An electrical contracting firm founded by a former Carlisle United player has appointed a new boss.
Joan PattinsonTerris Electrical was formed by ex-Blues full back Jim Terris in 1961 after he stopped playing.
He retired from the firm in 1992 and left partners Mike Zema and David Withrington to run it. Now Mr Zema has also decided to take a back seat and hand the reins to new managing director, Joan Pattinson.
The company carries out domestic electrical contracting and has also been involved with big industrial contracts including refurbishing the Guild Hall, Preston.
Mrs Pattinson, of Burgh by Sands, who joined Terris as an office assistant in 1981, said: “It’s a honour to take over the company.
“There won’t be any huge changes, we will continue to do what we always have.
“Trust and reliability are the most important things to us; we value every customer from the old lady who needs a new plug socket for her TV to big clients like the Ministry of Defence.”
Mr Terris, who also played for Dunfermline Athletic and Bristol City, returned to his native Scotland when he retired from the firm.
First published at 14:11, Friday, 12 February 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
More Electrical Roof News from Australia
February 13, 2010 - 2:22PM .
Electricians formally warned Environment Minister Peter Garrett that metal roof insulation could cost lives months before he banned it.
By the time he acted, two installers had been electrocuted.
The federal government's $3.7 billion roof insulation program is in crisis as electricians scramble to check almost 50,000 homes that could have "live" roofs.
It's also been revealed that installers were not required to have any training. Two more installers have died while fitting pink batts under the scheme.
Mandatory training starts on Friday - almost a year after the program began, despite a string of warnings that untrained installers were dangerous and reports of homes catching fire because of poorly installed pink batts.
Mr Garrett revealed details of his handling of the bungled program to Parliament on Thursday amid calls for him to resign.
Last October, after one installer had died fitting the metal insulation, Mr Garrett met Master Electricians Australia to discuss safety.
"Master Electricians were very concerned in general terms that metal fasteners and foil insulation posed an unacceptable safety electrocution risk," Mr Garrett told Parliament of what was said in the meeting.
Electricians formally warned Environment Minister Peter Garrett that metal roof insulation could cost lives months before he banned it.
By the time he acted, two installers had been electrocuted.
The federal government's $3.7 billion roof insulation program is in crisis as electricians scramble to check almost 50,000 homes that could have "live" roofs.
It's also been revealed that installers were not required to have any training. Two more installers have died while fitting pink batts under the scheme.
Mandatory training starts on Friday - almost a year after the program began, despite a string of warnings that untrained installers were dangerous and reports of homes catching fire because of poorly installed pink batts.
Mr Garrett revealed details of his handling of the bungled program to Parliament on Thursday amid calls for him to resign.
Last October, after one installer had died fitting the metal insulation, Mr Garrett met Master Electricians Australia to discuss safety.
"Master Electricians were very concerned in general terms that metal fasteners and foil insulation posed an unacceptable safety electrocution risk," Mr Garrett told Parliament of what was said in the meeting.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Electricians Still Under Fire in Australia
BY VICTOR VIOLANTE AND ROSSLYN BEEBY
12 Feb, 2010 08:31 AM
A joint coronial hearing will investigate the cause of three ACT house fires in the wake of the Federal Government's maligned $3.7 billion roof insulation program.
The energy efficiency scheme is in crisis, with Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett fending off calls to resign and forced to order an electrical safety audit of about 40,000 homes fitted with foil insulation after inspections found faulty installation had left several houses with electrically ''live'' roof cavities.
Four workers have died while installing insulation under the program; three were electrocuted while fitting foil and ceiling batts, and a 19-year-old worker died from heat exhaustion while working in a roof cavity.
Last October, after one installer had died fitting the metal insulation, Mr Garrett met with Master Electricians Australia to discuss safety.
''Master Electricians were very concerned in general terms that metal fasteners and foil insulation posed an unacceptable safety electrocution risk,'' Mr Garrett told Parliament of what was said in the meeting.
The electricians asked him to suspend the use of metal insulation in the program and issued a media release calling for the metal insulation to be removed from the scheme.
Mr Garrett refused to do so.
Revelations of union warnings over the safety of the green energy scheme at a federal level come as the ACT Government confirmed yesterday that three Canberra house fires in the past three months would be the subject of a joint coronial hearing because they might have been caused by recently installed insulation under the program.
12 Feb, 2010 08:31 AM
A joint coronial hearing will investigate the cause of three ACT house fires in the wake of the Federal Government's maligned $3.7 billion roof insulation program.
The energy efficiency scheme is in crisis, with Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett fending off calls to resign and forced to order an electrical safety audit of about 40,000 homes fitted with foil insulation after inspections found faulty installation had left several houses with electrically ''live'' roof cavities.
Four workers have died while installing insulation under the program; three were electrocuted while fitting foil and ceiling batts, and a 19-year-old worker died from heat exhaustion while working in a roof cavity.
Last October, after one installer had died fitting the metal insulation, Mr Garrett met with Master Electricians Australia to discuss safety.
''Master Electricians were very concerned in general terms that metal fasteners and foil insulation posed an unacceptable safety electrocution risk,'' Mr Garrett told Parliament of what was said in the meeting.
The electricians asked him to suspend the use of metal insulation in the program and issued a media release calling for the metal insulation to be removed from the scheme.
Mr Garrett refused to do so.
Revelations of union warnings over the safety of the green energy scheme at a federal level come as the ACT Government confirmed yesterday that three Canberra house fires in the past three months would be the subject of a joint coronial hearing because they might have been caused by recently installed insulation under the program.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Electricians Key to Solar Green Future
In the next ten to twenty years, “electrical contractor” will no longer be a suitable job title for electricians. They will transition into “energy contractors” to support the fast-growing green construction market.
We see this as a coming renaissance in electrical contracting. There has been a revival of interest in the electrical trade as home owners and corporations adopt alternative methods (e.g. solar, wind, etc) to power buildings. What’s driving this? Federal incentives, lower material costs and savings from reduced energy spending.
A study by the American Solar Energy Society projects renewable energy jobs for electricians to grow approximately 900% by 2030, just in the state of Colorado.
To take advantage of upcoming opportunities, electricians will need to “green” their skill-set and re-brand themselves. We’ll share more on this later. First, let’s take a look at the trends driving this change.
Green Construction is on the Rise
According to a 2009 Booz Allen Hamilton study, green construction will skyrocket over the next five years. The report projects green construction to generate $554 billion dollars in GDP, provide $396 billion in labor earnings and support or create over 7.9 million jobs from 2009 to 2013. These figures are way up from the previous 8-year period. From 2000-2008, GDP from green construction was just $173 billion, labor earnings was $123 billion and number of jobs created was 2.4 million.
http://www.softwareadvice.com/articles/construction/the-coming-renaissance-of-electrical-contracting-1021010/
We see this as a coming renaissance in electrical contracting. There has been a revival of interest in the electrical trade as home owners and corporations adopt alternative methods (e.g. solar, wind, etc) to power buildings. What’s driving this? Federal incentives, lower material costs and savings from reduced energy spending.
A study by the American Solar Energy Society projects renewable energy jobs for electricians to grow approximately 900% by 2030, just in the state of Colorado.
To take advantage of upcoming opportunities, electricians will need to “green” their skill-set and re-brand themselves. We’ll share more on this later. First, let’s take a look at the trends driving this change.
Green Construction is on the Rise
According to a 2009 Booz Allen Hamilton study, green construction will skyrocket over the next five years. The report projects green construction to generate $554 billion dollars in GDP, provide $396 billion in labor earnings and support or create over 7.9 million jobs from 2009 to 2013. These figures are way up from the previous 8-year period. From 2000-2008, GDP from green construction was just $173 billion, labor earnings was $123 billion and number of jobs created was 2.4 million.
http://www.softwareadvice.com/articles/construction/the-coming-renaissance-of-electrical-contracting-1021010/
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Electricians Want 37,000 Homes Checked Immediately in Australia
ELECTRICIANS have demanded that all 37,000 houses fitted with foil insulation under the Federal Government's home insulation scheme be checked for safety.
In response to the deaths of four installers, Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett today suspended the installation of metallic insulation under the Government's rebate scheme.
Malcolm Richards, chief executive officer of Master Electricians Australia, said that based on safety audits carried out so far, there could be up to 460 potentially deadly roofs.
"We're not moving fast enough to get these homes inspected and these dangerous roofs identified," Mr Richards said.
"I can't see any way short of fully testing every single home that's had foil installed," he said.
He said that foil insulation was not particularly effective for retro-fitting and the demand for it had been caused by a shortage of other materials due to the government scheme.
Mr Richards said that he doubted there was a safe way to install the foil installation.
"We're firmly of the belief that removing the rebate for foil will result in no more accidents, subject to the 37,000 getting checked," Mr Richards said.
The Opposition's spokesman on climate action, Greg Hunt, said that Mr Garrett owed it to householders to offer them a safety audit.
In response to the deaths of four installers, Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett today suspended the installation of metallic insulation under the Government's rebate scheme.
Malcolm Richards, chief executive officer of Master Electricians Australia, said that based on safety audits carried out so far, there could be up to 460 potentially deadly roofs.
"We're not moving fast enough to get these homes inspected and these dangerous roofs identified," Mr Richards said.
"I can't see any way short of fully testing every single home that's had foil installed," he said.
He said that foil insulation was not particularly effective for retro-fitting and the demand for it had been caused by a shortage of other materials due to the government scheme.
Mr Richards said that he doubted there was a safe way to install the foil installation.
"We're firmly of the belief that removing the rebate for foil will result in no more accidents, subject to the 37,000 getting checked," Mr Richards said.
The Opposition's spokesman on climate action, Greg Hunt, said that Mr Garrett owed it to householders to offer them a safety audit.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Electrical Electrocutions Possible in Australia
MARISSA CALLIGEROS
February 8, 2010 - 1:53PM
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Hundreds of Queensland residents could risk electrocution by checking their roofs for storm damage following revelations foil insulation installed under the Federal Government's stimulus program could be live with electrical current.
An audit of 1000 Queensland homes found two per cent were potential death traps, because foil insulation had been placed directly over live wires and fastened with metal clips, The Australian newspaper reported today.
Master Electricians Australia CEO Malcom Richards told brisbanetimes.com.au between 500 and 700 homes in the Sunshine State could be "live" as a result of poor installation.
If home owners entered their roof space and touched the insulation, they could be shocked or electrocuted, he said.
Other parts of the house could also be live, including taps and gutters, if the insulation or the metal clips touched piping or the external roof.
Mr Richards said homes with foil insulation should be inspected immediately, although the federal government is yet to finalise arrangements for a nationwide audit program.
"The first thing we don't want people to do is enter the ceiling and try and make any sort of assessment themselves. If people know they have foil insulation installed in their ceiling, they should stay well clear of it until they get it tested one way or the other," Mr Richards said.
Yet he was most concerned for residents cleaning out gutters and downpipes or inspecting their roofs for leaks after the weekend's severe thunderstorms.
"This is what I am very, very concerned about. This wet weather is going to prompt people to get up and look at their roofs and I'm very concerned we will see people get hurt.
"You don't need a very severe shock when you're on a ladder to fall off and suffer serious injury."
More than 37,000 homes nationwide have been fitted with foil insulation under the Rudd government's rebate scheme.
Concerned residents can register for an emergency inspection via the Master Electricians Australia website, but any licensed electrician can conduct an audit for less than $200.
But there is no guarantee the government or the installation company will be liable for the cost of an audit.
Home owners can also lodge a complaint with Federal Government via the website of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
"However, I'd expect that residents wouldn't get urgent reaction from the government on that front, but I would get the complaint lodged so if [the government] does do some blanket auditing they are on the list," Mr Richards said.
Comment was being sought from Environment Minister Peter Garrett on an extension of the audit program earlier today.
Mr Richards said the government needed to axe foil insulation products from the $1200 stimulus program, following three deaths in Queensland.
A 25-year-old man was electrocuted in the roof of a Millaa Millaa house last Thursday, three months after the death of 16-year-old tradesman Rueben Barnes while installing insulation at a Stanwell home, south of Rockhampton.
The teenager most likely pierced an electrical cable in the roof as he was stapling the foil insulation in place, before receiving a fatal 240-volt shock.
A man was also killed in similar circumstances in October on Brisbane's southside.
"Last year's fatalities should have been a wake-up call to the insulation industry, but there are clearly businesses who are not interested in doing the right thing," Mr Richards said.
"If the industry can't stop the deaths, the government must."
February 8, 2010 - 1:53PM
Ads by Google
Roofing Estimates
Find Top-Rated Roofing Pros inYour Area. Get 4 Free Bids Today!
www.ServiceMagic.com
Hundreds of Queensland residents could risk electrocution by checking their roofs for storm damage following revelations foil insulation installed under the Federal Government's stimulus program could be live with electrical current.
An audit of 1000 Queensland homes found two per cent were potential death traps, because foil insulation had been placed directly over live wires and fastened with metal clips, The Australian newspaper reported today.
Master Electricians Australia CEO Malcom Richards told brisbanetimes.com.au between 500 and 700 homes in the Sunshine State could be "live" as a result of poor installation.
If home owners entered their roof space and touched the insulation, they could be shocked or electrocuted, he said.
Other parts of the house could also be live, including taps and gutters, if the insulation or the metal clips touched piping or the external roof.
Mr Richards said homes with foil insulation should be inspected immediately, although the federal government is yet to finalise arrangements for a nationwide audit program.
"The first thing we don't want people to do is enter the ceiling and try and make any sort of assessment themselves. If people know they have foil insulation installed in their ceiling, they should stay well clear of it until they get it tested one way or the other," Mr Richards said.
Yet he was most concerned for residents cleaning out gutters and downpipes or inspecting their roofs for leaks after the weekend's severe thunderstorms.
"This is what I am very, very concerned about. This wet weather is going to prompt people to get up and look at their roofs and I'm very concerned we will see people get hurt.
"You don't need a very severe shock when you're on a ladder to fall off and suffer serious injury."
More than 37,000 homes nationwide have been fitted with foil insulation under the Rudd government's rebate scheme.
Concerned residents can register for an emergency inspection via the Master Electricians Australia website, but any licensed electrician can conduct an audit for less than $200.
But there is no guarantee the government or the installation company will be liable for the cost of an audit.
Home owners can also lodge a complaint with Federal Government via the website of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
"However, I'd expect that residents wouldn't get urgent reaction from the government on that front, but I would get the complaint lodged so if [the government] does do some blanket auditing they are on the list," Mr Richards said.
Comment was being sought from Environment Minister Peter Garrett on an extension of the audit program earlier today.
Mr Richards said the government needed to axe foil insulation products from the $1200 stimulus program, following three deaths in Queensland.
A 25-year-old man was electrocuted in the roof of a Millaa Millaa house last Thursday, three months after the death of 16-year-old tradesman Rueben Barnes while installing insulation at a Stanwell home, south of Rockhampton.
The teenager most likely pierced an electrical cable in the roof as he was stapling the foil insulation in place, before receiving a fatal 240-volt shock.
A man was also killed in similar circumstances in October on Brisbane's southside.
"Last year's fatalities should have been a wake-up call to the insulation industry, but there are clearly businesses who are not interested in doing the right thing," Mr Richards said.
"If the industry can't stop the deaths, the government must."
Monday, February 8, 2010
Electricians Demand Meeting over British Columbia Firing
A group of B.C. electricians is demanding time with Vancouver officials to discuss the dismissal of the city's chief electrical inspector just weeks before the start of the 2010 Olympics..
Ark Tsisserev worked for the City of Vancouver for more than 20 years, most recently as the chief electrical inspector and electrical safety manager.
Last month, Tsisserev was let go. Officials say his termination was due to budget cuts.
Deborah Cahill, executive director of the Electrical Contractors Association of B.C., says it was a mistake to lose Tsisserev so close to the Games.
"My phone has been ringing off the hook," Cahill said. "My members are very concerned about it. I have not had one member that is not displeased, we are completely in shock."
Electrician Axel Gringmuth worked on the Italian Pavilion for Expo '86. He said the chief inspector is responsible for ensuring B.C.'s electrical code is met and maintained among hundreds of pieces of international equipment.
"If something happens, there is going to be finger pointing all over the place," Gringmuth said. "I can't believe in our city, with our history of handling events, something like that would happen."
The city has stated that a senior building official will handle Tsisserev's responsibilities, and that electrical inspections will continue as normal.
But Cahill says Tsisserev is considered one of the best in the business, and she is waiting to hear the replacement's qualifications.
"We've not been informed as to who's replacing him," Cahill said. "None of my members that have sent letters to the mayor's office have even had a response."
Tsisserev declined to comment on the advice of his lawyer.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Lisa Rossington
Ark Tsisserev worked for the City of Vancouver for more than 20 years, most recently as the chief electrical inspector and electrical safety manager.
Last month, Tsisserev was let go. Officials say his termination was due to budget cuts.
Deborah Cahill, executive director of the Electrical Contractors Association of B.C., says it was a mistake to lose Tsisserev so close to the Games.
"My phone has been ringing off the hook," Cahill said. "My members are very concerned about it. I have not had one member that is not displeased, we are completely in shock."
Electrician Axel Gringmuth worked on the Italian Pavilion for Expo '86. He said the chief inspector is responsible for ensuring B.C.'s electrical code is met and maintained among hundreds of pieces of international equipment.
"If something happens, there is going to be finger pointing all over the place," Gringmuth said. "I can't believe in our city, with our history of handling events, something like that would happen."
The city has stated that a senior building official will handle Tsisserev's responsibilities, and that electrical inspections will continue as normal.
But Cahill says Tsisserev is considered one of the best in the business, and she is waiting to hear the replacement's qualifications.
"We've not been informed as to who's replacing him," Cahill said. "None of my members that have sent letters to the mayor's office have even had a response."
Tsisserev declined to comment on the advice of his lawyer.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Lisa Rossington
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