Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

Articles by the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA)

2021-02-15T10:44:51Z

ECA:

The Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) is the UK’s leading trade association that represents and supports the interests of businesses and organisations involved in electrotechnical and engineering services design, installation, inspection, testing, maintenance and monitoring across the UK (excluding Scotland). Since 1901

ECA is a founder member of [https://www.actuateuk.org.uk/ Actuate UK], a collective of eight leading trade, technology, research, and professional bodies in engineering services that deliver a single, consolidated voice for the sector.

= Articles by ECA on Designing Buildings Wiki include: =

# Prompt Payment Code: the story behind the headlines. February 2021.
# Skilled workforce unable to meet net zero ambitions. January 2021.
# COVID-19 and mental health within construction firms. January 2021.
# Eight organisations form engineering services alliance. January 2021.
# CLC document on claims and disputes in construction. January 2021.
# Shortages of cable management products. December 2020.
# Energy White Paper presents Government plans to build back greener. December 2020.
# Getting zero carbon done. November 2020.
# CICV creates COVID toolkit. November 2020.
# Modular housing and electrical circuitry. November 2020
# Winter Support 2020 - 2021 packages for businesses. October 2020.
# CLC releases Site Operating Procedures v6. October 2020.
# What’s the best way into the industry? October 2020.
# Half of public sector bodies not planning for net zero carbon. September 2020.
# ECA Survey: Industry remains optimistic despite downturn. September 2020.
# Competition and the independent electric wholesalers. September 2020.
# ECA calls for petrol and diesel ban by 2030. August 2020.
# ECA apprentice secondment service. August 2020
# Face coverings and a shifting policy background. August 2020.
# Microgeneration Certification Scheme 2020. July 2020.
# Skills for Climate consultation launched. July 2020.
# Payments for recruiting new apprentices. July 2020.
# UK Points-Based Immigration System 2020. July 2020.
# Engineering services and industry recovery guide. July 2020.
# Organisations prompt government to Build Back Green. June 2020.
# Celebrating women in engineering. June 2020.
# Electrical safety in the private rented sector. June 2020.
# Plan proposes to reinvent construction industry. June 2020.
# Survey records business projections after coronavirus storm. May 2020.
# The future of the coronavirus furlough. May 2020.
# New domestic electrical work video. May 2020.
# IR35: essential steps for compliance. May 2020.
# Engineering services bodies issue coronavirus site safety guides. May 2020
# Officials pledge to continue housebuilding work. Apr 2020
# Coronavirus job retention scheme. Mar 2020
# Coronavirus impact survey. Mar 2020
# Government procurement post-Carillion. Mar 2020
# 37% of SMEs suffer mental health problems due to pay issues. Mar 2020
# Carbon emissions of electric heating v gas. Mar 2020
# Coronavirus and force majeure. Feb 2020
# ECA backs joint rail electrification statement. Feb 2020
# Electrotechnical Assessment Specification. Feb 2020
# Building an electrical grid for our times. Feb 2020
# Achieving zero carbon. Jan 2020
# Ancona eco-mansion. Jan 2020
# The real impact of late payment. Jan 2020
# SF6 - the greenhouse gas at the heart of our industry. Jan 2020
# Opening the door to apprenticeships for all. Jan 2020
# Cutting VAT can unleash green housing revolution. Jan 2012
# How installer competence can help prevent major residential fires. Dec 2019
# Survey shows offsite construction is safer, faster, greener and cheaper. Dec 2019
# Business owners forced to stop paying employees due to late payment. Nov 2019
# Qualifying as a professional electrician. Nov 2019
# Disturbing complacency over short courses. Nov 2019
# Low-voltage switchgear and protective devices. Nov 2019
# New standards for better fire safety in homes. Nov 2019
# Data cables and the CPR. Nov 2019
# Zero Carbon by 2050 - pipe dream or possibility? Oct 2019
# The SME's updated guide to Brexit. Oct 2019
# PowerLottery helps give electrical industry colleagues a better tomorrow. Sep 2019
# 18th Edition Wiring Regulations. Aug 2019
# Vulnerable residents at risk from under-qualified workforce. Aug 2109
# Careers in the electrotechnical industry. Aug 2019
# Employee assistance programme EAP. Aug 2019
# Levelling the playing field. Aug 2019
# Industry backs leading fire and security awards.Aug 2019
# Changing lives with the Practical Participation Programme. Aug 2019
# Electrical system. Jul 2019
# Electrical wiring. Jul 2019
# Electrical definition. Jul 2019
# Electricity bill. Jul 2019
# Progress on poor payment practices. Jul 2019
# Higher penalties for employers breaching workers' rights. Jul 2019
# VAT hike puts brakes on home solar and batteries. Jul 2019
# Electrical safety. Jun 2019
# Electrical power. Jun 2019
# Electrical installation. Jun 2019
# Electrical equipment. Jun 2019
# Electrical energy. Jun 2019
# Electrical consumption. Jun 2019
# Electrical component. Jun 2019
# The real deal - at last? Jun 2019
# A zero-carbon UK by 2050? Jun 2019
# CAS answers an expensive problem for industry. Jun 2019
# Consumer unit. Jun 2019
# Electrical appliance. Jun 2019
# Electric motor. Jun 20019
# Electric lock. Jun 2019
# Consumer electronics. Jun 2019
# How the Electrical Industries Charity helps tackle domestic abuse. May 2019
# Formula E drives electric vehicle market forward. May 2019
# ECA 2018 Apprentice of the Year. May 2019.
# EIC apprentice support programme. Apr 2019
# Employment status: a concise guide. Apr 2019
# Smart meter owners report higher, not lower, bills. Apr 2019
# Good Work Plan promises clearer contracts, fairer rules. Mar 2019
# Campaign for cash retentions reform. Mar 2019
# The commercial implications of Brexit. Mar 2019
# The UK's low-carbon future is increasingly electric. Mar 2019
# Work at height checklist for managers. Mar 2019
# Maintaining standards through Brexit and beyond. Feb 2019

--[[User:ECA|ECA]]

[[Category:DCN_Organisation]] [[Category:Organisations]] [[Category:Publications_/_reports]]

Work at height checklist for managers

2019-03-10T08:36:06Z

ECA:

{|
| [[File:Ladder-1558046_640.jpg|link=File:Ladder-1558046_640.jpg]]
|}

Work at height is an everyday occurrence. But if it is not planned and managed properly, experience shows that even simple activity can kill or cause life changing injury.

Although there are many types of work from height, ranging from using mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) to step ladders, guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) refers to a basic ‘hierarchy’ of safety measures, applicable in all cases.

HSE’s hierarchy begins with consideration of how work at height can be avoided, and it ends with using personal equipment that is designed to prevent fall injury. Below, we give examples of what HSE’s hierarchy can mean in building engineering services. We also highlight other essential considerations that will enable managers to develop safe systems of work, help onsite supervisors and crucially, help to protect operatives from falls at work.

{|
|width="50%"| Managers (or anyone managing work at height) should follow this general hierarchy of measures wherever possible…
|width="50%"| Examples relevant to various types of building engineering services may include…
|-
|
1. Avoid working at height

Fully assess the task to be undertaken – is it reasonably practicable carry the work out another way other than at height
|
* Using extendable tools from ground level
* Installing cables at ground level
* Lowering a mast to ground level
* Assemble components at ground level (e.g. offsite) and lift into place
* Using emerging technologies (e.g. drones, aerial surveys)
|-
|
2. Adopt a practical approach to planning work at height

Assess the risks associated with the activity, the working environment and the work style.

Consider any situations that may increase the risk of harm.

Ensure any changes to work activity are re-assessed, and any changes to the risk of harm are dealt with before work continues.
|
* Height of work activity
* Duration of work
* Frequency of work
* Weather conditions
* Indoor working conditions
* Work equipment and materials required
* Any evacuation and rescue procedures
|-
|
3. Prevent falls from occurring

Identify and utilise an existing safe place of work.
|
* Robust working platform/area
* Defined access points
* Fixed guard rails e.g. around plant, machinery, excavations/holes
|-
|
4. Prevent falls through providing collective protection

Select appropriate control measures.
|
* MEWPs
* Scaffolding
* Temporary edge protection
* Mobile towers
|-
|
5. Prevent falls through providing personal protection

Use a work restraint/travel restriction system that prevents a worker getting into a fall position.
|
* Fixed lanyards and harnesses
* Man safe systems e.g. line systems
|-
|
6. Minimise the distance and/or consequences of a fall using collective protection

Select equipment appropriate to the task and environment.
|
* Safety netting
* Airbags or soft landing systems
|-
|
7. Minimise the distance and/or consequences of a fall using personal protection (the last resort)

Select appropriate equipment to the task and environment.
|
* Personal fall arrest system with secure anchor points
|}

Other essential considerations include…

Skills, knowledge and experience – ensure that

* Work at height is planned and supervised by people who have sufficient skills, knowledge and experience to do the job safely
* Everyone engaged with work at height understands the task-relevant safe system of work (SSoW) and any relevant parts of a Construction Phase Plan (CPP) for construction work
* Anyone under training works only under effective and competent supervision, in accordance with the SSoW

Equipment for working at height – ensure that

* All access equipment to be assembled or installed, used and maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions and current standards
* Where the effectiveness of the equipment depends on how it has been assembled or installed it should be inspected by a competent person before work commences
* Any access or safety equipment should be inspected regularly and any damaged equipment (e.g. due to physical wear) – or any equipment with unauthorised modifications - must be withdrawn, replaced or repaired, as necessary to ensure safety
* Record all equipment inspections at least to statutory guidelines
* All working platforms from where a person could fall must be inspected:

# At least every seven days
# After assembly or adaptation in any position
# After any event likely to affect its strength or stability
# Following the actual deployment of safety equipment (e.g. a fall into a safety net or air bag system)

Other considerations

* Ensure that working surfaces at height are not overloaded with materials or equipment, and that they are kept clear (good housekeeping)
* Ensure workers can get safely to and from where they will work at height
* Ensure all surfaces for placing or attaching access equipment are stable and strong enough for use
* Provide sufficient protection from falling objects (e.g. materials and work equipment) for anyone who may be below
* Ensure that sufficient time has been allocated so that the task can be completed safely
* Do not put or require anyone to work who is unfit to work at height.

-----
This article was written by Paul Reeve, ECA Director of Business. It was originally published by ECA on 8th February 2019 at: [https://www.eca.co.uk/blog/february-2019/work-at-height-a-checklist-for-managers https://www.eca.co.uk/blog/february-2019/work-at-height-a-checklist-for-managers]

--[[User:ECA|ECA]]

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Articles by the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA).
* CDM.
* Crane supports.
* Crane regulations.
* Dynamic self-retracting lanyard.
* [[User:ECA|ECA]].
* Health and Safety.
* How to use a ladder.
* Injuries on construction sites.
* Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER).
* Near miss.
* Personal protective equipment PPE.
* Safety briefing.
* Scaffold register.
* Scaffolding.
* Toolbox talk.
* Types of crane.
* Work at height.
* Working at height training.
* Working platform.
* Work at height regulations.

[[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Construction_management]]

The UK's low-carbon future is increasingly electric.

2019-03-10T08:35:36Z

ECA:

{|
| [[File:Eca_future.jpg|link=File:Eca_future.jpg]]
|}

= Introduction =

Last week, the government’s advisory Committee on Climate Change (CCC) recommended that from 2025, new homes should not be connected to gas to reduce domestic carbon emissions. The CCC certainly doesn’t shy from its task of pushing government to achieve a low-carbon future, but it will be reaching for the tin hats since this would mean the end of gas boilers and gas cookers. But what the CCC is really doing is underlining, again, that the UK’s energy future is increasingly electric.

= Hitting targets =

According to the popular site MygridGB, generating a kilowatt hour (kWh)of electricity in the UK back in 2007 typically churned out 510g of carbon dioxide (CO2). By 2018, this figure had nearly halved to 265g kWh. Yet even with huge economic uncertainty ahead, the UK government is still working to a 2030 ‘super-target’ of 100g kWh. To get there however, we will need step changes in three key areas of UK activity, and they all rely strongly on electrical energy solutions.

Firstly, electrical energy will need to be ‘decarbonised’ far more than it is now, which essentially means moving from our huge reliance on gas to more renewables, along with increased energy storage and smarter grid systems, while keeping our nuclear generation capacity going. A Swansea tidal lagoon would also go a long way to produce the ‘low-to-no’ carbon energy we need.

Alongside this, we will need a significantly less carbon-intensive transport system. Despite considerable hype, the UK is still in the early phase of moving to electric cars though in 2018, 6% of UK car registrations were electric or hybrid (up 22% from 2017). While electric vans have yet to trouble the scorer, the future scope for electric vehicles, and a supporting infrastructure, is huge.

The third move that is needed if we are to achieve a super-low-carbon economy is ramping up energy efficiency. Too often eclipsed by high-cost projects, energy efficiency is usually the most cost-effective way of all to reduce carbon emissions, and it reduces operational costs. LED lighting – cited as a key reason why a growing UK population has reduced its overall energy use in recent years – shows that electrical and electronic technology, and not just stacks of insulation, can have a major role in achieving carbon reductions.

= Solutions =

Even when we consider alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, the commercial route to any sort of hydrogen economy will rely on electrolysis, driven by cheap renewable energy.

ECA recently issued two checklists, for members and commercial clients, which show 50 potential energy- and carbon-saving solutions, and the vast bulk of these are electro-technical. All this means that when it comes to achieving carbon and cost savings in UK buildings, transport and infrastructure, there will be numerous opportunities for our industry.

If you would like to know more about ECA’s policy and technical support in this area, or share your thoughts on the coming opportunities and challenges and how you think we can help, we encourage you to contact us on: [mailto:energysolutions@eca.co.uk energysolutions@eca.co.uk]

-----
= About this article =

This article was written by Paul Reeve, Director of Business at ECA. It first appeared in March 2019 at www.eca.co.uk and can be seen [https://www.eca.co.uk/blog/march-2019/the-uk%E2%80%99s-low-carbon-future-is-increasingly-electri here].

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Articles by the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA).
* Carbon emissions.
* Climate change act.
* Combined heat and power.
* Developing system intelligence for optimising building electricity networks.
* Electric vehicles.
* Electricity supply.
* Energy storage.
* Flexible electrical networks for a low carbon future.
* Green deal.
* Kilowatt hour.
* Kyoto protocol.
* Micro-grids.
* Power factor.
* Subsidy-free low carbon electricity.
* The Future of Electricity in Domestic Buildings.
* The future of UK power generation
* The use of batteries to store electricity for buildings.

--[[User:ECA|ECA]]

[[Category:Education]] [[Category:DCN_Education_and_Training]] [[Category:Theory]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Design]]

User:ECA

2019-03-10T08:34:47Z

ECA:

ECA is the UK’s leading trade association that represents and supports the interests of businesses and organisations involved in electrotechnical and engineering services design, installation, inspection, testing, maintenance and monitoring across the United Kingdom (excluding Scotland). Since 1901.

ECA offers membership to businesses across the electrotechnical and engineering services industry achieving the highest industry standards and certifications. We also offer a number of Associate schemes for other industry stakeholders in our efforts to improve standards, professionalism and commercial opportunity.

To find out more about the ECA please visit our website [[File:ECA_Profile_header_image_v2.jpg|600px|link=http://www.eca.co.uk/]]

-----
[[Articles_by_the_Electrical_Contractors'_Association_(ECA)|Click here to see a list of ECA articles on Designing Buildings Wiki]].

User:ECA

2019-02-10T10:18:50Z

ECA:

ECA is the UK’s leading trade association that represents and supports the interests of businesses and organisations involved in electrotechnical and engineering services design, installation, inspection, testing, maintenance and monitoring across the United Kingdom (excluding Scotland). Since 1901.

ECA offers membership to businesses across the electrotechnical and engineering services industry achieving the highest industry standards and certifications. We also offer a number of Associate schemes for other industry stakeholders in our efforts to improve standards, professionalism and commercial opportunity.

To find out more about the ECA please visit our website [http://www.eca.co.uk/ www.eca.co.uk]

[[File:ECA_Profile_header_image_v2.jpg|600px|link=File:ECA_Profile_header_image_v2.jpg]]

=== Published articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===

* [[Work_at_height_checklist_for_managers|Work at height checklist for managers]].

User:ECA

2019-02-10T10:18:17Z

ECA:

ECA is the UK’s leading trade association that represents and supports the interests of businesses and organisations involved in electrotechnical and engineering services design, installation, inspection, testing, maintenance and monitoring across the United Kingdom (excluding Scotland). Since 1901.

ECA offers membership to businesses across the electrotechnical and engineering services industry achieving the highest industry standards and certifications. We also offer a number of Associate schemes for other industry stakeholders in our efforts to improve standards, professionalism and commercial opportunity.

To find out more about the ECA please visit our website [http://www.eca.co.uk/ www.eca.co.uk]

[[File:ECA_Profile_header_image_v2.jpg|600px|link=File:ECA_Profile_header_image_v2.jpg]]

=== Published articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===

* Work at height checklist for managers.

User:ECA

2018-09-13T11:08:05Z

ECA:

ECA is the UK’s leading trade association that represents and supports the interests of businesses and organisations involved in electrotechnical and engineering services design, installation, inspection, testing, maintenance and monitoring across the United Kingdom (excluding Scotland). Since 1901.

ECA offers membership to businesses across the electrotechnical and engineering services industry achieving the highest industry standards and certifications. We also offer a number of Associate schemes for other industry stakeholders in our efforts to improve standards, professionalism and commercial opportunity.

To find out more about the ECA please visit our website [http://www.eca.co.uk/ www.eca.co.uk]

[[File:ECA_Profile_header_image_v2.jpg|600px|link=File:ECA_Profile_header_image_v2.jpg]]

=== Published articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===

=== External related links ===