Citation
Todd, S. (2008), "Internet review", Structural Survey, Vol. 26 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ss.2008.11026dag.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Internet review
Article Type: Internet review From: Structural Survey, Volume 26, Issue 4
The web site information included below includes two key and other informative sites. If there are any other interesting sites or sources of information that you have found useful, please e-mail me at s.todd@salford.ac.uk
The Building Research Establishment
The main menu of this site is structured as:
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Home;
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About us;
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By sector;
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A to Z of services;
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News;
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Training and events;
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Job opportunities;
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Contact us;
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Search site;
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E-newsletter;
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How to find us; and
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Staff profiles.
There are also some links below to some recent IHS BRE Press publications, which provide information and practical advice on new developments, regulations, codes and standards on all aspects of the built environment. The links include:
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“A guide to certification and approval for engineers and designers” – May 2008, Ref Code: IP5/08, http://news.ihs.com/GoNow/a14065a179478a443770932a2
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“Delivering sustainability objectives through planning” May 2008, Ref Code: IP3/08, http://news.ihs.com/GoNow/a14065a179478a443770932a0
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“Micro-wind turbines on house roofs” –- May 2008, Ref Code: IP4/08, http://news.ihs.com/GoNow/a14065a179478a443770932a1
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“Siting micro-wind turbines on house roofs” – May 2008, Ref Code: FB18, http://news.ihs.com/GoNow/a14065a179478a443770932a3
There is also a “spotlight” section on: Is your company REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restrictions of Chemicals) ready? The BRE REACH/chemical assessment team provide advice to clients on the environmental risk associated with the production, use and disposal of chemicals and act as advisors to both government and industry. They have carried out environmental risk assessments of many types of chemicals under EU and OECD programmes, from initial data collection and review through to final regulatory outcome. Recently they have been involved in the development of the EU Technical Guidance Documents produced for the REACH process. The REACH legislation will have major implications for companies within the UK and EU that produce, import or use chemical substances. Under this legislation companies will have to Register the chemicals they use, and for the more dangerous substances will also have to carry out a Chemical Safety Assessment and produce a Chemical Safety Report outlining the conditions under which the substance can be used safely. Substances that have certain hazardous properties may also be subject to an Authorisation process. The first action date under the new REACH regulation is approaching. REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) is the new regulatory system for chemical substances in the EU. From June 1st 2008, current manufacturers and importers have six months to pre-register their substances and take advantage of extended registration deadlines. No pre-registration means that production or import has to cease from 1 June until a registration is submitted to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).The Chemicals Assessment Team is a REACH ready approved service provider and can:
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help clients with preparation of registration dossiers;
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help clients with chemical safety assessments;
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help clients with chemical safety reports;
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help clients with authorisations;
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help clients with supply chain implications;
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help clients with environmental fate, behaviour, exposure, levels and effects of chemicals, including identification of substances of very high concern (e.g. PBTs and vPvBs) internet review;
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provide advice and training on REACH;
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help clients with classification and understanding of REACH status of chemicals (registration with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)).
BRE Dust testing and consulting services include:
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Dust hazard classification test.
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Provides a qualitative assessment of the explosibility of the dust:
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Group A: dusts which ignite and propagate flame (explosible); and
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Group B: dusts which do not ignite (non-explosible).
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Dust explosion prevention tests. The following tests provide quantitative data for the design of preventative measures:
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Layer ignition temperature test (LIT). The Layer Ignition test establishes the lowest temperature at which a layer of dust of specific thickness (usually 5 mm) ignites on a hot surface. The layer ignition test (LIT) apparatus and method follow IEC 1241-2-1 Part 2 Section 1. The results may be used for DSEAR risk assessments to determine potential ignition sources.
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Minimum ignition temperature test (MIT). The Minimum Ignition Temperature is the lowest temperature of a hot surface which will cause a dust cloud to ignite and propagate flame. The test apparatus and method comply with the IEC Standard 1241-2-1 Part 2 Section 1. The results may be used for DSEAR risk assessments to determine potential ignition sources.
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Minimum explosible concentration test (MEC). The Minimum Explosible Concentration determines the lowest concentration of a dust or powder that will allow combustion. The test follows BS EN 14034-3 and may be used for DSEAR risk assessments and hazardous area classification.
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Minimum ignition energy test (MIE). The Minimum Ignition Energy test measures the ease of ignition of a dust cloud by electrical and electrostatic discharges. The test follows guidance given in BS 5958 and BS EN 13821 and may be used for DSEAR risk assessments to determine likely electrical ignition sources and whether special precautions are required to guard against static electricity.
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Powder resistivity/charge decay. Limiting oxygen concentration test (LOC) - The limiting oxygen concentration is the highest concentration of oxygen that will prevent a dust explosion taking place. The test follows the BS EN 14034-4 and is mandatory if inerting is to be used as a method of dust explosion prevention under a DSEAR risk assessment.
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Dust explosion protection test. The 20-litre sphere test is used to measure: Maximum explosion pressure test (Pmax) - Rate of pressure rise test (KST). The Explosion Indices test measures the maximum explosion pressure (Pmax) and rate of pressure rise. The KST value is then calculated which may used to design new explosion protection systems or verify existing designs. The test follows ISO 6184/1:1985 and BS EN 14034 Parts 1 and 2 and the results will assist in making a DSEAR risk assessment.
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Dust consultancy. As a member of BSI Committee FSH/23, which covers dust explosion testing standards, BRE can provide advice on existing and forthcoming European and International testing standards.
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The latest news section includes:
Two new buildings launched on BRE Innovation ParkWith funding from EEDA, the new Visitors’ Centre has been developed from an existing house, built in 2005 by Hanson. This has been fully refurbished, reconfigured and extended to not only to provide information services on the Park supply chain, but also to demonstrate innovative technologies including solar hot water collectors, photovoltaics, low-energy lighting and heating, and a grey water recycling system. The Barratt Green House, designed by Gaunt Francis architects, won the 2007 Home for the Future Design Award run by the Mail on Sunday in collaboration with the National Centre for Excellence in Housing (a joint venture between BRE and the NHBC). The award-winning design was voted for by more than 22,000 Mail on Sunday readers. Designed to Level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes it will be the first home constructed by a mainstream home builder to meet the criteria for zero stamp duty. Constructed from aircrete, storey high panels with thin-joint mortar, the house uses concrete floor slabs to provide a robust frame with high “thermal mass” to ensure that any potential overheating problem is reduced. The house generates its own energy with photovoltaic cells, both on it’s own roof and on a neighbouring building, and with an air-air heat pump.Sustainable Schools Do Not Cost The EarthA report “Putting A Price On Sustainable Schools” demonstrates that higher BREEAM Schools ratings can be achieved at a minimum cost. The publication outlines details of costs for individual BREEAM Schools credits which can then be applied to real projects. The report includes case studies of Building Regulation compliant primary and secondary schools highlighting the increases in capital cost for the school to achieve Pass, Good, Very Good and Excellent under BREEAM Schools. Having considered cost implications the study then goes on to explore the increase in cost for a standard compliant school to achieve zero net carbon emissions through the use of low- or zero-carbon technologies. One of the principal barriers to the wider adoption of more sustainable design and construction is the perception that they can incur major additional cost. This report dispels the myth that BREEAM has to cost significantly more to implement.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
The Homepage includes a main menu:
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About us;
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Newsroom;
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Services;
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Join RICS;
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Using a surveyor; and
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Members.
The Homepage also includes some new links to global intelligence, trusted advice, including the latest market surveys, economic insights and reports:
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RICS Residential Lettings Survey Q1 2008;
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RICS 2008 Housing Market Forecast;
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RICS Economics and Market Surveys;
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RICS Press Release Index; and
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RICS Global Real Estate Weekly.
The RICS blogs include information on:
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Acquition of Land – Rates of interest after entry;
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Draft Legislative Programme; and
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Veterinary Use Class.
Mitsubishi Electric – Tools and Resources
This site gives details of Mitsubshi Electric’s Industry useful Information Guides. The guides available cover the following topics:
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the Enhanced Capital Allowances Scheme (ECA);
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the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD);
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Part L;
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mixed mode cooling systems;
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building energy management systems;
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water cooled VRF systems;
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the European F-Gas Regulation;
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the New Part L Guide 2006;
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the New 10 Per Cent Renewable Energy Target;
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heat pump boilers;
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part F of the building regulations;
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the code for sustainable homes;
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building energy ratings;
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renewable energy sources;
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WEEE Directive;
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combined heat and power;
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carbon reduction in the built environment; and
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application of heat pump boilers.
British Wood Federation
The British Woodworking Federation is the trade association for the woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry in the UK. It has over 500 members drawn from manufacturers, distributors and installers of timber doors, windows, conservatories, staircases, all forms of architectural joinery including shopfitting, timber frame buildings and engineered timber components, as well as suppliers to the industry. The total turnover of the BWF’s manufacturing membership in 2005 was approximately £617 million. The Federation strives to provide the best possible service to its members and to ensure that service represents the best value for their subscription fee. We believe this is the basis of our success in recruiting and retaining members; it drives us on towards achieving our ambition to be the trade association of choice for every woodworking enterprise in the UK. The BWF brings together individuals and companies within the industry to share problems and experiences and find solutions together.
The main menu of this web site includes information on:
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doors;
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windows;
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conservatories;
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fitted furniture (including kitchens);
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architectural joinery;
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timber frame and engineered components; and
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site installation.
James and Taylor
James and Taylor was established in 1988 and initially focused on the promotion, procurement and distribution of quality facing bricks to the construction industry. Over the last seven years, the pallet of materials, resource and supply has developed progressively, to reflect and embrace the changing face of British Architecture and the radical changes in construction methodology.
The main menu includes:
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Terracotta Rainscreen Cladding;
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Ceramic Rainscreen;
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Metal Rainscreen;
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Senses Hardwood Rainscreen;
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Facing Bricks;
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Natural Stone;
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Cast Stone;
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Masonry;
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Pyroslave;
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Traditional Terracotta;
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Construction Services; and
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Facade Engineering.
Wood Energy Ltd
Wood Energy Ltd is a an automatic biomass solutions specialist in the UK and Ireland. Systems range from 10 kW to 10,000 kW providing hot water or steam for heating and absorption chilling for almost any application from offices to hospitals; country estates to industrial processes and retail parks.
The Latest News Section included information on on a case study: Tannadice School: Containerised 300 kW Binder in Scotland. Tannadice is a typical rural school in Angus, Scotland. Early in 2007 Angus Council decided that wood-fuel heating should be encouraged wherever possible. Bill Watson from Angus Biofuels has built a large wood-fuel processing centre nearby and has provided the full turnkey design-and-build package for the Council. A Binder 300 kW boiler was selected and, due to the locally available excellent quality fuel, it was decided to use an underfed hearth system. The boiler system has a fully automatic heat-exchanger tube-cleaning system based on high velocity airflow, exhaust-gas recirculation control system and a cyclone to remove particles within the flue gas.
Arca (The Asbestos Removal Contractors Association)
The Asbestos Removal Contractors Association has been in operation for over 20 years providing asbestos training and representing the interests of asbestos removal contractors and associated asbestos businesses throughout the UK. All member Licensed Asbestos Removal Companies participate in the associations Site Audit Accreditation Scheme to ensure they are working to the highest standards in the industry.
The home page includes the following menu:
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Home;
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Information;
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Media Centre;
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Members;
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Training; and
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Contact Us.
The information section gives details of the following downloadable publications:
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Recommended Guidelines on Monitoring of Airborne Asbestos Fibres.
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Guidance on the Correct Carriage and Disposal of Asbestos Wastes.
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Recommended Guidelines on Commissioning, Conducting, or Interpreting a Type 3 Asbestos Survey.
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Recommended Guidelines for Personal decontamination Procedures when Working with Asbestos.
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Recommended Guidelines for the Encapsulation of Asbestos Containing Materials Download.
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Guidance Note for Asbestos Removal in Confined Spaces.
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Recommended Guidelines for Working with Asbestos Containing Decorative Coatings.
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Recommended Guidelines for Risk Assessments.
Klargester
Klargester specialises in the manufacture of package pollution control products. The company has developed a number of innovative products, some of which have revolutionised methods of dealing with the treatment of sewage on sites where mains drainage is not available.
The home page includes the main menu:
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Home.
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Products.
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Download Centre.
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Services and Tech.
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Case Studies.
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News and Articles.
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FAQs.
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Links to:
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The Environmental Agency (EA);
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Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA);
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Department of the Environment (DOE NI);
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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA);
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Local Authority Building Control;
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Klargester AB;
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Delta Abwassertechnik GmbH;
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Zickert W&AT;
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British Water; and
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UK Rainwater Harvesting Association.
There is also includes information about:
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BOD factor. The BOD factor is a measure of the Biochemical Oxygen Demand – oxygen consumed by bacteria, as it breaks down the pollution content of sewage. Raw sewage straight has a high pollution content and a high demand for oxygen (BOD factor of 300 or more). As oxygen assists in breaking down the pollution content the BOD factor is reduced. The lower the BOD factor, the lower is the pollution hazard.
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New products. This includes:
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compact pump stations in accordance with DIN/EN 12056;
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Ezy drain – a packaged product that improves the method of dispersing water into soil; and
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Raintrap – a garden watering system.
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Stephen Todd