In your weekly PCA update this week:

• New version of BS 5250 released…..
• Integrated Weed Management Plans
• Formally register to use Plant Protection Products
• Damp & Timber Apprenticeship – Next Cohort Available
• Improving Air Quality in Existing Dwellings
• PR Programme Update
• Technician Training: Structural Waterproofing

New version of BS 5250 released…..

Last week saw the long awaited release of the revision to BS 5250: Management of Moisture in Buildings – Code of Practice. For those who may have missed it, this document was revised with the goal of making the document present a more holistic approach to moisture in buildings. Whilst this was admirable, in reality, the subject of moisture in buildings is vast and complex. The different aspects of the topic have always sat within separate specialties and unfortunately, this is still evident within the document which is at best disjointed.

This final version is a difficult tome to read which, including appendices, is 168 pages in total! Thankfully however, it doesn’t appear to be the car crash of a document that it seemed destined to be. We will of course, look to bring you more information and our view on the document at upcoming events.

Copies are available from BSI at £350 (non-members) or £175 (for BSI members) respectively.

Integrated Weed Management Plans

We know that its best practice for all users of herbicides to have an integrated management plan in place for each and every contract, but why are they important, how hard is it to do and what are the factors to consider?

PCA’s Technical Manager Peter discusses the pros and cons in his latest blog which you can access via the button below…

Formally register to use Plant Protection Products

Whilst details are not yet available from Defra regarding implementation, those in the Invasive Weed sector will have to formally register to use Plant Protection Products by June 22nd 2022.

This is part of a wider move by the Government and Regulators (HSE) to tighten-up the supply chain and improve enforcement (by HSE and Local Authorities). The new regulations cover all of Great Britain and similar legislation is likely to apply in Northern Ireland too.

It is early days but, as always, the PCA will keep you informed of updates. In the meantime, more details are available via the button below.

Damp & Timber Apprenticeship – Next Cohort Available

For those who are looking to get their technicians NVQ qualified with a Level 2 Diploma in ‘Insulation and Building Treatments (Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing)’, dates for the next cohort have been released:

• Week 1: 11th – 14th October 2021
• Week 2: 10th -13th January 2022
• Week 3: 4th – 7th April 2022
• Week 4: 27th – 30th June 2022
• Week 5: 26th – 29th September 2022

Invest in your team today for a stronger tomorrow! To find out more about what an apprenticeship can offer you and your team, get in touch with Jade on [email protected] or via the manual below…

Next Webinar: Improving Air Quality in Existing Dwellings

Our NEXT LIVE Webinar on Thursday 26th August 2021 is now open for registration! Join us and Kassie Williams from Nuaire, as she raises awareness and shares her advice on how we can identify and ‘Improve the Air Quality in Existing Dwellings’.

With Covid-19 changing most peoples working habits and ongoing media attention towards excess moisture, mould & condensation and other air quality pollutants; can some of our buildings really be 50 times more polluted than outdoor air?!?

To register, click on the button below….

PR Programme Update

Following last week’s email where we shared reports of Giant Hogweed hitting the headlines, coverage continues with national and local press highlighting the dangers of this invasive plant.

We encourage PCA invasive weed members to grab the opportunity to create awareness and educate homeowners on invasive species by sharing these news bites, and continue to communicate advice and guidance to your clients and customers.

Technician Training: Structural Waterproofing

Technician Training: Structural Waterproofing
Date: 1st September 2021
Location: PCA Practical Training Centre, Huntingdon
Cost: Members £195 +VAT / Non-members £250 +VAT
>> Need more information on the course – click here

This course is a short but thorough exploration of all aspects of structural waterproofing which technicians are required to know. Candidates will be able to apply the knowledge and skills they have developed on the course to confidently and effectively protect below ground structures against water ingress.

Contact the training team today on 01480 400000, or email [email protected].