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UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: ftp on January 18, 2009, 12:53:28 pm

Title: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: ftp on January 18, 2009, 12:53:28 pm
If a supplier fit's a hot system be it gas or diesel, does the particular employee who fits it have to be Corgi registered? Plumber trained or have a certificate of some kind of competence to be allowed to do it. Does every employee hold a certificate trained for the job to cover holidays?
Should a fault cause a fire then is that company and it's employees entirely liable for prosecution?
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: Kevin R on January 18, 2009, 12:59:50 pm
My Diesel system - Supplied by Varitech was fitted by a qualified mechanic / fitter at the coach work company Varitech use. They build customized vehicles, for example they turn vans into ambulances etc.
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: ftp on January 18, 2009, 01:05:59 pm
So if i fitted my own hot gas system and asked my neighbour who was a plumbing lecturer and is now a gasboard fitter to check it over would that suffice?
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: john tomkins on January 18, 2009, 01:38:57 pm
If it was a gas boiler in the house it would need to be commissioned and then signed off by a Corgi registered engineer, how this relates to a caravan heater in a van is anyones guess ???
Presumably a  Varitech system is sold with all the relevant paperwork/certificates of safety.
Is their any additional insurance premium for these  systems?

Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: Blue Sky 2 on January 18, 2009, 01:47:43 pm
You can fit and comminsion any gas appliance yourself for use by you, it does not have to be signed off by a corgi engineer. If it is installed by another company or person for use by others then the company/ person comminsioning the appliance has to be corgi registered.

Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: dd on January 18, 2009, 01:56:32 pm
If a supplier fits a gas system for you they would either get the gas fitting done by a corgi registered fitter or have to have their work checked and passed by one. They are highly unlikely to have employed one on their books.

The only supplier I know who was willing to fit a gas system is water fed pole system ltd, but they were not keen and would prefer to fit a diesel heater. Thus far haven't taken it further than an initial inquiry.
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: Alex Gardiner on January 18, 2009, 02:34:49 pm
As far as I know the CORGI regulations only apply to gas installations in buildings not vehicles. Any system fitted by a supplier would have to show competency or their insurance company would not be happy.

Gas systems fitted in a van would come under 'portable appliances' which almost anyone can legally plumb in or work on.
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: Nathanael Jones on January 18, 2009, 02:43:06 pm
As far as I know the CORGI regulations only apply to gas installations in buildings not vehicles. Any system fitted by a supplier would have to show competency or their insurance company would not be happy.

Gas systems fitted in a van would come under 'portable appliances' which almost anyone can legally plumb in or work on.
That's exactly what David Slater's research turned up. I would however stress that anyone DIY'ing would be plain silly not to get it checked over by a Corgi registered engineer. It won't cost much, but they could spot something vital that the untrained eye might miss.
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: Blue Sky 2 on January 18, 2009, 03:00:29 pm
There are diffrent Corgi classes for diffrent types of gas installation. For example fitting of gas meters would be say class 1, fitting of gas pipe work would be class 2, installing and commission domestic gas boilers would be class 3  and so on. As for portable gas installation this is another class " LPG"installation.
Each Corgi registered engineer has to be re assesed every 3 - 5 years depending on the class of gas installation they want to be registered to install.   All Corgi registered engineers carry a registraiton card with the classes of gas installation they are registered to install identified on the back.
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: john tomkins on January 18, 2009, 03:00:58 pm
You can fit and comminsion any gas appliance yourself for use by you, it does not have to be signed off by a corgi engineer. If it is installed by another company or person for use by others then the company/ person comminsioning the appliance has to be corgi registered.



Not really correct,  to fit it yourself you need to be "competent" as stated by
The Gas Safety (installation and use) Regulations 1998, although "competent " can be open to interpretation but normally means holding the relevant gas qualification, WAT1, HTR1, etc.
Try fitting a fire yourself and end up killing someone through carbon monoxide poisoning due to not commissioning  and see what the outcome is.
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: ftp on January 18, 2009, 04:24:55 pm
I have a builder in the family with no qualifications on paper apart from an apprentiship as a chippy. He lays bricks, plasters, installs gas boilers and wires sockets etc. When he's done the building regs check his work, an electrician tests his wiring and a corgi fitter tests his boilers and connects the system to the supply.
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: matt on January 18, 2009, 04:39:12 pm
seriously, this have it checked by a gas fitter

we are talking about a pipe from the heater connected to a gas bottle regulator

are we not ? ? ?  ?

when you connected your gas BBQ or Patio Heater to the gas bottle regulator, did you ask a gas fitter to look at that for you  ?? ?

or have i missed something here ? ? ?
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: matt on January 18, 2009, 05:32:04 pm
seriously, this have it checked by a gas fitter

we are talking about a pipe from the heater connected to a gas bottle regulator

are we not ? ? ?  ?

when you connected your gas BBQ or Patio Heater to the gas bottle regulator, did you ask a gas fitter to look at that for you  ?? ?

or have i missed something here ? ? ?



Yes, you have missed loads. 

But most of all you miss the point.

Why do things half heartedly?

Best thing to do is disregard all aspect of Health & Safety, any notion of building a viable business, and go window cleaning.




im not sure i have, if you buy a gas BBQ do you strip it down to get a gas fitter to  check it over  ?? ? a gas patio heater, do you strip it down and ask a gas fitter

its a self contained unit is it not ? ? ? ? and as its gas, you connect it up, have a look / smell for leaks

ref H&S, i take it seriously, mainy years back i did the H&S exec entry course, i thought about becoming and H&S exec inspector, the reason i didnt was i was worried i would get bored on the desk side of it, i was offered a post as the H&S officer at my local council though ( though i understand that alot has changed, but this heater thing is just common sense , something which i am afraid you seem to think most on here lack )

but hey, you carry on with your posts, im sure they entertain you
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: Kevin R on January 18, 2009, 05:34:37 pm
If it was a gas boiler in the house it would need to be commissioned and then signed off by a Corgi registered engineer, how this relates to a caravan heater in a van is anyones guess ???
Presumably a  Varitech system is sold with all the relevant paperwork/certificates of safety.
Is their any additional insurance premium for these  systems?



No additional insurance premiums - covered by Varitech warrantees etc to.
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: Kevin R on January 18, 2009, 05:38:43 pm
seriously, this have it checked by a gas fitter

we are talking about a pipe from the heater connected to a gas bottle regulator

are we not ? ? ?  ?

when you connected your gas BBQ or Patio Heater to the gas bottle regulator, did you ask a gas fitter to look at that for you  ?? ?

or have i missed something here ? ? ?



Yes, you have missed loads. 

But most of all you miss the point.

Why do things half heartedly?

Best thing to do is disregard all aspect of Health & Safety, any notion of building a viable business, and go window cleaning.




im not sure i have, if you buy a gas BBQ do you strip it down to get a gas fitter to  check it over  ?? ? a gas patio heater, do you strip it down and ask a gas fitter

its a self contained unit is it not ? ? ? ? and as its gas, you connect it up, have a look / smell for leaks

ref H&S, i take it seriously, mainy years back i did the H&S exec entry course, i thought about becoming and H&S exec inspector, the reason i didnt was i was worried i would get bored on the desk side of it, i was offered a post as the H&S officer at my local council though ( though i understand that alot has changed, but this heater thing is just common sense , something which i am afraid you seem to think most on here lack )

but hey, you carry on with your posts, im sure they entertain you

I'm no expert but isn't the law different for domestic patio heaters / regulators and a gas system used on someone else's property for financial gain a bit different?
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: matt on January 18, 2009, 05:55:19 pm
seriously, this have it checked by a gas fitter

we are talking about a pipe from the heater connected to a gas bottle regulator

are we not ? ? ?  ?

when you connected your gas BBQ or Patio Heater to the gas bottle regulator, did you ask a gas fitter to look at that for you  ?? ?

or have i missed something here ? ? ?



Yes, you have missed loads. 

But most of all you miss the point.

Why do things half heartedly?

Best thing to do is disregard all aspect of Health & Safety, any notion of building a viable business, and go window cleaning.




im not sure i have, if you buy a gas BBQ do you strip it down to get a gas fitter to  check it over  ?? ? a gas patio heater, do you strip it down and ask a gas fitter

its a self contained unit is it not ? ? ? ? and as its gas, you connect it up, have a look / smell for leaks

ref H&S, i take it seriously, mainy years back i did the H&S exec entry course, i thought about becoming and H&S exec inspector, the reason i didnt was i was worried i would get bored on the desk side of it, i was offered a post as the H&S officer at my local council though ( though i understand that alot has changed, but this heater thing is just common sense , something which i am afraid you seem to think most on here lack )

but hey, you carry on with your posts, im sure they entertain you

I'm no expert but isn't the law different for domestic patio heaters / regulators and a gas system used on someone else's property for financial gain a bit different?

thats the thing, the law doesnt / isnt that clear on it, thats not the point i was making though

my point being its ( the L5 ) a contained unit, the only real connection we need to make is to the gas bottle regulator, which lets face it a 5 yr old could do

Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: Kevin R on January 18, 2009, 05:59:42 pm
Guess this is why I opted for a Diesel system, none of the hassle associated with gas and the unclear laws. Just turn it on and clean windows for cash - just the way I like it  ;)

Either these gas heaters will find their place in the world of wfp or they wont. The only thing that worries me is all the suppliers are staying well clear - there must be a reason for this wrong or right.
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: ftp on January 18, 2009, 06:10:52 pm
Guess this is why I opted for a Diesel system, none of the hassle associated with gas and the unclear laws. Just turn it on and clean windows for cash - just the way I like it  ;)

Either these gas heaters will find their place in the world of wfp or they wont. The only thing that worries me is all the suppliers are staying well clear - there must be a reason for this wrong or right.

Not all suppliers are staying clear:
  http://www.express-cleaning-supplies.co.uk/oos/reachandwash/421025.html
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: matt on January 18, 2009, 06:13:45 pm


Either these gas heaters will find their place in the world of wfp or they wont. The only thing that worries me is all the suppliers are staying well clear - there must be a reason for this wrong or right.

i thought conceptO2 was gas powered  ?? ?

Also, nat has said he has spoken to john Hurlbert (The US distributor of the L5) recently and they are talking to a WFP supplier to sell them over here

so i guess some1 has been thinking about selling them here and will soon be stocking them, so they just might not be the ticking time bomb we have been led to belive by TWO people on here
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: Nathanael Jones on January 18, 2009, 06:26:46 pm
Ewan,.. do you work for or are you associated in any way with a WFP supplier in the UK?
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: macmac on January 18, 2009, 06:30:34 pm
Ewan,.. do you work for or are you associated in any way with a WFP supplier in the UK?


I doubt it, one, he doesn't work & two, he knows nothing about wfp or the industry! ;D
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: Nathanael Jones on January 18, 2009, 06:33:57 pm


I doubt it, one, he doesn't work & two, he knows nothing about wfp or the industry! ;D

Ionics guy then?
:)
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: matt on January 18, 2009, 06:34:24 pm
Ewan,.. do you work for or are you associated in any way with a WFP supplier in the UK?


I doubt it, one, he doesn't work & two, he knows nothing about wfp or the industry! ;D

and can you imagine sharing a office with him  :o :o :o him sat in the same room as you for 8 hours a day  :o :o :o

Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: macmac on January 18, 2009, 06:39:10 pm
Ewan,.. do you work for or are you associated in any way with a WFP supplier in the UK?


I doubt it, one, he doesn't work & two, he knows nothing about wfp or the industry! ;D

and can you imagine sharing a office with him  :o :o :o him sat in the same room as you for 8 hours a day  :o :o :o



I'd love it, taking the mick all day without him realising it!
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: ftp on January 18, 2009, 06:39:59 pm
I have used one too. Gosh don't i sound a professional! (puff out chest and strutt about)



I went to the Malverns (Express Cleaning Services) and 'used' one.

Very nice it was too
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: macmac on January 18, 2009, 06:43:40 pm
Quote
and the ridiculous comparisons which are made.
 

That's a bit rich is it not?

Remember the business/coach threads? macdonalds, rolex watches, ferrari dealers etc? :D :D :D
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: matt on January 18, 2009, 06:46:23 pm
I have used one too. Gosh don't i sound a professional! (puff out chest and strutt about)



I went to the Malverns (Express Cleaning Services) and 'used' one.

Very nice it was too

yes but you didnt realise if you spent BIG you would now be employing 20 blokes and have your area covered

oh hang on, ewan used 1 aswell, i guess he didnt realise either
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: macmac on January 18, 2009, 07:01:12 pm
I have used one too. Gosh don't i sound a professional! (puff out chest and strutt about)



I went to the Malverns (Express Cleaning Services) and 'used' one.

Very nice it was too

Steady on Dave, you're running the risk of becoming an overnight we & us! ;)
Title: Re: Hot systems......... just a thought?
Post by: macmac on January 18, 2009, 07:17:43 pm
Cliques, cliques, that all you have got, what’s wrong bit lonely working for yourself.  ;D

Yeah, I always put segs in my working shoes, makes them last longer & yes, I do love the click! ;)