significant growth in our online and social media networks. The figures speak for themselves. In the month of February alone we had close to 35,000 impressions [each time a post is viewed] on social media. Ireland’s Plumbing & Heating Magazine witnessed close to 6000 unique monthly website visitors, in keeping with a 20% year-on-year rise. Add into

Roger Anderson

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CONTENTS

In this issue...

Issue 95 - May/June 2020

News&Features 8 Scrubbing in

Product &ServiceNews 37 It’s Sim-ples Simpro can help you take control of your data 41 Hot stuff The Firebird retrofit burner taking the market by storm 45 Stay in control Hanley Controls go contactless with gas interlock 47 Bish, bash, Bosch BESA give seal of approval to Bosch heat interface units

InFocus 7

Phoenix rise to No1 GRESB adjudge Phoenix Natural Gas to be the best in Europe

The Firmus Energy employee producing vital PPE

14 A grand design

20 Make it a double

Grant Engineering’s FREE home heating design service

Hevac add two new faces to their table topping team

16 Express delivery

27 Go against the flow

Dublin maternity hospital benefits from Cork/Limerick link up

Leak Locator take the stress out of the ‘distress business’

28 Back in business

38 Zoom with a view

A lockdown lowdown on who has been lifting the shutters

How lockdown has led to the rise of online training

THE TEAM: Managing Director Karen McAvoy Publication Manager Jacqui Fairley Editor Roger Anderson - Editorial Assistant Chelsea McCann

CONTACT US: The Forge, 13b Lisburn Road, Moira, Co. Armagh BT67 0JR T: Moira: 028 9261 2990 T: Dublin: 01 696 8319 E: plumbing@kmpltd.co.uk www.plumbingmag.com

plumbing & heating magazine

RoI Contributor Heather Campbell Advertising Karen Jess, Anita Murray Production Manager Julie Anne Guiney Digital Creative Manager Jo Wilson Digital Content Editor Cathal Delea Accounts Samantha Watterson Photography Gordon McAvoy

plumbing & heating magazine @plumbingmag plumbingmag

Plumbing & Heating Magazine is published on a bi-monthly basis and distributed throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland on a controlled circulation.

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NEWS

GRANTOFFERS INSTALLERS ANDPLUMBERS COVID-19 SAFETYADVICE

G rant has released safety across the country as they continue to carry out emergency maintenance of home heating systems and hot water supplies during this uncertain time. It’s advice aimed at supporting installers and plumbers imperative that all emergency work is carried out by installers and service engineers as safely as possible and in line with government health guidelines and that working practices are firmly focused on health and safety for both the installer and the customer. Taking onboard advice from the NHS and HSE, Grant’s Covid-19 working practices for installers and service engineers address the safety measures installers should

abide by when it comes to protective equipment, household distancing and the importance of contacting customers before the maintenance work is carried out. Visit www.grant.eu for further details. To keep up-to-date with the latest Grant news on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

Director Karl Carrick’s silver mane is testament to the fact that he’s been working throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

K arl Carrick is a familiar face in the industry, at least he used to be. Having continued to work at his desk throughout the Coronavirus crisis, the now prodigiously whiskered Hevac Group Director fully admits that he: ‘…badly needs a professional barber’. As Karl ‘rocks’ the silver locks, so too the Hevac workforce has continued to ‘roll’ out its support to the heating and plumbing industry. Trade counters may have been closed, but a delivery service has been fully operational since lockdown was first introduced. Supplies have been maintained to essential projects and M&E service operators through Ireland. The group’s service support team and technical support network have also had their noses to the grindstone, providing a vital point of contact to design engineers, service engineers, and specification consultants via phone, HEVACGROUP IS ACUTABOVE

@mygrantni @grantirl T: (NI) 0800 0443 261 T: (RoI) +353 (0)57 9126 968

£95MPLANNINGAPPLICATIONFOR ‘GLENMONA’

A planning application has been lodged with Belfast City Council to build an ‘urban village’ on a 75-acre site off the Glen Road in West Belfast (known as Glenmona). One of the biggest residential planning applications ever submitted, the proposed development would include much-needed social and affordable housing, a hotel and retail centre, business space,

and two elderly care homes. At the heart of the concept, according to developer The Braidwater Group, would be a ‘tree-lined linear corridor’ leading to an amenity and retail hub. The application also comprises 550 social housing units and a further 106 affordable houses. The Braidwater Group’s Planning and Technical Director, Finbarr Grogan, said: “There is high demand for social and affordable housing in this area and we have had a positive engagement process with all key stakeholders, which we believe will result in a scheme that will work for the whole community in West Belfast.”

email and video chat. T: +353 (0)1 4191 919 www.hevac.ie

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NEWS

F orget virtual Eurovision, it’s time for industry to sing the praises of Phoenix Natural Gas, Northern Ireland’s largest gas distribution business. The company has been recognized as a leader in Europe for its environmental, social and governance performance by GRESB - an industry- leading organization committed to assessing the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) sustainability performance of Real Estate and Infrastructure assets. This was the fourth year of participation by Phoenix who in addition to coming top across Europe, were placed second out of 393 global participants. Kailash Chada, Chief Financial Officer at Phoenix Natural Gas said: “Our vision is to be recognised for excellence as a world leading utility which demands that our behaviours PHOENIX ISNO1 IN EUROPE

Phoenix Natural Gas Chief Operating Officer, Kailash Chada is pictured alongside the company’s Head of Compliance and Support Services, Gareth Wright.

and business style is a benchmark for others. We are proud to demonstrate strong environmental, social and governance values within our business and to be recognised by GRESB.” For more

information on Phoenix’s environmental, social and governance principles, please get in touch. T: +44 (0)345 4555 555 www.phoenixnaturalgas.com

S aniflo, leading designer and manufacturer of macerators and pumps, has given its brand identity a refresh in order to align with parent company SFA. In the UK, the Saniflo name has remained in recognition of many years of positive association with plumbers, installers and the wider industry. Saniflo also enjoys the accolade of being the generic term for a macerator here. As well as refining the font and tweaking the colour of the Saniflo name itself, two teardrop shapes have been added to reflect the movement of water and the SFA Group branding has been added to the complete logo. The result? A modern, sleek logo that retains the pedigree of the Saniflo name. It is currently being implemented across all promotional resources and has gone live on the website with immediate effect. T: +44 (0)20 8842 0033 www.saniflo.co.uk IDENTITYEVOLUTION FORSANIFLO

T here are times when we wish we had access to an expert opinion. With that in mind, one of the UK’s leading pump system suppliers has created the Grundfos for Engineers hub. Just a click away, it is a range of aids and assistance to help you in your working life, as well as advice from Grundfos experts on how to approach key applications. You can listen to online tutorials covering topics including heating systems; boiler feed sensors; temperature controls and motors. Also available is a portfolio of white papers designed to be a handy reference - carefully developed to get right to the heart of the chosen topic and to break it down to easily extract the information. Themes include water supply in tall buildings, the digital impact on industry, proportional pressure control and refrigeration and cooling. www.grundfos.co.uk/gfe ANEXPERTWHENYOUNEEDONE

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FIGHTING COVID-19

Just a selection of the thousands of products manufactured for NHS staff by NI Scrubs

Angeline picks up donated scrub tops from Almac, Craigavon.

Firmus make a fabric delivery to Armagh.

FIRMUS ENERGY’S VERY OWN ‘ANGEL’ OF THE NORTH RESPONDS TO PPE SHORTAGE...

Astitch in time

A ngeline Murphy, Marketing Manager with natural gas company Firmus Energy, has been at the forefront of a campaign to produce scrubs for frontline NHS staff tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. A former competitor on the BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee and regular sewing guru on RTE’s Today Show with Maura and Daithi, Angeline was inspired to join and set-up fundraising for NI Scrubs, a network of stitchers, in response to the growing demand for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Making light of the fact that she is currently on maternity leave (becoming a mum for second time just five months ago to Eoin, she is also mum to three-

year-old Luke) Angeline recognised the need for a concerted effort. “I am a passionate home stitcher and well known in Northern Ireland’s close-knit sewing community,” said Angeline. “There was a Facebook group started by a girl from Omagh and she was searching for second hand scrubs. Then a friend of hers said I could stitch you up a pair. Later, I saw that on Instagram Elody Bridal in Newry had put up a story asking people to sew and I thought: ‘Oh yeah, I do that.’ I innocently enough started stitching up a few, then I put up a post on Facebook about it and there were hundreds upon hundreds of shares. I began stitching scrubs on my own back in late March, but the requests from

NHS workers were flowing in and I soon realised the need to call in reinforcements. I’m fortunate to have thousands of followers on my social media channels and it only felt right to get involved in this stitching marathon. We are all in this together and I’m just doing what I can to support our NHS heroes in these terrible circumstances.” Amazingly, this self-confessed sewing addict saw the NI Scrubs’ ranks grow from 50 volunteer stitchers to 2500 in just THREE days. A GoFundMe page (Search for Scrubs Fabric Fund) set up to raise money for materials, also took little time to surpass the initial £500 target [which currently sits at over £30,000]. “I didn’t want people going out and spending money on fabric, I spent between £80 and £90 on fabric to make 10 scrubs. That’s not really feasible. That’s when the GoFundMe page started.”

Angeline was inspired to set-up NI Scrubs, a network of stitchers, in response to the growing demand for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

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FIGHTING COVID-19

Angeline Murphy delivers much-needed scrubs to Dr Quinn at Antrim Area Hospital.

This bag of PPE certainly means a lot to Maria Quinn, a nurse from Daisy Hill Hopsital in Newry

Firmus Energy’s Marketing Manager Angeline Murphy scrubs in to help NHS staff on the frontline of the COVID-19 crisis.

An example of the carefully created Scrubs

Scrubbing in to help with a £5,000 donation was Angeline’s employer Firmus Energy. “I was thrilled to receive Firmus Energy’s whopping £5,000 donation which doubled my fundraising total at the time,” added Angeline. “It’s so important that the community responds to the needs of the healthcare workers who put themselves at great risk to help the patients suffering from Covid-19. With so many skilled craftspeople eager to throw a stitch, it was just a matter of getting materials to them. The kindness and generosity I’ve received from my friends, family and industry colleagues has been overwhelming. Now I am sending fabric and materials to every county up and down the country.” Firmus Energy’s backing did not stop with that sizeable financial contribution. Company vans were commandeered as part of the support package, and colleagues freely gave of their time to ensure thousands of metres of fabric could be distributed to NI Scrubs army of handy helpers. “It’s crazy at the moment,” Angeline explained. “I just signed up to sew some scrubs and then it turned into the fundraising - then sourcing fabric

and buying it - then distributing it out among all the sub groups. There’s now something like 15 sub-groups for NI Scrubs who dispatch the fabric to their stitchers like a production line. I’ve worked with Bedwin in Kilkeel and Collins Aerospace, who’ve cut fabric in bulk so people don’t have to cut at home. We have all the home stitchers along with the Zipyard in Newry and Armagh who have had their staff working around the clock.” Sew much fabric, sew little time, you could say, and the result of this stitch-athon has been (at last count) a staggering 23,000 scrub sets, 12,000 masks, 3,000 headbands, and 21,000 bags. Firmus Energy’s Sales, Marketing and Customer Service Director, Paul Stanfield, expressed his company’s desire to play a part: “As the world faces this unprecedented challenge, Firmus Energy is focusing efforts towards supporting local NHS staff. We are committed to helping the communities we serve at this time of great need and we’re proud to be supporting Angeline in this vital project.”

Firmus’ charitable track record

Firmus Energy is a natural gas distributor and supplier with a strong track record of sponsorship and charity initiatives. The Antrim-based company raised £23,000 for Chest Heart and Stroke in 2019 and staff voted to make the Air Ambulance its charity partner for 2020.

Additional donations can be made to Angeline’s fundraising efforts online via www.gofundme.com/f/search-for-scrubs- fabric-fund

Firmus Energy (Head Office), A4-A5 Fergusons Way, Kilbegs Road, Antrim BT41 4LZ T: +44 (0)330 0249 000 E: furtherinfo@firmusenergy.co.uk www.firmusenergy.co.uk

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COVER STORY

SAVE TIME AND MONEY AND INCREASE JOINTING RELIABILITY WITH THE BRAND NEW INSTANTOR® COPPER PRESS RANGE FROM SANBRA FYFFE, DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR IRISH IMPERIAL COPPER PIPE... Sanbra Fyffe add Imperial 1/2”, 3/4” and 1” sizes to Instantor® Copper Press Range

S anbra Fyffe has been supplying and supporting the Irish plumbing trade for over 80 years with their extensive product range including Instantor® Compression Fittings, the Instantor® Press System (for Pex- Al-Pex) and more recently Instantor® metric copper press fittings, delivering on the company’s promise of reliability and absolute quality. It’s why their original ‘Irish Instantor®’ compression fitting remains the first choice for many Irish plumbers. Sanbra Fyffe has listened to the Irish Mechanical and Electrical contractors call for Copper Press fittings for Irish pipe. The answer is Instantor® Copper Press fittings, offering a high-quality modern solution with flame-free jointing for faster and safer installation in five simple steps – CUT, CALIBRATE, CHECK, MARK and PRESS. Instantor® Copper Press gives installers many other game-changing advantages over conventional jointing connections - specifically in cost, time and reliability. COST AND TIME ‘Flame-free jointing’ connections eliminate the requirement for a flame-based Health and Safety risk assessment, a Hot Works Permit or a Fire Watch. The need for fire and fumes suppression equipment and flammability gas and Hot Works

tools is also redundant. Instantor® Copper Press is also quick to install, which means significant savings in labour costs and time: • No welding or soldering is required. • It’s a quick and simple five step installation: Cut, Calibrate, Check, Mark and Press. • Repairs can be made quickly and installed on a ‘live system’ saving system downtime. • There is no requirement to flush/cleanse as no jointing compound or flux is used to complete the joint. Note: a flush may be required for other dust/debris. • Instantor® Copper Press eliminates the need for expensive and heavy equipment such as threading machines and welding bottles, which can be difficult and time-consuming to transport. RELIABILITY - PEACE OF MIND The ‘3-Point Press’ connection uses a newly developed ‘VI’ profile press in cooperation with REMS for use with the Instantor® Copper Press fittings. There is one mechanical press either side of the bead and one hydraulic press on the O-ring, which gives a sound and secure joint every time. A ‘Leak- Before-Press’ feature allows you to quickly identify if a press connection is incomplete or unpressed. The O-ring has four

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COVER STORY

RELIABILITYANDQUALITY

“Instantor® are first to launch Imperial size copper press fittings on the market.”

“Sanbra Fyffe have partnered with REMS in developing a set of compatible ‘VI’ profile jaws in ½”, ¾”, and 1.” Instantor Copper Press key features • Brand new Irish Imperial ‘VI’ profile jaw. • Also available in metric using ‘M’ profile jaw. • Flame-free jointing. No hot works permit required. • Flame-free installation makes for a safer job and shortened project times. • Quick and simple to install. Faster than traditional solder methods saves on time and material costs. • WRAS Approved. Instantor® Copper Press fittings are WRAS approved. Approval # 1903373 & # 2003301. • EPDM O-Rings with Leak-Before-Press feature designed to identify un-pressed joints during system testing. • Operating Pressure/temperatures –16bar @ 30°C, 10bar @ 95°C. Max 110°C, Min -25°C. • Aesthetically pleasing finish. Flux and heat-free system provides for a neater, cleaner finish.

reduced sections allowing water to pass when unpressed. It’s a uniform process which reduces the risk of any potential leaks. A neater, cleaner finish is the result thanks to the flux and heat-free connection without the need of cutting oil. APPROVALS AND TRAINING Instantor® Copper Press fittings have WRAS and KIWA approval and have been designed and manufactured to IS EN 1254-7 (DC) so are perfectly suitable for potable water installations. Sanbra Fyffe are happy to facilitate on-site training for installers new to Copper Press. SYSTEMS AND OPERATING CONDITIONS The Instantor® Copper Press system is optimised to work in a variety of systems and operating conditions. The fittings contain a Black EPDM O-ring, which is designed for use in hot and cold water applications, heating systems (non-solar applications), chilled water and oil- free compressed air systems. The Instantor® Copper Press has been designed to be used with Hard(R290) or Half Hard(R250) copper tube conforming with I.S.EN1057:2006. Operating conditions are 16 Bar @ 30°C and 10 Bar @ 95°C and with a maximum permitted temperature of 110°C. Minimum spacing between fittings is recommended as follows:

15mm / ½” - 10mm space 22mm / ¾” - 20mm space 28mm / 1” - 20mm space

Sanbra Fyffe has partnered with REMS to develop a unique jaw for the Irish market to use with Irish copper tube. The selected jaw is a ‘VI’ profile, which is used in conjunction with the REMS mini-press tool. ‘VI’ will be ‘imprinted’ on the completed press joint for identification purposes.

Sanbra Fyffe Ltd, Instantor® Works, Santry Avenue, Dublin, D09 K160 T: +353 (0)1 842 6255 - E: sales@instantor.ie www.instantor.ie

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NEWS

#MENTALHEALTHAWARENESSWEEK

P hoenix Natural Gas recently businesses operating within the wider natural gas industry. Hosted by Neil McCracken, General Sales Manager at Phoenix, it featured presentations from experts at Deloitte and Carson McDowell, who shared insights on the schemes available from the Government to support businesses during Covid-19. Forty-five local businesses also listened intently to a briefing from Adrian McNeilly, Health & Safety Manager at Phoenix, on held the first in a series of virtual briefings designed to support the mitigations that local businesses will need to consider as they look to resume operations. Neil McCracken said: “Businesses right across the economy have been impacted by Covid-19 and we wanted to play our part as the largest gas distributor in Northern Ireland to ensure that those T he focus this year was on brilliantly: ‘Kindness strengthens relationships, develops community and deepens solidarity.’ You may have found yourself composing some poems or painting a picture about ‘kindness’ as part of your child’s schoolwork and thought this week didn’t concern adults. However, there kindness, as the Mental Health Organisation phrases so are some truly shocking statistics about mental health in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Did you know that 18.5% of the entire Irish population has a recorded mental illness? Or that 1 in 5 adults in Northern Ireland will experience signs of a mental illness? Combined with those, 3 in 5 tradespeople are saying the pandemic has negatively impacted their mental health – so it really is something that impacts all of us. Though we set aside one week

T he Coronavirus crisis has revealed the good in people, but also that there are plenty of folk still struggling to grasp the concept of social distancing. We’ve all seen it in shops, with the vast majority staying a safe distance, and then one or two wandering around as if they don’t have a concern in the world. This approach has implications for our industry. Many people were putting off jobs, even emergencies, but when it got a bit cooler a few weeks ago the phones started to ring again. Despite explaining social distancing and safety measures on the phone or in an email before heading to the job, I’ve heard plenty of examples of customers still standing too close, looking to chat and bringing over cups of tea. It a nice touch we all used to appreciate, but not now. Instead, it puts us in a very awkward position. Nobody feels comfortable telling a customer to back off, and yet we have to consider the safety of not just ourselves, but our families. We have to think of what we could potentially be bringing home after the work is finished. It’s very easy these days to get drawn into all things Covid-19. It can make us seem like depressing sorts. So, I’d prefer to end as I started, by talking about the good in people. From the guy who sold gas parts he found in his shed to raise funds for the Galway Simon Community, to members who have donated vital PPE equipment to the medical services, there have been countless examples from our industry that renew your faith in humanity. I, for one, am proud of everyone’s efforts. If you are an RGI or work in the gas industry and would like to join us, search for “Gas Chat Ireland” on www.facebook.com or email gaschatireland@gmail.com for help, advice, member deals and a bit of craic. KEEPYOURDISTANCE GASCHAT

a year to really focus on and explore the issues many of us face, it is vital that we remain aware and treat others with kindness the other 51 weeks of the year. There are many helpful resources available in both ROI and NI that aim to help you address your mental health concerns, guide you toward getting help or simply pick up the phone and listen when you, or a loved one, may need it most. ROI: www.mentalhealthireland.ie

www.alustforlife.com/ NI: www.aware-ni.org www.mindwisenv.org/

PHOENIXSUPPORTINGTHESECTOR

Neil McCracken, General Sales Manager at Phoenix National Gas leads a virtual briefing to support businesses operating in the wider natural gas industry at this time.

businesses and traders in the natural gas industry were aware of all the financial supports available to them.” If you would like to register to attend contact: Neil.mccracken@ phoenixnaturalgas.com

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PRODUCT FOCUS

SAVE TIME AND IMPROVE EFFICIENCIES WITH GRANT’S HOME HEATING DESIGN SERVICE… Under one roof

G rant’s free of charge home heating design service enables those working on new build or retrofit projects the opportunity to have the full property’s heating requirements designed and quoted under one roof. The service is not just helping homeowners and those working in the trade to save time on projects but it is also giving peace of mind to know that the exact heating requirements of a property are being met, which in turn results in reduced carbon emissions and greater long-term savings

for the property owner. Grant’s home heating design service involves full room by room heat calculations, in line with SR:50 guidelines, on assessment of new build or retrofit house plans. This is followed by the specification of the main heat source best suited for the property and identification of appropriate supporting technologies including hot water storage and heat emitters. It is this careful combination of heating technologies and smart controls by the technical specialists at Grant which ensures that the

heating solution is bespoke to the property and brings it into a new class of efficiency. Some of the innovative Grant heating technologies featured within the home heating design and specification service include: AERONA 3 R32 AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP The highly-efficient A+++ Grant Aerona 3 R32 air source heat pump offers a sustainable form of heating and can help achieve Part L compliance as required under building regulations in the Republic of Ireland. Models are available in outputs of 6kW, 10kW, 13kW and 17kW. The international award programme Quiet Mark has also recognised the 13kW and 17kWmodels for their quiet operation.

“Grant’s home heating design service involves a full heat calculation on assessment of new build or retrofit house plans.”

Grant Aerona 3 R32 ASHP

Grant pre-plumbed cylinder

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PRODUCT FOCUS

“Pipework is installed during the initial stages of the property’s development.”

Grant Uflex underfloor heating system

PRE-PLUMBED WATER CYLINDERS Grant’s 200 litre pre-plumbed and pre-wired cylinders offer fast and easy installation. Like all Grant products, these pre-plumbed water cylinders will complement both the Aerona 3 R32 air source heat pump and Vortex condensing oil boiler ranges and can help improve the overall efficiency of a property’s home heating system.

source which offers convenient and highly efficient heating especially when paired with the Grant Aerona 3 R32 air source heat pump as both can run at lower temperatures, thereby improving efficiency. Pipework is installed during the initial stages of the property’s development, therefore causing no delay times in terms of drying. The pipes are positioned and clipped into place once the flooring’s insulation and membrane has been fitted, after which a flow screed is laid over the top of this and allowed to fully dry before heat is introduced. AFINIA & SOLO RADIATORS Grant’s Afinia aluminium and Solo fan convector radiators are sleek, chic and are designed to work compatibly with Grant’s primary heat sources including both the Aerona 3 R32 heat pump or Vortex condensing oil boiler. Afinia aluminium radiators are compatible with high and low temperature systems and offer excellent conductivity, meaning they heat up faster, helping to bring a room to a comfortable

temperature and maintaining the comfort level with ease. If the new build or retrofitted property includes areas which are a challenge to heat, such as large spaces with high ceilings or awkwardly-shaped rooms, adding Grant Solo fan convector radiators can also help boost efficiency. The Solo radiator delivers faster rates of convection than traditional radiators and is an excellent addition for hard-to-heat areas of the home with an added boost, emitting heat quickly and offering the ability to regulate its own heat. As easy as one, two, three AVAIL OF GRANT’S FREE OF CHARGE HOME HEATING DESIGN SERVICE IN THREE EASY STEPS: 1 Send planning drawings, a contact phone number and your preference of heat emitters to heatpump@grantengineering.ie 2 A member of the Grant team will be in touch with you to discuss requirements 3 You will receive full property specifications with recommended products all available from Grant

UFLEX - HIGHLY-EFFICIENT UNDERFLOOR HEATING

The Uflex underfloor heating system is an unobtrusive heat

Get in touchwithGrant Contact the Grant Technical Team: T: 0800 0443261 (NI) / +353 (0)57 9126968 (ROI) E: info@grantengineering.ie - www.grant.eu Follow Grant online: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram@mygrantNI @grantirl

Grant Afinia aluminium radiator

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FIGHTING COVID-19

HEATING ENGINEER SUPPLIES AND CARRAIG TOOLS TEAM-UP TO HELP DUBLIN’S ROTUNDA MATERNITY HOSPITAL... A casual chat between a daughter and her parents set the wheels in motion for an express delivery

Labour of love

where there was insufficient PPE for all members of staff, a natural fear for any parent with a daughter or son working on the medical frontline.” The Behan’s were right, Charlie was just the man for the job. “I knew straight away that we had to do something,” added Charlie. “I immediately contacted Jim Bell at Carraig Tools, and we both agreed to scour our warehouses and rake out anything that might help.” When they’d finished rummaging, Jim in particular had unearthed PPE that was, in the current climate, worth its weight in gold. ‘Approved & Certified’ masks, goggles, gloves, over shoes were packed with anti-bacterial wipes, standard wipes, and even ponchos that could provide a layer of splash protection. Next step, well that was to tell Karen the good news. She in turn informed her manager at Rotunda’s Delivery Suite/Assessment & Emergency Unit, Fiona Walsh; and Fiona contacted the hospital’s Procurement & Supplies Manager, Yoichi Hoashi. Starting out life in Cork and Limerick,

to Dublin’s famous Rotunda Maternity Hospital. Karen Behan, a midwife at the oldest continuously operating maternity hospital in the world, was lamenting the fact that the coronavirus crisis was going to place greater demands on supplies of essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Her concerns did not fall on deaf ears. Unbeknown to Karen, mum and dad were already hatching a plan. Martin was a former employee of Heating Engineer Supplies in Patrickswell, just over 10km outside Limerick. His missus is the company’s current Credit Controller. They knew exactly who to contact. “Martin and Marie rang me and expressed their concerns about what might happen if PPE levels couldn’t be maintained at the hospital where Karen worked,” said Heating Engineer Supplies’ Principal, Charlie O’Neill. “They were worried that it might reach the situation

“I immediately contacted Jim Bell at Carraig Tools, and we both agreed to scour our warehouses and rake out anything that might help.”

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FIGHTING COVID-19

“We are incredibly grateful to Charlie and Jim for their donation, which has been put to good use in our on-going efforts to protect our staff and patients.”

‘TheRotunda’

Dublin’s Rotunda Hospital is a very unique institution in that it has provided an unbroken record of service to women and babies (lots of babies!) since its foundation by surgeon and man-midwife Bartholomew Mosse in 1745. It has occupied its present site on Parnell Street since 1757.

the PPE package was soon winging its way to Dublin’s Parnell Street. “Unlike England, we never reached the situation of running out of PPE, but there was most definitely a real strain on PPE supplies,” explained Yoichi. “There are three maternity hospitals in Dublin, and we’ve all been helping one another, sharing PPE. We are incredibly grateful to Charlie and Jim for their donation, which has been put to good use in our on-going efforts to protect our staff and patients. Some of the PPE, like the gloves, was particularly suited to use by the tradesmen who also conduct work vital to the running of a hospital.” Heating Engineer Supplies and Carraig Tools are just two examples of how good people respond in times of crisis. “They stepped up and offered to help,

and for that we will always be thankful,” added Yoichi. “At the Rotunda we have seen many examples of the good in people. From Charlie, Jim, Karen and her parents, to the doctor who had a baby here and returned with a couple of boxes of PPE masks. Another midwife organised plastic frames for visors, Nokia Ireland offered practical help, and people even knit little attachment loops so the masks could fit more snugly on people with smaller heads.” Martin and Marie Behan were pretty confident they would have a receptive audience when they picked up the phone to ring Charlie O’Neill. They were good judges of character. “In fairness to the lads [Charlie and Jim] it was all down to them,” said Martin. “What they did is very much appreciated by our family. Thanks lads!”

Heating Engineers Supplies Ltd, Main Street, Patrickswell, County Limerick T: +353 (0)61 576 041 E: charlie@heatingengineersupplies.ie www.heatingengineersupplies.ie

Carraig Tools Ltd, Sunmount Cottage, Military Road, Cork E: info@carraigtools.ie www.carraigtools.ie

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COVID-19 UPDATE

THE LATEST INFORMATION FROM THE NI EXECUTIVE AND HOW IT AFFECTS YOU...

Gettingback toporridge

Stormont, Parliament Buildings of Northern Ireland

T he NI Executive have recently published a document detailing the stages Northern Ireland will undergo as we slowly return to normality. Like many government- issued documents, it’s thorough, long and a little bit wordy for our liking, so we’ve summarised the important bits that all plumbing and heating professionals need to know! HOW IS THE NI GOVERNMENT GOING TO IMPLEMENT THE STEPS? The NI Government are timing their move out of lockdown based on the country’s transmission rate, now known simply as R. If R = 1, that means for every person who gets Coronavirus, there will be one more case to match it. Now that R = less than 1, the virus is reproducing in new cases slightly more slowly. The NI Government expect this ‘R’ number to fall slowly and steadily in the coming months, and as it falls, they will progress through the stages as planned, with appropriate NHS support and social distancing measures to make sure R does not rise up again. HOW HAS WORKING LIFE BEEN AFFECTED ALREADY? The document acknowledges how self- employed people are amongst those hit hardest by the current situation. The Ulster University Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC) have estimated that the unemployment rate could

STEP FIVE: All able to return to work, subject to maintaining social distancing measures. Working from home will still be strongly encouraged and continue where possible. CONCLUSION There remains an onus on businesses to show how they can accommodate the current social distancing and other requirements if they are seeking to restart their work – Deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill has warned social distancing may be in place in Northern Ireland for the next 18 to 24 months. Though no specific dates are promised, First Minister, Arlene Foster has suggested it could take up to the end of the year before the Step 5 stage is triggered. Thankfully, it seems a lot of our industry should be able to return to work soon, as long as they feel it is safe for themselves and their families to do so.

reach as much as 6% or around 30,000 unemployed people in Northern Ireland.

WHAT ARE THE PROPOSED STAGES FOR RETURNING TO WORK? Please note that work updates are only listed in steps 1, 3 and 5 of the document from the NI Executive. AT PRESENT: In April, plumbers were listed amongst those in ‘Priority Sectors’ and have been able to carry out work responding to businesses and homes on a call-out basis for emergency, essential repairs and maintenance. STEP ONE: Those unable to work from home are to be encouraged to return to work on a phased basis, dependent on the ability to take the appropriate safety measures. These include social distancing rules, PPE when necessary and self-isolating if you have any coronavirus symptoms. This step should allow plumbers and contractors to continue with more routine work and allow construction sites to begin functioning again for contracted jobs. Those who are able to work from home are still encouraged to continue doing so when possible. STEP THREE: Phased return to back to office work wherever necessary and onsite working, subject to whether the necessary workplace safety guidelines can be followed or not.

For additional information:

www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/ publications/coronavirus-executive- approach-decision-making www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/ coronavirus-workplace-safety-guidelines- and-social-distancing

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COVID-19 UPDATE

THE LATEST INFORMATION FROM THE IRISH GOVERNMENT AND HOW IT AFFECTS YOU...

Dustingourselves off

B etter days for Ireland seem to be on the horizon. By mid-April, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) had already reported that the growth rate of the pandemic had been driven “as low as it needs to be” - the curve had flattened. Now, the Department of the Taoiseach has released its plans for getting the country back on its feet again, in the safest way possible. We’ve combed through the reams of paperwork to bring you the most relevant information for plumbing and heating professionals. HOW ARE WE GETTING BACK TO NORMAL? The Government have published a document entitled: ‘Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business’, which explains the Government’s plan to ease Covid-19 measures and reopen Ireland’s economy and society in five stages (at three-week intervals). The process will be constantly monitored by NPHET and the government to ensure the Irish population is kept as safe as possible.

Main exterior of the Government Buildings in Dublin . Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)

are subject to change if required. There will be a long-term need for physical distancing, for good hygiene, regular cleaning and for people to stay at home and isolate if they are sick. There may be more difficult times ahead of us, but Ireland has certainly shown its resilience. “The Department of the Taoiseach has released its plans for getting the country back on its feet again, in the safest way possible”

PHASE 3 (29/06): Late June will see the return to work for those with low levels of interaction – this almost certainly applies to plumbers carrying out more routine jobs in the homes of their customers. Your customers and your own safety remain paramount, so measures including social distancing, using PPE and only working

WHAT ARE THE STAGES AND DATES RELEVANT TO ME?

DURING LOCKDOWN: Plumbers were amongst those in Ireland on the list of essential workers during the lockdown stage – however only for essential/ emergency repair and maintenance and those contributing to the construction of coronavirus provisions. This has also allowed merchants to continue reduced trade, as of course, plumbers still need products! PHASE 1 (18/05): The first stage allows for a phased return of outdoor workers. There will be an easing-in period where larger construction projects will stagger the number of workers, including plumbers on site, to limit the amount of human contact. PHASE 2 (08/06): The development of plans and supports to open up businesses again. Small retail outlets will be allowed to reopen, if they can accommodate necessary social distancing measures.

if you, or your household, have no symptoms will remain important.

PHASE 4 (20/07): Childcare services will reopen for everyone, gradually. This includes pre-school and crèches, which should provide a pathway for parents who have young children to get back to work. PHASE 5 (10/08): The final stage will see return to work across all sectors and also allow larger social gatherings, which could signal the green light for trade shows and other industry events to recommence if they can be done safely. CONCLUSION The Irish Government have published a thoughtful, clear pathway for the road out of this crisis, however these are goals that

For additional information:

www.gov.ie/en/news/58bc8b-taoiseach- announces-roadmap-for-reopening- society-and-business-and-u/

www.gov.ie/en/publication/22829a- return-to-work-safely-protocol/

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1974-2019

ANNIVERSARY

COMPANY UPDATE

Shane Duffy, Group Key Account Manager, Hevac

Donal Stafford, Managing Director of Origen Energy

Calin Tasnadi, Product and Compliance Manager at Hevac Group.

Hevac Group HQ on Naas Road, Dublin

THE HEVAC GROUP REINFORCES ITS POSITION AS THE INDUSTRY’S PREMIER PLAYER WITH TWO NEW ADDITIONS...

A teamyou can trust Lingus, Shane has subsequently earned his wings as an expert in the plumbing and heating sector. A highly-respected figure with unmatched knowledge of the construction industry, specifically the residential and commercial market, he has joined Hevac as Group Key Account Manager. “Shane offers the Hevac Group T he ability to assemble top class teams with unrivalled experience and expertise is one of the fundamental reasons why Hevac is Ireland’s premier supplier to the heating and plumbing industry. “I believe that within the Hevac Group we have the best teams,” said Donal Stafford, Managing

delivering a standard recommendation for heat pumps, is involved in the DCCAE Retrofit Taskforce, and played an important role in HPA Ireland’s ‘Heat Pumps Code of Practice - Install Guidelines’. Calin’s commitment to a cleaner planet stretches back to his student days in Cluj when the subject of his final year thesis was renewable technology. Donal Stafford concluded: “Calin is a respected voice of clarity, honesty and unrivalled knowledge. His understanding enhances the ability of Hevac Group’s engineers to calculate, design and deliver complete heating packages.” Strong teams form the backbone of any successful company. Enlisting the services of Shane Duffy and Calin Tasnadi is further proof of why the Hevac Group continues to be in a league of its own.

Director at Origen Energy, part of the wider Hevac Group. “That’s why we lead the market, it’s the natural position for a brand that has built on more than 40-years of trading to grow, augment and strategize for the benefit of the market.” Getting to the top is one thing, staying there another. In business, like most things, you can’t afford to rest on your laurels. If you want to stay ahead of the opposition it also means you have to take every opportunity to strengthen your squad. That’s why the Hevac Group has once again, to continue with the soccer analogy, dipped into the transfer market with two impressive new signings. First to join the ranks in December 2019 was Shane Duffy (no, not that one!). Starting his working life as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician with Aer

an increased presence across many sectors of the plumbing and heating industry,” added Donal Stafford. “His experience and professionalism make him an invaluable addition.” The Hevac Group has long been a pioneer of new technologies. New technology, however, can be inherently complex, with ‘compliance’ particularly convoluted. No one is better placed to decipher the difficult than the Hevac Group’s most recent recruit. Appointed Product and Compliance Manager in March of this year, Calin Tasnadi is the industry’s go- to guy. A graduate of the University of Cluj-Napoca in his native Romania, Calin has spent the past decade immersed in the heating and renewables sector. His credentials are impeccable. He is part of the NSAI Technical Committee Group

Hevac Limited Muirfield Drive, Naas Road, Dublin 12, Ireland D12 X0A3 T: +353 (0)1 4191 919 www.hevac.ie

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

THE HEATING & PLUMBING ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND (HAPAI) REFLECT ON HOW COVID-19 IS AFFECTING OUR INDUSTRY... A s Ireland works toward rebooting WORKPLACE CHANGES Our workplace has changed and that is • Always observe all hygiene rules • If in doubt, do not carry out Anewnormal

the construction industry, there has been confusion over who can actually return to work. The HSE guidelines state that outdoor construction work can proceed, as long as social distancing rules can be observed. Normal, non-emergency indoor work is still not permitted at present, though there are plans in place to allow this in the future. HAPAI fully support the HSE guidelines

likely to remain the case for the foreseeable future. How we interact with others, new sanitising stations at entry and exit points to buildings, where and how we use canteen areas, toilet facilities etc. are just some examples of the changes occurring.

WHAT TO CONSIDER Activities • Social distancing

• Group size protocols • Work area sanitisation • Tool sanitisation • Sanitisation station locations (mobile, permanent, van, etc.) • Specialist PPE Visitors / Members of the Public • It is a requirement to keep a log of all visitors and members of the public that you interact with at work. The purpose of this log is to assist in contact tracing should there be a positive case of Covid-19 within the workplace. • Ensure your customer is not showing any signs of the virus or has not been in contact with someone who has or is showing signs of Covid-19.

HELPING OURSELVES AND OTHERS

and urge members of our industry to strictly adhere to and adopt the

We need to look at how we can help to keep not just ourselves safe, but also our work colleagues and members of the public that we may interact with during business hours. LEARNING TOWORK SAFELY We must learn and adopt new methods that will allow us to work safely; risk assessing every task has become even more important than ever before. • Always follow Government and HSE guidelines • Always maintain social distancing

protocols set out within them. Much of the guidance is detailed extensively in the Government’s published: ‘Return to Work Safely Protocol’. The document outlines measures for employers to implement in order to ensure the safety of their employees and members of the public. Maintaining strict social distancing, hand hygiene and cough etiquette are essential requirements for all workers, not only within the workplace but travelling to, for and from work (and also at home).

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