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Category: Mechanical & Electrical (M&E)

What Is M&E and What Does It Mean For Your Business?

Posted on by rob.fullsend

M&E services are provided by facility management companies, whose primary responsibility is to offer a vast range of property maintenance services. These services range anywhere from cleaning to landscaping, from air conditioning to electric car charging points. Rather than using different contracts by specialist supplies, M&E services provide one contract with a bundle of services. Using M&E services drastically reduces costs and makes installing and maintaining facilities a whole lot easier.

 

What Is M&E Facilities Management?

M&E stands for mechanical and electrical services; it refers to all of the systems that a facilities management company installs and maintains. M&E refers to the whole process; installation, certification, maintenance and repairs. Mechanical and electrical systems are different, but they often work in cooperation to help run a business.

Mechanical Systems

The primary output and purpose of a mechanical system is a physical action. Mechanical systems can contain electrical components and rely on electricity to operate, but their primary function is physical.

Here are some examples of mechanical systems businesses often use:

  • Escalators
  • Elevators
  • Air Conditioning Systems
  • Machinery
  • Tools & Equipment
  • Boilers

Electrical Systems

Electrical systems primarily produce digital outputs. Some electrical systems do have physical functions, but these are their secondary functions.

Here are some examples of electrical systems businesses often use:

  • Lighting Systems
  • Control Systems
  • Electric Car Charging Points
  • Fire Alarms
  • Power Supplies

 

M&E Installation

An engineer should always undertake the installation of mechanical and electrical systems. Professional facilities management engineers are correctly trained and highly knowledgeable. Systems can be complex; facilities management teams will always ensure the systems and business are safe, reliable and cost-effective.

M&E teams are there to help through every stage, from planning to installation, from testing to maintenance.

 

M&E Maintenance

Maintenance of mechanical and electrical systems should also always be undertaken by an engineer. Maintenance needs vary depending on industry requirements and what systems a business uses. Some companies require full-time on-site support or periodic/on-call maintenance.

M&E maintenance includes planned maintenance contracts, inspections, regular repairs and also 24/7 emergency services.

 

How M&E Services Benefit Businesses?

Maintain Business Assets

Mechanical and electrical systems are often businesses’ most valuable assets. Without these systems, many companies would have problems operating. Using M&E services ensures mechanical and electrical systems also meet safety standards, keeping staff and customers safe.

Free Up Company Time

Outsourcing facilities management frees up company time that they would otherwise use to train staff and complete maintenance. M&E services take care of the maintenance, giving businesses peace of mind that everything is done to the highest standard. This work can sometimes even be done remotely, meaning the engineers don’t even need to be on site.

Help Every Step Of The Way

Rather than sourcing a professional for each step, M&E services are available to help at each stage of the process. This saves money and time, and businesses can rest assured that the job is done correctly.

Maximise Efficiency & Save Money

M&E services make sure systems are up to date and working efficiently. This ensures mechanical and electrical systems work to the best standard and prevents future problems from occurring. Having regular maintenance significantly reduces the cost of replacements and repairs.

 

If your business requires M&E services in and around London, Kiasu Workforce is here to help. We pride ourselves on completing 100% of your projects 100% of the time. Contact us today to find out more.

Reducing Utility Bills: Top Tips

Posted on by rob.fullsend

Our utility bills account for a large portion of our expenditure. This isn’t all bad, however. In fact, it means that by putting some time into this one area we can cut our spending by notable sums. We are not saying that you will be able to buy your dream car just by switching to energy-saver lightbulbs but with a few changes you can cut down your utility bills and save a little bit extra – it all adds up.  

 

Boiler Maintenance

Your boiler is one of the biggest factors in the cost of your utilities. If you do not carry out the necessary boiler service and repairs, it will run inefficiently requiring more energy to do the same job. More energy equals more money. In other words, if you don’t stay on top of your boiler maintenance you are throwing away cash. Not to mention the costs of repairing your boiler if it breaks down. Read our guide to boiler maintenance for all the tips on keeping it running efficiently (and in turn cutting down your utility bill).

 

Insulation

When winter comes around, you will naturally see an increase in your use of heating. This increased use comes along with increased energy bills. However, you can mitigate some of this increased use by properly insulating your home. Insulation can help keep your home warmer reducing the need for central heating. Wall and ceiling insulation are important, but you can also insulate your pipes meaning your boiler won’t have to work as hard during the winter. All this insulation adds up and so to do the energy bill savings.

 

Efficient Use of Appliances

The easiest way to throw away money by needlessly increasing your utility bill is an inefficient use of appliances. Using a dishwasher for just a few dishes is a clear example of this. Similarly, small laundry loads waste both energy and water. Even the temperature of your refrigerator could be costing you money. If you are inefficiently using your refrigerator by having it set too cold you could be wasting energy and adding to your energy bill. Almost all appliances can be used more efficiently. Simply by being cognisant of this when using them you can cut back their energy use and reduce your utility bills. Limit the washing machine to full loads, air dry instead of using the tumble dryer where possible, and only use the dishwasher when it is full and you are well on your way to cutting down your utility bill.

 

Energy Efficient Appliances

Using your appliances efficiently is a great way to cut down the energy bill but it can seem like an uphill battle if your appliances themselves are inefficient. An appliance’s energy efficiency rating will give you a good idea of its energy consumption. The more efficient an appliance is the less energy it uses. The less energy it uses the lower your utility bill. It seems simple and it is. Merely by owning more energy-efficient appliances, you can start making savings on your utility bills.

 

Energy Grants

Many people don’t know it but when it comes to energy bills there is often free cash up for grabs. Government grants, for example, could give you money off your energy bills or help you pay for insulation or installing solar panels. Not everyone is eligible for all the available options, but you might find one that you can take advantage of. There are grants from the government and energy suppliers so there are plenty of options to explore. Check out this “Government energy grants for your home” guide from Which for more details.

 

Our utility bills can often become quite expensive but by following the tips in this guide you can reduce them and start making some savings.

Why should you get your boiler serviced regularly?

Posted on by rob.fullsend

People go all summer without touching the thermostat, but as the weather turns colder, and they turn to their heating system to provide warmth and comfort, they could find that it’s not working at all. 

In that case, the need to get an emergency plumber out will be a costly expense that could’ve been avoided.

Servicing your boiler regularly keeps it healthy

If boilers aren’t looked after properly, they can become faulty and, in the worst-case scenario, be fatal. It’s not uncommon to experience boiler problems from time to time but to minimise the possibility of a bigger issue, we recommend regular boiler servicing. 

Every boiler should at the very minimum have a service every year carried out by a Gas Safe engineer. They will fully assess the current condition of your boiler and make sure it’s running more safely and efficiently. 

Reduce boiler breakdowns

One of the obvious benefits of regular gas servicing is that you can avoid costly boiler breakdowns. The costs can quickly mount up when you find yourself calling out a specialist for a boiler-related emergency.

Instead, by keeping on top of your boiler maintenance and servicing, you can keep your boiler in great working order and identify issues before they get worse.

Save money in the long-term

Maintaining the condition of your boiler will save you money in the long-term. You may begrudge the cost of paying for regular servicing but these costs will be significantly less than the cost of repairing or replacing a boiler that hasn’t been serviced and breaks down.

Keep you and your family safe 

Regularly servicing your boiler will make sure it’s combusting fuel safely and efficiently, minimizing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is odourless, colourless and tasteless, meaning that most don’t even know they are being poisoned.

For the elderly, vulnerable, or those with young children, a lack of heating and hot water can have severe health and financial implications so ensuring you have a working boiler is a must. 

Boiler servicing needs to be done by a Gas Safe engineer

As property maintenance specialists, we recommend getting your boiler serviced at least once a year by a Gas Safe engineer. This regular boiler servicing will keep your boiler working effectively for longer, reduce the risk of boiler breakdowns, save you money in the long-term, and keep your family safe.

Speak to our team today for all your boiler servicing needs. Give us a call on 0208 988 1662 or email us with your enquiry.

What is an EICR? – Kiasu Workforce

Posted on by rob.fullsend

What is an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is an inspection to test the safety of the electrical circuits in a building.

Any electrical installation should always be covered by an up-to-date EICR, or periodic inspection report. An Electrical Installation Condition Report is not always a strict legal requirement, however it fulfils the conditions of laws such as the Electricity at Work Act 1989.

An EICR is vital to ensure safety and compliance. Without an EICR, landlords can be held responsible for electricity-related injuries or deaths.

What does an EICR cover?

Commercial building maintenance - Property maintenance - electrical-1031989_1920 - Kiasu Workforce

During an EICR, the fuse board, wiring and electrical accessories are inspected and tested for faults or deviations from the Wiring Standards. Throughout the test, the following will be checked:

  • Adequacy of earthing and bonding
  • Fire/electric shock protection devices
  • Any damage or wear & tear that might affect the safety of building users
  • Identification of any damaged electrical fittings/accessories
  • Identification of exposed live wires that could cause a fire or injury

Only a skilled and competent registered electrician should carry out an EICR.

How often does an EICR need to be carried out?

BS7671 (17th Edition Wiring Regulations) recommends homeowners carry out an EICR at least every 10 years in domestic properties. It is also important to have one done if you are moving out or into a new home. Your insurance may require one – or if you suspect your current electrics are old or faulty, it’s a worthwhile check. The only exception to this is if the property has a swimming pool – this should ideally be tested once every year.

Under the Landlord and Tenants Act (1985), landlords must ensure that the electrical installation in a rented property is maintained safely throughout a tenancy. To ensure this, BS7671 recommend an EICR test at change of tenancy or at least every 5 years. We also recommend annual PAT testing.

Whilst it is not a legal requirement for a business to have an EICR, employers are legally responsible for the welfare of employees. Under the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act and the Electricity at Work Act 1989, employers must take precautions against the risk of injury from electricity used as part of work activities. BS7671 recommends an EICR be carried out at least every 5 years.

How much does an EICR cost?

BS7671 gives guidance on testing and sample testing in particular. In larger installations, it is legally acceptable to just test a small sample of the final circuits. Lighting and socket circuits, for example, are final circuits. We wouldn’t recommend this, as it can give a misleading view of an installation.

To obtain the true price of your EICR, ask each electrical contractor for the number of circuits they will test. This is the figure to factor into your cost comparison.

Also, unscrupulous contractors sometimes price an EICR at a loss on the basis that they will inflate the costs of the remedial works to make up for the initial low cost of the test. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to quote for remedial works from another contractor’s test certificate. Beware of prices that seem too good to be true!

A typical Electrical Installation Condition Report could start from something like £280 + VAT for six circuits, with additional circuits charged at around £20 per circuit. A typical three bedroom property will take around four hours to complete.

Electrical checks I can carry out myself

Electricity - Fuse Box - KiasuFinally, we’re not advocating you taking your fuseboard apart and having a fiddle round with a screwdriver. However, there are several easy tests you can do yourself. Here are a number of risk-free visual checks you can carry out at home:

  • Ensure your extension leads are being used correctly – not in sequence
  • Check wires for frayed sections, exposed metal core and areas which are vulnerable to damage
  • Check sockets and light switches for any cracks, discolouration or burn marks
  • Ensure that electrics in your bathroom are situated at least 3 metres from water appliances
  • Test your RCD by pressing the “test” button. All the appliances protected by the RCD should switch off – if they don’t, call an electrician

Most importantly, ensure your property is maintained at an appropriate schedule, by a qualified, NICEIC-approved electrician.

How Do You Check If Someone Is Gas Safe?

Posted on by rob.fullsend

Engineers Working With Gas Must Be Registered

The Gas Safe Register is the UK’s official list of gas and plumbing businesses. By law, a gas engineer must be on the Gas Safe Register to work safely and legally on gas appliances. The same goes for businesses, whether they are carrying out domestic or commercial works.

 

Do Engineers And Businesses Need To Be Registered Separately?

A Gas Safe engineer can be registered underneath their own name, or listed against the registered business they’re representing. As long as their name or their business has secured the Gas Safe certification, they’re qualified to safely undertake gas work. If you’re planning to search for an engineer, be sure you check their name and their business name as the registration may be under either.

When it comes to gas, a small saving is not worth risking lives

 

How Do I Find Gas Safe Registered Businesses?

  1. Go to the Gas Safe Register’s “Check the Register” page
  2. Under “Find by Location”, enter your postcode
  3. Select whether you need a domestic or a commercial gas engineering business
  4. Optionally, you can choose the type of appliance which needs to be worked upon
  5. You will be shown a list of qualified businesses in your area
  6. Select from the options offered, safe in the knowledge that you are choosing a qualified, competent gas business

 

How Do I Check A Business On The Gas Safe Register?

  1. Go to the Gas Safe Register’s “Check the Register” page
  2. Enter the business’ Gas Safe Registration number or search by the business name
  3. The business you are checking should show up in the results page
  4. Click through to “View our Engineers” or expand “Company Services” for more information

Kiasu Workforce Gas Safe Register Screenshot

How Do I Check An Engineer’s Gas Safe Registration?

  1. Go to the Gas Safe Register’s “Check the Register” page
  2. Enter the Gas Safe Registration number which is on the engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card
  3. Your engineer should be happy – in fact, they should be proud – to show you their credentials. If they don’t want to disclose this information, find another engineer who is willing to operate transparently
  4. Click through to view information for that engineer, including the types of system they are qualified to work on

 

Details On The Front Of A Gas Safe Card:

  • The engineer’s photo
  • The start and expiry dates
  • The licence number
  • The security hologram
  • The engineer is from the business you employed

 

Details On The Back Of A Gas Safe Card:

  • The engineer is qualified to carry out the gas job you’ve employed them to do
  • Their qualifications are up-to-date

If you don’t know the name of the business, or would like to search for an individual engineer by name, that’s fine. Just call the Gas Safe Register on 0800 408 5500 to check the details.

 

What’s Being Done About Illegal Gas Work?

No matter how cautious you are, scams still happen. Companies and engineers can fake their identities to appear on the register. If you’d like to raise concerns and report illegal gas work, the Gas Safe register website will investigate your claim.

All too often, engineers undertake gas work illegally, and customers are left to pay the price. However, the government is acutely aware of the dangers gas poses. As a result, there are additional clear indicators beyond checking the register that your engineer has received the Gas Safe certification. Below, we’ve listed some documents and certificates you should always receive after hiring a qualified engineer.

 

Gas safety certificates & record keeping

Building Regulations Compliance Certificate

You should receive a compliance certificate if a Gas Safe Registered engineer installs a heating gas appliance in your property. This informs the Local Authority of the new appliance. The certificate should be posted to you within 28 days of a new appliance being installed.

Gas Safety Record

The documentation an engineer leaves behind depends upon the purpose and type of work carried out. The only legally required documentation is a Landlord Gas Safety Record. This details exactly what checks the engineer has carried out and if the appliances checked meet the appropriate standards of safety.

Kiasu Workforce Landlord's Gas Safety Record

Gas Safe Register Summary

To finalise, checking the register couldn’t be quicker or easier. It’s the best way to guarantee your safety, and the quality of the work that will be completed. If you have any concerns, visit the Gas Safe Register website for advice and support.

Obviously, it would be best not to need any work undertaking (read our boiler maintenance tips!). However, should the time come, a quick search against your engineers is all it takes to secure peace of mind.

What is Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)?

Posted on by rob.fullsend

If you have found yourself asking, “What is PAT Testing?” you have come to the right place. Here at Kiasu Workforce, we are pleased to present a comprehensive guide to PAT testing. Starting with the answer to your burning question.

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the periodic inspection of electrical equipment to identify defects. You’ve probably seen one of those little green stickers on a toaster, kettle, washing machine or tumble dryer. It means the appliance has undergone electrical testing and is safe to use. These stickers are commonplace in our day-to-day lives and ensure the public’s safety while using electrical appliances.

But sometimes, knowing the definition of PAT testing is not enough, so here is some more information to ensure you’re fully informed on the importance of PAT testing. 

 

Is PAT Testing a legal requirement?

By law, electrical appliances in business premises must be safe for use (as per the HSE’s Electricity at Work Regulations 1989). PAT testing allows businesses to comply with this legal requirement. 

There is no legal requirement to carry out PAT inspections at home. Still, it’s always worth keeping electrical safety in mind.

There are seven categories of appliances that should be considered for PAT testing:

  • Fixed equipment
  • Stationary equipment
  • IT equipment
  • Moveable appliances
  • Portable appliances
  • Cables & chargers
  • Handheld appliances

 

What is the difference between movable and portable appliances?

In this case, “moveable” means something which plugs into a socket and can be unplugged and moved around easily. “Portable” means something designed for use on the go.

 

Traditional vs visual examination methods

Most defects can be found through visual examination methods, but some types can only be found by testing. Visual examinations are still necessary because some types of electrical safety defects can’t be detected through traditional testing methods.

Visual inspection and testing by a competent person may be required, depending upon the type of equipment and the environment in which it is used.

 

How frequently do I need to test my electrical appliances?

Most people do not know how often PAT Testing should be done. Some appliances must be tested more often, such as well-used, often knocked or easily damaged appliances. It is recommended that risk assessments are carried out regularly to determine how frequently each appliance should be tested and the type of test needed.

The frequency of inspection and testing depends upon the type of equipment and the environment it is used in. For example, a power tool used on a construction site should be examined more frequently than a lamp in a hotel bedroom.

A record and labelling can be useful management tools for monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the maintenance scheme and for demonstrating that a scheme exists.

New equipment should be supplied in a safe condition and not require a formal portable appliance inspection or test. A simple visual check will verify the item is free of damage.

 

What are the classes of electrical equipment?

Electrical appliances are generally categorised as classes 1, 2 or 3, with Class 1 being the most dangerous and Class 3 the least dangerous. Class 1 appliances need a full PAT inspection, Class 2 appliances need an insulation test, and Class 3 appliances are safe enough not to require testing. However, a visual test may be carried out.

 

Class 1 Appliances

This type of electrical equipment has only basic insulation and relies on an earth for protection. Examples include washing machines, tumble dryers, computers, kitchen equipment and extension leads.

Class 2 Appliances

This type of electrical equipment has extra insulation. It doesn’t rely on an earth for protection, which makes it safer. E.g. lawnmowers, televisions, drills, hairdryers and lamps.

Class 3 Appliances

Class 3 appliances, such as laptops, torches and cameras, are the safest class of electrical appliances due to the low voltages involved. Their charging leads may require tests.

 

How is Portable Appliance Testing carried out?

Many people do not know how to PAT Test. Those carrying out PAT testing do require a level of knowledge and experience. The right equipment is also necessary, as is the ability to understand the test results properly.

Testing required depends on the type of appliance. The electrician must carry out risk assessments to ensure equipment can be tested safely.

Another important consideration in ensuring the user’s safety is the order in which these tests are carried out. The sequence should always be:

  1. Earth continuity test
  2. Insulation resistance test
  3. Protective conductor/touch current test or alternative/substitute leakage test
  4. Functional Check

An insulation test should always come before attempting any tests which involve applying mains power to the equipment under test. It may detect a dangerous insulation failure.

The recommendations given by the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Testing of Electrical Equipment are as follows:

Class I Appliances

  1. Earth continuity test
  2. Insulation resistance test or protective conductor current test, or alternative/substitute leakage test
  3. Functional checks

Class II Appliances

  1. Insulation resistance test or touch current test, or alternative/substitute leakage test
  2. Functional checks 

 

How Much Does PAT Testing Cost?

The cost of PAT testing depends primarily on the number of electrical items that will need to be tested in the workplace. A PAT Test also needs to be carried out to the highest standard to ensure the safety of people in the workplace, so it can be time-consuming.

Prices can vary based on the number of items being tested and the time this will take, so it is best to enquire and get a personal quote. Contact our expert team today and email us to enquire.

 

Can I carry out PAT inspections myself?

A “competent person” can legally carry out testing. This person should have adequate knowledge of electricity and experience in electrical work. They need to know how to carry out both the visual inspection and PAT test, plus understand the hazards.

They should also know the precautions to take when PAT testing and be able to decide whether it’s safe for PAT testing to continue.

Suppose you are concerned about the competency required for PAT testing. In that case, you may feel more comfortable contracting a qualified electrician to carry out PAT procedures. This is especially important where multiple items must be PAT tested, or class 1 appliances require testing.

 

Book PAT Testing Today 

We can help you with a variety of electrical works at Kiasu Workforce, including expert PAT testing in London. 

Our team of qualified and experienced electricians are on hand to ensure capable and competent PAT testing for all appliances on your site.  We can also offer further guidance on appliances that do not pass the PAT test, as well as advise on when PAT testing should be carried out again in line with legal safety compliance. 

Get in touch with our team today to learn more about how we can help you with PAT testing. 

 

Related

PAT testing explained: Everything you need to know

A complete guide to PAT testing for businesses

Workplace safety: Is your business fully certified?

The rise of smart heating & home automation

Posted on by rob.fullsend

Smart heating & home automation: 2000-2019

10 years ago, smart heating & home automation might have sounded like concepts from Back to the Future. But with more internet-connected devices than ever before, they are now realities which look set to stay.

Now, this might lead you to ask “where’s my jetpack?”. But IoT-connected smart devices could save you just as much time and effort in the long run. Albeit without quite as much fun.

Smart appliances, the IoT and connected living

Kiasu - Smart heating & home automation - Nest UpdateThe Internet of Things, or IoT, essentially refers to the collection of devices which are connected to the internet, functioning without user input in most scenarios. This connectivity allows devices to communicate with sensors, other devices and systems outside of the device.

Now you can control multiple factors of your building using smart services. Nest paved the way for smart heating controls with its smart thermostat, introduced in 2011. Smart thermostats attempt to save energy by sychronising the timing of heating and cooling with patterns of household occupancy.

Their precursors, programmable thermostats, typically resulted in higher energy use than simple ones. This was largely down to user error and the difficulty of programming. A smart thermostat aims to obviate the need for human interaction, simplifying the task of saving energy whilst maintaining an equitable temperature.

Since then, a plethora of devices have become available, covering every conceivable application.

Various products can integrate with your lighting & garage door, sense smoke & carbon monoxide or toggle your devices to create the impression that somebody is home. And of course, all these devices will eventually integrate together.

Advantages of home automation

Home automation enables users to save time and effort. It could also lead to savings by preventing mishaps. Such as the one I experienced at the age of 19 when, after living with some friends for a year, we realised we’d had the boiler set to “continuous” the whole time. No – the bill was not a pretty sight.

We ended up paying considerably more than the cost of a smart thermostat, which made us wish we’d had the foresight to buy one. Then again, having just turned 18, our money was spent on goods in liquid form only. A smart thermostat would have been unlikely to make the cut.

Smart appliances will enable users to complete their housework remotely, prepare the house for guests, maintain cleanliness and much more. The concept essentially allows any application that can be dreamt up. It enables devices – rather than users – to utilise all the technology at our disposal.

Iot: Risks & Threats

Kiasu - Smart heating & home automation - code

The IoT is not simply a case of turning your devices on and then riding off into the sunset, however. Security risks, which pose the biggest threat to smart appliance development, are inherent in some devices and difficult to conclusively prevent.

Besides the router, each IoT-enabled connected appliance is also at risk from hackers looking for firmware vulnerabilities to exploit. The more devices, the more points of vulnerability.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning look set to drive a wave of secure advancements within the sector. AI will constantly probe, detect and learn from security logs, reacting to cyber threats faster than humans. Machine Learning could enable self-diagnosing smart appliances, which issue update notifications and security fixes when a firmware issue is detected.

The future of smart heating & home automation

Kiasu - Smart heating & home automation - Cyber Security

With our modern taste for convenience, it seems inevitable that smart appliances and home automation will play an increasing part in our lives in the years to come. It is imperative that the security risks inherent are tackled, rather than simply talked down.

However, provided robust threat prevention methods can be implemented, the concepts look like being the first of a new technological paradigm.

Article by Barney Scott, Kiasu Group

© 2019 Barney Scott, Kiasu Group

Why you Need to Hire an M&E Contractor

Posted on by rob.fullsend

If you have found yourself questioning whether you need an M&E contractor, you have come to the right place.

Here at Kiasu Workforce, we are London’s boutique property maintenance and commercial building projects company, and we offer expert mechanical and engineering services. But why should you care or want to hire us?

To help you with all the answers to your M&E contracting questions, we have put together an all-you-could-need guide to M&E contracting. From what it is to why you need it, we are sure we have all the tips and advice you need to make an informed decision.

What is M&E contracting?

To understand why you need an M&E contractor, it’s crucial to delve deeper into their role and how they help maintain your property.

If you own a building, you might have heard the term ‘M&E contractor’. A specialist contractor such as this will handle the mechanical and electrical systems within a building. Hence the name ‘M&E’.

Ultimately, they will ensure that critical areas of your business are working effectively. So, what types of systems can M&E contractors keep in check for you?

Well, they can be involved in everything from heating and ventilation systems to all elements related to health and safety within your property. M&E contractors are also often known as building service engineers.

They can handle everything from fire safety, the energy supply, the building control system and even ICT networks throughout the building. Drainage, plumbing and lighting issues can also be handled by an M&E contractor.

4 Reasons you need an M&E contractor

Now you know what the role of an M&E contractor is, it’s time to move on to why you need to hire one. We have put together the top four reasons you need an M&E contractor to help put the role into a little more perspective on how it will benefit you.

1. Keeping your building safe in the event of a fire

One of the most important aspects of fire safety is ensuring that occupants of the building are provided with the warnings that they need to get out of the building safely.

An M&E contractor can help here by ensuring that the right alarm systems are installed and working effectively.

As well as the initial alarm set up, the contractor can ensure that they will work efficiently in the event of a fire. An M&E contractor can also ensure that a full working ventilation system is operational in your building. This is another key aspect of safety and ensuring that the building is suitable for occupants.

2. Ensuring your business is up to code

It’s important to be aware that buildings must be set up to adhere to strict health and safety regulations, and an M&E contractor can help with this. When you undertake any building work or maintenance, an M&E contractor can ensure that your building is always up to code and help you avoid liability issues.

3. Preventing issues before they emerge

M&E contractors can also be responsible for making sure that issues never crop up on your property. For instance, they can conduct PAT testing, which ensures that portable electrical devices are safe and working correctly. If devices like this are not checked, they could actually be the cause of a fire. For this reason, it is no exaggeration to say that hiring an M&E contractor could prevent disaster.

4.Keeping your building secure

An M&E contractor can also guarantee that your building is set up to remain both safe and secure. Having a trusted contractor in the role can ensure that key security elements are in place throughout a building.

They will also guarantee that electrical locks throughout your business are fully functional and that there are no gaps in your security.

Hiring an M&E contractor

We hope that our guide has helped you to understand why an M&E contractor is such a vital hire for any building owner or business owner. Using their services will allow you to make sure that your business is both safe and secure. As well as this, systems will remain operational and any problems can be resolved quickly and without delay by a fully trained expert.

If you’re ready to hire an M&E contractor for your site or business, don’t hesitate to find out more about our expert M&E services available. Alternatively, browse more property maintenance services in London also on offer from Kiasu Workforce.

The Essential Safety Checks of Commercial Building Maintenance

Posted on by rob.fullsend

Commercial building maintenance

No matter what kind of commercial building you own or run, it’s vital to maintain it carefully and correctly. If you don’t pay attention to the regular maintenance requirements, you’ll pay for it later. Ignoring problems or not even checking for them in the first place won’t make them go away.

If you want to learn more about maintaining a commercial property, you’ve come to the right place. We will cover all of the essentials and explain why they’re important. By reading all of the information below, you’ll better understand what it takes to maintain your commercial property. So read on now to learn about all the maintenance inspections you need to keep your building in top condition.

Why Do Building Maintenance Inspections Matter?

First, we need to discuss why these checks and property maintenance procedures are necessary. For a commercial space to function correctly and offer fundamental safety and security to the people working inside it each day, it must undergo regular maintenance checks. This doesn’t happen by itself.

It’s very easy to coast along and assume everything is fine. Still, you won’t know that for sure until you actively seek out problems and carry out proper checks. Now it’s time to look at the inspections and maintenance tips you should know.

The regular checks you’ll need to make

Many areas require inspections, and each area requires several different checks. Here are the areas of your property you will need to check to meet safety standards and legal requirements routinely:

Checking and double-checking all alarms

You should make sure you have various types of alarms on your property. You’ll require a burglar alarm to ensure the building is secure 24 hours a day. On top of that, you should have fire alarms in place to comply with all relevant fire safety regulations. Once you have all of those alarms, you should ensure they’re regularly checked and double-checked to ensure that they’re functioning the way they’re meant to.

Fire Safety Inspections

One of the most dangerous threats that every property must strive to avoid is a fire. Several of the other inspections covered in this guide will help prevent fires and help keep you safe if one does break out. For example, fire alarms (as discussed above) will alert you to a fire. And some of the electrical testing (which we cover later) will identify potential fire risks so you can fix them before they cause an incident. In addition to these, however, you will also need regular fire door inspections. In the event of a fire, fire doors are essential to reducing the spread and containing the problem. However, over time they will suffer wear and tear. Regular checks will be able to highlight any significant damage that will prevent them from functioning correctly.

PAT Testing By The Book

Portable appliance testing is necessary for every commercial setting. It’s a vital aspect of health and safety and ensures electrical appliances are safe for use without any risk to the employees interacting with them. PAT testing has to be done carefully and by the book. A series of visual and electronic tests have to be carried out before an appliance can be passed as safe for use. These tests need to be completed regularly; it’s not enough to pass them once and then forget about them.

Plumbing And Pipe Checks

When something goes badly wrong with the building’s plumbing, you’ll know about it, and it certainly won’t be pleasant to deal with. Burst pipes or blockages can quickly get messy, making the commercial space unsafe and unusable until the problem is put right. That’s why regular plumbing and pipe checks are vital. When you carry out those checks, you can spot potential issues or minor problems before they become more severe. It is best to identify and fix the issue early to avoid potential disruptions. These checks need to be done thoroughly and carefully to ensure nothing is missed.

Annual Electrical Checks

All electrical components need to be checked annually. Faulty electrics pose several serious risks, including the threat of electrocution. Plus, faulty electrics are a fire hazard. Therefore these checks are crucial to a building’s safety. When it comes to electrics, it’s not worth taking any chances. Outlets, breaker boxes and switches should be reviewed and assessed for safety concerns and potential issues. 

Things like cracks or signs of deterioration should be spotted as early as possible. It is important to rectify these issues before they worsen and cause a bigger, more serious problem. It’ll save you a lot of time and money in the future if you do. And more importantly, it can prevent a harmful (or even deadly) incident such as a fire.

Regular Roof Inspections

Roof inspections might not apply to every business as they might be a contained office in a larger building. But if you are maintaining a whole building, you’ll need to ensure the roof is regularly inspected for faults and damage. Let a professional carry out these checks because they can be risky if carried out by someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing. It’s imperative to carry out these inspections if there’s recently been a lot of stormy or generally adverse weather in your area.

Commercial Property Maintenance - Roof inspections& Roof repair - Kiasu Workforce

Maintaining HVAC Systems

Without regular maintenance, an air conditioning system’s effectiveness can subside. They become less energy efficient – costing you more for the same results. Eventually, your HVAC system may not even be able to function to the same level at all. Furthermore, as with all maintenance inspections, HVAC servicing will identify small problems before they become bigger. If left unattended, these issues could leave you without air conditioning and a sizable repair bill. So make sure you spot them early and fix them while the issue is still small. 

Ventilation and Air Quality Control

Dust fumes and airborne contaminants can cause a range of health issues. Air quality is a serious concern that needs to be properly monitored. Ongoing inspections are crucial to ensuring your ventilation minimises these risks. In some cases, such inspections are a legal requirement. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), for example, requires Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems to be tested every 14 months.

Preventative Maintenance and Inspections

Property maintenance will be far easier for you if you stay on top of things. It’ll allow you to spot small problems before they get the chance to develop into much bigger ones. Each of the checks listed above will be vital for commercial property to function properly and run smoothly. Left unattended and unchecked, any one of these areas could lead to a significant problem resulting in costly fixes or even harm to yourself or others. Please don’t ignore them. 

Conclusion

Property maintenance will be a lot easier for you if you stay on top of things. It’ll allow you to spot small problems before they get the chance to develop into much bigger ones. Each of the checks listed above will be vital to the smooth functioning of your commercial property, so don’t forget about them.

Our team is equipped to help you with any commercial property maintenance needs you might have so if you need any of the property checks mentioned above, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Kiasu Workforce on 0208 988 1662 or email us at