TPT November 2022

Business & market news

BESA and TICA sound alarm about pre-insulated pipework installations

“One of the important lessons learned from the Grenfell tragedy was that products may have been tested and certified, but not necessarily for the particular application in question. We would, therefore, expect all responsible supply chain firms to be able to provide details of how the Euroclass fire rating of the PUR/PE system was achieved and the arrangement of the insulants in the test to determine their exposure to heat and flame,” he added. “We would also expect them to be able to provide clear evidence of compliance with BS 5422 heat loss/gain tables.” TICA’s technical policy manager Chris Ridge added that all responsible companies should be able to provide current Euroclass fire test certification for “the complete range of polyethylene pre-insulated pipework products”. “Looking ahead, we seek to challenge the wider industry to ensure that all pre-insulated systems meet the required standards,” he added. “This should not stop at pre-insulated pipework but should also include pre-insulated ductwork products.” BESA www.thebesa.com TICA www.tica-acad.co.uk

insulated pipework simply does not allow for the required flexibility to meet individual specification requirements,” the joint statement said. Both bodies are particularly concerned about the use of coiled flexible polyethylene insulated piping systems. “We have increasing evidence that these systems are being installed in high-risk buildings, such as large multi residential buildings,” they said. The statement reminded manufacturers, distributors, and installers of pre insulated polyethylene pipework systems that they had a responsibility to provide evidence of the suitability of these products for the specific application in question. Specifiers were also urged to check the thermal performance of the polyethylene system and to ask the supplier how it would meet the heat loss/gain requirements of BS 5422 and Part L of the Building Regulations. It is also vital that each product has the appropriate Euroclass fire rating, they said. “This is a critical fire safety issue and both bodies were determined to present a united front to help protect best practice in building services installations,” said BESA’s head of technical Graeme Fox. industry. He has developed and led the performance of numerous purchasing and sourcing teams in the USA, Canada, Egypt and the UK. Before arriving at McElroy, Mr Duerr was the western hemisphere strategic sourcing manager for TD Williamson in Tulsa, USA. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Oklahoma and a master’s degree in business administration from Oklahoma Christian University. “Eric will be a valuable asset to our purchasing team, as we strive to continue exceeding the expectations of users of McElroy equipment,” said McElroy senior operations manager Philip Maud.

Two trade associations have called for more rigorous checks on the fire safety of pre-insulated pipework being installed in buildings. The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) have issued a joint statement raising questions about the suitability of pipework that is normally used for underground and buried applications, such as primary heating networks, now being deployed inside buildings. They say this is a “fundamental change in product application” and takes the products outside the scope of the quality standards that are normally applied to their performance. Considering the current focus on fire safety in buildings, the two bodies were anxious to draw attention to this issue. They explained that building services pipe insulation specifications typically reflect the requirements of BS 5422 to ensure full compliance with the Building Regulations. However, pre-insulated pipework systems typically use either PUR or PE insulants, which do not meet the fire performance criteria typically specified for buildings. “In addition, the one-size-fits-all approach to insulation thickness typically undertaken by manufacturers of pre McElroy, a designer and manufacturer of thermoplastic fusion equipment, has appointed Eric Duerr as its new purchasing manager. “Since its founding, McElroy has remained committed to providing our clients with the highest-quality products, and that level of service begins with the sourcing process,” said McElroy president and CEO Chip McElroy. “Eric has a proven track record of success, and we are happy to have him come on board to lead our purchasing department.” Mr Duerr brings 15 years of procurement, sourcing, and inventory management experience, mainly in the oil & gas

McElroy welcomes Eric Duerr as new purchasing manager

Mr Duerr brings 15 years of procurement, sourcing and inventory management experience

As Mr Duerr transitions into his new role, he will be working closely with Mr Maud, who will be moving into a new role to focus on McElroy’s inventory, planning and execution processes. McElroy www.mcelroy.com

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