Building and Maintenance
New edition in electrical safety
The 17th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations came into effect this year. Neil Harrison of RS Components explains why getting up-to-date with the new requirements will be more than worth the effort for those working in the electrical or building services industries.
 
Outsourcing M&E maintenance
Ready access to comprehensive, up-to-date information is crucial for both client and provider in a mechanical and electrical (M&E) outsourcing partnership. Lorne Stewart looks at the role played by information management systems in making this partnership a success.
 
AC and refrigeration owners face tough new laws
Owners of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment face serious penalties if they don't comply with a whole series of new regulations. But don't worry, you can turn this situation to your advantage, says Graeme Fox of the Heating and Ventilating Contractors' Association.
 
IR cameras detect moisture problems in buildings
Infrared (IR) cameras are powerful aids for businesses involved in building certification and energy saving. Ken West of Fluke (UK) explains the parameters and limitations when using these tools to detect moisture inside buildings and homes.
 
New regulations in practice: What facilities managers need to know
One of the most important changes in the FM landscape for 2008 was the introduction of measures under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. David Bleicher explains what is involved.
 
Fighting fire
Following the implementation of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order in 2006, fire protection has become a crucial consideration during a refurbishment project. Joanne Gualda of Bagnalls outlines the legislation, and describes how the use of a flame-retardant paint system can help to ensure the highest level of fire protection.
 
Infrared inspections for building and facilities maintenance

Ken West, UK Regional Marketing Manager - Industrial Tools of Fluke (UK) Ltd, explains how infrared temperature measuring can help to locate problems lurking behind the scenes of buildings. 

 
Overcoming the myth of integrated technology

With the ever increasing pressures we all seem to be working under, the last thing most of us need is the prospect of having to install, commission and train the team on a new IT system, writes Charles Johnston. 

 
Infrared building energy inspection

Ron Newport and Austin Dunne of the Institute of Infrared Thermography explain how the energy efficiency of a building can be assessed with greater precision using infrared thermography, locating problems that were previously difficult to find using standard methods.  

 
Services engineers take on the sustainability challenge

Building services contractors have been quicker than most to recognise and tackle the practical aspects of the often misunderstood sustainability agenda, according to Mike McCloskey. 

 
Transparency offers a clear advantage

Nigel Fitzhenry of Romec Ltd Facilities Management discusses the advantages of switching to mobile data systems and how the latest technology enables facilities managers to operate far more efficiently than before.  

 
Finding common ground

Integration of property services is the way forward for big corporates looking for global solutions, says Rick Bertasi. But will real estate and FM ever speak the same language?  

 
Maintenance service - better for less?
The opportunities now open to maintenance service providers and customers alike are enormous. But is the maintenance industry properly focused on customers and service? And  what can property and plant owners reasonably expect of the industry?
 
Made to measure services for retail
Just as it's imperative for the retailer to understand their customer, the FM provider has to understand the retailer in order to meet the demands of this fast-moving sector.
 
Contracts - plan ahead to avoid trouble later
All contracts come to an end, whether planned or unplanned. The time to think carefully about expectations and obligations is before you sign.
 
Why is CERM so important?
What costs UK business £63 billion a year in unforeseen losses? Unplanned ICT outages.1 So what can be done to avoid catastrophic failure of engineering infrastructure and the resulting impact to business? Enter Critical Engineering and Risk Management (CERM).
 
Limiting F-gases
F-gas regulations concern the management of climate-altering fluorinated gases. They are due to come into force later in 2006 and will have considerable implications for the building services industry.
 
Reduce building costs with infrared thermology
Facilities managers can make considerable savings by minimising a building's energy losses. Of the various technologies that can be applied to do this, one of the most effective and efficient is infrared thermography
 
Building design, operation and maintenance – the growing importance of the facilities manager
Over the last 25 years, building design through to operation has experienced many changes associated with materials, technology and processes. Whilst this has resulted in better-equipped and more efficient buildings, there remains a view that the results of design/construction still leave a void as far as the operator/maintainer and occupants are concerned.
 
Planned engineering support in business critical environments
In this era in which companies are being directed to face their responsibilities in identifying and managing risk, engineering support is vital. In terms of infrastructure and engineering, it is important to fully understand the consequences of operational loss and to ensure the infrastructure is suitable for supporting critical operations.