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Cabling
through Joists
The
1992 Building Regulations Approved Document A allows for pipework to be
installed in joists by one of two methods, notching or drilling. Traditionally
joists have been notched and the pipework laid in as the rigidity of the
pipe does not easily allow for any other method of installation. This
means that the pipework must be installed prior to the floorboards being
laid.
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has a number of disadvantages: |
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Plumber
has to work on open joists increasing risk of accident or injury. |
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Plumber
will have to return after floors are laid to connect radiators,
etc. |
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Plumber
often finds that on his return, tails he left have been moved
by other tradesmen thereby causing extra work to reposition
pipework correctly for radiators. |
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Cabling
through joists means pipework can be installed by working from below allowing
exact positioning of 'tails' through floor.
Site safety is therefore enhanced and the plumber is not exposed to the
danger of falling or the discomfort of kneeling on open joists. Other
trades working below are protected from the dangers of falling tools,
molten solder, gas bottles etc.
As flooring can be laid prior to the plumber carcassing from below this
will progress the building schedule as other trades can work on the floor
above e.g. to form studwork etc.
Carcassing at a later stage in the construction programme is also more
pleasant as the building is likely to be weatherproof.
Less
Risk to Health and Site Safety
The
unique Hep2O®
fitting ensure effective, leak-free pipe jointing without the use of a
naked flame. Safety from fire, especially in restricted spaces, is greatly
increased and the working environment is improved.
There is no need for flux and solder, thus eliminating any potential contamination
of water supplies.
| Push-fit
jointing also has the following advantages for the installer: |
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No naked flame means that precautions such as obtaining a 'hot work'
permit, having a fire extinguisher readily available, and remaining
on site for a while after jointing are not necessary. |
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No
risk of infringement of Health and Safety recommendations applicable
to some brands of flux. eg. means to control exposure to noxious fumes
when working in a confined space, and use of eye protection (where
appropriate). |
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After
jointing the fitting is clean and safe to touch eg. after soldering
joint, is hot and flux traces should be removed. |
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Joint
is rotatable after installation. |
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