Talk. Build 's Entries
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From their design to their hygiene, washrooms must be maintained regularly to make sure students feel comfortable using the services. Even a loose or a broken toilet door lock could compromise a child’s education; if a child feels as if he or she cannot use a facility comfortably, they may well return to a class unrelaxed, unfocussed and not in the best mind-set for learning. It is striking and even surprising to see how seemingly minor concerns such as toilet door locks have a negative effect on a child’s education and state of mind. Wellbeing is becoming more prominent in discussions on students mental and physical health; schools not only have a responsibility to educate, they must cultivate safe spaces for young people in the key stages of personal and individual development. Each area of a school building must be maintained to a standard which ensures a child’s education and wellbeing is not compromised, where their comfort should be of fundamental concern to school staff and the wider education sector at large. On the surface of things, it seems hard to envision why unequipped toilets could impact a child’s education and wellbeing. But if a child uses a toilet facility which does not have any soap, and then let’s say for some reason falls ill, then they will miss crucial learning time in the classroom. Maintaining clean and efficient toilets curbs absenteeism as children are healthy enough to attend lessons. But the argument does not just revolve around physical health, as mental health and wellbeing is a chief concern for school staff. If a washroom is not maintained appropriately, students will feel anxious using them, resulting in a decreased-attention span whilst at school. Whether it is lack of soap, broken toilet seats, or cracked mirrors, it is important to take into account these factors to address the broader concern of how it might impact a child’s frame of mind. More responsibility must be taken to improve toilet facilities in school environments, in order to increase student wellbeing, health and productivity. Schools must also shift their perspectives towards small concerns such as these as they will improve the school’s larger function. At the moment, poorly facilitated toilets are affecting attendance and wellbeing, thereby threatening the overall performance of a school. By shifting perspectives and taking more accountability when it comes to the state of school washrooms, we might enhance students’ wellbeing and find solutions to prevent absenteeism. Visit: https://www.interfixgroup.com0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build From their design to their hygiene, washrooms must be maintained regularly to make sure students feel comfortable using the services. Even a loose or a broken toilet door lock could compromise a child’s education; if a child feels as if he or she cannot use a facility comfortably, they may well return to a class unrelaxed, unfocussed and not in the best mind-set for learning. It is striking and even surprising to see how seemingly minor concerns such as toilet door locks have a negative effect on a child’s education and state of mind. Wellbeing is becoming more prominent in discussions on students mental and physical health; schools not only have a responsibility to educate, they must cultivate safe spaces for young people in the key stages of personal and individual development. Each area of a school building must be maintained to a standard which ensures a child’s education and wellbeing is not compromised, where their comfort should be of fundamental concern to school staff and the wider education sector at large. On the surface of things, it seems hard to envision why unequipped toilets could impact a child’s education and wellbeing. But if a child uses a toilet facility which does not have any soap, and then let’s say for some reason falls ill, then they will miss crucial learning time in the classroom. Maintaining clean and efficient toilets curbs absenteeism as children are healthy enough to attend lessons. But the argument does not just revolve around physical health, as mental health and wellbeing is a chief concern for school staff. If a washroom is not maintained appropriately, students will feel anxious using them, resulting in a decreased-attention span whilst at school. Whether it is lack of soap, broken toilet seats, or cracked mirrors, it is important to take into account these factors to address the broader concern of how it might impact a child’s frame of mind. More responsibility must be taken to improve toilet facilities in school environments, in order to increase student wellbeing, health and productivity. Schools must also shift their perspectives towards small concerns such as these as they will improve the school’s larger function. At the moment, poorly facilitated toilets are affecting attendance and wellbeing, thereby threatening the overall performance of a school. By shifting perspectives and taking more accountability when it comes to the state of school washrooms, we might enhance students’ wellbeing and find solutions to prevent absenteeism. Visit: https://www.interfixgroup.comMay 16, 2018 0 -
The introduction of Sewers for Adoption 7 (SfA7) has meant that engineers can now specify plastic inspection chambers instead of those made from concrete. Offering a substantially lighter, structurally sound, watertight chamber and one that benefits from exceptional loading capabilities, Paul Grills of Brett Martin takes a fresh look at modern plastic materials which are fast becoming the go-to alternative to traditional concrete chambers. With the intention of standardising the performance and installation of all ‘adoptable’ drainage installations, the SfA7 guidance provides installers with general specifications for drainage. But when is an inspection chamber adoptable and when is it not? Adoptable inspection chambers serve two or more properties and are the first inspection chamber back from an adoptable lateral drain. Non-adoptable chambers are installed within the property boundary and serve individual properties. Building a case for plastic One of the major step changes with SfA7 is that tried and tested engineered plastic inspection chambers are now being accepted for use in adoptable areas as an alternative to traditional materials such as concrete and offer significant cost and time benefits. Through the introduction of newly-defined design specifications and by bringing in installation standards for all adoptable drainage networks, SfA7 provides the specifier with Typical Access Chamber Details for flexible material (plastic) versions. This means that traditional rigid concrete chambers are no longer the only authorised option for adoptable drainage installations down to 3 metres. Plastic inspection chambers are now required to be designed, tested and manufactured to meet the requirements of BS EN 13598 under SfA7 guidance. Part 1 of the standard covers installations down to a maximum of 1.2m invert depth, and Part 2 covers deeper installations, including critical areas. Traditionally there has been some reluctance towards plastic inspection chambers from water authorities, even for Part 1 compliant installations. However with any lateral drain or sewer serving two or more properties and connections to the public sewer now able to be adopted by a water company, a traditional 1.2m concrete inspection chamber would not be practical in a lot of these instances. This change, enshrined in SfA7, has begun to result in a change of attitude from the water companies. Independently tested One of the reasons why plastic systems are becoming more accepted is due to the rigorous testing program set out in BS EN 13598. These independent tests include dimensional assessments, load testing, pressure testing and elevated temperature cycling to name just a few. Furthermore, a product certified by a third party (such as BSI) will be subject to this robust test program on an ongoing basis, ensuring that companies are consistently producing a product which meets this high standard. This impartial testing and certification should not only give water companies confidence in the system which they have installed, but also builders, surveyors and homeowners as well. Modern plastic systems are seeing increased interest due to their important set of benefits compared with concrete, including performance characteristics such as structural integrity, watertightconstruction and strong loading capabilities. And the substantially lighter weight offered by polypropylene chambers means there is no need for the craning required for the traditional concrete solutions, and that health and safety concerns on site are drastically reduced. Plastic sewer systems are also known for a very smooth internal surface in comparison to a concrete system. This reduced friction coefficient helps the flow of foul water, reduces the risk of blockages and means that the jetting pressure required for a plastic system is significantly reduced against a concrete pipe. Ease of installation Along with being durable and robust, these modern plastic systems can be integrally socketed for improved pipe alignment thereby easing installation and performance, a vital consideration for a long design life. An additional benefit of the integral socket is the system can be manufactured specifically to be compatible with other standardised plastic sewer products (such as BS EN 1401 pipe and fittings). This further improves on installation time and removes the need for additional adaptor pieces which go between concrete and plastic systems. With the official Sewers for Adoption 7 guidance now supporting the specification of plastic for adoptable solutions, local authorities can be sure they gain all the benefits of fit-for-purpose alternatives, and be fully in compliance with all standards. Visit: www.brettmartin.com0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build The introduction of Sewers for Adoption 7 (SfA7) has meant that engineers can now specify plastic inspection chambers instead of those made from concrete. Offering a substantially lighter, structurally sound, watertight chamber and one that benefits from exceptional loading capabilities, Paul Grills of Brett Martin takes a fresh look at modern plastic materials which are fast becoming the go-to alternative to traditional concrete chambers. With the intention of standardising the performance and installation of all ‘adoptable’ drainage installations, the SfA7 guidance provides installers with general specifications for drainage. But when is an inspection chamber adoptable and when is it not? Adoptable inspection chambers serve two or more properties and are the first inspection chamber back from an adoptable lateral drain. Non-adoptable chambers are installed within the property boundary and serve individual properties. Building a case for plastic One of the major step changes with SfA7 is that tried and tested engineered plastic inspection chambers are now being accepted for use in adoptable areas as an alternative to traditional materials such as concrete and offer significant cost and time benefits. Through the introduction of newly-defined design specifications and by bringing in installation standards for all adoptable drainage networks, SfA7 provides the specifier with Typical Access Chamber Details for flexible material (plastic) versions. This means that traditional rigid concrete chambers are no longer the only authorised option for adoptable drainage installations down to 3 metres. Plastic inspection chambers are now required to be designed, tested and manufactured to meet the requirements of BS EN 13598 under SfA7 guidance. Part 1 of the standard covers installations down to a maximum of 1.2m invert depth, and Part 2 covers deeper installations, including critical areas. Traditionally there has been some reluctance towards plastic inspection chambers from water authorities, even for Part 1 compliant installations. However with any lateral drain or sewer serving two or more properties and connections to the public sewer now able to be adopted by a water company, a traditional 1.2m concrete inspection chamber would not be practical in a lot of these instances. This change, enshrined in SfA7, has begun to result in a change of attitude from the water companies. Independently tested One of the reasons why plastic systems are becoming more accepted is due to the rigorous testing program set out in BS EN 13598. These independent tests include dimensional assessments, load testing, pressure testing and elevated temperature cycling to name just a few. Furthermore, a product certified by a third party (such as BSI) will be subject to this robust test program on an ongoing basis, ensuring that companies are consistently producing a product which meets this high standard. This impartial testing and certification should not only give water companies confidence in the system which they have installed, but also builders, surveyors and homeowners as well. Modern plastic systems are seeing increased interest due to their important set of benefits compared with concrete, including performance characteristics such as structural integrity, watertightconstruction and strong loading capabilities. And the substantially lighter weight offered by polypropylene chambers means there is no need for the craning required for the traditional concrete solutions, and that health and safety concerns on site are drastically reduced. Plastic sewer systems are also known for a very smooth internal surface in comparison to a concrete system. This reduced friction coefficient helps the flow of foul water, reduces the risk of blockages and means that the jetting pressure required for a plastic system is significantly reduced against a concrete pipe. Ease of installation Along with being durable and robust, these modern plastic systems can be integrally socketed for improved pipe alignment thereby easing installation and performance, a vital consideration for a long design life. An additional benefit of the integral socket is the system can be manufactured specifically to be compatible with other standardised plastic sewer products (such as BS EN 1401 pipe and fittings). This further improves on installation time and removes the need for additional adaptor pieces which go between concrete and plastic systems. With the official Sewers for Adoption 7 guidance now supporting the specification of plastic for adoptable solutions, local authorities can be sure they gain all the benefits of fit-for-purpose alternatives, and be fully in compliance with all standards. Visit: www.brettmartin.comJan 05, 2018 0
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The phrase ‘out of sight, out of mind’ is certainly pertinent when we talk about everything from rubbish disposal, food waste and anything to do with plumbing and sanitation. However, as Iain Thomson, senior business development engineer at ATAC describes, one tiny new development is causing chaos the length and breadth of the country. And the time for action is now. We had a bit of good news recently. ITV News reported that, after serious pressure, wet wipes manufacturers will apply a 'do not flush' label to their products in a bid to stop blockages. Apparently the governing body for wet wipes, EDANA, has reported that its members, who include P&G and Johnson & Johnson, have given in to pressure by agreeing to re-label products with warnings not to flush them down the toilet. But is this all a storm in a cistern? Between August 2015 and July 2016, Northumbrian Water was informed about 1,860 blockages in the area. As part of this, the company is reminding people that ‘only toilet paper, pee and poo go down the loo’. It’s encouraging residents to pop nappies, cotton buds, cotton wool, wipes and other bathroom waste into a bin. Most wet wipes do not biodegrade (and even the ones that claim they do take much longer to fall apart than ordinary toilet roll), so they get stuck in the sewers. Oil, grease and food products then build up around them, creating solid “fatbergs” like the 15 tonne blockage discovered under the streets of Kingston, Surrey, in 2013. This monster caused such a build-up of raw sewage in the system that it almost blew the lids off the local manholes. At ATAC, 90% of our call-outs were as a result of problems involving sanitary ware, and practically all involved blockages due to wet wipes and other “foreign material” in the sewage and pipe system. In pumping systems, wet wipes block the impeller (the pump shaft). They sit on top of a pump causing it to burn out; they disrupt the float mechanisms which are the devices which record levels in tanks giving inaccurate readings; and they clog up inlet pipes, especially in older clay pipes. There is also a wider issue here, and it’s not just about us dealing with a particularly unpleasant disaster at a property when its strikes. It’s about the pressure being put on the UK’s burgeoning infrastructure system, in the face of new housing stock being built, often, off-grid. I’ll give you an example. A couple of months ago I visited a developer whose collection of new-builds was completed off-grid. In just one household the disposal of wet wipes had caused untold damage to the system and resulted in all of the houses suffering what has been described as a catastrophic failure of the waste system, leading to massive insurance claims, appalling neighbourhood relations and a bill of £10,000 for the developer. And we’re seeing examples like this with increased regularity. So I’m heartened that at least manufacturers have stepped up to the plate on urging responsible disposal of wet wipes. But we need to go further and explain to all users – domestic and commercial – that individual responsibility is vital if we want to keep our taps running and our toilets flushing. The alternative doesn’t bear thinking about. Visit: https://www.atacsolutions.com/0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build The phrase ‘out of sight, out of mind’ is certainly pertinent when we talk about everything from rubbish disposal, food waste and anything to do with plumbing and sanitation. However, as Iain Thomson, senior business development engineer at ATAC describes, one tiny new development is causing chaos the length and breadth of the country. And the time for action is now. We had a bit of good news recently. ITV News reported that, after serious pressure, wet wipes manufacturers will apply a 'do not flush' label to their products in a bid to stop blockages. Apparently the governing body for wet wipes, EDANA, has reported that its members, who include P&G and Johnson & Johnson, have given in to pressure by agreeing to re-label products with warnings not to flush them down the toilet. But is this all a storm in a cistern? Between August 2015 and July 2016, Northumbrian Water was informed about 1,860 blockages in the area. As part of this, the company is reminding people that ‘only toilet paper, pee and poo go down the loo’. It’s encouraging residents to pop nappies, cotton buds, cotton wool, wipes and other bathroom waste into a bin. Most wet wipes do not biodegrade (and even the ones that claim they do take much longer to fall apart than ordinary toilet roll), so they get stuck in the sewers. Oil, grease and food products then build up around them, creating solid “fatbergs” like the 15 tonne blockage discovered under the streets of Kingston, Surrey, in 2013. This monster caused such a build-up of raw sewage in the system that it almost blew the lids off the local manholes. At ATAC, 90% of our call-outs were as a result of problems involving sanitary ware, and practically all involved blockages due to wet wipes and other “foreign material” in the sewage and pipe system. In pumping systems, wet wipes block the impeller (the pump shaft). They sit on top of a pump causing it to burn out; they disrupt the float mechanisms which are the devices which record levels in tanks giving inaccurate readings; and they clog up inlet pipes, especially in older clay pipes. There is also a wider issue here, and it’s not just about us dealing with a particularly unpleasant disaster at a property when its strikes. It’s about the pressure being put on the UK’s burgeoning infrastructure system, in the face of new housing stock being built, often, off-grid. I’ll give you an example. A couple of months ago I visited a developer whose collection of new-builds was completed off-grid. In just one household the disposal of wet wipes had caused untold damage to the system and resulted in all of the houses suffering what has been described as a catastrophic failure of the waste system, leading to massive insurance claims, appalling neighbourhood relations and a bill of £10,000 for the developer. And we’re seeing examples like this with increased regularity. So I’m heartened that at least manufacturers have stepped up to the plate on urging responsible disposal of wet wipes. But we need to go further and explain to all users – domestic and commercial – that individual responsibility is vital if we want to keep our taps running and our toilets flushing. The alternative doesn’t bear thinking about. Visit: https://www.atacsolutions.com/Jul 24, 2017 0
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By Interfix Washrooms For decades it has almost been a rite of passage for schoolboys to sneak off to the toilet for a crafty cigarette, out of sight from teachers and prefects. In what was regarded as a gentler age, the penalty for being found out was probably no more than a severe reprimand from the headmaster Nowadays things are a lot more serious both at schools and of course in the work place. It is now illegal to smoke with severe penalties on hand for employers and schools who flout the law. This applies equally in public areas such as clubs and shopping centres where as well as the potential health hazards – fire is also a major risk. However, it seems that the days are numbered for those who think they can away with a quick smoke in a toilet cubicle thanks to a tiny LED light, no bigger than the size of a screw head. We have developed a system that acts as a silent sentinel for anyone prepared to risk a quick smoke away from prying eyes. The light is connected to a smoke detector which in turn sounds an alarm which goes off in a nearby office. The culprit has no idea that they have even been found out until they hear the knock on the door as the light is virtually undetectable from inside the cubicle – and no alarm actually sounds inside the washroom. While it might all sound a bit “big brotherish” it is a fact that a third of all fires are still caused by irresponsible smokers. It is also a fact that we have seen a growing incidence of people smoking other substances which are equally hazardous. We believe that in the next few years toilet cubicles in every public washroom will have such lights fitted as standard – a silent safeguard in the battle to improve health and safety and an aid in the fight against drug abuse. Visit http://www.interfixgroup.com/0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build By Interfix Washrooms For decades it has almost been a rite of passage for schoolboys to sneak off to the toilet for a crafty cigarette, out of sight from teachers and prefects. In what was regarded as a gentler age, the penalty for being found out was probably no more than a severe reprimand from the headmaster Nowadays things are a lot more serious both at schools and of course in the work place. It is now illegal to smoke with severe penalties on hand for employers and schools who flout the law. This applies equally in public areas such as clubs and shopping centres where as well as the potential health hazards – fire is also a major risk. However, it seems that the days are numbered for those who think they can away with a quick smoke in a toilet cubicle thanks to a tiny LED light, no bigger than the size of a screw head. We have developed a system that acts as a silent sentinel for anyone prepared to risk a quick smoke away from prying eyes. The light is connected to a smoke detector which in turn sounds an alarm which goes off in a nearby office. The culprit has no idea that they have even been found out until they hear the knock on the door as the light is virtually undetectable from inside the cubicle – and no alarm actually sounds inside the washroom. While it might all sound a bit “big brotherish” it is a fact that a third of all fires are still caused by irresponsible smokers. It is also a fact that we have seen a growing incidence of people smoking other substances which are equally hazardous. We believe that in the next few years toilet cubicles in every public washroom will have such lights fitted as standard – a silent safeguard in the battle to improve health and safety and an aid in the fight against drug abuse. Visit http://www.interfixgroup.com/Jul 01, 2017 0
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By Interfix Washrooms Washrooms have always provoked debate probably because we all have to use them so it is no surprise that more recently the discussion has shifted towards unisex and transgender toilets – and as in the past, everyone has a view. This particular argument is likely to run for some time with many traditionalists vehemently opposed to any form of unisex or transgender washrooms, while modernisers are joining together to welcome the development. You might think that companies such as Interfix would be caught between a rock and a hard place as the debate heats up – but the reverse is true. We have adapted to the changing environment and shown that unisex and transgender washrooms can really work when sympathetically planned. Toilet cubicles have become more private with floor to ceiling cubicle divisions for maximum privacy, washrooms have become more open to minimise opportunities for bullying or other anti-social behaviour. Traditionalists still argue that many teenage girls would feel intimidated using a unisex washroom and more vulnerable girls could suffer as a result. Boys are not immune either, particularly those approaching puberty – but in reality this does not seem to be the case. Some also argue that boys are not as hygienic in their toilet habits as girls and this cannot be denied but experience has shown that standards are raised in unisex washrooms. Schools in particular are also under pressure to provide fluid gender facilities and this is more likely to lead to a unisex solution but it does work and while we still have a long way to go before there is universal acceptance, it’s looking more likely that all washrooms could be unisex within the next 10 years. So watch this space. For more information visit http://www.interfixgroup.com/0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build By Interfix Washrooms Washrooms have always provoked debate probably because we all have to use them so it is no surprise that more recently the discussion has shifted towards unisex and transgender toilets – and as in the past, everyone has a view. This particular argument is likely to run for some time with many traditionalists vehemently opposed to any form of unisex or transgender washrooms, while modernisers are joining together to welcome the development. You might think that companies such as Interfix would be caught between a rock and a hard place as the debate heats up – but the reverse is true. We have adapted to the changing environment and shown that unisex and transgender washrooms can really work when sympathetically planned. Toilet cubicles have become more private with floor to ceiling cubicle divisions for maximum privacy, washrooms have become more open to minimise opportunities for bullying or other anti-social behaviour. Traditionalists still argue that many teenage girls would feel intimidated using a unisex washroom and more vulnerable girls could suffer as a result. Boys are not immune either, particularly those approaching puberty – but in reality this does not seem to be the case. Some also argue that boys are not as hygienic in their toilet habits as girls and this cannot be denied but experience has shown that standards are raised in unisex washrooms. Schools in particular are also under pressure to provide fluid gender facilities and this is more likely to lead to a unisex solution but it does work and while we still have a long way to go before there is universal acceptance, it’s looking more likely that all washrooms could be unisex within the next 10 years. So watch this space. For more information visit http://www.interfixgroup.com/Jun 30, 2017 0
