This is a test titlehttp://dev.henryhardyumbracoA news rss feed for henry hardyen2010-10-13T00:00:00Mystery Carbon Monoxide threat resolved0Mystery Carbon Monoxide (CO) threat resolvedCarbon Monoxide (CO) detectors were believed to be faulty, but large pans and cooking methods of Hackney residents found to be causing high levels of carbon monoxide.CIPHE, ciphe, Chartered institute of plumbing, Norman Barrs, Barrs, Hackney, council, carbon monoxide, poisoning, (CO), faulty detectors, cooking methods, high level, dangerous, gas, E8, E4, N16, N1Mystery Carbon Monoxide (CO) threat resolved0Hackney Homes have recently investigated a spate of carbon monoxide (CO) alarms going off in tenants’ homes, which highlighted a CO threat from an unexpected source. <p>October 2010</p> <p>In a bid to safeguard their tenants, Hackney Homes purchased and installed CO alarms for their properties. They discovered that the alarms were being triggered by certain cooking methods and the hardware that was being used, not faulty appliances which are the usual cause.</p> <p>Blane Judd, Chief Executive of The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) explained, "Carbon Monoxide is produced when fossil fuels (such as gas oil or charcoal) are burned without sufficient ventilation and can result in severe sickness and death. The investigation carried out by Hackney Homes showed that the use of large cooking pans was causing some burners to be starved of air, causing a dangerous level of CO to be produced."</p> <p>The CIPHE offers some advice. As well as installing a CO detector The CIPHE in conjunction with Carbon Monoxide Awareness Ltd. recommends using ventilated rings or supports over gas hobs to ensure adequate air circulation whilst cooking. They also advise against the use of tin foil lining in the 'drip tray' as this can interfere with air flow.</p> <p>Blane added, "The installation of CO detectors is a positive and proactive step towards safeguarding public health. Recent research in Hong Kong has revealed that prolonged or frequent exposure to low or medium levels of CO can result in medical conditions arising. In addition, we know that CO in higher quantities causes profound sickness and death. Hackney Homes are to be commended for their use of CO detector alarms and we hope they will soon be in common use throughout the UK."</p> <p>Norman Barrs, Managing Director of Henry Hardy Builders and a member of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers (CIPHE) has further advice. "There should be a CO detector in EVERY room where there is a gas appliance. They are easy to fit and use."</p> 2010-09-16T00:00:00Henry Hardy on BBC News0Henry Hardy on BBC NewsHenry Hardy Builders appearing on BBC News discussing immigrant workers and their role in the London building trade.Henry Hardy Builders, London, immigration, Henry Hardy Builders, Islington, N1, building industry, BBC London News, Norman BarrsHenry Hardy on BBC News0TV’s BBC London News featured an interview with Henry Hardy’s Managing Director Norman Barrs in March 2010 this year, as he discussed the role of migrant workers in the building trade. <p>The BBC news team filming on one of our Islington sites, were told by Norman Barrs, "we welcome migrant workers, as this company's success is partly built on the first class tradesmen from other countries."</p> <p>However, Norman offered a caution about the migrant building companies working outside the rules and bypassing correct safety procedures. "There are a number who set up as builders who are not qualified and insured. We are now seeing evidence of very poor workmanship, some of it in very dangerous conditions."</p> <p>The see the story play 'The View of Business' on this BBC News website link below.</p> <p><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/london/hi/tv_and_radio/newsid_8568000/8568295.stm" title="BBC London News">Link to BBC News website</a></p> 2010-10-15T00:00:00How plumbers can help save the world0How plumbers can help save the world - white paper 2010 on environmental issuesThe Environmental Aspects of Plumbing. Plumbing white paper 2010Environmental Aspects of Plumbing, Plumbing, white paper, 2010, CIPHE,How plumbers can help save the world0The World Plumbing Council has released a white paper designed to inform registered professionals and interested members of the public about the ways plumbers and heating engineers can help the environment. <p>October 2010</p> <p>Many authors collaborated to produce the paper which was compiled by Blane Judd of The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) and Richard Prospal of the American Society of Sanitary Engineering.Blane commented, "The Environmental Aspects of Plumbing paper contains case studies and information about the technologies and methods employed by plumbing and heating professionals to conserve water and energy.</p> <p>It also has useful tips for members of the public such as how to find efficient washing machines and dishwashers that will reduce their water and energy requirements."&nbsp;A quick flick through the document reveals information about solar water heating, energy and water efficiency, sanitation, sewage treatment and even desalination processes.&nbsp;Blane added, "People aren't always aware just how much plumbers and heating engineers can actually do to help people reduce their water and energy usage. Alongside our register of qualified plumbers and heating engineers we also operate a GreenPlumb register for specialists in green technologies. Thankfully people are wising up to the need for preservation of our natural resources and many have an interest in reducing their carbon footprint to help the environment. Our paper will educate the public about the impact that good plumbing and new technologies can have in this respect. "&nbsp;To download a copy of 'Environmental Aspects of Plumbing' go to www.worldplumbing.org and follow the links Communications and Papers.</p> 2010-09-22T00:00:00JCB digger thief makes slow getaway0JCB digger thief makes slow getawayStolen JCB digger driver apprehended. Gareth Twigg.stolen, JCB, digger, Gareth Twigg, Sheffield,JCB digger thief makes slow getaway0A man from Yorkshire has received a nine-month prison sentence for stealing a JCB digger from a building site in Warwickshire in July. <p>September 2010</p> <p><img src="/media/2849/digger.jpg" width="164" height="108" alt="Photos" style="float: left;"/>The Sheffield Star newspaper reports that Gareth Twigg, 23, stole the digger by driving it straight through the building site's perimeter fence. Police were immediately informed, and after a somewhat low-speed pursuit located Twigg and the digger making slow progress through Clifton-on-Dunsmore village.</p> <p>Gareth Twigg, 23, of Maltby in Yorkshire, was jailed for nine months after pleading guilty to stealing the digger from a Taylor Woodrow site in Rugby, Warwickshire, in July.</p> <p>Twigg, seen talking on his mobile phone as he attempted to escape, jumped off the JCB while it was still moving and left it to the police to jump on board and take control of the runaway digger before it could cause any damage.</p> <p>Twigg pleaded guilty to stealing the £30,000 digger, as well as to damaging the fence and to dangerous driving. He was handed the nine-month prison sentence and an 18-month driving ban at Warwick Crown Court.</p> 2010-11-25T00:00:00Free home renovation grants for private owners and renters0Free grants for home renovation for private owners and renters.Apply for free grants for home renovation for private owners and renters. Links to council information for Islington homes, Hackney homes and Camden homes. Grants for carpentry, roofing, dampproofing, security, warmth, windows, doors.free grants, free building grants, Islington grants, Hackney grants, Camden grants, N1, N16, N4, N5, N7, E4, E9, Islington, insulation grant, security grant, warmth grant, Camden, HackneyFree home renovation grants offered by local councils to private owners0Local authorities are able to fund the repair or adaptation of privately owned or rented homes if certain criteria apply. <p>November 2010</p> <p>Your local council has an obligation to make sure your home is habitable if you fit certain criteria. Local authorities are able to fund the repair or adaptation of privately owned or rented homes, if you are over 70, or disabled, or qualify for higher rate Child Tax Credit or other benefits.&nbsp;Local authority websites have contact details and downloadable forms for you to apply and check whether you are eligible for help.</p> <p>There should always be an agreement in place with your local council before any works are undertaken. After application, you will be expected to supply quotes from 3 builders for each job required. If several different trades, such as carpentry, roofing, plumbing, are involved, you will need to locate 3 tradespersons for each trade.</p> <p>Some&nbsp;companies will cover all these trades in one, and may make the gathering of quotes a little easier.</p> <p>The sorts of jobs they can authorise include, insulation, re-roofing, window and door repairs/locks, heating and plumbing, damp treatment, security lighting, adaptation for disability. Please use the links below.</p> <p>Islington Council housing grants. <a href="http://www.islington.gov.uk/Housing/PrivateHousing/housinggrants.asp"> http://www.islington.gov.uk/Housing/PrivateHousing/housinggrants.asp</a></p> <p>Hackney Council housing grants. <a href="http://www.hackney.gov.uk/h-renovation-grants-for-owner-occupiers-and-private-tenants.htm"> http://www.hackney.gov.uk/h-renovation-grants-for-owner-occupiers-and-private-tenants.htm</a></p> <p>Camden Council housing grants. <a href="http://www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/content/housing/information-on-private-sector-housing/housing-renewal-assistance-grants-and-loans/introduction-to-housing-grants-and-loans.en"> http://www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/content/housing/information-on-private-sector-housing/housing-renewal-assistance-grants-and-loans/introduction-to-housing-grants-and-loans.en</a></p>