April 2007
IPHE member wins the 2006 Worcester, Bosch Environment 2010 Awards
IPHE member, Andy Buchan Eng Tech, MIPHE RP was announced as the overall winner of the 2006 Worcester, Bosch Group Environment 2010 Award at the Gala lunch held at the Worcester Bosch Energy Atrium on 17th April 2007, for his installation of a ground source heat pump solution.
The awards, in its seventh successful year, encourage installation companies for “thinking environment” when installing new systems and renewables. The award ceremony was endorsed by Mr Ian Pearson, MP Minister of State for Climate Change & Environment and Mr Nick Eyre, Director of Strategy and Development, Energy Saving Trust, presented the awards.
Judges felt that Andy’s installation demonstrated commitment to embracing new technology and reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment.
Andy, who has been a member of the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering for over 20 years, was delighted to have been selected as the overall winner from 11 other winning contestants. His company, The Cotswold Efficient Energy Centre, installed the system at a 350 square foot old farm building, which was converted into offices. Alternative heat options were considered by the clients, but they felt that in this installation the ground source heat pump along with underfloor heating was the most energy efficient and cost effective solution. Andy said, “the clients are over the moon, we really have gone one better with this installation. So much so that we have even been quoting for jobs at the homes of the office employees when they found out about the environmental friendly systems that we had installed. We really are delighted with the outcome.”
Blane Judd, Chief Executive of the Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (IPHE) said, "I am delighted that an IPHE member won this award, it shows that the Institute's members are at the forefront of environmental energy solutions. Professional members, such as Andy, really are embracing all aspects of Plumbing & Heating Engineering techniques and contributing to addressing the climate change agenda. It is really encouraging that customers too are embracing the global warming and carbon emission problems that we are all facing. I am delighted with Andy’s overall achievement and also those of the other 14 winners. It is also encouraging to note that a third of all the winning contestants were IPHE members."
ENDS (388 WORDS)
APRIL 2007
CO Deaths - Avoid further tragedy
A Panorama investigation has revealed that a safety audit on the bungalow in Corfu, where Christianne Shepherd, seven, and her brother Robert, six, were overcome by Carbon Monoxide (CO), was carried out by a 25-year-old tour rep who filled in a tick box questionnaire. If a professional engineer had been called in to check the gas appliances the tragedy may never have happened.
The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE) is urging homeowners to make sure that gas appliances are installed by a CORGI registered professional and serviced on a regular basis. It is advisable to install a quality CO detector and check periodically to make sure it is working (just as you would a smoke alarm).
If you are a homeowner, commercial property owner or landlord or agent you have a duty of care and responsibility to ensure that gas appliances meet the legal requirements and where applicable ensure that gas safety test certificates/inspections are carried out by a registered professional.
Blane Judd, IPHE Chief Executive & Secretary commented; “the loss of life due to CO poisoning could be avoided if the general public and the medical profession were better informed of the symptoms and used auditable detection units. Regular servicing of appliances by properly qualified professionals is essential. We should all understand there are many sources of Carbon Monoxide due to incorrect combustion of fuels and although gas appliances are one source even an incorrectly installed and maintained oil fired boiler can cause CO emissions.”
Carbon Monoxide is known as the silent killer. It is odourless, tasteless and colourless. Make sure you, your family and tenants are aware of the dangers – educate them, it could save their lives. The IPHE warns the public to be vigilant:
• CO poisoning symptoms are flu-like and can include headaches, drowsiness, weakness and pains in the chest.
• Look at the flame on your appliance, it should have a ‘healthy’ crisp, vibrant blue flame.
• If a yellow/orange variable flame is visable this is an indication CO may be present.
• Does the appliance show signs of sooting/staining?
• Is there condensation in the room where the appliance is installed?
For more information concerning Carbon Monoxide see the IPHE website www.iphe.org.uk.
Reports of, or actual CO releases should be treated as an emergency, your local gas network provider have dedicated teams to deal with such an incident. Alternatively the National Grid operate the National Gas Emergency Number (0800 111 999) across Great Britain.
ENDS (418 WORDS)
APRIL 2007