July 2013 - Andrews Sykes

We did wonder if the party had started a bit early at Glasto…

Posted Date 29/07/2013

When we were asked to provide pumping advice and equipment during the driest period for many years, it all seemed a bit surreal

When the festival’s specialist electrical contractor approached us to provide expertise and pumping equipment to build a waterfall feature for the 2013 Glastonbury Festival, we were delighted to step in and assist.

As you can see, the end result is spectacular, even for the more, er, sober minded of us

We built a purpose made manifold attached to a PX 12 submersible pump and control panel, all of which helped to create a very effective and practical approach to what was, initially, quite a challenging requirement – most of the time Sykes Pumps is asked to meet purely functional criteria – something more ‘aesthetic’ is slightly unusual. Festivals like Glasto often create a demand for flooding and rainwater dispersal, as newspapers are fond of showing, as well as some less pleasant aspects of colourful music festival life – so this made a really interesting change

Reducing Stress; keeping staff productive and ‘Cool and Calm at Work’

Posted Date 26/07/2013

The recent spate of hot weather in the UK has thrown up some issues surrounding the health of workers and brought to the forefront, the employer’s duty of care towards their employees. Following the Parliamentary motion stating that if temperatures rise above 30 degrees Celsius then workers should be sent home, we ran a survey asking your opinion on the matter. Over half (56%) of people agreed that employers should address heat related issues for their workers when the temperature rises – interesting we thought, that this was such a tight result though.

Facilities Managers warned to remain vigilant for Legionnaires’ Disease in air conditioning

Posted Date 23/07/2013

One year on from the Legionnaires’ outbreaks in both Edinburgh and Stoke-on-Trent it’s clear that the disease is still an issue in the UK. Although not as common as it once was, it’s vital that facilities and building managers do not become complacent when it comes to managing their building’s water systems, which can be perfect breeding grounds for the bacteria.

Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia, caused by the bacteria Legionella, which lives naturally in all water systems in small, diluted quantities. However, the bacteria thrives in water at a temperature between 20-45°C and which has little or no flow. It can be particularly prevalent in commercial and public buildings.

How Andrews Sykes deliver a portable air conditioner to your door in a heatwave

Posted Date 22/07/2013

Whilst most schools have broken up and the good people of Britain are relaxing in to holiday mode, here at Andrews Sykes, we’re doing anything but. We’re working our little cotton socks off to keep you cool, calm and collected by delivering portable air conditioning units to the nation.

Whether you need a small temporary air conditioner for a single room or a powerful chiller for an large open plan office, we’ve got it covered – direct to your door and installed within a matter of hours. Here’s a short video which gives you an insight in to the process.

Portable air conditioning: hire vs. buy

Posted Date 22/07/2013

While we were all moaning about the unpredictable British weather during the double-dip winter this year, it’s no surprise that when that unpredictability leads to temperatures at the other end of the spectrum, we’re rather more happy about it. And you can almost hear the sound of the John Lewis cash register from here – reportedly seeing a staggering 453 per cent rise in sales of air-conditioning units last week.

The extreme heat can of course be dangerous for some of the more vulnerable in our society – particularly those in hospitals, care homes or other buildings where residents are less mobile.

Maximum workplace temperature: should employees be allowed to down tools if temperatures exceed 30C?

Posted Date 18/07/2013

Whilst a minimum workplace temperature requirement exists, a maximum does not. This issue has been brought to the public’s attention via a group of MPs calling for workers to have the right to walk out, should temperatures exceed 30C.

Excessive heat is of course dangerous and every effort should be made to control the indoor climate during a heatwave but we have reservations that this motion has not been adequately considered.

Businesses, neither large or small, can afford for staff to down tools and if employees understood the impact this proposal could have on their employer and their own job security and salary, they may be less supportive.

Coping in a Heatwave: The Case for Portable Air Conditioners

Posted Date 16/07/2013

High Performance Buildings, High Performing People

The prevailing heatwave, swiftly following on from a prolonged and unseasonable period of exceptional cold weather, may or may not be an indicator of climate change, but it certainly is a reminder of how distracting it can be to staff if they are uncomfortable

Workplace temperature is known to have a direct impact on productivity, what is less obvious is the impact of air quality. Increased air-borne irritants, such as dust and pollen prevalent during hot dry spells, and what seems to be an increase in late onset hay fever in adults, are yet more unwelcome intrusions into work routines – more than half a million more middle-aged people will develop hay fever over the next decade. In extremes this theme can lead to issues associated with ‘Sick Building Syndrome’ a topic Andrews Sykes is actively exploring on behalf of our clients and facilities partners.

Government funding to improve air quality in classrooms

Posted Date 12/07/2013

Amongst the factors that contribute towards the effectiveness of education, along with the teachers and lesson content, the learning environment has an important role to play.

While many of us may take it for granted that the air we breathe is clean and free of pollutants, some everyday school equipment may be releasing impurities and having a detrimental impact on children’s learning.

The impurities and pollutants in question are released from everyday items from cleaning equipment to craft supplies. These can have a negative effect on health, with pupils suffering from fatigue and lack of concentration. These dangers help stress the importance of adequate indoor ventilation, without which, irritation to the eyes, nose and respiratory tracts become more prevalent.

Andrews and Charlton Athletic Community Trust – A New Year of Partnership

Posted Date 09/07/2013

Andrews Air Conditioning has committed their support to the Trust for the second year running, remaining as its Official Kit Sponsor, in what continues to be a developing partnership.

Andrews Air Conditioning, part of the Andrews Sykes Group, recently confirmed their status as Charlton Athletic FC’s Official Shirt Sponsor to make it two years in succession and followed this by committing to the Trust as well.

The Sponsor’s logo will continue to be noticeably displayed on all kit, including sweatshirts, polo shirts, t-shirts and wet tops, and will be worn by the Trust’s full time and part time staff . Andrews Air Conditioning will also remain displayed on the Trust’s website, in the Trust’s match day programme page, in all Trust marketing publications and in the Trust’s monthly newsletter.

New Charlton ‘Away’ Kit Launched

Posted Date 08/07/2013

Andrews Sykes welcomes CAFC to our Charlton Depot

A delegation of players, backroom staff and club officers were welcomed to Andrews Sykes’ Charlton Hub, one of the busiest in the nationwide network of Climate Control and Pump Hire facilities

Yann Kermorgant and Johnnie Jackson represented the players and were kind enough to don the striking black and white kit for photo opportunities with the Andrews Sykes team. They had a tour of the facilities and met many of the staff and answered questions and signed autographs – many of those who work at Andrews Sykes are long standing Charlton fans so this was a real treat. Maybe for the players a short break after hard pre-season training was also a welcome change of pace as well, but both looked in good condition and are clearly raring to go for the new season