All links have been disabled

New website – 30.12.2002

We are about one third of the way through transferring pages to the new website which we expect to launch in January. The new site is registered, online and working, which helps testing. We have arranged (over the holiday) with Discusware in the USA, to upgrade the Discussion Board to their latest 4.0 version, which again we are purchasing. Thus we get the raw power, extra features and no advertisements. The new board will be installed on our server as now.

Gas-Shield II – 23.12.2002

The plot thickens. Anyway they’re back online after two days in the wilderness, which will save us having to delete our links. Aside from the existing posh front end it appears that some text has been tidied up. We wonder if a certain gaselec showed up at the launch ? Good idea in theory but without teeth it is difficult to see how the remaining 9 out of 10 Landlords (or 27 out of 28 ?) are to be motivated if the HSE cannot do it. I wonder if we should copyright © our LGSR forms ?

Gas-Shield Shelved ? – 22.12.2002

The Gas-Shield website has now been offline for 48 hours, yet their web hosts Virtual Internet Ltd (dot.com address) and Easily Ltd (dot.co.uk address) are both online without interruption. We review the bizarre situation thus far - more

Wherefore art thou ? – 18.12.2002

We have been looking for the elusive (draft) BS 7967 promised us 18 months ago in TGI but it has thus far eluded one and all. This relates to the use of Flue Gas Analysers and not the manufacture which is covered by BS 7927: 1998. A search at BSI online, under past, present or draft shows no trace whatsoever of BS 7967. Anyone know anything at all ?

NTC Combi Course – 16.12.2002

Today saw the successful completion of the first Combination Boiler Appreciation and Awareness Course run by North Trafford College in Manchester.

Twelve delegates started the course and twelve delegates finished the course, which speaks volumes.

We know the next course due to start in January is already booked up but there are other venues in combi course opposite.

A sequel is already being considered and Combi Course II will be announced when we have details. Please supply details of any known courses in your area.

Boiler Manufacturers – 27.11.2002

Strebel and Fontecal have been added to the Library (Manufacturers).

EST grant fraud – 24.11.2002

The dust has not yet settled on the £ 97 million ILA fraud scandal and now the EST seems to be suffering from someone who may be a candidate for one of our cowboy entrepreneur awards.

We should point out the report in H and V News makes it clear that the EST called in the cavalry to SW1 and plod has arrested an unnamed person. Remanded on bail until January so you’ll have to wait for the gory details.

Hmmm - Even more intriguing was mention of letter “in circulation” which contains “malicious allegations” (about the EST) allegedly written by a “disgruntled” contractor. It was not us so who is going to own up ?

CORGI under fire – 24.11.2002

Corgi appear to be under heavy fire from industry in H and V News (November 23 2002) with their new and allegedly pre-emptive generic gas safety certificate. The article confirms Installers will be required to issue a certificate with each and every job, under proposed new regulations set to be in place next year. The attack was launched by Derek McLuckie who was himself in trouble last week (ACS angst below) and Bob Towse (HVCA) has backed the condemnation. Naturally CORGI has defended the new certificate which will be the only pad required by Installers aside from Warning Notices.

Talking of forms, British Gas are issuing a monster new form to their sub-contractors. That information packed, double sided A3 sheet takes the place of Benchmark, addresses the needs of Part L (J) and mops up a variety of other detail related to gas work as well as serving customer satisfaction confirmation.

Our sources indicate a related story emerging concerning working gas pressures on new installations, which is causing some sub-contractors to review their prices on BG related work. More will be forthcoming this week.

Positive Pressure Boilers – 19.11.2002

The Library (Positive Pressure Boilers) has been updated to include the HSE advice (PDF – 342K) “Industry guidance for the checking of case seals and the general integrity of room-sealed fan assisted positive pressure gas appliances”. Well worth printing out the two pages for the mobile library.

ACS angst – 17.11.2002

The HSE are being firm in H and V News this week [November 16 2002] in re the little matter of one day ACS assessments. The APHC have got a high profile slap on the wrist from Barry Watkinson who makes it clear the HSC has not yet agreed to anything editorial 43

Queen’s Speech – 13.11.2002

It is reported on BBC news that further legislation is proposed to control errant Landlords. “In an attempt to crackdown on unscrupulous landlords, it plans to give local authorities powers to license private landlords in certain areas”. Whether or not this will include Landlord’s Gas Safety Checks is not yet mentioned.

APHC Blunder ? – 10.11.2002

H and V News [November 6 2002] has a front page story in which the HSE clearly disown the item below. The caption now reads “HSE has not approved one-day reassessments”. However the gist of the article remains somewhat vague and we believe it is only a matter of time before changes are made and certainly before the next round of ACS.

ACS Axed – 25.10.2002

H and V News [October 26 2002] is running a front page story with the caption “ACS reassessments ‘to take one day”. In an interview with Derek McLuckie of the APHC it has been revealed that the notion of one day reassessments focusing on updating has finally been agreed- Editorial 42

Flueless Gas Fires – 20.10.2002

We are currently researching flueless gas fires (with catalytic converter) and have noted Focal Point Fires also produce such products, hence in part the exercise, to update our knowledge. It had previously been believed that only Burley could supply the product. Burley are of course still an important player in the market more

GWINTO forum – 14.10.2002

The GWINTO forum appears to be back online after many months absence.

PHEX Manchester 2002 – 13.10.2002

I emphasise now that PHEX Manchester 2002 was every bit as interesting as it was last year. One or two names were absent that we might have expected to see but that did not affect the atmosphere. Only my own limited time prevents a longer feature more

Fernox Powerflushing Training – 12.10.2002

Alpha Fry Ltd (aka Fernox) are offering Powerflushing training for a modest £50 including all materials and luncheon. Their training includes hands-on stuff with a rigged system, though Fernox are the first to say there is no substitute for doing the real thing. Still a good idea in our view to begin with a rig. No mention of it on the web site at the time of writing so if you are interested contact Fernox Administration on 01483 793200 – Next course at Warrington 22.10.2002.

Technical CD – 10.10.2002

In addition to Worcester-Bosch we already know about, PHEX today produced a Technical CD from Vaillant, Chaffoteaux et Maury and Ariston / MTS (GB) Ltd. The Library – Manufacturers has been updated.

PHEX Manchester – 10.10.2002

Spent the day at this packed event and picked up a few CD rom from boiler manufacturers amongst other things. I hope to write some more on this when I get a few minutes.

BTsometime – 06.10.2002

We have received notification from Btopenworld that their BTanytime package will be restricted to 150 hours per month with a 50 hour carry over for unused allocation. There is and always has been a 2 hour time-out anyway. The email emphasises that we are well within our new quota (nice of them). They say it is for the benefit of everyone but is it ? If they can sustain the bandwidth for broadband then they can do the same for BTanytime. We reckon they want the cake and to eat it as well. Greedy entrepreneurs trying to force heavy users onto broadband.

TGI Technical – 03.10.2002

We have now brought the Library (TGI Technical) section up to date. In doing so we have reviewed the matter of Positive Pressure Boilers which have lately been the subject of HSE scrutiny, as presumably concern is rising. The latter will soon be revised also.

IOP Forum – 03.10.2002

The Institute of Plumbing Forum appears to have made a return with a new skin. We are pleased to see them return. Perhaps GWINTO can follow their example ?

PTS – 29.09.2002

That rapidly rising star Plumbing Trade Supplies has now been added to the Library (Manufacturers) for future reference.

And nothing but the truth – 29.09.2002

We would be failing in our duty if we did not deliver the letter of the week from H&V News September 28 2002, for those of you who have not yet registered for your free copy more

Show them the logo – 22.09.2002

Well, I’ve done my duty as encouraged by the Energy Saving Trust (EST) on page 32 of Heating Ventilating and Plumbing (HVP) September 2002 (Gas Supplement). Now what ? Editorial 41 explores the topic.

Regions – 21.09.2002

Some of you may have noticed we have introduced a REGIONS motif on the right of your screen, in an effort to widen the general debate. Click on the About link and read all about it.

Manufacturers – 21.09.2002

The Library (Manufacturers) has been expanded as part of our ongoing improvements. We are trying to link to all known relevant people. Apologies if we have missed anyone, in which case let us know. We are waiting for a missing back issue of TGI so we can finally bring the technical section up to date.

DHPTE – 19.09.2002

Some more dates for your diary from Domestic Heating & Plumbing Trade Events (DHPTE) will be found in our events opposite.

Etiquette Workshop ? – 18.09.2002

The Editor’s (Derek Johnson) viewpoint in PHAM News provides an excellent model for those in authority, who would like to reach out to Installers in a more constructive way more

Energy Efficiency Workshops – 18.09.2002

PHAM News announces a new programme of these useful courses for Installers more

PHEX Manchester – 16.09.2002

This show is imminent and a list of exhibitors is available here if anyone is interested. Tickets for the star studded show and nosebag have arrived this morning. Register online in events opposite.

TOOLFAIRS – 16.09.2002

Hamerville, publishers of Professional Heating & Plumbing Installer (PHPI) magazine have announced details of forthcoming TOOLFAIRS and those events are now listed on our events page opposite. No mention of Wales or Northern Ireland in the line up. Their web site looks like a coal cellar at night but you can still register online in the white bits !

It would appear anyone wishing to lash out on a flue gas analyser may have a choice of venues but no TOOLFAIR exhibitors are known to us at present. By the way we note the price of the TESTO 305-1 FGA has plunged to an amazing £235 + dreaded in HPM.

IOP Forum – 16.09.2002

Still no news of the IOP forum following the sudden ‘suspension’ in June this year. We regard the reason offered to be a smoke screen. Why else should it take so long to return. None of our business but we know there is growing concern in the IOP rank and file. Could be the tail is wagging the dog and free speech thwarted by the industry powerful.

Flue Gas Analysis challenge – 15.09.2002

Feature 63 explores a question raised by someone (Discussion Board) on Flue Gas Analysis information and training. The feature offers industry a challenge to either put up or shut on the subject.

Recommendation 21 – 15.09.2002

We feature the leading story from H&V News, September 14 2002. Whatever happens, if you have yet to do ACS, shop around for prices and let us know if any greedy entrepreneurs try profiteering from a shortage of places. Plenty of Mb spare in the Issues section of the web site.

Editorial 40 – 15.09.2002

Time for a house buyer’s carbon assessment ? - more

H & V News – 13.09.2002

Commitments have kept us off the front page for a few days but we hope to bring you some interesting stuff this weekend from H&V News, for the benefit of those not yet (?) receiving the journal.

September 7 edition has Gren Ward (Baxi) striking a blow for common sense (not for the first time) on the energy efficiency debate and September 14 covers the exciting HSE v Industry brawl with Bob Towse (ex-Corgi) apparently carrying the banner into battle. Interesting stuff and although Corgi stand co-accused with Training Boffins, no comment emerges from RG24 8WG.

Nothing we at regainuk have not been saying for a long time but it is obviously now beginning to hurt them where it hurts most. In the pocket. H&V News is a real newspaper.

Kitchen Specialists Association – 12.09.2002

Had a chat today with a founder member of this long standing and well represented trade association that I had never heard of before. The KSA promotes standards in the kitchen installation industry and is worth noting for customers who may ask.

Free Training – 03.09.2002

We can’t be everywhere at once and the subject of apprentice training has slipped down our agenda somewhat. I have tonight attended a North Trafford College open evening, meeting other RGIs and my fourth Corgi Inspector (is it me I wonder ?). Splendid hospitality as usual. In attendance also were STEGTA and MEGTA with what appear to me to be worthwhile training opportunities for young people. These two organisations are non-profit making (well it is gas) but I believe mostly

Water Testing – 01.09.2002

There are now a number of companies who will carry out an analysis of heating system water but at the time of writing the weakness in that service concerns their self serving unwillingness to identify products in samples, other than their own. We at regainuk would welcome a testing house willing to identify all mainstream products. That would be fair to us and enable us to be fair to consumers.

Andy Drummond has provided us with details of his own interesting technique which you may wish to experiment with.

Reliance Water Controls – 01.09.2002

A current job has had us researching technical data. That journey took us to the spectacular RWC web site. As readers of HVP will know, RWC publish regular training features in that venerable magazine. New entrants would be advised to spend some time on the web site and download some of the superb pdf files. RWC is in the Library for future information. We have been studying the latest central heating pdf and expansion vessels.

GWINTO – 01.09.2002

The GWINTO web site has had a face lift with an apparent shift in emphasis. Well worth having a look around. ACS training centre links now have pole position on the front page with a cute little interactive map as shown on our shortcuts column. Curiously the forum link has consciously been retained but there is still no return of the forum. If it helps the return I will publicly pledge (?) never to post there.

Anyone with ambitions to write an Observer’s Book of Boffins, Bodies and Organisations could make a good start by clicking on links. It was Dr Albert Sweitzer who famously said “civilization began with manual labour’ but he made no mention of the latter being crushed under a huge pile of pseudo-necessary boffins.

Hello, hello, hello – 31.08.2002

TGI has arrived and we thought the silly season had ended. Jesting aside we should have sufficient material for a page of comment this month. Page 13 refers to the CITB’s approach to ‘packaging assessments’, whatever that means ? The bottom line is that 5 day’s worth of ACS has now shrunk to 3 days, thus it should be cheaper. Good old market forces ? Worth shopping around we reckon.

Could be they have adopted BPEC’s pioneering Accredited Prior Assessment to save duplication of effort but they do not say.

The rise and rise of RUK – 31.08.2002

As we approach the autumnal phase, hits on RUK soared over 2500 yesterday. That is the good news. The bad news for us is that our server log suggests visitors are more interested in what you write than what we write, though clearly many are using parts of the web site as a resource.

DIY statistics – 30.08.2002

According to a British Gas survey one third of householders said they would have a go at fixing a boiler before calling a professional. We don’t believe that. Curiously in many years of operating a dedicated emergency plumbing service, most calls related to DIY failures. Calls for DIY gas failures were negligible but we did not touch those anyway. We had more calls to rescue jewellery that had vanished down the pan or plug ‘ole.

(Source h&v news)

RUK hits – 30.08.2002

Following a surprisingly brief but traditional summer downturn in June, hits at this web site have been consistently rising and yesterday were well in excess of 2000.

Power Flushing II – 28.08.2002

We have completed the promised re-write of Power Flushing in the consumer pages. Nothing is set in concrete and we fully expect to tweak here and there. It is primarily intended to address enquiries received on the subject. With 14 pages of text and sketches it is also we hope a useful introduction for consumers.

Power Flushing – 27.08.2002

Power flushing pages in the consumer section are now offline pending updating which is currently in hand. Carried out properly power flushing can be an important aid to efficiency and longevity of modern boilers. It is however not cheap and offers potential to rogue traders and cowboy entrepreneurs, the majority of whom are not and never were tradespeople. We will do what we can to offer safeguards.

The consumer section itself has been completely re-configured though visitors using Explorer should not notice any change.

Signs and Labels – 26.08.2002

We have added the safetyshop.com to the Library for future reference. Their online trading includes all manner of signs and labels. Well you never know.

Polytank – 26.08.2002

A name well known in the industry they now have a web site for you to explore. Polytank do an excellent distance learning package (well they did) for a miniscule fee and new industry entrants are advised to avail themselves of that cold water storage encyclopaedia. The link is installed in the Library.

Editorial 38 – 25.08.2002

We ponder the looming ACS deadline while some of the remaining 40000+ UK industry professionals may be pondering whether to take up ACS at all.

Countdown To L1 – 22.08.2002

Dedicated followers of fashion will know the end of this month completes the phasing in of Building Regulations Part L, in particular L1. TACMA (Temperature and Controls Manufacturers Association) are now on a roll and have produced an up-to-date PDF file which we are invited to download (click there on New Building Regulations).

We will be visiting a few DIY stores to see if the nation’s voters are being appropriately advised of their new responsibilities in favour of Kyoto (?)

Library (Manufacturers) – 22.08.2002

We have provisionally restructured the Library (Manufacturers) as it was becoming unwieldy given the growth over a period of time. The new format permits flexibility and is not set in stone. A small number of entries are not gas relevant but have been requested in the past. Please alert us to any obvious omissions at any time using the submit-a-site link. We are open to suggestions for new headings.

Alpha Boilers – 20.08.2002

Another glaring omission from the Library now corrected. If you know of any more please yell out. My new neighbour has one of their new combi boilers complete with daily pump kick so we’ll see how it goes.

Time and Tide (and ACS) – 19.08.2002

It is reported that with just 12 months left until the demise of ACOPS, only half of the alleged 100 000 population of gas professionals have taken core gas safety. Gone is the bullying rhetoric (ACS Price Hikes) voiced in H&V news earlier this year. So what is happening ?

(Source HVP)

PHEX Derby – 19.08.2002

The first 02 PHEX (4/9) includes a familiar list of names. Boilers – Alpha, Ariston, Baxi, Chaffoteaux, Ferroli, Halstead, Hepworth, Sime, Vaillant, Vokera and Worcester. The only evidence of power flushing appears to be BetzDearborn v Fernox. London dates have changed, see events opposite.

(Source HVP)

Carbon Monoxide – 19.08.2002

We have created the promised Carbon Monoxide (C0) section in the Library. As well as a reminder on the appropriate BS for detectors, there are links for consumers and some data for Installers related to the use of mobile C0 detectors.

Installer Feature 02 – 18.08.2002

Long overdue is the material provided By Danny Panesar which offers ‘An approach to Y plan wiring’. Some aspects of presentation have required us to brush up on web design skills we did not have, hence the delay. Contributions from Installers, Industry and Consumers are welcomed … more

Which Boiler ? – 17.08.2002

We have permission to reproduce an email received from a consumer. The emailed question provides a useful platform from which to address a number of related and relevant issues. Consumers are our bread and butter so it is important their views are seen and heard as often as possible … more (86K)

Asbestos for sceptics – 15.08.2002

The Telegraph is running with an asbestos story which you can usefully point to should the need arise. You may recall my comment down the page on an asbestos situation. I am still waiting for the written quotation and obviously do not expect to receive it now more

PHEX 2002 – 10.08.2002

We are less than one month away from the next round of PHEX which will start at Derby. Click on events opposite and register online. The Manchester show last year was stunning and is eagerly awaited this year. Scotland is scheduled for 2003 and Ireland 2004.

NVQ (Domestic Natural Gas) – 09.08.2002

Page 6 of July/August 2002 Heating and Plumbing Monthly reports on the new City and Guilds NVQ for Domestic Natural Gas. This is an ACS assessment free direct training route to Corgi registration. The scheme promises to prepare applicants for “every aspect” of work in the gas industry and features five APRs or “Appliance Pathway Routes”.

It is not clear whether the scheme will properly prepare candidates for the large majority of installations that differ markedly from the idealistic surroundings of Colleges. This is where work experience becomes essential.

Discussion Board Status – 07.08.2002

The disc quota problem is now resolved and posting enabled. We have not been informed what was wrong. Apologies for absence.

Discussion Board Status – 06.08.2002

At 22.49 we are showing a disc quota problem which will prevent messages being posted. Our web host has been notified by email. We have ample web space. Last time it was a server problem. No one has been barred from posting (and no one ever has). Apologies for any inconvenience

Top of the pops – 05.08.2002

Darius has shot to Number 1 with his own composition but no mention was made of the new album just released by Worcester-Bosch on (technical) CD and received by us this morning. We now have everything we need to know about all their products and training etc in simple PC Format.

Well done Worcester-Bosch and hopefully others will follow the example. Far more useful than baseball caps and T shirts.

IOP Forum - 26.07.2002

Andy Watts MBE has finally made it over the line with a statement on the future of the Forum, which was abruptly taken down on June 13 2002. What the IOP do is entirely their business but it seems that popular venue will return in the future, no doubt in revised format to enable messages to be queued and screened before being visible to the world.

Site Status – 20.07.2002

For reasons as yet not explained by our web host, they suffered total service collapse from around 08.00 on Thursday July 18 2002. It took them 36 hours to restore everything.

Without consulting us on wording they posted a message in lieu of our home page suggesting we (regainuk) were suffering technical problems when that was not the case at any time. We were powerless to override the choice of words.

Many visitors arrive via the Discussion Board and will have received the Page Not Found error.

Asbestos – 04.07.2002

Have contacted a licensed asbestos removal contractor today to remove a sprayed asbestos ceiling where we will be working. Names obtained from the Local authority Public Protection Service. LA sent an information pack which included a useful and succinct leaflet from the National Society for Clean air and Environmental Protection. The NSCA web site is worth a visit and their asbestos leaflet is reproduced in full. The NSCA is now in our Library.

Installer Apathy and Arrogance ? – 30.06.2002

Editorial 37 examines the allegation that Installers are arrogant for not attending Interbuild 2002, despite the warnings we received from some leading industry players that the show was being shunned this year.

Braveheart II – 29.06.2002

Page 7 of PHAM news (June 2002) leads with news of yet another licensing scheme (for Scotland) which doubtless will achieve little other than to create another unnecessary tier of bureaucracy. The article vainly comments “In the future it is hoped that consumers will look for the licensed business logo before employing a business to undertake plumbing and heating work”.

There is the usual monotonous drivel about strict compliance criteria for eligible contractors but as we keep saying, anyone likely to join such a scheme would be less likely to offend. Time they did an A level in common sense for the creators of such schemes, non of which show any significant benefit: There is an obvious way forward.

APHC – 23.06.2002

The Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors now have a web site which is far more user-friendly. We have no idea when this long overdue upgrade took place. Both URLs were registered early in 1999 and the licensedplumber URL still remains.

With the temporary demise of the IOP Forum this is surely a good opportunity to raise their profile with a Discussion Forum. Any APHC member care to suggest that.

Positive Pressure Boilers – 23.06.2002

There have been some recent reports from both the HSE and Corgi on this subject which we will be updating soon in the Library. It is probably time we did a feature to review the situation. Our guess is that the ageing population of Positive Pressure Boilers will be causing concern in the corridors of power. It would be helpful if anyone can attach birthday dates to any of the boilers mentioned in the Library.

IOP Forum – 15.06.2002

For reasons as yet unexplained the popular Institute of Plumbing Forum was ‘taken down until further notice’ on Thursday (13.06.2002). In such a hurry it seems they got the date wrong but have now corrected that. The issue cannot be a technical one as their webmaster is with the best in the land.

The Gwinto forum vanished in much the same way and all that remains there now is a useless link. Is the tail wagging the dog and free speech being threatened ?

Feature 58 – 12.06.2002

We explore Interbuild, possibly for the last time.

Interbuild – 11.06.2002

I am now getting quite adept at putting my foot in it and my trip to Interbuild today proved the point. Despite the obvious shrunken size of Domestic Heating and Plumbing combined with HVAC, a whole day was easily swallowed by many old friends and some new ones.

At 07.30 I had beaten the traffic then discovered I had a two hour delay until the doors opened for ordinary punters like me at 09.30 (?).

07.45 and I was able to offer comfort to an Irishman worried by the apparent absence of big screens, having already been tipped off myself by a knowledgeable security guard.

There is much to tell as soon as I can get my trigger fingers busy.

Congratulations to Ireland

Interbuild – 04.06.2002

There do appear to be a few big names missing from the line up this time around but we will still be having a day out. It would appear our time will be divided equally between Domestic Plumbing and Heating and HVAC.

Interbuild – 29.05.2002

News has reached us that many (if not most) of the big names have decided not to present themselves at this round of Interbuild. You may recall I predicted in our Feature 31 last year that (regional) PHEX was fast becoming the dominant event and it looks as though that will happen sooner rather than later.

I will scan my list of exhibitors for Interbuild and make a decision. More on this at the weekend.

Grundfos and Fernox – 29.05.2002

Time prevents me completing a feature at the moment but last night I attended a Grundfos Technical Evening in partnership with Fernox. It would be churlish of me to offer anything less than ten out of ten (not like me at all) for what proved to be a superbly structured and professionally delivered seminar.

No bible thumping or competitor knocking (they don’t need to) and a packed audience of what appeared to be mainly Installers. Hospitality was exceptional, thanks to De Vere Whites at the Reebok Stadium.

Congratulations to both Grundfos and Fernox for a commendable performance from which I learned a great deal of interest.

Power Flushing – 29.05.2002

One of my suppliers has been on today somewhat excited about a new Power Flushing machine from the Rothenberger stable, being offered at less than £ 300. I will be at his desk by 08.30 tomorrow for the details.

According to a German lass I know, Rothenberger is a family name meaning Red Mountain and is of course also synonymous with high quality. The local rep has been trying to sell me a new R600 machine for years but my just-as-good present machine will last for ever,

I have always known Power Flushers were grossly over priced but good old competition seems to be doing us a favour. Time we laid them all out side by side and did a comparison ?

Issue 05 – 19.05.2002

We have opened up this new issue to name and shame people guilty of exploitation, who require employees to undertake ACS training and/or assessments in their own personal time. We know of others but need independently verifiable proof to enable us to include a name. Please help us track and trace these people.

Who’s laying the eggs ? – 19.05.2002

Our Northern Ireland correspondent (Alan Begley) has again sourced an interesting and indeed sinister trend reported on in H&V News, May 4 2002, relating to the widespread commercial use of unregistered gas installers. We believe that has been happening on new build homes for some time more

Ebay – 18.05.2002

Once upon a time I had a hands-free kit installed by BT for £350 but no one is able to replace the handset. Cradle not generic of course. Tried Ebay for the first time and got a brand new one boxed in less than 24 hours from payment.

ACS unwrapped – 13.005.2002

Our latest editorial is a post-mortem on ACS training. In my case all domestic elements and natural gas only.

Chemistry v Physics – 04.05.2002

Strong language from Dennis Brown, Managing Director of Scalemaster in Heating and Plumbing Monthly (April 2002 Page 17), as he launches an attack on companies promoting power flushing. Near the knuckle innuendo that does not actually lead anywhere more

Grundfos Technical Workshops – 04.05.2002

At long last we’ll make it on to one of those technical evenings. The last offer we had coincided with our inspection of the continent and after much soul searching we opted for the Mediterranean. We have now found a web site for Grundfos and that is installed in the Library. Grundfos always seemed inseparable from BetzDearborn but there will be a special guest speaker from Fernox system cleaning. Technical promiscuity but fascinating. Invitation only but watch their web site for news or contact them.

Interbuild 2002 – 30.04.2002

Third and Final Reminder - You can now book online for the show and there is the chance to win a VW LT van. This show is the crème-de-la-crème although it is being threatened by the emerging giant, PHEX which so far is 100% relevant. Strongly recommended for anyone remotely connected with any aspect of plumbing and heating. We will be having two days covering the event this year.

Benchmark in context – 30.04.2002

Page 14 of HVP this month, reports a few ‘isolated incidents’ where advertisements have implied products are ‘Benchmark Approved’. It is emphasised that Benchmark is a Code of Practice and no products or manufacturers are endorsed.

We’ve been waiting for this to happen as it is inevitable some cowboy entrepreneurs would eventually succumb to temptation. The only way forward is to have a single standard logo with prescribed text indicating the product manufacturer supports Benchmark and not the other way around. The web site could do more to make this clear.

PHAM News – 30.04.2002

Someone appears to be grasping the nettle at long last in PHAM News this month as Derek Johnson (Managing Editor) launches a refreshingly robust editorial viewpoint in favour of Taking action on incompetence more

Feature – 30.04.2002

Time has delayed us pulling another of Eric’s delightful little features from the freezer. This one will suit new entrants and concerns the physics of flue pull.

Maester Instruments – 25.04.2002

Better late than never, we have installed the Maester web site in the Library. Amongst other things they make our favourite gas sniffer which is temporarily providing the link to our new products section, when we can get that going.

ACS Price Hikes – 24.04.2002

Our Northern Ireland correspondent Alan Begley recently sourced a story in H&V News which gives us cause for concern. That story essentially was a threat written in plain english to all those who have yet to take ACS … more

Sabre Systems – 21.04.2002

Handy little web site sourced by Mark. Sabre Systems (Heating) Ltd who are members of the Federation of Heating Spare Stockists (never heard of that before) and only stock genuine manufacturer’s parts. Of interest are the tantalisingly small images of UKAS approved test rigs as used on ACS. Now in the Library.

Regin Products – 18.04.2002

Thanks to HRPC for the tip-off, we have added another good website to the Manufacturers page in the Library

Benchmark Press Release – 18.04.2002

Benchmark have emailed a press release, inevitably about Part L and a succinct resume of those matters.

FGA and the Corgi Handbook – 18.04.2002

Our learned friend has kindly analysed the content on Flue Gas Analysis in the Corgi Essential Gas Safety Handbook. It makes interesting reading … more

Fundamental Review of Gas Safety (2) – 13.04.2002

We have now put this feature online. It is well worth reading the thrust of the current gas safety review and responses made by people in the industry. The feature is essentially a compilation of information from the HSE and that file will now be locked. To follow the action you will need to visit the HSE web site and the above shortcut has been provided to access the HSE links. Please let us have some feedback on the papers.

Fundamental Review of Gas Safety – 13.04.2002

Having put off the inevitable for too long, we are developing a major feature (51) on this important topic, which is actively in progress at the time of writing. Full details are posted on the HSE Gas Home Page and of particular relevance is the Sub-Committee link. Our Feature 51 will we hope assist us to understand what is going on. We will be actively engaging with the Committee as there is clearly much they need to learn.

Bob Towse has much to say of interest wearing his new hat as Head of Technical and Safety at the HVCA. In our view he has made helpful suggestions that he could not have made in his previous role at Corgi. Please let us have some comments on the important subject once posted.

Combination Gas Valve – 12.04.2002

Another nice little contribution from Eric in the form of a Macromedia Flash Player animation of a combination gas valve. Ideal for beginners and now installed in our Industry Features section. Quick download times for both the animation and MFP.

Gas Industry Safety Group Report – 12.04.2002

You may be interested to view the Executive Summary of the GISG report. Recommend viewing the web site and see who dominates as usual. The summary offers nothing we have not been saying for over twelve months and the cycle of fat cat self interest continues more

Positive Pressure Boilers – 11.04.2002

We have reordered and tweaked the Positive Pressure Boilers table in the Library. This should make it more user friendly for printing as no doubt you will wish to carry it around with you (?) Graphics have now been added to the explanatory notes attached to aid explanation to your customers.

Power Flushing – 09.04.2002

We have drafted a paper on power flushing for consumers. If anyone has observations on the topic please let us know. Other topics are proposed including condensing boilers. Please submit any other ideas and let us know if we can credit you on any posting we make.

Featured Web Sites – 07.04.2002

We have introduced a new component in the Features section (opposite) to promote web sites of educational and general interest. Some of this stuff may be of interest to the children assuming they will let you on the PC to see it first (?). We have a few more in the to-do queue and will announce those as they are put online.

Efficiency Seminar (Flue Loss) – 07.04.2002

We would like to introduce Eric to you all. Eric is a leading academic in the industry and is taking a great deal of interest in our work on the web site. He has offered us information that is both interesting and useful. Material is professionally presented, for which you will need popular and readily available utilities. The visual effects are superb. Please take the time to visit our new Industry Features section and let us know what you think.

ACSident or Design ? – 07.04.2002

H & V news is sporting some wonderful letters March 23 2002 which I cannot in all conscience deny you sight of. In one letter a RGI is asking for support and I would ask you to consider doing that … more

Consumers – 05.04.2002

We have now kick-started the consumers section with a bunch of FAQ. If you want to add something please let us know. Or gives us a prod to remind us of some burning issue we should have included. The FAQ represent simply FAQ. We hope to develop the section to promote technology that gets pushed into the background in the cheap and not so cheerful plumbers merchants. Hopefully Part L will help (hopefully). If you want to write then write. Let us know if you will accept credits and if so what. We have a strictly opt-in policy.

Jobs for All – 04.04.2002

Thanks to Mark for submitting the Job Centre link. We should have thought of that but did not (shame on us). Now installed permanently in the Library and on the menu bar opposite, with the new links to News pages.

Consumers – 03.04.2002

We are developing a section on the web site for consumers to provide general knowledge information and hopefully a substantial FAQ section. Consumer pages will always be recognised by a pale yellow background. If you have any ideas or ambitions for the section please let us know. Ditto if you have any FAQ you would like to see. The links on the sample front page are disabled except for the ‘contact us’ link for your ideas. We hope to tell people what the authorities should be telling them but do not.

Thermography and jet flushing – 02.04.2002

Strictly for amusement only, or maybe not ?

We recently suggested IR imaging of radiators might be a good idea, to offer customers a before and after view of water filled radiators, with the task of jet flushing. There are obvious benefits to this. Thanks to one of our visitors we can perhaps now extend the debate more

TACMA – 02.04.2002

We have received a bunch of useful information from TACMA on the Part L changes. This includes an A4 booklet developed with the DTLR and titled The Domestic Heating & Hot Water Guide to the Building Regulations 2001 – Part L1. The latter is superbly set out and a must-have in our view. No doubt myths will already be developing, which you can quickly correct. It will cost you only one click.

Incidentally the Thermostatic Mixing Valve Manufacturers Association (TMVA) are getting abrupt with HMG on page 68 of March 02 HVP and encouraging us all to send off a provided campaign form in favour of regulations governing provision of safe hot water in dwellings.

ILA – 01.04.2002

If anyone had forgotten the Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin, the collapse of the Individual Learning Account scheme last November, will have served as a grim reminder. Yet more cowboy entrepreneurs milking the system. There is currently an active consultation process going on at ILA complete with Discussion Forum if anyone is interested.

FGA Revisited – 01.04.2002 (pm)

As a result of contact from a learned and interesting visitor who I hope you will hear more from soon, we have decided to blow the dust off a TGI article which provoked a lot of correspondence between myself, Corgi and the HSE when it was first printed. In my view the article was just a sales pitch and inherently unsafe more

New Building Regulations – 30.03.2002

We have scanned text using OCR from a full page advertisement in the Manchester Evening News, Friday March 29 2002 (page 15). Irrelevant images and anecdotal references are not included. The information and some links may be of interest. Benchmark is now on the map.

Past, present or future – 29.03.2002

I have been reminded by one of our visitors that we are here to serve the needs of all, as mentioned in our About section with the opening line which includes, Regainuk is a web based meeting place for Registered Gas Installers past, present or future more

Web Site Absence – 28.03.2002

Apologies for web site absence due to reasons as yet still unknown at our web host. We were offline for the best part of 20 hours. Everything was down including email, web site, FTP access and indeed our host’s web site as well.

All registered visitors were sent an email bcc and four bounced back as unknown or inactive addresses. Those four have been booted to keep our database clean. No regular contributor was noted among the four.

RUK Web site Hits – 27.03.2002

Hits for 26.03 clocked up a staggering 1627

LGSC – 24.03.2002

The final page “The true cost of Landlord’s Gas Safety Checks” is now installed in the Landlord’s Gas Safety Checks section of the Library. If anyone wants to see us talking real money figures online let us know.

Editorial 35 – 23.03.2002

Now our Section on Landlord’s Gas Safety Checks has been re-written we review the current situation.

Virus Alert – 22.03.2002

Ed - We have received the following warning from our web host and service provider:

There is another new virus currently circulating via email which you should be aware of.

The official virus name is "WORM_MYLIFE.B", and is sent as an attachment to an email. The attachment name is "CARI.SCR", and the subject line is likely to be "bill caricature". If you run the attachment, a copy of the virus is sent to all entries in your address book.

When the system time is 8:xx AM, this worm deletes the below files and directories. If any of the following files are in use, this worm fails to delete them:

C:\*.* D:\*.* E:\*.* F:\*.* *.SYS *.VXD *.OCX *.NLS

Should you receive an email with an attachment called "CARI.SCR", we strongly recommend you do not open the attachment and you should delete the email.

Further information on this virus can be found at- http://support.aceinternet.co.uk/virus.asp

Ed – We use AVG anti-virus software which is available free

Web Site Counter – 21.03.2002

To answer a question I was asked today, the web site counter has vanished from the top left of the menu bar. Nothing wrong with your browser. This is because our (whole) web site access tracker has been working invisibly for several days. I can inform you that regainuk routinely receives well over 1000 hits each day (we had no idea whatsoever before) and in due course our web host will install a counter that will reflect our true hit rate.

The White (and blue) Van Man – 19.03.2002

Followed up an enquiry this morning from an anxious couple referred to me, since an allegation that their old boiler has to be replaced by the end of 2003 because it is not CE marked ? more

Correction – 18.03.2002

As you may have noticed we have been doing some mega housekeeping on the site but one of the links in Feature 32 was wrong. Apologies for that. The link to our filter used when flushing heating systems has been restored. Please report any other problems you may be having.

Landlord’s Gas Safety Checks – 17.03.2002

This promised and overdue section is now online in the Library and has largely been re-written to include everyone involved.

J&S Website – 16.03.2002

The long awaited Johnson & Starley web site has finally arrived but I have to say I am very disappointed. Web designer over indulgence slows navigation to a crawl and there is much barely legible text in an arena as dark as the inside of an Economaire heat exchanger.

J&S have so much to offer but a bright and cheerful car showroom atmosphere will need to be added before I could refer my customers for inspiration.

RegainUK – Features – 16.03.2002

We have introduced a features section on the site starting off with a list of existing features previously buried. Click on the menu opposite and all will be revealed.

Virus Alert – 15.03.2002

We have received the following virus alert from our web host:

There is a new virus currently circulating via email which you should be aware of.

The official virus name is W32/Fbound.c@MM, and is sent as an attachment to an email. The attachment name is "patch.exe", and the subject line is likely to be "Important" or Japanese symbols.

If you run the attachment, a copy of the virus is sent to all entries in your address book.

Should you receive an email with an attachment called "patch.exe", we strongly recommend you do not open the attachment and you should delete the email.

As always, we also recommend you install anti-virus software to your computer, and ensure you keep it up to date.

Editor – We use AVG anti-virus software which is available free of charge.

Interbuild 2002 – 12.03.2002

Reminder - You can now book online for the show and there is the chance to win a VW LT van. This show is the crème-de-la-crème although it is being threatened by the emerging giant, PHEX which so far is 100% relevant. Strongly recommended for anyone remotely connected with any aspect of plumbing and heating.

By registering now you will receive full details and will be able to plan your trip. I will be having two days this year.

We may have a spot-the-illegal-gasfire-installation competition at the show as many last time were spewing POC into the exhibition hall. Take a few labels and notices plus F2508G.

Failure to allow work inspection – 11.03.2002

Another bunch of RGI’s have elected to be removed from the Corgi Register by failure to allow work inspection (The Gas Installer Magazine March 2002). I do not understand why they do that. Perhaps they have simply decided to pack the work in or risk prosecution by working unregistered.

We should have access to all Corgi membership figures, after all their masters are the HSE and we allegedly have an open.gov and society. The bulk of Corgi finances are derived from our fees. I intend to pursue this eventually.

RegainUK Grows – 10.03.2002

We are enjoying a surge in web site access and as a result have jacked up both our web space and bandwidth to cope with increased Discussion Board posting and visitors, some of whom arrive through the night from all over the world.

For technical reasons (mainly my incompetence) the web site counter in the top left corner of your screen records only a fraction of web site hits. I have never gotten around to correcting that but have now. The whole 19Mb of the web site will be covered.

Currently only the front page is linked and then only when cookies are enabled on the visitor’s browser. Return visits within one hour are also not recorded. No visit to the Discussion Board was ever recorded.

Our web hosts Ace-Internet will cover the whole site recording all access to our server. The counter will be changed when (when) I get a chance.

Editorial 34 – 07.03.2002

We launch a response to the growing tide of comment on the shortage of Installers. Expect more.

Asbestos Seminar – 05.03.2002

For anyone in the Manchester / Stockport conurbation there is an imminent seminar on this vexed subject, being hosted by The Virtual Chamber (Business Enterprises) in Stockport on March 13 2002. Admission said to be free to organisations with less than 10 employees. It is certainly worth looking at their small (2 pages) PDF file on the agenda. Click on the events link when you arrive at the TVC web site.

Humble Pie ? – 04.03.2002

Signed up and paid for the full domestic ACS (training and assessment) today at a modest £695 .00p. That includes tea and toast (I hope) at North Trafford College. Actually they threw in Laundry Appliances as a sweetener so I can honestly say I have all domestic elements without the need to employ spin doctors.

Extrapolation of all data based upon the GWINTO variables suggests I need to revise my earlier (see below) overall figure (with loss of earnings) from almost £ 4000 .00p to £2135 .00p, which is £ 8. 21p per week.

ACS and the cost of ACS is not and never has been an issue for me. The real cost begins afterwards and that is where the system fails, together with the structure of ACS. Tim Balcon take note, use my method and I guarantee there will be many more Installers.

Details of all Training and Assessment Colleges will be found on the GWINTO web site. For North Trafford College contact Bev McLoughlin on 0161 886 7106 or b.mcloughlin@northtrafford.ac.uk

Is there a price war on ?

BetzDearborn (Sentinel) – 02.02.2002

In case you missed the recent announcement in TGI, BetzDearborn (Sentinel) have moved a step closer to their promised new website which is worth a visit. We have updated our Library (Manufacturers) section.

Best Practice (free) Workshops – 01.03.2002

The Central Heating Information Council still has many places on offer and promises information on how to meet the standards for Part L of the new Building Regulations. This course is free and only one day. Details on the CHIC web site which has earned a place on our menu bar opposite: Highly recommended and not to be missed.

Heating and Plumbing Monthly – 01.03.2002

After too many months in the wilderness since Barbara Field left the helm, this magazine appears to be making a come back complete with a new editor (Jane Felstead) and an extra 8 pages in the February 2002 edition. Discreetly gone is the old editor, David Craig who was curiously absent from the Manchester PHEX, being usurped by Greg Dunbar, Sales Development Director for Unity Media, the publishers.

Transco Prosecution – 01.03.2002

The Electronic Telegraph is running with a story on a Transco prosecution for culpable homicide brought by the procurator fiscal, who initiated criminal investigation.

ISP Browser Branding – 24.02.2002

Ever get fed up with the intellectual piracy committed by some organisations overwriting software on your PC ? – Click here to clean up the mess perpetrated by these cowboy entrepreneurs.

Landlords Gas Safety Records – 21.02.2002

We have erased this section from our Library as it is actively being re-written. If you have any opinion on what you would like to see in the revised section please let us know as soon as possible. The section is being fundamentally reviewed.

The ACS Rip-Off – 16.02.2002

We are about to launch a major offensive against the weeks or months lost when renewing ACS early to ensure continuity of licence. This will involve MPs and Ministers of the Crown as well as the European arena. There must be an unfair contract / human rights issue here.

Once we have a handle on the actual figures, proceedings will commence, with hopefully a high profile campaign.

At approaching £ 4000 per installer based upon GWINTO figures last year, for domestic natural gas elements alone, this has to be a big rip-off and the “Rogue Authorities” involved must be challenged.

Comments and any support (or otherwise) on the Discussion Board please.

Powerflushing Flushing – 15.02.2002

Our Power flushing observations have been re-introduced – unexpurgated – to the Library.

BetzDearborn – 12.02.2002

We have changed the BetzDearborn link following a tip off that the Sentinel focused BetzDearborn web site is online sporting the familiar X range on the home page. Indeed there is only a home page at the moment with a nice display of web design when you place the cursor over the X range container images.

No sign yet of the promised and long awaited interactive web site which will include a database of folk who are approved jet-flushers, each having completed the (new) BetzDearborn training and of course lashed out a few quid on one of their jet-flushing machines.

Yours truly was offered another course at BetzDearborn but I have not yet signed up for one as 3 months ago I ran out of copper and iron test strips which I have been unable to replace (?) The Plumbcenter have been promising me supplies for those 3 months but no sign yet. I have now got fed up of asking. Pointless doing the course if I cannot get the wherewithal to carry out the task fully ?

Editorial 33 – 10.02.2002

A bit overdue, we kick-start 2002 with a new editorial on Rogues in Society

Rogue Traders (2) – 08.02.2002

We will soon bring you full details of the 1st Action Maintenance scenario which took pole position on the programme. Those programmes are necessarily limited to time and have to squeeze in as many rogues as possible. The truth in the case of Sarah Giles was a harrowing experience and is worthy of a permanent slot in our issues section.

Such cases are the tip of the iceberg too often and we will also bring you details of another case involving 1st Action Maintenance.

Rogue Traders – 08.02.2002

Reminder - Tonight at 7.00 kick-starts a new series of Rogue Traders from the BBC Watchdog production team. Gas Installers are on the menu and if you like Action you will see the First tonight. If this seems a bit cryptic watch the programme. An often sanctimonious Corgi still accept generous advertising fees from these people.

Library Manufacturers – 03.02.2002

Thanks to information received Biasi Boilers and MHS Boilers have now been added to the Library – Manufacturers section. Well worth a visit these two.

Landlords and Agents – 01.02.2002

We have introduced a new section in the Library under Business for links relevant to Landlords and Estate Agents. Please let us know if you can improve that section.