The Hotel Engineer 14_1

PP 319986/101 Volume 14 No. 1

HOTEL ENGINEERTHE

3 Publishers’ Message

4 State News

9 Hilton Melbourne South Wharf - A Grand Vision

16 Supporting Electronic Security

20 AIHE Update 2009 Conference Details

23 Risk Management in the Hotel Sector

27 Legionella Legislation Reaches South Australia

30 BEMCS Helping hotels meet the Carbon Challenge

34 Innovation

38 Melbourne hotels delight City Council

41 Do you know how much Smart Metering can save you?

48 Bed Bugs Biting Business? Beat ‘em back!

51 IAQ Hygiene, Duty of Care and Accountability

54 Back of House

POOLS FEATURE

58 Pool Maintenance and Treatment

69 Open Invitation to a Field Day

71 If you can’t drink it, why swim in it?

76 Pool Heating Options

80 Robotic Pool Cleaners

87 Product News

BOURNEAdP U B L I S H I N G

DISCLAIMER Adbourne Publishing cannot ensure that the advertisers appearing in The Hotel Engineer comply absolutely with the Trades Practices Act and other consumer legislation. The responsibility is therefore on the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisement(s) for publication.

Adbourne Publishing and The Australian Institute of Hotel Engineering reserves the right to refuse any advertisement without stating the reason. No responsibility is accepted for incorrect information contained in advertisements or editorial. The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or otherwise alter articles for publication.

All original material produced in this magazine remains the property of the publisher and cannot be reproduced without authority. The views of the contributors and all submitted editorial are the author’s views and are not necessarily those of The Institute of Hotel Engineering or the publisher.

contents

Front Cover:Hilton Melbourne South Wharf

Photo: Peter Bennettswww.peterbennetts.com

Adbourne Publishing

3/1527 Burwood Hwy Tecoma, VIC 3160PO Box 735, Belgrave, VIC 3160

Melbourne: Neil MuirPh: (03) 9752 6933Fax: (03) 9752 6944Email: [email protected]

Adelaide: Robert SpowartPh: 0488 390 039Email: [email protected]

Production: Claire HenryTel: (03) 9752 6944Email: [email protected]

Administration: Robyn FantinTel: (03) 9752 6426Email: [email protected]

Marketing: Tania LamannaTel: (03) 9500 0285Email: [email protected]

The Hotel Engineer is published by Adbourne Publishing in association with The Australian Institute of Hotel Engineering.

AIHE State Presidents

QLD Ian Crookston Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove Manor Circle Sanctuary Cove QLD 4212 Ph: (07) 5530 1234 Email: [email protected]

NSW Doug Smith Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach 242 Arden Street Coogee NSW 2034 Ph: (02) 9315 9158 Fax: (02) 9315 9100

WA Doug Stemp Hyatt Regency Perth 99 Adelaide Terrace, Perth WA Ph: (08) 9225 1234 Fax: (08) 9325 8899

VIC Chris Martin The Como Melbourne Mirvac Hotels Ph: (03) 9825 2203

Website http://aihe.com.auEmail [email protected]

HOTEL ENGINEERTHE

51

69

09

Engineers of all persuasions will no doubt be following the after-developments

of our recent tragedies with bushfires and floods that left so much devastation in their wake in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. Civil and construction engineers are now playing a major role in the recovery of these stricken areas, at a time when there are lessons that must not only be learnt, but enacted upon this time.

Meanwhile, Hotel Engineers will find in this issue of your publication we have devoted almost 30 pages to the annual feature on swimming

pools in hotels. This takes in all areas of day-to-day running of pools, along with their maintenance.

We have included a case study of the new Hilton Melbourne South Wharf Hotel, also pictured on the front cover, opened as recently as April 15. It is set in the heart of South Wharf, an area planned to become Melbourne’s newest business and dining precinct, with each of the contemporary guest rooms and suites having been innovatively designed and inspired by the nearby Yarra River.

We also in this issue welcome several new writers to our team of contributors. We thank them for

Publisher’s Messagetheir efforts and know readers will benefit from each of their articles because of their expertise in their field.

May we remind all Hotel Engineers of the 2009 Update Conference to be held on August 27th and 28th at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. All details of this important get-together and trade fair appear in this issue.

It is now 14 years since Adbourne Publishing produced the very first issue of The Hotel Engineer, and we are close to announcing some exciting developments now in the pipeline. But more about that later in the year. n

HOTEL ENGINEERTHE

4 | Vol 14 No. 1 | Hotel Engineer

AIH

E

QueenslandThe February meeting had members meeting at the recently built location of Clipsal, at Eagle Farm in Brisbane. A bus for the contingent of members from the Gold Coast was also provided. After initial introductions, Mexican food and drinks were offered by Clipsal staff. All were later taken on a tour through their large dispatch area which gave everyone an insight to how the large to single item orders are sorted and distributed. An additional tour of an on-site mock up house, gave everyone a chance to see and sample many of the latest electrical appliances, equipment and electrical systems, controlled by a C-Bus System. On completion of the tour a presentation was made by several Clipsal representatives on the following:

Clipsal C-Bus lighting control and •automation in Hotels and hospitality

Dimming methods and functional •requirements of hotels function rooms

New Clipsal Architectural range •of Dimmers 3, 6 , 12 channels in 20A,16A,10A,5A,3A with on board DMX connection

Clipsal hotel room automation•

Hotel building services integration•

In conclusion, Clipsal’s main message was that the Clipsal C-Bus new commercial Architectural dimmer range is an innovative modular scalable solution to Hotel lighting control and automation with interfacing to 3rd party systems such as DMX, and being fully compatible to other C-Bus devices.

Thanks and appreciation were given to George Bettany, Business Development Manager, Commercial Projects and all fellow Clipsal presenters for their time provided on what was an enjoyable and informative evening.

The March meeting was breakfast followed by the AGM, held at Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove. During general business, discussion on current membership numbers, the website, Update 2009 and the proposed recruitment drive were discussed. It was requested that the QLD President meet the committees of the other 3 chapters urgently to advise in detail what initiatives are being generated and to have their commitment and understanding moving forward nationally. Importantly as a joint recruitment and attendance drive for the Update 2009 Conference is about to be launched.

After General Business the president declared all positions vacant and the newly elected committee is as follows:

President Ian Crookston

Vice President Vacant

Treasurer Geoff Baldwin

Secretary Sarah Drage

Meeting Coordinator Lindsay Slade

Council Members Paul Anderson Mal Draper Greg Taylor Anthony LeMaistre Frank Beeson Gary Milne

Regards,Ian CrookstonPresident AIHE QLD Chapter

Western AustraliaThere was no meeting held in January.

Our meeting in February was held at the Duxton Hotel.

It was noted in the minutes from our treasurers report of the significant increase in funds received after WA had control of the renewals. This is mainly due to the excellent work carried by our Treasurer and his wife

Ann. Membership renewals now run from Jan – Dec regardless of when the members signs up.

Upcoming events on the social scene will see us visit a Karaoke restaurant in April. Stand by for some reports that will come out of that night.

The evening’s presenters were John Scott, Eddie Jackson and Amanda Dunstone from JCT. They showed us some very useful products that can be used throughout our industry.

Some of their products included mobile video audio equipment, key whereabouts and containment equipment and versatile communications equipment.

They also raffled off a wine pack that was won by Lee Binsted.

Many thanks to Bill Hirst and the Duxton Hotel for hosting the evening.

In March we held our AGM at the Mercure Hotel. All positions were declared vacant and after almost 4 years as President of the WA chapter it is time for me to step down.

Committee elected for 2009/10 are:

President Tony Fioraso

Secretary Bob Bovenizer

Treasurer Ian Amen

Social Events Co-ordinators Martin Doyle & Doug Stemp

As you can see not a lot of changes to the committee just a bit of shuffling around. From a personal point I would like to thank the committee for their support over the years and would also like to thank Tony for accepting the role as President and to wish him all the best for the future.

Events planned for April & May 2009 are the Karaoke night dinner and our annual golf day in May.

Regards, Doug Stemp President AIHE WA Chapter

State News

AIH

E

VictoriaThe year is off to a great start with the committee working hard to organise guest speakers, site visits and venues.

The February guest speaker was Anwar Ahmed who gave us an in-depth talk on energy reduction which is high on the agenda of every facility manager. He also gave an interesting overview of carbon emissions and how it affects us all and is becoming a very important part of our daily lives.

Thanks to Anton for allowing us to hold the meeting at the Sofitel Melbourne.

The March meeting was held at the newly refurbished Grand Hyatt Hotel and thanks to David Zammit for opening his door and making us all very welcome.

The guest speaker was George Yammouni, CEO of Bathroom Werx who gave a interesting talk including overheads of the before and after of bathroom renovations at the Marriott Hotel Surface Paradise, Melbourne Airport Holiday Inn, Rydges Hotel Melbourne and also spoke about work that is being carried out at Crown. The difference is unbelievable and very cost effective as the bath, shower base and tiles remain. No demolition and a short down time.

We also very fortunate to have Jane Foley, Acting Manager, Tourism Melbourne and Alvaro Arias, Tourism Operation Officer attend our meeting. Jane gave a short talk about her role as Tourism Manager and how it affects Hotel operators. The Institute will over the coming year work closely with Tourism Melbourne to assist them in

seeing where the hotel industry fits into their model.

David gave us a short but eye-opening walk through the soon to open meeting area which is state-of -the-art and amazing. Thanks.

The committee have organised some exciting guest speakers and a site visit to an interesting property. So I look forward to seeing you at our meetings which are held on the third Wednesday of the month.

Regards, Chris Martin President AIHE Vic Chapter

State News

2009 Update ConferenceDetails page 20

Hotel Engineer | Vol 14 No. 1 | 9

Building Melbourne’s new 20-storey Hilton Melbourne South Wharf Hotel started out as the usual meticulous design-and-construction job befitting an international

luxury hotel.

But as anyone visiting the site instantly appreciates, it is a spectacular construction and delivery project of an entire new waterfront precinct.

Like a sleeping giant about to awake on the banks of the Yarra River, the 396-room luxury hotel opening this month is part of a $1.4 billion revitalisation of Melbourne’s historic maritime precinct that has catapulted the city into the big time as a venue for large conferences.

The new South Wharf precinct – which is so big it has its own postcode – includes the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre with a lobby large enough to host a cocktail party for 8400 and a 5000 seat Plenary Hall with unobstructed views for all – a world first for a theatre this size.

The development of South Wharf – covering more than 100,000 square metres along the Yarra’s south bank – is a Partnerships Victoria project between the Victorian Government and Plenary Group.

Building a new hotel at the centre of the precinct is part of Victoria’s goal to grab more of the global conference market and revitalise an historic but under-utilised public space in the heart of the city.

The new Melbourne Convention Centre and the Hilton Melbourne South Wharf hotel were designed by NHArchitecture and Woods Bagot in association, with construction handled by Brookfield Multiplex.

There is a complex mix of public and private investment including $370 million from the State Government, and over $700 million in private investment from Plenary. The development has one of the highest ratios of private to public investment in the nation. The City of Melbourne is also contributing $43 million towards public realm works and a new bridge across the Yarra River that forms an important link to the north bank and beyond to Docklands.

Being part of a broader vision of urban revitalisation and economic development added its own complexity for the construction team at Brookfield Multiplex.

“The complexity of the project and how the hotel works within it has been a real challenge – much harder than building an office or apartment block,” said Plenary Group’s Project Manager Paul Yerondais.

The hotel project manager with Brookfield Multiplex Constructions, Luke Bartolo likens building the hotel to being propelled into the final strait from a standing start.

“This was like a fast track,” he said, because as a Public Private Partnership there are absolute time pressures to meet.

The confidence and foresight to pitch Melbourne as an international competitor to cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Barcelona and Sydney is paying off.

Already, 47 international conventions have been booked that will bring 99,800 potential guests to Hilton’s new 20-storey hotel.

At the same time, national support for the centre is going from strength to strength with a predicted 140 conventions, large

New Hilton Hotel A Grand Vision


< meetings and seminars to date expected to bring more than 150,000 delegates to Melbourne and inject millions of dollars into the Victorian economy.

“There was a decision early on to put in extra piles to allow for a 20-storey tower. Lucky we did, otherwise structurally we couldn’t have done that,” Luke Bartolo explained.

The four bottom levels of the Hilton Melbourne South Wharf are directly linked to the new convention centre.

Integrating the hotel into the Plenary-led Public-Private Partnership precinct was a major design challenge as in the initial plans, the only common link was a very utilitarian shared fire escape.

“What is now a grand open feature stair used to be an enclosed concrete fire escape!” laughs Luke Bartolo. “So it was an escape for patrons in the convention centre on level two and one to bypass and get out on the ground floor and we’ve opened it up and it’s become now a two-way thoroughfare.”

Operating in that intense environment with the deadline pressures and the complexity of the project growing while work was already underway put everyone to the test.

“The building went up very quickly, we had about 15-16 months for construction, which is very quick for a $150 million hotel,” he said.

There was also healthy rivalry within Brookfield Multiplex, whose management made a decision from the beginning to separate its internal crews, building the convention centre and the hotel.

The geography along Melbourne’s Yarra is also difficult terrain.

The entire construction site is built on Coode Island silt, which involved building a massive containment wall to keep the water out and the water table down.

“It’s always challenging when you’re building on Coode Island silt, so there were challenges at the beginning of the project that we needed to overcome and the builders Brookfield Multiplex did a great job to where we are at the end,” said Plenary’s Paul Yerondais. “It’s been a mammoth effort from all parties involved.”

Building a new 20-storey deluxe luxury hotel was a sign of Plenary’s confidence in Victoria’s new world-class, 5000-seat convention centre, which is already proving to have a lot of pulling power.

Leigh Harry, chief executive of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) which is running the new centre, said the plenary hall tripled the seating capacity of the present Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

“The centre is getting a high level of acceptance in the marketplace partly because of its size, but just as importantly because of the features of the building,” he said.

The new convention centre, opening in June, features an 18-metre-high glass wall facade fronting the Yarra River, a fan-shaped 5,000-seat hall that can be separated into three

self-contained, acoustically separate theatres, offering clients unlimited options in event planning.

The centre is Australia’s most flexible combined convention and exhibition centre and the world’s first and only convention and exhibition centre to be awarded a ‘6 Star Green Star’ environmental rating.

Achieving that was a great feat for the precinct’s developers. Plenary Group’s Peter Endall and Paul Yerondais said Plenary and its architects, NH Architecture and Woods Bagot, set a benchmark to be a world leader in best practice, innovation and sustainability.

Members of the Plenary consortium travelled to Berlin, Barcelona, Florida and Hong Kong in 2005 to find inspiration, only to realise that most international convention centres were “dull places with the atmosphere of a bus terminal at 3am or an empty airport,” said Hamish Lyon, the principal at NH Architecture.

The consortium realised then that they would have to break new ground across design, construction and long-term management to build an entire new precinct that was vibrant at all times of the day or night.

Achieving a 6 Star ‘Green’ Star environmental rating across a development of this size had never been done.

“It was all fairly new uncharted territory as well, and this was the first of its type for a public facility,” said Plenary Group’s Services Manager, Peter Endall.

The Green Building Council of Australia used its comprehensive new rating tool to measure everything from proximity to public transport, accommodation, facilities for pushbike riders and the amount of reclaimed land.

As well as being part of the Victorian Government’s agenda to grow the $1.2 billion business events sector and the lucrative business tourism market, the $1.4 billion development of the South Wharf precinct is estimated to create 2500 ongoing jobs over the operating period.

In construction alone, at its peak there were 280 builders on the hotel site and 800 on the convention centre. A total of 4280 construction and permanent jobs are created by the convention centre development and neighbouring commercial precinct.

A lot of shared contractors were used between the two internal building teams, which has given the overall project continuity and consistency, but tested loyalties when the time pressures were high.

“It was a tough building site, but we still talk, everyone still gets along!” Brookfield Multiplex’s Luke Bartolo said. >

Phone: 1300 138 464 or Fax: 1300 66 99 55for your local distributor

Water Efficient Technology from:

JEM Australia Pty. Ltd.ACN 071 535 450

www.jemaustralia.com.au

Our water saving and pressure balancing technology has been installed into more than

40,000 hotel rooms throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

–These properties have maximised their

water saving but have not compromised guest comfort and satisfaction.

–The benefits JEM technology offers is not achievable by fitting a shower head alone.

WELS Compliant Products Now Available

< One of the challenges of the project was revitalising Melbourne’s historic but under-utilised wharf area that has been in operation since the 1870s. The urban renewal project included refurbishing the historic sheds and docks, including Duke’s Dock where the Polly Woodside is moored.

Adding to the complexity for the hotel’s construction was the development all around it, including an office/residential/commercial site, being developed by Plenary Group in partnership with Austexx to deliver a 60,000 m² lifestyle, homemaker retail and townhouse complex.

“We were on a landlocked site, and there were certainly times when there were difficulties on who had priority to get access to an area,” Mr Bartolo said.

But the real point of interest for the hotel project team was achieving the “saw tooth” architectural window features of the new hotel.

The stunning saw tooth look has been achieved on the eastern and part of the northern side of the hotel, through building a “faceted façade”. It give guests a fascinating view straight up the Yarra River – a view so ‘new’ that Hilton is positioning it as “New Melbourne”.

“It really is a new view of Melbourne,” says the hotel’s general manager Michael Bourne. “This unique panorama of Melbourne inspired us to design a place that was more than just a pleasurable space for guests, but a destination Melburnians and visitors to the city could enjoy again and again.”

Achieving those stunning views from jagged windows was a construction feat.

“There were a few people scratching their heads when we were looking at how we were going to build this,” Mr Bartolo said.

“The saw tooth was a little bit different and we had an in-situ jump form core that goes up ahead of the structure.

“But we modulated the system so that it became very much a piece-by-piece effort, just a matter of sequencing, deciding what needed to go in first,” Mr Bartolo said.

A series of little chariots and scissor safety harnesses were used to insert the faceted window pieces before moving on to the next floor.

“It’s part of a regular pattern so that every second floor is the same and the floor in the middle is offset.

“We basically installed a sub-sill and a sub-head and installed that one on one floor, so it’s basically like a track on the floor slab and above that the window sits in and before you put it in you install like a nose cone or nose cladding which is like an angled piece, so that means you can complete both floors at the same time.”

The rest of the hotel was more straight-forward. The other sides to the north and south are built in a curtain-wall design.

Every grid line was a pre-cast wall that then support the slab. There are dry wall petitions in between all the units.

The hotel was built on a 1500 square metre post-tension slab poured in two parts with a new floor going up in a “pretty quick” five-day cycle, with the slabs on low-bearing, pre-cast walls.

The services for the hotel were all brought up in an extremely tight couple of congested rises and reticulated through the corridors.

Inside the 34 square metre hotel rooms themselves – the fittings and materials from Italy, China, Germany and Australia mark it out as one of Hilton’s truly international hotels. Natural stone from Jordan was used on the floors and for the vanity tops, with American white oak veneer used in all the joinery and natural grass-weave wallpaper on the walls needing a long lead-time to source.

Elsewhere in the ground floor of the hotel a distinctive reddish stone called porphey from China was used in one metre by 500 pieces with various finishes.

New Hilton Hotel A Grand Vision

“In the corridors and on the ground floor we used a lot of spotted gum timber from north Queensland,” Luke Bartolo said.

Some of the bathroom accessories, such as toilet roll holders, were specially made one-off pieces, and the shaving mirrors were sourced from Germany.

“From a construction sense, this will truly be an international hotel.”

The hotel’s ground floor is a soaring full-glass, double-height public space with a main lobby, reception, 80-seat café-bakery, a charcuterie bar and a Spanish restaurant called Nueveo 37 to be run by a Michelin-star chef from Barcelona (so-named because it is both new and on the 37th parallel that Melbourne sits on). It also features a 2500-bottle wine cellar suspended from the ceiling as well as several private dining rooms.

There’s also a large ‘show’ kitchen diners can see into from the restaurant and below that, in the basement, is a massive 1700 square-metre commercial kitchen servicing the new convention centre.

The mezzanine level, which is in parts of the ground floor, has all of the back-of-house equipment for the hotel including administration, computers and storage.

Level one boasts a convention centre floor and meeting rooms; level two a convention centre floor with a new banquet hall; level

three is a convention centre space and a plant room, while level four is the executive floor of the hotel and levels five to 17 house hotel rooms. On levels 18 and 19 there are larger two-bedroom ‘family-style’ apartments with kitchenettes and walk-in closets, and out on the top of level 20 more plant is located alongside a space that may be transformed into a rooftop garden terrace.

For patrons every room has a view, including expansive suites where guests can take a bath with an unparalleled view along the river. The hotel features accessible guest rooms across the Standard, Deluxe, Executive and Suite categories. The smaller standard rooms are a generous 35 square metres. All exceed the standards set by the Australian Government and feature LCD TV’s, wireless internet access, floor to ceiling windows and unparalleled views directly up the Yarra river or across to the bays.

The hotel’s operations will be environmentally audited, according to Hilton’s Operations Manager Chris Sanderson.

Being built alongside – and literally connected at the hip of the world’s first 6 Star Green Star convention centre – has certainly inspired Hilton. The first four levels of the hotel have direct access to the convention centre, and there is a complicated lift design, to link the convention centre to the hotel, but that also offers separate lift access for staying guests. >

The Hilton South Wharf will comprise 364 guest rooms (including 26 suites and an additional 32 serviced apartments), with an average of 35 sqm for guest rooms

and over 71 sqm for suites. With spectacular city skyline and river views, the guest rooms will feature soft tones and striking wood interiors and the latest technology in-room entertainment and communication facilities. An exclusive Executive Club and Lounge complete with private business centre facilities will be available and guests will have access to a state-of-the-art Precor Fitness Centre.

Offering exceptional solutions and dependable support, Onity is proud to be associated with the new Hilton Melbourne South Wharf opening in mid April 2009. With a sales and service network covering 115 countries worldwide, the company is a potent mix of reliable service, intelligent systems and innovation.

For the Hilton Melbourne South Wharf, Onity provided the Onity HT24 electronic locking system to complement the hotels contemporary design and décor. Set in the heart of South Wharf, an area set to become Melbourne’s newest business and dining

precinct, the stylish Hilton Melbourne South Wharf hotel is located conveniently close to the airport and the cosmopolitan city centre.

Whether you have a 396 rooms like the Hilton Melbourne South Wharf a dozen rooms or 6,000, the Onity HT24w Electronic Locking System can take you where you need to be. The Onity HT24w is brilliantly designed, yet ingeniously simple to use. Your staff can perform at optimum efficiency, and your guests will appreciate your making their personal comfort and security a top priority.

The Onity HT24w system offers the features you need, with the added advantage of Onity world-renowned reputation for customer support. The Onity HT24w system operates with the Onity magnetic stripe electronic lock. All Onity products are backed by Onity’s warranty and our commitment to provide the highest standards of service for our customers.

Onity combines innovative technology and dependable service with over twenty years of experience to provide the most advanced electronic locking systems in the industry today. With over 3.7 million electronic locks installed worldwide, Onity electronic locking systems are found at over 22,000 properties in 115 countries. Onity, one of the world’s leading providers of electronic locking solutions, is part of UTC Fire & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

In addition to locks, Onity is also a leading provider of electronic safes, mini-bars and energy management systems with some exciting new products to be launched in 2009 including CodePro and Advance RFID. CodePro is a PIN code-based electronic locking system that allows managers or owners to instantly and remotely provide access to specific properties for specific periods of time, without the need for a key or keycard, offering an unheard of level of service in property management. While Advance RFID is an extension to the traditional accommodation lock but with improvements in technology this lock will be operated using mifare card readers allowing for further integration with property management systems.

For additional information, please contact Justin Chambers on +61 2 9316 0900, or visit www.onity.com. n

Hilton Melbourne South Wharf selects Onity HT24 electronic lock system

A D V E R T O R I A L

Proud supplier

to the Hilton


< Hilton Hotel management is keen to do what it can to play its part in working alongside the greenest convention centre in the world. “Plenary Group has set a very high benchmark and it’s something we wholeheartedly support and we will do everything in our power to ensure that we can assist in that process. That’s why the whole waste management system in the hotel has to follow suit,” Mr Sanderson said.

Keeping up with the neighbours has proved a very good rationale for coming to the site in the first place as well as going higher and greener. “From a hotel perspective, if you’re going to build a convention centre the rationale is to put a hotel beside it because then you service the needs of the business, whether it’s leisure or corporate. It’s logical to do that,” Mr Sanderson said.

Having just moved from Sydney after working through Hilton Sydney’s $200 million major renovation there, Mr Sanderson praised Victoria for having the political foresight and will to invest in new public infrastructure that benefits tourism.

“If you look at the whole of the south bank, with the goods sheds being converted into restaurants, there’s a huge amount of investment and it just brings vibrance into the inner-city and Melbourne has that,” Mr Sanderson believes.

While there is currently no global sustainability rating scheme for hotels, Hilton Hotels Corporation has a global sustainability policy that focuses on operations. The policy sets targets, benchmarks and continual improvement.

Having worked around the world for Hilton in operations, Mr Sanderson said the key to improvement was in waste management.

“In the old days everything went in the same bin, whether it be old newspapers, plastic bottles or food. Now we are spreading it into three parts: organic food waste; recyclables; and general waste.”

To make that happen the loading dock and the compactor area have been air- conditioned to reduce methane and other “lovely smells”. There will be a separate glass and recycling room and a bailer for cardboard boxes. At the micro-level, the trolleys of house-keepers will have separate waste bins for bottles, papers and general waste.

In Sydney, where Hilton has renovated its existing hotel, the new waste management system has significantly reduced landfill from around 82% of all waste to just 17%, and Hilton expects similar results at Melbourne South Wharf, where staff will be trained in the new waste management system from day one.

Reducing waste from excessive water bottles are also part of Hilton’s aim. Like in Sydney, guests will be offered filtered water instead of bottled, and draught beer will be piped from one tank, negating the need for bottles. Other small but subtle offerings include Cascade Green beer in the hotel mini-bar.

“With a new hotel, getting sensible solutions is easier,” Chris Sanderson said. “You don’t need to change the mindset of new employees.”

He said expectations within the hotel industry had changed enormously in the 26 years he has worked for Hilton.

“Mainly because the expectations of our guests towards sustainability have changed. They have higher expectations than you did 20 years ago, therefore whatever you do at home, you would expect the same facilities and way of life at a hotel.”

It has been an exciting project for Plenary Group, which was established in 2004 as an independent public private partnership business. As an investor, developer and operator of public infrastructure over the long term, Plenary has made a 25 year investment in building and maintaining the precinct. Plenary also has an ongoing role with facilities maintenance over the 25 years, so has taken a quality approach from the start.

“These projects are like marathons: at the start you sprint along, then mid-way through you think, ‘What the hell am I doing here?” and then you get to the end and you feel an enormous sense of achievement and pride,” said Peter Endall.

“Now that we’ve gotten to the end and are confirming that it all works, that we’ve met all the expectations of the brief, the expectations of the end users are all met and all the expectations of the people at Plenary as well that we’ve actually constructed and developed the vision that we had at the start of the process – it’s a great feeling,” agrees Paul Yerondais. n

New

Hilt

on H

otel

A

Gra

nd V

isio

n


Security technologies such as CCTV, access control and intruder detection, continues to play an ever-increasing role in security. Security sometimes

relies less on manpower as these technologies improve and become more widely accessible and user friendly. However, security technologies can fall short if they are not given the proper support in the form of policies & procedures, security awareness, maintenance, design and supporting equipment and infrastructure.

Access Control CardsSwipe cards used for access control can be an important part of the access control system, used to segregate areas and authorise user access. However, what happens when a swipe card is lost? If an organisation’s staff or guests do not have an appropriate awareness and appreciation of security they may not take the necessary actions to ensure that lost cards are reported and deactivated so they cannot be used by unauthorised individuals. If an organisation does not have appropriate policies/procedures in place it may be some time before a card is disabled or denied access, potentially allowing an opportunistic intruder to gain access to secure areas.

Supporting Electronic SecurityBy SIMON HENSWORTH BSc (Security Science), (ICCP-Advanced), GHD Pty Ltd.

Another common issue with swipe cards is that there is a trend toward using swipe cards for a double-purpose, e.g. also using them as identification cards. Some cards have the user’s photograph, company, and even company location or site printed on them. It is important to carefully consider what information is included on ID/swipe cards. For example, having names printed on ID/swipe cards may not be appropriate for customer service personnel who may be at risk of harassment, violence or blackmail by customers who can easily identify an individual by name. Similarly, it may not be appropriate to put information on an ID/swipe card that describes or infers where the card is from. If a card is lost or dropped, information on the card could assist an opportunistic intruder locate the site where the card can be used.

Access ControlThere are a number of issues that can affect the success of an access control system if it lacks proper policies and procedures, support by users, or is designed poorly.

Door propping can be an issue for access-controlled doors. In the absence of DOTL alarms (door open too long), if procedures become lax or if there is poor security awareness, people sometimes prop doors open with chairs or bins rather than using their access control cards every time they want to access a door. This can compromise access control and potentially allows anyone to access a propped-open door. Another common issue is authorised swipe-card-holders swiping their cards or holding access-controlled doors open for other individuals. This might seem like a friendly gesture but it also compromises access-control audit-trails and provides potential unauthorised entry to what should be controlled areas.

Tailgating can be a problem with vehicular access-controlled auto-gates, especially in the absence of supporting policies, procedures, support by users, or adequate design. A slow activating (or slow closing) auto-gate may allow unauthorised vehicles to follow authorised

vehicles through an access-controlled area. If procedures become lax or if there is poor security awareness, drivers of authorised vehicles may not notice, prevent or report unauthorised activity/entries. Sometimes automated gates are designed to be operated by a swipe card (or similar) on the outside only. Vehicles that are exiting may activate auto-gates by driving over a buried ground loop that senses the metal chassis of the vehicle over it. This type of design provides potential for unauthorised entry of vehicles if an intruder can activate the gate by throwing or placing a sufficient-sized metal object (like a metal bin lid) over the ground loop before entering with their vehicle.

CCTVThere are a number of issues that can affect the success of a CCTV system if it lacks proper supporting policies and procedures, maintenance, or is designed or located poorly.

CCTV can often be compromised by vegetation. It is not uncommon to see external CCTV cameras that are poorly located, sometimes affected by surrounding vegetation. If nearby trees are not adequately maintained the view of the camera can be blocked or limited. If fixed CCTV cameras are not adequately fixed in position or are not regularly maintained they can slide out of position. It is not uncommon to see CCTV cameras in reception areas that appear to be located to overlook cash handling areas, which have slipped out of position and now provide a perfect picture of the floor.

Another potential issue that can affect CCTV is if it is located in an area where the camera is accessible, or not protected by housings or anti-climb devices. If the intended purpose of CCTV is to deter and detect, then this can sometimes be reversed because the cameras may attract intruders because they may be a target of theft.

Intruder DetectionIntruder detection can also be compromised if it is not supported adequately. Intruder detection should be selected and designed carefully and be supported with policies, procedures and regular maintenance.

A potential issue with intruder detection is that it initiates too many unwanted alarms. This can be because the selected technology does not suit the application; it has been poorly designed or is not adequately maintained. It is not uncommon for intruder detection systems to be switched off due to the number of unwanted alarms. In many cases these problems could have been overcome at the design/selection stage or could be mitigated by regular maintenance. Sometimes it can be as simple as cleaning a lens, trimming a bush or re-fixing a reed switch.

Waterproofing...

Specialist waterproofing systemsfor new & remedial

Sp

www.gripset.com www.gripset.com

[email protected]

1800 650 435

• Wet areas• Balconies• Planter boxes• Remedial systems

• Swimming Pools• Water Features• Roofs• Facades

Lightning ProtectionLightning can be an ever-present threat to electronic security and electronic systems. It can be a higher risk as more reliance is put on electronics to perform security functions. Without appropriate lightning protection, an organisation or facility’s electronic security systems could be suddenly compromised. This could leave a site that is usually secure (due to comprehensive electronic security) suddenly quite vulnerable.

End NoteElectronic security has the potential to enhance the security capability of an organisation, site or facility. Designed correctly and supported, it can empower security personnel so they can provide the same level of service that it could potentially take many guards to do in the past. Reliance on electronic security has grown as its capabilities improve. The growing reliance on electronic

security increases the importance of ensuring non-disruption to the performance of security systems and the importance of support for electronic security via policies & procedures, security awareness, maintenance, design and supporting equipment and infrastructure. Security should be developed through a formal risk-based approach and input from licensed, qualified security professionals. n

About the author

Simon is a Senior Security Professional with global engineering consultancy GHD. GHD employs a team of 8 Security Professionals in their Perth Operating Centre and 22 specialised Security Professionals Australia-wide. Simon has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Security Science from Edith Cowan University and is an ICA (International CPTED Association) certified CPTED practitioner (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design). Simon has provided security solutions for many clients with major assets in Western Australia. Simon is involved in all aspects of security, security technologies, promoting security and security awareness.

Any views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the individual author, except where the writer specifically states them to be the views or opinions of GHD.

Before undertaking any activity related to this article, it is recommended you consult a licensed Security Professional.

Simon Hensworth BSc (Security Science) (ICCP – Advanced), GHD Pty Ltd T 61 8 6222 8640, E [email protected]

Supporting Electronic Security


The need to ensure guests (often the elderly and frail members of the community) are provided a proper and safe environment with responsible

duty of care means that the Hotel sector is one of the most heavily regulated, audited and scrutinised sectors in the built environment. Hotel owners and managers therefore need to be especially vigilant in ensuring that the compliance requirements are met.

Derek Hendry from the Hendry Group provides a building surveyor’s perspective with some risk management and compliance advice.

Building alterations compliance and contractual issuesSome building contracts require the head contractor (builder) to perform maintenance (including essential safety measures and essential safety provisions) in the building during the defects liability period. If this is the case, the builder needs to keep a record of all inspections, tests and maintenance works performed in a logbook. Also, where this is the case the Hotel manager should be aware that the builder’s auditors or inspectors of essential safety measures may not be as rigorous as those independently employed by the managers, since negative reports may have a cost impact on the builder.

Hotel managers should ensure that contractors (and the consultants engaged to design) who install and commission these systems are contractually bound to ensure that commissioning is done to a specific standard, and furthermore, that a signed “contactor completion certificate”, detailing the sign-off of important features in the building.

Where the building alterations are proposed by tenants, other issues to be considered by the Hotel manager include:

Any proposed building works or alterations that require •a town planning permit (development approval) or building permit are not to be raised with a controlling authority without first obtaining the Hotel manager’s consent in writing

Risk Management in the Hotel SectorBy DEREK HENDRY

The tenant must be required to provide a copy of •any statutory approval or consent together with the approved drawings and documentation to the Hotel manager before building works are allowed to commence.

The tenant or tenant’s contractors must provide to the •Hotel manager statements, certifications or certificates as required by the Hotel manager for the inclusion in the essential safety measures logbook preparation to the controlling authorities or other interested parties on an annual basis or when required.

Essential Safety Measures compliance – the importance of managing the processSome managers have observed contractors doing drive-bys, where they attend the premises long enough (say, ten minutes in total) to fill out the logbook. To perform the inspection / testing routine properly should take a minimum of 45 minutes, and unfortunately this sort of occurrence is not uncommon.

There are numerous cases of shortcomings when producing evidence and records to prove that the appropriate maintenance has taken place over the preceding 12 month period, and the fact that most Hotel managers rely on the provider to do the right thing.

The reality is that a comparison of results from actual routine maintenance delivered against the requirements of the Regulations and Australia Standards shows a consistently poor level of compliance – a fact borne out by Glenn Talbot from Verified. As a compliance service bureau managing and tracking fire safety maintenance delivery for thousands of buildings nationally, Verified accumulated data proves that simply engaging a specialist maintenance service provider is not going to deliver the service level outcomes for which the owners or Hotel managers are being charged. There is a significant disparity between what is required and what is being delivered in the marketplace.

Various methods are employed to audit the performance of maintenance contractors, but each has shortcomings, some of which are: >


< Inspection of logbooks to determine the extent of compliance

Costly double-up, as it is a manual process•

Knowledge of the inspector, who needs to understand all •tests and frequencies required (from weekly to 24-yearly) and then place the results into a spreadsheet to ensure all the tests results have been captured.

High number of test sheets (up to 180).•

This only provides a historical report, and provides no •opportunity to manage the process real-time to ensure testing is completed.

Logbooks and records go missing, get damaged and burn.•

Requesting the Contractor to provide a copy of all log sheets.

Most contractors find this difficult, as it is a manual process for •them to filter out specific test sheets.

Test sheets can be filled out after the date.•

The high volumes of test sheets involved, and the storage •required.

The additional staff workloads involved in analysing each test •sheet to ensure all the requirements are met. They require expertise on the regulations and standards requirements.

Hotel managers need to ensure that they have a working understanding of their compliance obligations, and robust record management processes in place, should they ever need them in a court of law.

The following lists some points that will clarify issues often left open to interpretation and misunderstanding:

Signing an annual statement is not certifying that the building •complies with the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

Maintenance legislation only requires existing essential safety •measures in the building to be maintained and does not refer to the number of services to be increased, repositioned, altered or updated.

Altering an essential safety measure under most jurisdictions •will require a statutory authority to issue an approval before work commences.

A building inspected by a council or fire brigade for •compliance and passed, does not validate the whole building as complying with the Building Regulations or BCA.

A contractor or consultant signing an annual statement does •not meaningfully reduce the risk to the owner/ Hotel manager. Legislation specifically nominates the owner in a number of sections or regulations and applies penalties to each.

Not all Australian Standards for maintenance automatically •

apply to essential safety measures in a building. In many buildings the owner determines the extent of compliance, as some regulations are silent in these matters.

The issuing of an occupancy permit or occupation certificate •in a number of jurisdictions does not warrant that the building complies with the Building Regulations or BCA. It only advises that the building is suitable for occupation.

A building undergoing refurbishment does not automatically •mean all services installations and elements have to comply with today’s regulations and standards.

The issuing of a maintenance schedule by the controlling •authority should not be automatically assumed to be accurate as items have been found to be missing, included when not installed in the building, wrong standards nominated, frequencies of inspection inappropriate, a wrong address indicated, critical performance-based solutions not included and wrong owners nominated.

Owners or Hotel managers should take care not to assume •that all contractors or assessors know the regulations, BCA or standards.

An Hotels insurance policy should be a prime consideration in the formulation of an effective risk management policy. It is advisable to locate your building’s insurance policy and read the fine print concerning exclusions. For example, a malfunctioning electrical system that causes fire damage in your building could have been foreseen in the performance of an electrical safety report.

Emergency Evacuation ComplianceEffective emergency planning does not have to be rocket science, but an effective emergency evacuation plan should cover all potential emergency scenarios and then consider them in relation to the specifics of the Hotel in question. The plan should cover all the designated actions employers, employees and guests must take to ensure safety from fire and other emergencies. Facilities such as Hotels are occupied 24/7, with staffing levels varying considerably during this period and as a consequence, the number of staff available to fulfil emergency duties will vary throughout the operating hours of the facility.

It is critical in the first instance that a sufficient number of staff are allocated to coordinate and implement the emergency plan.

Hotel managers need to realise that it is their responsibility to develop an emergency management plan that not only addresses the best way to evacuate people to an evacuation control point, but to account for the number of people to be evacuated at any given time.

For further advice specific to your situation or a comprehensive explanation of the information you have at hand, seek expert advice. n

Risk Management in the Hotel Sector


This Legislation now mandates that owners of High Risk Manufactured Water Systems take responsibility for the preventative maintenance

of their systems, in a proactive way; the systems must be registered with the governing local council and independently audited and tested on an annual basis. Therefore, minimizing the risks to the health of their sites, employees and the general public.

The regulations target in particular, Cooling Towers and Warm Water Systems. The latter area of the target zone is in part, the most challenging. Many System owners, Business owners, Facility Managers, Maintenance Supervisors, are unclear on what constitutes a Warm water system.

The South Australian Health Department defines a Warm water system in the following manner.

warm water• means water that is not more than 60°C and not less than 30°C;

warm water system• means a reticulated water system that distributes or recirculates warm water through the majority of its branches at a nominal temperature of 45°C by means of a temperature controlling device.

storage water heater• a water heater that incorporates a thermally insulated container in which the water is heated and stored for subsequent use. Heated water must be stored at a minimum temperature of 60°C to inhibit the growth of Legionella bacteria. A storage water heater does not include a calorifier. 1

For years most system owners of Cooling Towers have been aware of the potential dangers of a Legionella Outbreak and have been proactive in instituting “best practice” However Warm Water Systems are relatively new to the target zone. Premises that are likely to house a warm water system are:

Residential Care Facilities, Aged Care Facilities, •Hospitals, Food handling /packaging facilities,

Legionella Legislation Reaches South AustraliaBy ROZ WHITE

Wineries, Dairies, Abattoirs, Schools, Kindergartens, Day Care Centers, Sporting Facilities, Prisons, institutional facilities and larger buildings/businesses.

If you think about it in these terms; does my facility have potable water in it? That is, do we have food processing/preparation areas, shower facilities, kitchens, bathrooms where hot water runs from the taps? Most people think that if they have a hot water service or storage heaters then they have a hot water system. This is not always the case. To give you a layman’s rule of thumb quick check, ask yourself the question, Can I run all the outlets off my water system simultaneously at a temperature of 55-60 degrees and that the water is stored at a temperature of greater than 60 degrees? If you can’t then you have in effect a warm water system and not hot as you may have believed. If in doubt have your system checked out and a competent person sign the system off as either hot or warm.

The Health Department has mandated authority of audits to the Local Councils and therefore Environmental Health Officers or an independent qualified competent third party auditor.

Below I have outlined the specific clauses in the regulations 12.1 for the definition of annual inspections.

Legionella Regulations 2008

Page 8 Section 15(2)-(a)-(i) and Section 15(3)

(a) requiring the owner, within the period specified in the notice—

(i) to cause an inspection of the water system to be carried out by a competent person (not being the owner or person responsible for the operation and maintenance of the system); >

October 1, 2008. Public and Environmental Health (Legionella) Regulations 2008 are launched in South Australia.

Dual Channel Temperature Data Logger

Inside & Outside Inlet & Outlet

Before & After Fridge & Freezer

T-TEC 7-3F Dual channel data logger with display that alternates between the 2 channels

10,500 logs for each sensor Range: -40 +85°C

Both curves appear on same screen Operated by the T-TEC software with features like zoom, plot and statistics

Temperature TechnologyTel: 08-8231 1266 Fax: 08-8231 1212

email: sales@ t-tec.com.auwww.t-tec.com.au

Available from refrigeration wholesalers

< (3) In sub regulation (2)(a)(i) a reference to a competent person is a reference to a person who—

(a) is knowledgeable in the operation and maintenance of high risk manufactured water systems; and

(b) is sufficiently competent to ensure that high risk manufactured water systems are operated and maintained as required by these regulations; and

(c) has qualifications or training in water treatment of high risk manufactured water systems.

Legionella Guidelines 2008

12.1 Annual inspections

Regulation 15 requires that annual inspections of cooling water systems and warm water systems are to be performed by either the relevant authority or a suitable third party auditor and entail a thorough investigation of the operation of the water system for compliance with requirements of the Legionella Regulations. In addition, 1 sample of water will be collected from each cooling water system and 2 samples of water will be collected from each warm water system for the determination of the presence and number of Legionella. The cost of testing and the

annual inspections will be borne by the owner. Third party auditors are required to submit to the authority written reports setting out the findings of the annual inspection and the results of the microbiological testing.

All existing towers and Potable Warm Water Systems were required to be registered with the Local council, by 31 January 2009. In some Council Zones this time line has been extended to April 01, 2009.

Independent Auditing must occur before October 1, 2009.

Most Councils across South Australia are informing system owners to engage an independent third party auditor as Local councils are under resourced and in many instances do not have much experience with Manufactured High Risk Water Systems. n

Roz White is a Senior Auditor with Auditing Australia. She has over 30 years water treatment experience, is a member of the Institute of Plant Engineers Australasia & the Facility Managers Association. She is an Accredited DHS Auditor for High Risk Manufactured Water Systems and is currently the only active accredited High Risk Manufactured Water Systems auditor in South Australia.

References1. http://www.dh.sa.gov.au/pehs/legionella-regulations-guidelines-sept08.htm


In today’s world, the installation of a quality Building Energy Monitoring and Control System (BEMCS) is critical to reducing the carbon footprint of a hotel as desired

in the 2020 initiative (2020) and to satisfy the desire of corporate travellers to demonstrate their green credentials through the accommodation they select.

Hotels are currently dealing with the competing demands of a clientele with increasingly sophisticated, high energy demands (eg temperature controlled rooms with individual setpoints, plasma TVs in standard rooms etc) and regulators requiring a reduction of energy use within all commercial buildings.

Energy costs are second only to staff costs in most hotels, so it is imperative to know where your energy is being used in order to better manage your systems. With mechanical services as one of the key consumers of energy (typically 50-60% of all energy consumed for a modern office) and water in many hotels during operation, this is the ideal place to start when looking at managing your hotel’s running costs.

An energy benchmarking project by the Commonwealth Department of Resources, Energy and Infrastructure reported that best practice hotels are those which monitor and report on their energy use, focus on energy efficiency in their operations and during refurbishments or upgrades, and are proactive in their quest for progressive efficiency technology.

BEMCS’s provide an ideal support tool for mandatory disclosure in existing and new hotels. Systems can be configured for whole building energy use, not only bedrooms and suites, but also facilities such as conference rooms, swimming pool areas and restaurants.

BEMCS Helping hotels meet the carbon challengeThe challenge facing hotels to monitor and manage their energy use goes beyond simple cost management measures, explains MARK DREDGE of Haden.

Simple, but effective systemsThe new systems available on the market are easier to use, particularly for regular hotel staff. No longer does a duty manager need to wait for an engineer to reset temperature set points in a reception area or conference centre. Now, with new touch screens and interaction between mobile phones, staff can reset systems from anywhere so that staff can take back control of their venues, keep their guests happy and manage their schedules with a minimum of fuss.

The Cylon SiteGuide BEMCS has a simple three-button navigation for easy use. And because the SiteGuide uses an [IP] connection the whole hotel can be accessed from any location by the hotel staff.

Integration with reservation systemsIn an important development for the industry, BEMCS’s can now be integrated with the OPERA Reservation System from MICROS-Fidelio, the leading computer reservation system in hospitality. This allows the duty manager to maintain empty rooms at a lower energy setback temperature, reducing energy usage in these rooms but also ensuring that the temperature is maintained at a level that will not lead to mould or bacterial growth due to extremes in temperature and humidity. When a room is checked in using the reservation system, the BEMCS automatically restores the room to the standard comfort conditions for rooms in that particular part of the complex.

Using a UnitronUC32 system, for example, up to 2,000 rooms can be handled using a single gateway. Hotels which have stand alone fan coil control have other options that they can use, but many are taking this into consideration when upgrading and developing new specification so that the property will in future be fully networked.

Easy use for guestsBEMCS can also take input directly from guests through the use of user-friendly display systems in rooms that use individual fan coil units. Connecting the system to guests’ key cards allows the room to be set back to an energy efficient setback temperature when the guest leaves the room, and automatically activated as soon as the guest returns, saving energy when the room is empty which often occurs for many hours during the day.

Smart hotels are making the move now to more efficient monitoring and reporting systems knowing that this is a great differentiator for many large corporate customers. This will

We met business owner and inventor Konrad Schuster of Global Bath Insert who spoke to us about the

often uncomfortable subject of unloved and unhygenic Hotel Bathrooms.

“Global Bath Insert, now celebrating over 20 years of success, has continued to be synonymous for its uniqueness and affordability. In keeping with our company vision, we decided to take it one step further and service the DIY market.”

Konrad prides himself on being innovative and has worked over time to invent this eco friendly DIY Kit of the product, until recently, he offered only to a select few. His bath and shower inserts, tried and proven for over 2 decades, are now available for everyone to access and benefit from.

“The difference is astounding; one hotel updated their shower bases which assisted them in gaining an additional star on their rating; their prices were increased as was the value of the hotel. The new equity more than paid for the inserts!”

“My advice to managers in accommodation is to always stay ahead of the pack; for us this is reflected right down to the fungal and mildew-repellent silicone we use when finishing our work.”

Global Bath Insert offer a personalised service as well as the DIY component, Konrad even offers to come and train a team member for those less confident. An easy solution to make your hotel look and feel loved againat a cost which will leave the finance department smiling. n

You can get more information atwww.globalbathinsert.com

National Office 1800 817 115

Create a beautiful bathroom and increase your business – it doesn’t cost the earth!

Inventor and

Entrepreneur

Konrad Schuster

“My advice to

managers is to

always stay ahead

of the pack…”

This product

certainly allows you

to do that!


provide early adopters with an opportunity to thrive in the current economic crisis that we face today by reducing their energy consumption and costs while increasing their green credentials. n

Mark Dredge is BEMCS Manager for Haden Engineering.

Haden is a leading provider of HVAC and mechanical services in Australia, holding the leading position in the Australian HVAC maintenance services market.

Website: www.haden.com.au Phone: 1300 4 HADEN (1300 442 336)

Haden. Celebrating 40 years in Australia.

When it comes to energy usage (Water or Electricity) and measurement a BEMCS system is an essential tool not only in reducing operational costs but in also providing continuous feedback to staff and guests, for a guest with green concerns being able to validate your claims is paramount, but if you could also include on their invoice CO2 footprint for their stay, even better.

Hotels taking part in Melbourne City Council’s ‘Savings in the City’ program have demonstrated that there are still real gains are to be made by using a BEMCS tool. There is a tried-and-true process that should be used when evaluating the best way to improve energy management and reporting:

1. Identify the issue

2. Break the bigger issues into their smaller components

3. Establish a baseline

4. Provide feedback to management and staff

5. Develop and implement an action plan

6. Build energy reporting into your invoicing.

7. Develop a continous plan to educate staff and guests.

B E F O R E A N D A F T E R

Watermark Hotel & Spa launches the Gold Coast’s

newest 5 star accommodation experience with the completion of a multi-million dollar

refurbishment programme, completed by Carmody Group.

The Hotel looked to reposition itself to a wider market spread including the higher yielding executive leisure market. To do this, the Hotel looked to a refurbishment solution that allowed for design differentiation between the Four Room Types; Club, Deluxe, Superior and Standard.

An industry specialist design firm, Carmody Group, were selected to provide a fixed price, end-to-end solution. The initial brief included retaining the existing carpet which still had a reasonable life expectance, then stripping and replacing the rest of the room. However from a value engineering perspective, Carmody Group elected to retain and stain the existing timber bed bases and the head boards, then coordinate these with an eclectic assortment of finishes:

Marble veneered table tops•

Reconstituted Stone LCD bench and mini-bar tops•

Glass bedside table top•

Rattan, leather and timber dinning chairs •

Chrome and leather desk chairs•

Across the Hotel market there’s a real demand by guests to match the quality of their renovated homes. Guests’ expectations are certainly getting higher and the Hotel needed to match or exceed that. The use of stone, high quality mahogany wood, European fabrics and new LCDS went a long way in doing that. “Giving every horizontal surface either stone or glass, delivered a robust and durable fit-out” said Peter Carmody.

Carmody Group have also completed Watermark’s Brisbane Hotel and Watermark’s head Don Cox says “we recommend Carmody Group for a quality refurbishment”. n

Watermark Hotel & Spa completes major refurbishment


About CARMODY GROUP

Carmody Group is a Hotel Interior Refurbishment specialist. It offers a total turnkey fixed lump sum Head Contract for

both soft and hard Interior Fit-outs. The Company specialises in taking the out the risk in product quality and fulfilment

and has a perfect record to date in delivering each Project contract.

The Carmody family has a continued history of fine fabric furnishings for over 50 years and has over 25 years experience

in furnishing Hotels. The Carmody Group today is a multi disciplined company with strong offerings in; Interior Design,

3D Animations, Furniture Manufacturing, Procurement, Project Management and Aftercare.

The Carmody Group is currently operating in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore, servicing many of the major

Hotel chains.

www.carmodygroup.com.au


It may sound simple but many of the products we see and use every day have already undergone many product refinements, process

improvements and are now professionally marketed, the challenge of reinventing the wheel is proving to be harder and harder.

Take Axminster carpet, a product that adorns many of the most prestigious hotels throughout the world and is synonymous with luxury, quality, comfort, colour, design and performance. Hand knotted cut pile carpet dates back to the 2nd or 3rd millennium B.C. and underwent enormous changes throughout the period of the Industrial Revolution of the 18th century. Since then manufacturers have focused their attention on improving the speed of weaving looms as well as embracing process improvement programs to reduce waste and increase production efficiencies.

The introduction of computers changed the face of design departments where carpet designs and production plans were once painstakingly hand drawn and painted. Computers allowed designers greater flexibility and greatly improved the interface between design and manufacturing. Today with the use of Computer-aided Design / Computer-aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software allows carpet designs to be digitally transmitted directly to the weaving looms microprocessor.

What now?Australian manufacturers face the dilemma of partnering with a workforce where both management and staff have higher standards of living and hence higher salaries and wages when compared to other developing economies. The work environment is legislated in terms of Worker Safety, Environmental constraints and Employee rights and their associated costs. Again other developing economies are yet to incur such costs.

Innovation. “Build a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to your door”¹By MARK FENNER, Sales & Marketing Director, Tascot Carpets

To compete with lower cost competitors Governments and industry bodies are calling and encouraging manufacturers to add value and innovate. Again it sounds simple but manufacturers must think outside the square and venture beyond their own organisational expertise and collaborate with suppliers and most importantly their customers. Recognising the need to add value to our carpet products, Tascot have been investing in Innovation for many years.

Improved Project Management!Budgeting for the correct amount of carpet can be time consuming and complex. Project budgets are compromised as many do not factor in pattern repeats, cutting waste and seam layouts. Customers were seeking more accurate information and Tascot responded by being the first to bring to the Australian flooring market the Callidus carpet estimating and planning software. The program enables the carpet planner to take information from scaled floor plans, site measurements, AutoCAD or scanned drawings and provide a comprehensive set of plans. The amount of carpet required for the project is accurately quantified whilst at the same time configuring the required cut pieces to minimise waste. Tascot’s success in applying this technology has been recognised by being appointed as a development partner with the program Owners.

Quicker Design Service!The design of any internal space is a complex one. Interior designers face the challenge of managing many competing interests as well as meeting extremely tight deadlines. Part of the design service provided by manufacturers is the production of a hand trial or in some countries referred to as pegboard samples or strike offs. The hand trial is used to demonstrate the design and colour placement of the carpet design.


Hand trials were traditionally made by manually plugging tufts of pile yarn into a grid. These are now produced automatically where the output of the Design Studio CAD system is downloaded into the PC of the hand trial machine, which then drives the pneumatic and servo-mechanisms that generate the sample.

Tascot invested in several of these machines and were able to provide hand trials throughout Australia in the matter of days. Tascot recently took delivery of the first new generation, Australian designed and made, hand trialling machine which now enables Tascot to deliver hand trials within 24 to 48 hours to our customers.

Adding the WOW factor!With the development of the electronic jacquard loom, manufacturers are able to provide much larger designs than previously Callidus Plan

Hilton Hotel ballroom, Melbourne

< available. Tascot have taken this technology to the next level by offering building owners a creative new concept for managing carpet contracts and allows them to create interiors with their own point of difference. The package which includes design and installation layouts is called Uniweave™ and allows the entire floor space to be seen as a blank canvas. This provides the opportunity of creating unique spaces whether they are hotel ballrooms, meeting rooms or corridors. Further benefits include

less on site installation as fitting and pattern matching problems are eliminated through carpet pre-matching in the factory prior to delivery.

Tascot Carpets, Australia’s only Axminster weaving mill has recognised the need to strive for improvement whether it’s a part of our manufacturing process, our design or customer service. We will continue to challenge the norm and encourage new ideas to deliver a better product and service and add value for our customers. n

¹ Credited to Ralph Waldo Emerson an American essayist, philosopher and poet.

Alice Springs Airport, NT

Tascot Colour Cube

Hand Trial

Innovation.


The City of Melbourne finished its Savings in the City pilot program on 31 December 2008 after almost three years of providing considerable

savings to city hotels with their energy, waste and water consumption.

Some 30 hotels have taken part in this pilot program aimed at reducing water use, emissions, with waste going off for landfill. The first year City Council tackled water, then in 2007 it was the waste issue, and throughout 2008 it has been saving energy.

Last issue we presented a case study on Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens - this issue, we take a look at Crowne Plaza Melbourne.

Case Study: Crowne Plaza MelbourneThe Crowne Plaza is a 383 room four and a half star hotel located on the site of the Melbourne Convention Centre on the banks of the Yarra River. The Crowne Plaza is part of the Intercontinental Hotels Group.

WASTEThe Crowne Plaza’s waste audit identified a whole range of initiatives to reduce the level of waste sent to landfill. The Crowne Plaza has:

Purchased a new garbage compactor to better manage the waste •and reduce the number of waste pick ups needed

Introduced recycling all cardboard.•

Installed paper recycling bins for all desks.•

Conducted extensive staff education campaigns.•

Installed security cameras to assist and monitor staff recycling •practices.

Tracking the savings

The Crowne Plaza Melbourne shares its building with the Melbourne Convention Centre and under their leasing agreement the two

businesses split their bills 50/50. This makes it hard to track exactly how much waste is being saved from landfill from the Crowne Plaza alone. Despite this, their data records an impressive 77% reduction in waste production, down from 13.2 litres per guest night to just 3 litres per guest night which far exceeds even best practice standards for waste efficiency in hotels.

The next step

In 2009 the Melbourne Convention Centre will vacate the building, allowing the Crowne Plaza to improve their monitoring of waste sent to landfill. A long term project is being looked into to recycle fluorescent light tubes, as they contain mercury, a poison that can contaminate landfills and seep into the water table.

WATER

Being a large luxury hotel the Crowne Plaza Melbourne uses more than 50 million litres of water a year and, as such, was required under State regulations to undertake a Water Management Action Plan.

The hotel had already commenced water saving initiatives, and was able to improve on this to include:

A water management system has been introduced to regulate water •flows throughout the hotel.

Upgrading to wall mounted toilet outlet valves which use 6 litres •rather than 9.

Reporting system for back-of-house taps to report leaks.•

All new kitchen appliances bought are low water use.•

Working with the management of the Chinese restaurant in the •building to get them to reduce their water use.


The Crowne Plaza’s policies have had a noticeable effect with water use plunging from almost 600 litres per guest night in year one of the Savings in the City program to 377 litres per guest night in year three which is a fantastic result.

The next step

These results are set to get even better when the Convention Centre moves and water use will be easier to manage and monitor. Staff at the Crowne Plaza say that they are sure there is more they can do to further

Melbourne hotels delight City Council

PO Box 1674 Potts Point NSW 1335Ph: 02 9314 0222 Fax: 02 9314 0000

Mobile: 0409 700 101Email: [email protected]

Hospitality Distributors for: PHILIPS Hospitality LCD TVs & BOSE Professional Audio

Thanks you for your support in 2008.Wishing all our clients a happy and successful 2009!

reduce their water use and are looking forward to working with the Savings in the City experts to achieve this.

ENERGY

Following their Savings in the City audit, staff at the Crowne Plaza have introduced some exciting new initiatives to save energy.

Putting in a sensor driven automated building management system •to regulate temperatures throughout the hotel.

Installing variable speed drives on pumps so that they are not •running at full speed when they don’t need to be.

Installing dimmers on all hotel lighting.•

Conducting a controls audit on the air conditioning systems to •ensure they are operating to design specifications which decreases energy use.

Replacing all incandescent globes with fluorescents.•

Training housekeeping staff to turn off the lights in guest rooms •when cleaning.


Through their involvement in the Savings in the City program the Crowne Plaza’s initiatives have been able to reduce their energy usage by about 30%, down to 178.4 megajoules per guest night - a great improvement.

The Crowne Plaza is conscious that they are still a little above the best practice target of 140 megajoules, but the improvement is very good for a luxury hotel with high customer expectations.

The next step

Following these highly successful energy savings the Crowne Plaza is looking at ways to further increase the amount of energy they save and have recently obtained a State Government funding grant to support their energy saving initiatives. n


Imagine the CEO asking for your monthly expenditure and you’d just stare at him: “I’m not sure who keeps that data.”. Then he asks: “What about a breakdown

of the individual transactions?”, and you get even more embarrassed answering: “We don’t keep that type of information!” Unbelievable? Yet, on the water and gas side (less often for energy) this would typically be the norm.

Few keep detailed readily accessible records of their monthly water, gas or electricity consumption, let alone weekly or daily. Only a select few go down to the level of logging their water and energy consumption in minute intervals. What you don’t measure you cannot manage, though. So how do you obtain and keep information that is so critical to help you save cost, reduce your water and energy consumption to reduce your footprint and provide reliable data for your corporate sustainability reporting.

This article explains how smart metering can provide these answers and how the different technologies work.

What is Smart Metering?Smart metering is the continuous reading of a water, electricity or gas meter displayed on a computer. It brings this meter to a PC near you. It turns simple monthly or quarterly billing data or individual readings into a continuous display. It permits to understand the underlying consumption patterns. This allows analysing abnormal consumption, and then acting upon it.

Especially for water meters, frequently its greatest benefit is the identification of leaks. Many leaks go unnoticed for years. A smart metering system is an insurance against leaks where the system automatically provides an instantaneous alarm.

Smart Metering or Automatic Meter Reading (AMR)?Often the two terms are used synonymously. AMR is a subset of smart metering. It denotes taking a single automatic reading of a meter for billing purposes. Leak detection features may be included. AMR can involve thousands of metres. Much of the system intelligence and complexity centres around gathering readings by simply walking or driving by.

Do you know how much

Smart Metering can save you?It’s easier than you think, writes GUENTER HAUBER-DAVIDSON, Managing Director of Water Conservation Group Pty Ltd

In contrast, smart metering is the continuous monitoring, as opposed to taking discrete (automatic) readings, of a particular meter for improved water and energy management. It can be for a single meter, a few in close proximity or many dozens at a site.

How to Smarten up a Utility MeterFor water meters, a common misconception is to believe that a whole new meter is required. Typically, this is not the case. All that needs to be done, is to insert a probe. It records an electric signal corresponding to the volume of water passing through allowing it to be captured, logged and processed.

The local BMS, mobile phone or radio technology, wireless modems, the internet and other data distribution technologies make it possible to bring this signal readily to a computer as water usage data. Similar applies for gas meters. Only for electricity monitoring, special meters are required.

Figure 1: Turning a normal water meter into a smart meter is easy – as long as the right probe is found!

Data Upload OptionsThe signal can be connected to a data logger for manual download (Option 3 in Fig. 2). A better alternative is Option 1 or 2. It automatically uploads data to a web server or the BMS to make it available online. Option 2 is suitable for just a few meters. If there are multiple meters, Option 1 is the way to go. It uses a small transmitter for a wireless sending of the pulse data to a central receiving unit. It then sends it to a web server or the BMS. In some cases, the site’s LAN can also be used for data transmission.

“A fan’s a fan.” That’s what some contractors say when choosing an air mover for their water damage job. If only it were that simple. As with

any piece of equipment it is important to consider your application to find out what works best for you. There are three types of air movers that are being used in the water damage restoration industry: traditional snail shaped carpet dryers, low amp axial fans and high volume axial fans.

Traditional carpet dryers or centrifugal fans are often used to float carpet or move air across carpet or floors, and often placed at a 45 degree angle to walls and used to dry walls. These air movers put out about 30-35 cubic metres per minute (CMM) and draw from 2 amps to as high as 7 with most being in the 2.0 to 4 amp range. Centrifugal fans were created to float carpets, which require a lot of static pressure to lift the wet carpet.

Then in the late 90s new drying equipment began to emerge—Low amp drying using large axial fans. Axial air movers put out twice as much CMM as traditional carpet dryers and pull half the amps. This makes them more efficient and makes your job easier. Because this is a simple set up, you get more air flow. More air flow enhances evaporation, and you’re putting out less heat which is important when you don’t need the heat. The heat that they radiate is at a minimum.

Additionally, the placement of your air movers is important in getting the most from your unit. We’ve done testing and have found that the best results using our fans were produced when they were angled 30 degrees towards the wall. As you well know this gets covered more extensively in the Water Restoration and Applied Structural Drying Courses.

High Volume axial fans push a high volume of free air and are used for crawl spaces, ducted drying, directing air into hard to reach areas and positive or negative air set up.

Whether you’re using a traditional carpet dryer, low amp axial fan or high volume axial fan remember to think about your application, choose the equipment that is the right fit and you will get optimal results. n

Dry Air Technology is a leading manufacturer who designs and engineers air movers, ventilators and dehumidifiers. Each of our

units, like the new FORCE 9 is carefully engineered and built tough for demanding jobs. Dry Air Technology strives to provide the best

in high quality products and superior customer service.

Dry Air Technology air movers, portable ventilators and accessories will be available mid July 2008 from AIRMOVERS on 02 6650 9691. AIRMOVERS is a division of The Moisture Meter Company Pty Ltd.


Figure 2: Smart metering connection options

Modern smart metering technology uses all available communication options from mobile phone technology GPRS to power cables, hard wiring to the existing building management system or using the local area network or (LAN or even WAN) (Figure 3).

Figure 3: Decision tree to evaluate possible connection options

Benefits of Smart Water MetersThe six main benefits of smart metering can be summarised as follows:

Distributed information of utility consumption data•

Continuous meter readings delivered to the user’s PC•

Compliance with building requirements•

Automatic water meter reading •and especially for water meters:

Insurance policy against undetected leaks•

Cheapest way to pick up operational information •

Let’s look at some of these in greater detail.

Distributing usage information

Providing water, power and gas usage data to all relevant people within an organisation is one of the greatest benefits. Facility managers, gardeners, cooling tower or even the pool operators can see their water consumption in near real time, adjust actions accordingly and get feedback the next day instead of waiting for

e.g. the next water bill (Figure 3). Anybody who needs to know can view and report on the water consumption.

It can even be used as an educational and corporate sustainability reporting tool where such information is displayed on public displays. Some leading in the green credentials sector are already doing this.

Across the organisation this will lead to a central depository for this data. No more fumbling for near impossible to find utility bills. Data access for corporate reporting is greatly facilitated, which can even be incorporated into an automatic system. Reporting becomes so much easier and more robust offsetting if not outweighing a large part of the smart meter installation costs.

Continuous meter readings

Seeing daily usage patterns allows users to understand their consumption. Abnormal usage patterns can be identified immediately and corrective action taken (Figure 3). Most systems even allow for an automatic alarming of such occurrences. It assists in establishing meaningful KPI’s. It is the key reason why smart metering, embedded into a comprehensive water and energy management program, typically saves at least 10% of the measured consumption.

Figure 4: Smart metering identified the leak (evident in the centre of the chart) triggering quick intervention. It stopped water wastage would have otherwise cost $20,000 per month!

Compliance with building requirements

Frequently it is a requirement for a “green” building to have its consumption monitored via a smart meter and reported to achieve the desired level of certification.

Automatic meter reading

In special cases, where reading the meter is associated with high access costs this can be a significant benefit. For most other cases a marginal benefit that comes automatically as a part of smart metering.

Leak insurance policy

Smart water metering allows identifying leaks as soon as they happen and not months after the event (Figure 4). Where 10 or more sites are monitored for one organisation, it is almost guaranteed that the smart meter system pays for itself through this aspect alone. Hence, it can be considered an insurance policy with the premium spread across a number of sites. In fact, offering a leak insurance cover where smart metering is thrown in free of charge, are now discussed.


Picking up operational information

< Experience has shown that monitoring water consumption can be one of the most cost-effective methods to record other operational information. It is one of the easiest and simplest forms of recording occupancy patterns. By and large: No water = no occupancy, high water use (all other things being equal) = high occupancy. It provides interesting usage trends as well, although data privacy and security need to be respected.

Who should get a Smart Meter?Anybody interested in cutting cost, their water, energy or gas consumption, corporate footprint and sustainability reporting. Smart metering is inexpensive. Retrofitted per point costs are at the A$1,000 per point mark for multiple meters per site. Monitoring a single standalone meter may cost as much as A$2,500. Do it as part of a new building, or a major refurbishment and costs go down dramatically. Just remember though that the cost of monitoring a meter that measures e.g. $100 worth of water consumption is exactly the same as the cost for a meter that monitors $10,000 dollars worth of water.

Nothing can provide a better argument for the business case of smart metering than some of the examples listed below.

Case Study 1: Water Consumption at a Market SiteAs illustrated in Figure 6 the site showed quite a distinctive usage pattern including a significant base flow indicating leakage. Mid months this was addressed as the base flow dropped to zero. However, it was also noted that the consumption peaks were far higher than what they had previously been. Smart metering provided this information and allowed to investigate the reasons which were traced down to a different contractor providing washing down services. Once his work practices were corrected water use returned back to normal at the end of the month.

Without smart metering both the leak and the water inefficient work practices are likely to have gone unnoticed for months causing costs in the order of $25,000/month.

Figure 5: Water consumption at a large site

Case Study 2: Predicting the water consumption for a cooling tower Water consumption in a cooling tower is strongly related to the ambient temperature. Once that relationship is established it can be used to provide an upper and lower band for the expected water and energy consumption (Figure 6). This is now used as an easy to observe operational indicator for when e.g. doors or windows are left open or when the efficiency of the cooling tower operation deteriorated.

Figure 6: Predicting the water consumption for a cooling tower

Additional FeaturesSmart metering is still a relatively young technology with plenty of ongoing developments. One recent example is overlaying a geographical information system (GIS) onto a smart metering website (Figure 7). The system now permits the operator to readily see the location of any smart meter. Each metering node becomes a hyperlink providing a map, aerial and photographs of the exact meter location making it easy to find. It also works in reverse. Clicking on any meter brings up the corresponding chart.

Figure 7: Example of merging technology: Smart metering combined with a GIS system

ConclusionSmart metering of water, electricity or gas consumption is no wizardry. If done correctly it can be simple and robust. However, its specific needs must be appreciated. Smart metering is

Do you know how much Smart Metering can save you?

New Heat Exchanger a WinnerTeralba Industries’ new high efficiency Dimpleflo Modubloc Heat Exchanger, released this year, is proving to be very successful.

The photo depicts a 22 Module Dimpleflo Modubloc with 6” 150 mm flowpath, the largest Australian made unit built to date.

Destined for a large New Zealand winery, this innovative design provides increased energy efficiencies, with higher heat transfer co-efficents, lower pressure drops on

the product side, all within a more compact footprint.

The Dimpleflo Modubloc pictured has the capacity to cool 50,000 l/hr of crushed grape must from 20ºC down to 8 ºC in a single pass.

Dimpleflo Modubloc high efficiency heat exchangers are ideal for processing slurries and viscous products and are especially suited to fouling products such as sewerage sludge and waste water.

Further efficiencies are achieved with a fully insulated modular stainless steel cabinet which minimizes any radiant energy losses and forms an aesthetically pleasing finish that is virtually maintenance-free.

The legendary ability for increasing capacity as future requirements change, is still an outstanding feature of Dimpleflo Modubloc heat exchangers.

For further information contact: Greg Haak Teralba Industries Ph: 02 4626 5000 15-19 Kialba Road Fax: 02 4625 4591 CAMPBELLTOWN NSW 2560 Email: [email protected]

much more than AMR, automatic meter reading. It can provide sophisticated usage information for water, electricity or gas consumption. It is a powerful tool to support an integrated water and energy conservation management system to sustain savings, improve sustainability outcomes and reporting whilst reducing the organisation’s ecological footprint. Best of all, it cuts costs saving so much money that it often pays for itself within months!

It allows all concerned to actively monitor consumption so they can readily intervene as soon as an abnormal pattern is observed or an exception alarm is raised. Water leakage in particular, is identified within hours. Such wastage going unnoticed for months on end becomes a thing of the past.

Understanding where, when and why water, electricity and gas are consumed helps to identify further savings opportunities and assists in setting and achieving realistic targets. As the advantages of smart metering become clearer to more and more decision makers it will not be long before we wonder how we could ever have attempted to manage water and energy consumption without smart metering! n

Guenter Hauber-Davidson ([email protected]) is based in Sydney. He is the Managing Director of Water Conservation Group Pty Ltd, a national consulting, engineering and contracting company specifically set up to do whatever it takes to help large water users save water. WCG provides all that is required to reduce your “Wet Print” including a Blue Design service, turn-key recycled water and rainwater harvesting solutions and customised smart metering.


We all know that the immediate future for the accommodation industry is pretty gloomy; the economic downturn means that business-related

travel will reduce and people will take fewer holidays away. On top of this, there is the emerging threat of bed bugs. Not only does it cost a motza to get rid of these pests, the threat to your reputation and potential legal action with an infestation could be the final nail in the coffin of your business. However, with bed bugs, you can be proactive in reducing the chance of these problems happening.

Between 2000 and 2006, bed bug infestations in Australia increased by an extraordinary 4,600% and the accommodation industry has been most impacted. The problem is that these insects bite producing intensely irritating and very visible sores. This is guaranteed to result in a very irate customer who often attempts to seek revenge. Bed bug litigation in the US is exploding; recently a client sought damages of $US20million! In Australia there have been a number of cases at rental tribunal boards (the tenant won on every occasion), and out of court settlements have occurred with accommodation providers who wished to stay out of the public eye to avoid being labelled as having bed bugs. Eradication is also expensive. On average for a hotel this will cost over $1,000 and can even run into tens of thousands with heavy infestations. Of course you can pretend it won’t happen to you; just keep your fingers crossed for a very, very long time, as bed bugs are set to be around for a while yet.

In response to the re-emergence of bed bugs, a Code of Practice for their control was produced by the pest management industry (free from www.bedbug.org.au). This year, the same experts that produced the Code will be running a full day training seminar on bed bugs and their control, encompassing both theoretical and practical components. Topics include; Medical Implications, Impacts on Accommodation, Bed Bugs and the Law, History of Control, Inspecting for Bed Bugs, Non-chemical and insecticidal, Management Plans, Case studies, and Bed Bug Prevention. There will be a practical session with company products and live bed bugs displayed.

What are the advantages of attending? Simply put, knowledge is power. Knowing how to deal with bed bugs appropriately and being prepared in advance can reduce the chance of the infestation spreading, decrease overall control costs and

Bed Bugs Biting Business?

Beat’em Back!By STEPHEN L. DOGGETT Department of Medical Entomology, Westmead Hospital, NSW, 2145

minimise the risk of litigation. There are also many devices coming out on the market claimed to control bed bugs, however many are ineffectual and these will be reviewed.

This course is designed for those impacted by bed bugs, whether directly or potentially in the future, and those responsible for eradicating them. This includes Hotel engineers, Executive housekeepers, Student accommodation managers, Hotel management, Motel contract managers, Tourism groups, Property management companies, Pest Managers, Pesticide suppliers, Environmental Health Officers and anyone else affected by bed bugs. n

Training Seminar Details!

The first course will be held at Westmead Hospital in Sydney on Thursday 7th May 2009. For more information contact Stephen Doggett, email: [email protected], Phone: 02 9845 7265, Fax: 02 9893 8659. You can also visit the website: www.aepma.com.au/index.php?action=news_item&id=49.


One of the key occupational health and safety risks facing the

hospitality industry today, is maintaining the quality of indoor

air and the minimisation of potential fire risks associated with

commercial kitchen exhaust systems, eplains BRETT STEPHENS

of Ductclean Australia.

The impact on the indoor environment due to neglect can be catastrophic, however these hazards can be addressed and successfully managed by ensuring

ductwork and ventilation systems components and accessories are inspected, cleaned and maintained according to Australian Standards.

There has been much discussion lately within the industry about OH&S responsibilities, and accountability. The level of pressure placed on anyone who has a ‘duty of care’ for their employees, visitors and customers who use their facilities are instantly in the spotlight.

The scope of responsibility is wider than most think, extending to all levels of management where there is a delegated “duty of care”. Not only must an employer ensure the health, safety and welfare of all the employees of the employer, they must also ensure that visitors are not exposed to hazards and risks that occur due to the ‘conduct’ of the employer whilst visiting the place of work.

For hotel visitors, prolonged exposure to poor indoor air quality, particularly where guests stay for a number of days, increases the risk of being exposed to airborne particulate and contaminants penetrating from the air conveyance systems into the occupied space.

Facilities Risk Management Ductwork that services bathrooms, toilets and shower accessories in particular provides a rich environment where microbial agents can flourish. Fungi, mould and mildew thrives in temperature ranges above 4.4 degrees Celsius to 37.8 degrees Celsius and with a moisture RH greater than 70%. These microbial agents can contribute to a range of allergies, asthmatic reactions, skin disease and parasites in lungs.

Accumulation of particulate, debris and the presence of mould and bacteria within and on HVAC systems components and accessories can most certainly contribute to health issues within the indoor environment. In almost all circumstances it will have

IAQ Hygiene Duty of Care and Accountability

a direct impact on the air flow efficiency through out the air conveyance system not to mention additional unwanted running costs. In most cases the hard or sheet metal ductwork surfaces and related components and accessories such as coils, drip pans, plenums, fans, housing, turning veins etc. can be cleaned effectively using industrial cleaning fluids and disinfectants that have been developed and EPA approved for this particular purpose. The use of inappropriate cleaning fluids can actually add to the threat of microbials, including Legionnaires.

Where flexible ducting is used, it may be more effective to replace the ducting entirely to aid in avoiding possible cross contamination caused by airborne mircobial spores. HEPA filtered vacuums; commercial negative air units and containment are essential requirements during the cleaning and remediation processes.

“The most practical approach to identify whether HVAC systems may be contaminated by residual deposits or have mould growth and or other, is to carry out a thorough site assessment and inspection on the existing air conveyance ductwork and accessories, in turn documenting and highlighting areas of concern along with rectification procedural tasks (Hygiene Responsive Report),” explains Brett Stephens, Ductclean Australia’s Manager in Victoria.

“This may include a microbiological analysis of air quality, ductwork and air handling unit surfaces and related components, together with full photographic report of internal conditions. The report can be used to demonstrate compliance with “duty of care” responsibilities, or assist in prioritising areas that need attention.”

The degree of difficulty of the HVAC cleaning and remediation process will depend largely upon the nature and extent of the restoration requirements. Remediation work should commence as soon as a hazard or potential hazard is identified, whether it be the identification of excess build up of contaminants, blocked coils, evidence of bacteria or mold, interior insulation break up, rust, corrosion, poor filtration or anything else that may have a direct impact on the indoor environment or the mechanical performance of the system. In the extreme case where Legionnaires is identified in the cooling towers of a HVAC system, remediation must be extended throughout the entire system, right down to the filters and ductwork. Dust from ductwork has the potential to contain up to 50,000 bacteria per gram of dust, while dirty HVAC filters can contain up to 6,700 bacteria per gram of dust.


Fire Risks associated with Kitchen ExhaustsThe second potential risk area for ventilation in hotels comes from the commercial kitchen. The purpose of ventilation within a commercial kitchen is to minimise the possibility of the contamination of food by airborne contaminants while removing smoke, steam, odours and fumes from the food preparation area. It is also to provide clean, fresh air to occupants and provide a ‘positive pressure’ to prevent particulates from entering the environment.

It’s easy to detect when a kitchen canopy requires cleaning or the grease arresting filters needs to be cleaned or exchanged – you can see the grease build up and the oil dripping down the hood or filters not to mention the oil and cooking fats sitting within the drip pans. However a kitchen ventilation system cleaning procedure goes much deeper than what can be visually seen.

Accumulation sites for a myriad of flammable substances such as cooking fats, grease and oil levels in simple terms is just a fire waiting to happen. It’s essential that the entire ventilation system be cleaned thoroughly and regularly incorporating canopy interior and exterior stainless steel surfaces, grease arresting filters, interior surfaces of grease laden ducts, and fans and discharges to minimise the fire risk associated with build up levels of combustible grease and oils.

Many Australian insurance companies recommend that regular monthly cleaning of the kitchen canopy and filters is vital in minimising fire risk. Fatty fumes should be cleaned before they have a chance to solidify and provide fuel for ignition when exposed to gas flames.

Some insurers offer discounted premiums if they have evidence that the exhaust systems in a kitchen have been maintained according to Australian Standards and the relevant State or Territory OH&S standards. They go so far as to recommend that kitchens under heavy use should have their exhaust systems cleaned biannually or even quarterly to ensure accountability.

What businesses should be doing is making sure that they act responsibly under the Australian Standard and ensure that there are no fire risks associated with their exhaust systems. The best way to be responsible and complaint is to have the system or systems cleaned on a regular routine maintenance program by a specialist cleaning contractor. The degree of difficulty of the exhaust systems cleaning and decontamination process will depend upon accessibility, nature and extent of the cleaning requirements.

“You’ll find that many businesses will clean the external surfaces or visual areas of their kitchen canopies and are of the understanding that this is all that they need to do on a regular basis to be seen to be compliant with industry standards, but what some businesses fail to realize is the risks lie beyond the obvious areas (canopy and filters) such as within the associated interior ductwork surfaces and fans, where major accumulations of contaminants are at hand,” explains Ian Veltman, National Manager for Ductclean Australia.

“In order to ensure that your hotel is compliant with Australian Standards, an audit must be taken of all assets and worksheets should be signed off showing that the systems are compliant and not in breach of any legal requirements,” Ian continued. n

Ductclean Australia Pty Ltd has branches located in NSW, ACT and Victoria. With origins dating back to 1966, Ductclean Australia has established itself as the industry leading contractor in their markets, providing the specialised services of HVAC hygiene cleaning, kitchen canopy and exhaust cleaning, air filter service and replacement.

Website: www.ductclean.com.au Phone: 1300 438 282

Australian Standard AS3666.2 specifically relates to the operation and maintenance of air handling systems of buildings (Microbial control) and states that inspections and cleaning of a range of air handling system components should be completed according to schedule:

Air intakes and exhaust outlets – monthly inspection, clean when necessary

Air filters – annual inspection, clean or replace as required

Evaporative air cooling equipment – inspected quarterly and cleaned as described:

Sumps – drained and cleaned •Wetted pads – cleaned and replaced when required•water strainer – cleaned when necessary•air filter – replaced•drainage system - flushed with clean fresh water. •

Evaporative air conditioning equipment should also be drained when not in use for periods over one month

Ducts and components – inspected and maintained in accordance with AS1851.6 and NFPA 90A, and serviced as indicated:

Coils – monthly inspection, clean when necessary

Trays and Sumps – monthly inspection, clean when required.

Condensate drains, tundishes, and traps – monthly check to ensure effectiveness; flush clean and drainage lines.

Ductwork – annual inspection near moisture producing equipment and selected access points; clean when necessary

Fans – annual inspection for corrosion, wear on flexible connections and drive belts and other deterioration; cleaned or repaired when necessary.

Terminal Units – annual inspection and cleaning when required.

Air Outlets – components inspected annually and cleaned when necessary.

Registers and Exhaust Grilles – annually Inspected and cleaned when necessary.

Filter efficiency for hotels/motels as suggested by ASHRAE:

Bedrooms 20%-30%

Suites 20%-30%

Lobbies 20%-30%

Conference 20%-30%

Assembly Hall 20%-30%

Restaurant/Nite-club 35%-40%

Smoking Room 80%


The big DC9 touched down on the hot air-strip with a squeal of tortured rubber and those of us

waiting to get aboard and get home gave a grin to each other as one does. I was wearing a blue safari suit indicating I was an exec from the big hotel across the water. It was customary to stand back from the queuing tourists and adapt a nonchalant attitude; after all, tourism was the industry powerhouse and we were merely the cogs. But then, but then [!] when the last in the queue had gone, and we got the nod to come hither for seats in First Class no less, life was pretty good.

In those days we wrote our own tickets and at worst were dropped into the cargo hatch with access into the galley right overhead through which drinks were regularly lowered. It was all too good to last of course, and in the 70’s with the first of the big airline merges in the US, the plug was pulled. But for a while can you imagine writing your own ticket from Los Angeles to Hawaii or wherever. These were the halcyon days when Pan American owned Inter Continental Hotels, and Continental Airlines owned Continental Hotels and yours truly had the best of all possible worlds!

It was unfortunate that on the island of Saipan the two major hotels were not only within cooee of each other, but one was the Inter Continental and the other the Continental and at that time, each of a sandy buff colour. Madness, and guaranteed to drive the poor old

tourists off their rockers. If memory serves, I think the shuttle buses were of the same basic colours too. The year 1975 was important for the Japanese in honouring those killed on Saipan by the US military towards the end of the WW2. Completion of the Continental Hotel, and the air terminal was rushed along accordingly. Then they arrived. Hundreds and hundreds of Japanese each with small “tool sacks” slung over shoulders, and each tool-sack containing a hammer, a chisel, a small shovel and a box to place the bits and pieces of lost colleagues. The question most asked was, how do you know if these remains were of your family? The response most received was, you don’t, but you do know you will have taken back to Japan and laid to rest the remains of someone’s family. A nice gesture for whatever reason we reckoned. So the hotels were packed at this time, and then along came a huge typhoon.

But you’ve read about this, the occasion when we had to drive our WW2 Jeep into the lobby and wedge her against the steel shutter doors for added protection. Yes? Quite a story. Those were the days when the Telex was king and the Walkie Talkie an inseparable means of communication. Continental Air Lines had a number of properties across the Pacific and each evening there was a regular Radio Watch [yes Mavis we remember reporting on this some years back] when each of the hotels was contacted. Being Head of Engineering for the whole box of dice, my blokes

Neil Weenink’s Back of House

would report in on spares and/or assistance needed. On one session we had to talk in code, not wanting others across the Pacific to learn of women on one island going on strike. Dinkum. Until their men folk quit taking jungle juice, there would be no cooking and no cuddles. Fair dinkum!

In Dec 1979 - I wrote a ref manual for all hotel managers in the Continental Group, simply titled Energy Management. I’ve just had a scan and I must say it still reads well, all 100 pages. Here is a sample from the Intro. Remember that this period is not long after the major OPEC fuel price hike, and that the principal energy source on island properties across the Pacific is oil.

The moment we flip the light switch we use oil. It is an irreversible process. The oil comes out of the ground, the machine ‘makes’ the electricity. The light goes on, the air is conditioned, and the water is pushed out of the faucet, by pumps using electricity.

When there is no more oil there is no more electricity.

Then, unless we have found another form of energy, the lights will go out, and all the services we take for granted will stop.

Maybe it was reading this that triggered someone to tighten up on the dead weight flying up front! As I say, 30 years on it reads well and I strongly believe that hotel managers today still need to be versed on the principals of conservation and sustainability - by the same people responsible for the bottom line cost of energy on the property, i.e. the Chief Engineers. You know, the fellows in safari suits travelling up front with the angelic grins from ear to ear...

Best regards to all

Neil

We are currently in tough economic times. Therefore, money is tight, and the resistance to spend has escalated, making maintenance an expensive

necessity. However, we must continue paying our insurance premiums, and hope that we will never ever get a return on this investment.

So, the need to keep your plant and facilities operating effectively requires that funds must be allocated to preventative maintenance. The alternative is gloomy.

Another form of insurance is a regular Thermoscan™ inspection. The difference is you do get a return, one that can potentially help save you many thousands of dollars.

You get a qualified Electrician and Level 1 Thermographer to visit your site and examine all your electrical and mechanical

switchboards. During the inspection, he identifies all the thermal abnormalities, about 90% of which you can’t see, but he can with his camera and his expertise.

After the inspection, he prepares a formal report detailing all the abnormalities he has observed, and includes some other images of the various plant and facilities, he has inspected.

And, your insurance company will applaud your actions by being proactive towards plant maintenance. Further, a Thermoscan™ has the potential to prevent major downtime caused by a switchboard failure and possible ensuing fire.

One thermal abnormality observed during a regular inspection, had the potential of costing at least two days downtime and the losses would have amounted to around $2 million. The problem was repaired with a replacement switch and one and a half hours of scheduled downtime, much cheaper than unscheduled downtime.

And, to help with the decision-making, it has been reported, that where the cause of a fire can be established, in 80% of cases, it is an electrical fault.

When engaging a thermographer to carry out the Thermoscan inspection, it would be wise to select operators who are specialists in their trade. All of Thermoscan’s™ Field Operators are qualified and Electrical Fitter/Mechanics and all are trained at Melbourne University to Level 1 Thermography standard - A.I.N.D.T. n

Spending the Maintenance Dollar WiselyBy TONY ROLLAND


HOTEL ENGINEERTHE

Pools Feature

2009


Swimming pool professionals will be well aware of the importance of minimising the microbiological risk of pool water to their clients, and particularly those at

most risk, their elite swimmers.

There have been numerous cases where elite swimmers have not achieved their potential at a critical time through being ‘off colour’ or unwell in their preparation. Often, and rightly so, microbiological water quality is suspected as the culprit although it is far more difficult to prove. Reasons why it may be difficult to scientifically link an acquired disease or health problem with a particular pool are:

many infections do not lead to clinically recognisable •disease

the variable nature of disease syndromes.•

alternative epidermiological pathways obscuring the water •borne origin of infection.

seasonal variations in the efficiency of water borne routes of •infections.

time/space variations in the size and nature of the •susceptible groups.

inability to demonstrate the direct association between •pathogens in water with pathogens in the diseased host because of lack of suitable cultivation methods.

Given the above, it is imperative that pool professionals ensure minimum microbiological quality criteria are applied at their facility to ensure a maximum return for the efforts of both swimmers and the pool professional.

Pool Maintenance and TreatmentDONALD A MACKAY Principal Teacher, Water and Wastewater Treatment, SkillsTech Australia, Brisbane

This paper was presented at the Update 2001 AIHE Conference, and has been updated and reprinted here because of the potential liability responsibilities confronting Hotel Engineers.

What is the Problem?As you are all aware, the human body plays host to approximately 600 million micro-organisms including 1–10 million colon bacteria. Most of these are harmless or non-pathogenic, however, there is always the potential for the contamination of pool water by pathogens (disease causing micro-organisms) through swimmers carrying a disease or infection to inadequately treated water.

Ways in which infective agents are transmitted to the water include:

mucous (including sputum) oral, anal infections•

urine (urinogenital tract infections)•

faecal matter•

dead skin (skin infections)•

body oils•

ear wax (ear infections)•

hair•

The pathogens of most interest lie in the microbial groups most commonly referred to as virus, bacteria, fungi and protozoa. Without wishing to discuss the various features of each group, a list of common diseases and ailments associated with pools, their symptoms and the causitive group are listed in Table 1.

All of the ailments in Table 1 are transmitted between human hosts through inadequately treated or contaminated water and thus should be of concern to pool professionals.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to provide swimming pool professionals with a range of issues impacting on pool operations that seriously affect performance of their clients. The issues that are addressed include:

• the nature of waterborne diseases • existing microbiological water quality criteria • common sanitising strategies • the disinfection processs • operational considerations for automatic control of pool water quality

Theses are all issues that pool professionals in today’s environment need to know to be truly effective.


Disease Common Name Mode of Transmission Symptoms Causitive Organism

Ear Infections

Otitis Externa(swimmers ear)

Water borne Inflammation of outer ear canal Bacteria/fungi

Boils in the ear Water borne Boils Bacteria, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, E. Coli, Proteus Pseudomonas

Diffuse Otitis Water borne Ear inflammation, itching Bacteria/fungi

Otitis media Water borne Inflammation of middle ear, ear ache, fever, vomiting

Bacteria/fungi

Eye Infections

Conjunctivitis Water borne Inflammation of conjunctivae Bacteria

Eye ulcers Water borne Ulceration of cornea Protozoa (Acanthamoeba polyphagia)

Skin Infections Water borne Boils, impetigo, rashes, lesions, eczema

Bacteria, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus

Tinea Water borne Flaking skin Fungi

Sore throats Water borne, close contact Burning throat Bacteria, Streptococcus

Colds, influenza, sinusitis Water borne, close contact Flu Virus

Diptheria Water borne, ingestion Bacteria

Cholera Water borne, ingestion Diarrhoea Bacteria Vibrio cholerae

Typhoid/Paratyphoid Water borne Fever, headache, general malaise Bacteria

Dysentery Water borne Diarrhoea Protozoa Entamoeba histolytica

Gastroenteritis Water borne Nausea, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal cramps

Bacteria, virus

Giardiasis Water borne Diarrhoea, weight loss, fatigue Protozoa

Infectious hepatitis Water borne Liver malfunction, fatigue, general malaise

Virus

Measles Water borne Virus

Mumps Water borne, contact with saliva of infected individuals

Virus

Glandular fever Water borne, contact with saliva of infected individuals

Swelling of glands Virus

Poliomyelitis Water borne, contact with infected individuals

Muscular paralyisis Virus

Coxsachie Water borne, direct contact with nose and throat discharges and faeces

Fever, headache, pharyngitis Virus

Echo viruses Water borne Respitory symptoms, meningitis enteritis

Virus

Primary Amoebic Meningo Encephalitis

Water borne Protozoa

Worms Water borne Fatigue, weight loss Aschelminth Platyhelminth

Cryptosporidiosis Water borne Abdominal cramps, dysentery Protozoa

Table 1 Common diseases known to be transmitted in pool settings


What are the Microbiological Water Quality Criteria for Swimming Pools?Historically in Australia, microbiological water quality criteria has exhibited considerable variation across the states. In more recent times there have also been quantum leaps in the understanding of microbiology and more suitable methods derived to manage public health. For example, when the first fresh water ‘baths’ were constructed in the 1800’s disinfection was not applied, water was just replaced. Following some fairly notable outbreaks of disease, engineers and public health practicioners put their faith in the application of a satisfactory dose of chlorine or chloramine, usually greater than 0.5 mgL–1. Guidelines of the day reflected this faith and diligent operators were advised until the 1980’s that Free Chlorine (HOCl) in excess of 0.5 mgL1 should solve most microbiological problems.

Unfortunately this faith was misguided, as monitoring a particular chemical certainly with antibacterial properties, tells you a lot about the chemical concentration but very little about the efficiency of removal of the micro-organisms we can expect to find in a pool. In today’s world, microbiological water quality assessment is still very much a probalistic assessment and public health practicioners now apply risk management strategies based on known ‘Minimum Infective Dose’ criteria. Typical criteria currently applying include:

Australian Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine •Waters 1992 ANZEEC – Primary Contact Recreation (Swimming) The median bacterial content in fresh and marine waters taken over a bathing season should not exceed 150 faecal coliform organisms/100 ml or 35 enterococci organisms/100 ml. Pathogenic free living protozoans should be absent from bodies of fresh water.

New Zealand Guidelines •Median should not exceed 33 enterococci/100 ml or 126 E.coli/100 ml.

Queensland Department of Health Guidelines •Type of organism Maximum Count Allowable Heterotrophic Plate Count 100 CFU/1 ml Thermotolerant coliforms (E. coli) 0/100 ml Pseudomonas aeruginosa 0/100 ml Note: Routine monitoring of microbiological water quality is recommended in Queensland pools.

Queensland Environment Protection Agency •For any five scheduled samples the median heterotrophic plate count is to be less than 150 CFU/100 ml with an absolute maximum of 600 CFU/100 ml.

It should also be noted that guidelines are just that. They are not to be confused with standards which are generally somewhat more than advisory. A particular problem with the guidelines presently available is that they are based on the proposition that the removal of a particular ‘indicator’ organism e.g. E. coli allows us to presume that commonly associated pathogens are also removed and this is unfortunately difficult to substantiate particularly with the range of pathogens and sanitisers used in pools. In fact it is more reasonable to assert that the more common sanitisers are definitely more effective against the indicator organism (E. Coli) and unfortunately have lesser impact on some of the more serious pathogens as revealed in Table 2.

Requirements for Pool SanitisersPool operational personnel should be aware that their primary role is to protect public health through the maintenance of pristine microbiological conditions and the elimination of pathogens from pool water. Good pool sanitisers will have the following properties:

They must have a broad range of effectiveness and a low •Ct value to prevent the spread of disease by quickly killing bacteria, fungi protozoa, virus etc. that are introduced to the pool by swimmers, make up water or wind blown spores.

They must help preserve the clarity of the pool water by •preventing the growth of algae.

They must not add unacceptable tastes, odours or colours •to the pool waters.

They must not cause eye irritations, throat irritations or •allergic reactions.

They must not cause damage to the pool or its surrounds.•

They must be available at an affordable price.•

A range of chemicals and technologies meet these criteria to varying extents and are listed in Table 3.

Most of the above chemicals are powerful oxidants that work through rupturing of the cell membranes of the target pathogen or through denaturation of cell DNA which prevents cell reproduction of the pathogen. Most of the above are broad

Organism Cl2 Chloramine Cl02 Ozone

E. Coli 0.034-0.05 95-180 0.4-0.25 0.02

Polio V.I 1.1-2.5 730-3740 0.2-0.67 0.1-0.2

Rotavirus 0.01-6.480 3810-6480 0.2-2.1 0.006-0.06

Naegleria 7.7 - 3.7 0.75

Cryptosporidium oocysts 90% 7200 7200 78 5

Giardia muris cysts 30-630 1-400 7.2-18.5 1.8-2.0

Table 2 Ct values for 99% inactivation at 5ºC mg.min L-1

1/28 Vore St, Silverwater NSW 2128PH 02 9647 1422, 1800 249 982F 02 9647 1509 E [email protected]

range sanitisers and unfortunately many have limited effect against some of the more pathogenic micro-organisms of interest in swimming pools e.g. Cryptosporidium.

Maintenance of Sanitary Conditions in PoolsTypically the more you spend on this problem, the more successful you are likely to be. This approach reached its zenith at the Sydney Olympics when arguably the most comprehensive system to eliminate pathogens in a pool ever was provided. It incorporated chlorine, ozone, UV, carbon filters and diatomaceous earth filters (< 2 mm).

It is also interesting to note that although the system at Homebush was designed to operate automatically, it was operated manually throughout the games (automatic systems are prone to failure if not maintained and operated with full knowledge of their limitations).

Unfortunately most of the pool industry has to operate with much less technology (and the money that was available to SOCOG) yet hopefully with astute operation we can achieve a similar result.

The Disinfection ProcessThe process of disinfection as it applies to swimming pools, relies upon the dosing of a bacteriocide or viracide to reduce or eliminate bacterial or viral populations below Minimum Infective Dose levels.

The Minimum Infective Dose (MID) is defined as the number of bacterial cells, infective particles of a virus, protozoan cysts

Commonly available Sanitizers/Methods

Chlorine (gas)

Sodium hypochlorite (liquid chlorine)

Calcium hypochlorite (powdered chlorine)

Lithium hypochlorite

Sodium Dischloroisocyanurate (stabilised chlorine)

Trichloroisocyanuric acid (stabilised tablets)

Electrolytic Chlorinators (mild salt water)

Brominated Hydantoin (Spa-brom)

Iodine compounds

Silver, Copper compounds

Heat

Quarternary Ammonium compounds

Ultra Violet Light

Chlorine dioxide

Ozone

Electromagnetic fields

Table 3


or helminth ova which must be ingested in order to initiate an infection.

Operating below the MID is the major public health issue faced by pool operators in Australia. Most commonly in Australia, chlorine based compounds are used for disinfection. These compounds are:

Chlorine gas 1 000 000 mg/kg available chlorine

Powdered chlorine, 65% available chlorine calcium hypochlorite

Liquid chlorine, 13.5% available chlorine sodium hypochlorite

The mechanism of action of these compounds is through the formation of hypochlorous acid in solution, a powerful oxidising agent, which given sufficient concentration and time can kill a range of the potential pathogens found in water (the Ct factor).

There are a large range of other potential sanitisers (mainly oxidants) including ozone and chlorine dioxide but cost and availability tends to favour the use of the hypochlorites in most common applications.

A further benefit of those compounds that generate Free Available Chlorine or Free Residual Chlorine (HOCl) is that it will react with ammonia in the water to generate a more persistant group of chemicals, the Combined Chlorines (Chloramines). These compounds have approximately all of the bacterial killing power of Free Chlorine but can provide a long term antibacterial effect.

Unfortunately the chloramines tend to have a nauseating odour and induce tears in sensitive swimmers. They are also responsible for ‘swimming pool smell’ thus indicating too little Free Available Chlorine (HOCl) as it’s been consumed by the ammonia. At this point, swimmers will also complain of sore eyes and the strength

of the chlorine, but the solution to the problem is to increase the chlorine dose to drive the chloramines out of the water. Without a supply of sanitising chemical in the water you can not be confident about its microbiological quality.

The pH ConnectionSo what has pH got to do with the efficiency of chlorination? Before we get to this point we should ensure that we all understand what is meant by the term pH. As you may have observed, all the equations presented in this paper have been deliberately written to indicate an equilibrium position by using the two directional arrows. What this means is that over time if we put two reagents together to cause a chemical reaction to occur, a final equilibrium concentration of both the products and reagents will eventuate, generally but not always favouring the products. So what has pH got to do with this?

pH of itself refers to the concentration of active hydrogen in solution [H+]. It is the availability of this active hyrdogen ion that affects the behaviour of many materials in solution. For example it increases the solubility of metals, it causes the characteristic properties of acids e.g. sour taste, corrosivity, reaction with carbonates liberating carbon droxide etc. So where does it come from?

Many theorists assert that when two water molecules collide a new species hydronium ion is formed as follows:

This is normally simplified as

Under normal conditions very small concentrations of the H+ ion and OH– ions are present i.e. the reaction favours the reactants. We can however increase the concentration of the H+ ion through the addition of acids. Acids are by definition compounds that dissociate to generate H+ ions in solution.

So what has all this got to do with disinfection? As we have stated before, chlorine, sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite all react with water to generate hypochlorous acid (Reactions 1-3). This compound being an acid, like all acids, dissociates to generate H+ and also OCl– ions in solution.

Cl2

chlorineH2Owater

HOClhypochlorousacid

HClhydrochloricacid

(1)+ +–

Ca (OCI)2

calciumhypochlorite

2H2O 2HOClhypochlorousacid

Ca (OH)2

calciumhydroxide

(2)+ +–

NaOClsodiumhypochlorite

H2O HOClhypochlorousacid

NaOHsodiumhydroxide

(3)+ +–

HOCl2 NH3

ammoniaNH2Clmonochloramine

H2O (4)+ +–

HOCl NH2Cl NHCl2

dichloramineH2O (5)+ +–

HOCl NHCl2 NCl3

trichloramineH2O (6)+ +–

H2O H+ OH– (8)• +

H2O H2O H3O+

hydroniumion

OH–

hydroxylion

(7)+ +•

HClhydrochloricacid

e.g.

or

H2Owater

H3O+

hydroniumion

Cl–

chlorideion

(9)+ +–

HCl H+ Cl (10)– +

HOClhypochlorusacid

H+

hydrogenion

OCl–

hypochloriteion

(11)– +

This dissociation is itself affected by the concentration of hydrogen ion (i.e. the pH) of the solution in which it finds itself. In other words if the concentration of H+ is high (i.e. the pH is low), the backward reaction is favoured and the disinfectant molecule HOCl remains available. However if the concentration of H+ is low (i.e. the pH is high) the reaction proceeds as written in Reaction 11 and hypochlorite ion predominates. Unfortunately hypochlorite has a much less than disinfecting capacity and is readily destroyed by sunlight in the absence of pool stabilisers as follows:

As the oxygen gas produced in this photolysis reaction is released from the water, the reformation of the hypochlorite ion and hypochlorous acid can not occur and the disinfectant is lost. It is estimated that under Queensland conditions up to 90% of the hypochlorous acid is consumed in this way and it is highly recommended that pool stabiliser be applied at doses up to 50mg/L. At higher doses the stabiliser will also cause the reformation of hypochlorous acid to be inhibited with a consequent loss of disinfecting capacity, commonly resulting in a green pool (algae).

The effect of pH on the dissociation of hypochlorous acid is presented in Figure 1.

It can be seen that as the pH approaches 8 the available HOCl diminishes considerably. This is of particular importance when operators dose sodium hypochlorite because as a result of the manufacturing process, the dosing solution always contains some residual sodium hydroxide which over time will elevate the pH of the pool.

Sodium hydroxide or caustic soda is a strong base (alkali) which can be neutralised by pool acids (e.g. hydrochloric). The pH can therefore be easily maintained in the 7.2 to 7.6 range with pool acid to ensure the effectiveness of the disinfectant.

How is pH measured?In todays world pH is measured using pH electrodes. These are hydrogen ion specific electrodes which produce a preferential electrical response to hydrogen ions in solution. Most electrodes in use today are Combination pH electrodes and are constructed as indicated in Figure 2.

How do pH probes work?The way pH electrodes are thought to work is that hydrogen ions in solution come into contact with the hydrogen ion sensitive glass. The electrical charge on these ions induces a potential difference (voltage) across the interface between the solution and the membrane. This potential difference or voltage is proportional to the activity of the hydrogen ions in solution and is measured on a millivoltmeter which can be organised to read directly in pH units.

Operational Issues – pH probes1. Impedance This is a term which in practice somewhat

reflects the resistance to conductivity posed by the special

OC1– uv sunlight Cl+ + 12 O2 (12)

2NaOHsodiumhydroxide

Cl2

chlorineNaOClsodiumhypochlorite

NaClsalt

(13)+ + H2Owater

+–

100

90

80

20ϒC

0ϒC

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

0

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

HO

CI %

OC

I %

HOCI

H+

+ OCI–

Figure caption to be put inFigure 1 Relationship between hypochlorous acid (HOCl), hypochlorite (Ocl-) and pH

glass membrane that constitutes the probe. This glass membrane is a very poor conductor and therefore is said to possess a very high impedance. Different types of glass will

have different impedances and similarly the shape of the glass can impart a different impedance. Coating of the glass membrane will change the impedance, and this is a particular problem in swimming pools where on-line probes are often impacted by sun tan oils and body fats etc. Similarly the temperature will affect the impedance, e.g. for each 8°C above 25°C the glass membrane’s specified impedance will halve and for each 8°C below 25°C the specified impedance doubles. Modern probes have automatic temperature compensation (ATC) to assist with this problem. The liquid junction in most combination electrodes is subject to clogging due to precipitation of silver salts which also increase the impedance. All of these issues will affect the calibration of the probe and will require operational staff to routinely calibrate the pH probe.

2. Poisoning ions Most electrodes will be affected by the presence of interfering or poisoning ions which can lead to the clogging of the porous plugs in the

Figure 2 pH probe components


reference cell of the combination electrode. Slowing down the migration of poisoning ions can enhance the useful life of the electrodes.The typical poisoning ions are found in sulphur compounds, chlorine compounds and ammonia, all of which are common in swimming pools.

3. Temperature The millivolt output of the pH glass electrode will change with change in temperature subject to two effects. Firstly some acids and bases are only partially ionised at a particular temperature. As the temperature increases the amount of ionisation will increase and if these ions affect pH the pH will change with the temperature. Similarly the glass electrode sensitivity can change with temperature. This is usually overcome using an automatic temperature compensating electrode which allows the meter to adjust to changing temperatures. However as discussed previously at 25°C the millivoltage output of the electrode changes by 59 mv/pH unit whereas at 0°C it changes by 54.2 mv/pH and at 100°C by 74 mv/pH.

4. Dehydration and membrane conditioning Should pH glass membranes be stored in a non wetted environment

they will dehydrate and become very slow in response. Prolonged and repeated dehydration can cause the electrode to become useless. Probes should be stored or transported in a pH4 buffer solution. Similarly, should the membrane be stored in a high pH environment e.g. pH 10 it will become conditioned to its environment. The membrane tends to develop a memory and it will become sluggish. Proper storage of the membrane requires a pH4 buffer solution.Deionised water can also improperly condition the membrane if probes are stored in it for any length of time. Reference electrode junctions can also perform improperly if allowed to dry out due to salts precipitating from solution resulting in increasing reference cell impedance. This situation can be retrieved by soaking the electrode in pH4 buffer or in more severe cases boiling the electrode in pH4 buffer or tap water can revive the electrode. If this procedure is not practicable, it is probably time to replace the probe.

5. Characteristics of the sample to be measured pH measurements can be affected by:

(a) other constituents in solution

(b) viscosity of solution

(c) presence of solids or particulate matter which contribute to abrasion and impact breakage

(d) chemically aggressive constituent in solution that may dissolve parts of the pH electrode

(e) the pressure and temperature can effect the electrode and operators should be aware of the specifications of the instrument

(f) thermal shock can cause physical damage resulting in a defective pH electrode

(g) the pH span through which you wish to use the electrode.

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%6 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5 9.0 9.5 10.0 10.5 11.0

pH

HO

CI H

OB

r %

HOCI – HOBras a function of pH

Figure 3 Variation in millivolt output of pH probes with changing temperature

Figure 4 Chlorine and Bromine ‘Disinfection Strength’, (Percentage of Hypochlorous and Hypobromous Acids present in the disinfectant residual at changing pH levels

HoBr

HoCl

Figure 5 A typical Redox probe

1 Reference electrode system Ag/AgCl

2 Gelled reference electrolyte (polymer gel)

3 Ceramic diaphragm

4 Platinum electrode


The ORP/pH/Free Chlorine/Temperature RelationshipIt is well known that Free Chlorine (HOCl) or hypochlorous

acid like all acids in solution dissociate to form hydrogen ions and in this case also hypochlorite ions.

HOCl H+ + OCl–

hypochlorous hydrogen hypochloriteacid ion ion‘oxidized form’ ‘reduced form’

Hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion are the oxidised and reduced forms of the chlorine in solution.

The degree of this dissociation or the relative balance HOCl and OCl– in solution is pH and temperature dependent as indicated in Figure 4.

The consequence of having these two predominant species HOCl and OCl– in solution (the disinfectant chlorine is being constantly added), one species being in an oxidised state and the other being in a reduced state, is that the resulting electromagnetic force (EMF millivoltage), or redox potential measured, would more likely tend to indicate the state of balance between the reduced and oxidised forms of the chemicals present rather than the actual concentration of the Free Chlorine in mg/L.

How is Redox Potential Measured?The true redox potential is the potential between an inert electron conductor and a standard hydrogen electrode which in practical terms is carried out using a platinum electrode against a silver/silver chloride reference electrode. Most electrode manufacturers recommend that for rapid and complete

disinfection of swimming pool water the following redox potentials are required.

Fresh Water Redox Potential

pH 6.5–7.3 > 750 mV

pH 7.3–7.6 > 770 mV

Sea Water

pH 6.5–7.3 > 700 mV

pH 7.3–7.8 > 720 mV

Note the effect of the salts and pH in sea water on the measured ORP (chlorine levels).

It is claimed that High Resolution Redox (HRR) technology directly measures the rate of oxidative disinfection regardless of the oxidant used, pH, temperature or organic load. HRR measures the electromotive force generated when an oxidant is present in solution and it is claimed that this alone is a good measure of the efficiency of disinfection, a low voltage indicating that more oxidant (chlorine) is required. HRR probes generally also have a greater life expectancy and cost.

Limitations of ORPThere is still considerable debate as to the germicidal efficiency of Free Residual Chlorine (HOCl). As stated before it has reasonable efficiency against a number of known pathogens e.g. Staphylococcus spp and Pseudomonas spp but has almost no effect against many viruses and protozoan pathogens such as Cryptosporidium. CT relationships (Free chlorine concentration/contact time) have been derived for many pathogens which generally suggest that to minimise risk to public health in Queensland pools one would be wise to operate Total Chlorine/Free Chlorine in the range 1.5 mg/L–2.0 mg/L as well as reaching breakpoint before opening the pool in the morning (Total

Chlorine = Free Chlorine = Breakpoint).

As discussed before increases and decreases in the level of disinfectant will alter the redox potential but unfortunately the relationship is not linear. As can be seen in Figure 6, there is a reasonable relationship between ORP and Free Chlorine up to about 1 mg/L but above this the relationship is less certain.

As can also be seen above, in the range 1–4 mg/L of Free Chlorine the change in ORP is small at all common pH’s (approx 37 mV). As this is the area of most interest in commercial pools particularly, the ORP probe with the complications associated with pH, temperatures etc. provides limited control in this range.

Similarly other constituents in the source water can also affect the Redox potential measured making a particular millivolt reading inconclusive as to the disinfectant level from one locality to another. >

800

750

700

650

600

550

500

450

4006.8

0.1 0.2 0.4 0.7 1 2 3 4

7.0 7.2 7.4 7.6 7.8 8.0 8.2

pH METER

FREE CHLORINE mgL–1

Figure 6 ORP-ph-Free Chlorine relationship


affect impedance and thus limit the sensitivity of the electrode. Some electrode manufacturers supply ‘cell sand’ to assist with the cleaning of electrodes.

Over time however the sand can be worn down or lost and operational staff may have to replenish it weekly or even replace it entirely at approximately three months.

It is suggested that calibration of these probes is best performed routinely (daily) using the sample point provided at the measuring cell. In addition, Free and Total Chlorine are usually determined using the DPD colorimetric method or Titrimetric method.

ConclusionsOperational Staff using ORP for on-line monitoring of disinfectant residuals can confidently use this method provided they understand the need for calibration of the probes and what is being measured. They must also understand the operational limitations of the instrument to achieve the desired outcomes i.e. reliable disinfectant concentrations in the pool. Only then can operational staff receive the very good return on their investment that they reasonably deserve. n

BibliographyKrone, D. Automated Water Chemistry Control at University of Virginia.

Pools Facilities Manager, Vol. 13, No 6, 1997.

Batt, T. Chemical Control for Commercial Pools

Stranco Australia Pty Ltd.

Penny, Dr P. ‘Control of Swimming Pool Water Treatment using Redox Potential’.

Sports Council 1987.

Capen, C. ‘Automatic Dosing A Review’.

Institute of Swimming Pool and Recreation Managers, 1994.

Franzier, B. Automated Pool Water Chemistry Control Gives Resort Marketing Advantage – Stance Inc.

‘Swimming Pool Water Management’, Aquatic and Recreation.

Water Chemistry Accuracy, Reliability Critical for Site of 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta Stanca Inc.

Holt, Rinchardt, Winston. ‘Foundations of Chemistry’ 1973.

‘Anatomy of a pH Electrode’ Innovative Sensers Inc.

White, G.C. Handbook of Chlorination.

Van Nostrand Reinhold – New York 1992 ANZEEC Australian Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters 1992.

Queensland Health Communicable Diseases Unit. Queensland Health Swimming and Spa Pool

Water Quality and Operational Guidelines 2000.

Distilled Water

Petaluma

San Rafael

Santa Clara

Gilroy

775

750

725

700

675

650

625

600

575

OR

P (m

v)

Free Chlorine Residual (mg/l)At pH 7.5

0 2 4 6 8 10

< However frequent calibration against standard photometric or titrimetric methods will allow operational staff to improve the reliability of the disinfection process.

Following on some of the issues already raised, it is important that probes and measuring cells be installed prior to the addition of flocculating chemicals to minimise interference from soluble ions in solution. Similarly transfer lines to the measuring cell from the pool pipelines must not be made of copper – use PVC. Both conditions cause changes to the measured ORP.

Tapping points for transfer lines must ensure a bubble free flow of water to the measuring cell. Air bubbles and consequent dissolved oxygen can affect the measured ORP. On-line probes tend to be affected from the cumulative effects of suntan oils, body fats and oils and particulate debris that are commonly incorporated in the flow at swimming pools. These materials

Figure 7 Relationship between ORP/Free Chlorine in various waters

Pool Maintenance and Treatment


Having recently completed a major upgrade of our Hydrotherapy pool in Allambie Heights, we are proud to invite those working in this area of

the public pool industry to a field day at the site. When this pool was built 30 odd years ago the knowledge, understanding and statutory health requirements were quite different to current demands. We were suffering from poor filtration, turn-over time; and automated pool chemical disinfection. The time had come to tackle this head on, and in keeping with the otherwise high standards of The Spastic Centre in New South Wales, the decision was made to proceed with the upgrade.

Our pool consultant, Alan Lewis, had made it clear that without major changes to the infrastructure we would not be able to achieve optimum results in line with modern day practice. There are some exciting innovations included in this installation which address the many issues which plague indoor heated pools like this one.

They include:

The reduction of chloramines using low level Ozone. •The Ozone is dissolved in mixing vessels that have been designed and built locally.

Elimination of the production of the carcinogenic •Trihalomethanes (THMs)

The Spastic Centre Hydrotherapy Pool

Open Invitation to a Field DayBy CATHERINE ROFE Pool Manager and Aquability co-ordinator

Continuous automated measuring, dosing and •recording of the chloramines together with the regular parameters: pH; ORP; Free Chlorine; and TDS.

Use of a Waterco deep bed sand filter for •Cryptosporidium control.

Integrated recycling of harvested rainwater with the •wasted pool water for use in the toilets. The aim is to eventually arrive at a totally independent pool with zero demand on town supply.

Avoiding the need for frequent backwashing by •constant slow dilution via the wasted sample line water which is made up automatically with either harvested rainwater or supply water (when the former is not available).

Intelligent and economic use of CO2 (pH reduction) and •Sodium Hypochlorite in an innovatively designed, flow controlled, shunt line.

The sponsors of this field day are the major suppliers of the equipment:

Waterco - the filter

Prominent - pool controls

BOC - the mini bulk tank

Ozone Swim - the low level Ozone generators

Wright Pools - the plumbing and installation work

The projected date for the FIELD DAY is

Friday 22nd May 2009

REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL

We aim to design the program to meet your needs, and to inform you of changes to the timetable.

Please register by emailing Alan Lewis at [email protected]

There is no charge for participation in this field day.


In the last decade pool water and drinking water scientists have been focussing on the need to eliminate disinfectant by-products (DBPs). The

curious thing is that they freely admit that 70% of the potentially harmful chemicals found in either reservoirs or swimming pools are neither properly identified nor properly researched. Hence the risks these chemicals present to the population in general and to bathers in particular remain unregulated and unassessed. The 30% that are known and regulated continue to present considerable challenges and dilemmas to the pool manager. These problems are magnified in many hotels where issues of public liability and bather comfort often collide and are simply allowed to remain in the “too hard basket”.

If you can’t drink it, why swim in it?(Strategies for reducing Chloramines in heated indoor pools – Part 1)By ALAN LEWIS

The indoor heated pools and spas are of even more concern because they are used all year round and are in all-season demand. This does not mean that outdoor pools are necessarily safer, but only that the liability is greater when it comes to managing indoor pools. The indoor heated pool or spa is a real challenge to the pool owner and manager.

The effort to meet this challenge currently focuses on the DBPs and in particular the chloramines that are always present in the water. Because Chlorination today is still the most cost effective and by far the best understood of all disinfectants, it is incumbent on all hotel pool or spa managers to ensure that they are both aware and familiar with the range of options for the elimination of chloramines.

CHORINATED WATER + HUMAN BODIES »»» CHLORAMINES

In order to understand how best to deal with this, we need to understand how and why this chemical reaction happens. Beyond understanding the problem and its sources we need to know how best and most efficiently to use and apply the chemicals to the disinfection of the pool.

Chlorine is a necessary evil. It is there to kill bugs, but it can also kill living creatures much larger than bugs and has in some of its more infamous forms been used in war as a weapon. But then so have some of the more aggressive pathogens been harnessed with similar intent. So the art of good disinfection is to achieve a minimum dose – large enough to kill the real enemy - the pathogens – and yet remain harmless to bathers. >


Sweat and the human skinThe area of contact between the body and the swimming water is on average 1.9 square metres. So the first rule in pool maintenance is to encourage bathers to shower thoroughly immediately before entering the pool. The ideal “encouragement” is to ensure that your pool or spa has a warm shower located on the deck adjacent to the facility. Since the skin also harbours a certain quantity of body oils which in many cases is increased by the addition of sunscreens or other body oils as well as cosmetics, it is highly desirable that the facility provides a dispenser with disinfectant soap for the shower. It has been found that the main precursors of DBPs are: hair; skin scales; sweat; urine; cosmetics; UV screens; fabric (lint); microorganisms. The outer body harbours all of these.

Prevention is easier than correctionThe shower will reduce their impact:

The skin of the average bather has 160 mg of urea – showering reduces this to 24 – 32 mg. And if soap is used then this is further reduced to 12-24 mg.

Using the toilet before bathing reduces the urine input by 0.8 g per bather. In spite of this the active bather will still produce 0.5 – 1.5 g urea while in the heated pool or spa. This is a primary contribution to the creation of chloramines. In a heavily loaded pool at the peak of the summer, the impact of these body chemicals in relation to the size of the pool is huge and the good pool manager will endeavour to ensure the best hygiene possible – particularly when there is a greater likelihood of cross infection between swimmers.

The body has 21 known amino acids so called because they contain ammonia in their basic molecule and contribute to perspiration. The excretion through the skin of sweat also includes urea which has 1/130 the concentration of the urea in urine. Note also that skin although 2-3mm thick has roughly 100 sweat glands to the square centimetre; 3 blood vessels; about 1000 melanocytes (the pigment which absorb UV when outdoors) and about 150 nerve endings. Of even more concern are the 50 million bacteria that call our skin

their home. They could in aggregate reach the size of pea! When the skin is unhealthy and particularly when it is dirty; there is a reasonable chance that the otherwise harmless

bacteria will be invaded by pathogens – particularly the flora which lead to the yeast and fungal pathogens. The skin (like bacteria) also contributes carbon to the water in the form of dead skin cells. This continual “sloughing off” comes from the outer layers of the epidermis which consists of 25 – 30 layers of dead cells. Finally all cotton garments when wet release fine particles of lint – yet another source of carbon needed in the formation of Trihalomethanes (THMs). These are the greatest worry of all since they are considered carcinogenic. Trichloramines are thus the precursors of Trihalomethanes after combining with Carbon. (more of that later).

DILUTIONThe most common way of reducing unwanted DBPs in pool water has been, for many years, the dilution of the pool. In fact the German (DIN) standards require the replacement of pool water with fresh, at the rate of 30 litres per bather. Their current aim is to keep the chloramine residual around 0.2 mg/l !! While in NSW the guidelines ask for a maximum of 1.0 mg/l. The problem in Australia is that supply water in most States and Territories is Chloraminated. That means that mono-chloramines are actually injected into the supply lines because they (rather than free chlorine alone) can be relied on to last long enough in the supply route to continually disinfect the potable water up until it reaches the consumer. In some parts of Sydney, from my own experience, the mono-chloramine residual can reach up to about 1.8 mg/l. This means that when trying to reduce chloramines by the dilution method – one would actually be making it worse – or at best not improving the condition.

Even more important to us today is the need to conserve water. Without going into alternative ways of reducing chloramines in the pool, it would be as well to consider that the time has come to use

If you can’t drink it, why swim in it?(Strategies for reducing Chloramines in heated indoor pools – Part 1)

other sources of water, in order to conserve our ever more precious supply. The obvious one is to harvest rainwater in enough quantity to be able to afford good dilution of the pool on a regular basis. When rainwater is used for this purpose we can be sure that it is free of chloramines and a suitable source for dilution. The initial outlay is of course considerable – but over the years this will save on the otherwise hefty water bills that confront the public pool owner. Many councils are now subsidising this outlay.

This is quite an involved subject and requires thorough knowledge of the local health requirements for the maintenance of compliant water in those tanks. We are now faced with ever increasing costs for the water we are currently using. The long term savings have become more and more urgent throughout Australia with the possible exception of Tasmania.

In the equation above we should consider the two main parameters which contribute to the formation of chloramines: Bathers and Free Available Chlorine. Are we able to reduce either of them? A manager of a commercial pool would be hard pressed if he were to suggest the reduction of the potential income essential for the maintenance costs of any pool. So unless the pool was designed in the first place for a bather loads greater than expected – it would be unlikely that an owner would ever countenance limiting bather numbers in the pool.

Minimising the Chlorine doseBut what of the second parameter – limiting the Free Chlorine set point. In the world today we have the following extremes: The optimum levels of free chlorine in Germany are between 0.3 – 0.6 mg/l !! In Australia; US; and the UK – they are 1.0 – 3.0 mg/l. While the World Health Organisation (WHO) will allow 5.0 mg/l !! Of course in undeveloped countries where health issues are critical – this limit can possibly save many lives. In Australia for example, it has been found and proven, that where aboriginal children have access to well maintained swimming pools in outlying areas, their health improves markedly.

In the next issue we will tackle some other simple ways in which chloramines can be reduced without involving expensive sophisticated processes. In the final part of this article we will deal with the more advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) that avoid or break up chloramines at their genesis. n

NB: Many of the facts and figures given here are from a presentation by Dr Christian Zweiner researcher and lecturer, Head of the Organic Analysis and Water Technology at the University of Karlsruhe – at the 2007 WAHC in Cincinnati.


Australian Innovative System Pty Ltd (AIS) is one of the World’s leaders in disinfection of water by the process of electro chlorination. With over 30 years

experience in the industry, the company’s developments are not only the world’s best but in many cases the world’s first.

In November 2008 AIS was honoured at the inaugural Gaia Awards, held in conjunction with Dubai’s annual BIG 5 Construction Trade Show. The company was awarded the inaugural Gaia Award silver medal for the revolutionary AutochlorTM products for being up to 60% more energy efficient for onsite in-line and/or on-line hypochlorite generation. Such great efficiency is achieved by new generation switch mode power supply, sensitive electronics, unique electrolytic cell design as well as highly active anode material.

As part of his visit to BIG 5, Queensland Minister for Trade John Mickel met with AIS team at their stand to congratulate for their superb achievement.

Despite their success AIS will not sit still on their laurels. Its proactive research and development team leading by company directors Kerry and Elena Gosse understands that the chaotic, unpredictable nature of a global economy does have its benefits. A slowdown allows them to re-evaluate and figure out ways to do things better. Since returning to Australia from the Big 5, Australian Innovative Systems made another splash in the industry by introducing new revolutionary technology for in-line fresh water disinfection.

Customised technology delivering cost-effective approach to water treatment is the result of AIS’ significant investment in research and development. ‘We define Ecoline as the ‘Water treatment of the future’, said Mrs Gosse. This new age environmentally friendly technology, she continues, tailored to fulfill highest quality standards, simple, robust, economical and meet all the present and future demands’, said Mrs Gosse.

Using completely new technology of coating, AIS has developed unique low resistance and low activation voltage anode material. In combination with a special power supply this innovation allows generating sufficient amount of chlorine in the fresh water with Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of 50 ppm or more.

Any water source with low TDS (ie. recycled water, drinking water, sewerage, fountain water, grey water, cooling tower water, fresh water swimming pools and spas, horse pools, food processing plants, irrigation water, chlorination of water after reverse osmosis or after desalination, etc.) passes directly through the electrolytic cell, activating the required amount of chlorine to be generated in-line straight into the passing water. The concentration of chlorine being generated into the passing water is controlled electronically via a Control Board with LCD Screen.

This is a solid-state technology which eliminates the need to use salt as well as to accumulate, store and mechanically dose hypochlorite like it has been done with most traditional on-line systems. Less parts (ie. storage tanks, no dosing pumps, no salt) makes this unique system smaller & lighter compared to all available fresh water treatment systems, saving the consumer money and the environment.

With most of the production happening on-site, AIS has full control over the manufacturing process. Any industry-specific modifications can be introduced and custom-built starting from special strengths anode coating, special electrode design, special power supply design and ending with incorporation of special communication protocols for the control circuits as per customer’s needs.

By designing modular, functionally partitioned units incorporating standard interfaces, it is possible to generate multiple electrolytic cells in a building block fashion. Cell module assembly with multiple electrolytic cells on a single skid can be build as large as 152 kg/hour of chlorine.

All AIS equipment has high ingress protection with active cooling system for the power supply which makes it possible to operate in extreme environments such as nearby corrosive fumes, dust, water leaks as well as poor ventilation, high humidity and +60C ambient temperature.

For more information please contact Australian Innovative Systems Pty Ltd at [email protected] n

AIS announce revolutionary water treatment technology



Inviting Swimming Pools and Spas are one way for Motels to entice new patrons or to keep their existing ones. Whilst looking inviting is great, the water temperature

must also be set to a level where the experience meets the expectation.

As we know there are a number of heating options and the most economical systems are not necessarily reliable all year round.

GASGas has traditionally been the most common form of pool heating as it is easy to install, has a low capital outlay and can provide rapid heat up times. The heater usually has pool water pumped through a Heat Exchanger which sits above a gas fired burner tray; this heat is transferred to the water and returns to the pool. Newer style gas heaters utilise fan assistance that aids in the combustion and heat transfer process that increases efficiencies and reduces operating costs. A gas heater is the perfect back up for Solar or Heat Pump systems.

SOLARSolar is an economical way of heating and has a relatively low capital cost. Water is pumped from the pool to a heat collector fitted to the roof and returns to the pool. This heat collector can be made in many different styles; some are made from extruded rubber strip, molded tube panels, glazed poly panels and more.

Pool Heating OptionsBy PAUL WERE, Dontek Electronics

When year round heating is required a backup system such as Gas or Heat pump is normally required.

High Efficiency SolarHigh Efficiency Solar uses Glass Evacuated Tubes to collect the heat. A number of systems are available; some are even used in conjunction with heat exchangers and shared with the potable water system. This is a very economical system to run and although capital cost appears high, it can be amortised over the two heating systems. A backup system is normally required to guarantee a suitably heated pool.

Since evacuated glass tube technology was invented, solar energy has been able to be changed to heat energy in four seasons. Solar exposure can be turned into heat energy regardless of the ambient temperature of the collectors. These solar collectors use a glass tubing and an absorbing surface inside the tubes that was developed at Sydney University in the 70’s.

The inner and outer tubes are made from extremely strong borosilicate glass developed by German glass maker Otto Schott in the late 19th century. In this process the inner and outer tubes are evacuated and fused together creating a vacuum space between the two glass layers which forms an excellent insulation to stop the heat loss from the inside, as well as the outside. The outside of the inner tube is coated with a “Novel Sputtering” coating to absorb maximum solar energy.

Gas Heater

Solar Heating


When sunlight strikes the collector, the solar radiation goes through the clear glass of the outer tube and is absorbed by the coating on the outside of the inner tube. This solar energy is then changed into heat energy by the coating surface and thus, heats the inner tube.

There are a number of variants to this type of system.

Butterfly Flooded Tube type, which has the actual pool water pumped into its evacuated tubes which are in a butterfly arrangement either side of a stainless steel manifold. Natural thermo syphoning occurs and the heated water then flows back to the pool.

Heat Pipe Collector type, which the suns energy is absorbed by the tubes and is then transferred to your water via special heat pipes located inside each tube. A very small amount of non-toxic liquid is inside each heat pipe which is then turned into gas by the sun. This gas then rises up to the tips of the pipes which are inserted into a heat transfer manifold located on your roof. The water is then pumped through this manifold absorbing all the heat that is available and stored in a water storage tank located on the ground.

U Pipe Collector, where the copper tube is bent into a ‘U’ shape and inlaid into special heat transferring fins. Both copper tubes and a pair of fins sit inside the evacuated glass tube. When the sunlight strikes this collector, the solar radiation goes through the clear glass of the outer tube and gets absorbed by the coating on the outside of the inner tube. Encircled by the inner glass tube, the fins transfer the heat from the absorbing surface to the copper U pipe embedded inside. Water is pumped through the U pipe which is heated then passed through a water to water heat exchanger where the energy is transferred to the pool water. The heated water can also be stored in storage tanks and kept until required.

HEAT PUMPHeat Pumps have become more common for heating these days as capital costs have been reduced over the past few years and can be used as a stand alone system as long as heat load calculations have been performed properly. Heat pumps are least

efficient during the coldest months and it is common practice to have a gas heater as back up for prolonged cold spells.

Heat pumps work like a reversed air conditioner. Instead of taking air from a room or building, removing the heat and returning it, a heat pump takes large quantities of air from the atmosphere, removing the heat contained in the air and transferring this to water from the pool or spa passing through the unit.

The characteristic of the heat pump of absorbing heat value from air means that the unit has a low electrical input relative to its heat transfer. A well designed heat pump will output heat at a rate of around 5:1, relative to its energy input under summer conditions. This greatly reduces total energy consumption. This factor is called the heat pump’s co-efficient of performance or COP.

The capture of solar energy from air means that the heat pump’s output and efficiency will vary with air temperature. Higher efficiency is gained in more temperate locations but heat pumps are capable of maintaining pool temperatures year-round in nearly all areas of Australia and New Zealand.

As we know, the most economical heating systems for pools and spas can require a back up system and this is where a digital control system is required. The controller must monitor the most economical way of heating and switch between heat sources as required.

Smart electronics means maximum efficiencyWhen a gas system is utilised, electronics can be used to accurately control run times, set temperatures and heater cool down times. This ensures energy is not wasted from slow switching mechanical thermostats or thermostats that are fitted within the heaters high temperature cabinets, peak swimming times should also be allowed for.

On Solar Systems the controller will monitor the pool temperature and when heating is required will turn the solar system on if there is solar gain. When auxiliary heating, normally gas or heatpump is fitted in conjunction with solar, the controller will determine which heat source is best to use. If heating is

High Efficiency Solar Heat Pump

Take control of all your pool & spa heating requirements

2/17 Malvern St Bayswater Victoria 3153 Australia

Tel: 03 9720 3540 Fax: 03 9720 [email protected]

• Dontek offer the most diverse range of Heat Pump, Solar and Gas controllers available in Australia.

• Dontek manufactures smart control systems to reduce heating costs for all types of applications and specialise in multiple heat sources.

• Designed and manufactured in Australia.Digital Controller V7Digital Controller V7

Energy Saving and reductions inGreenhouse Emissions are a key focus

for today’s Hotel Engineers.

www.dontekelectronics.com.au

< required the controller will check solar temperature and if not available will switch on the auxiliary heater and run till limit or until there is some solar gain. When there is some solar gain but not enough for the pool to achieve limit both heat sources should run in conjunction. When there is enough solar gain to achieve limit the auxiliary heating should be turned off and the more economical solar heat source should only be utilised.

When Salt Chlorinators are used in multiple or smaller systems over Chlorination is common as the Filter pump has to run for extended hours to keep the Heat Pump going. The controller should turn the Salt Chlorinator off when extended heating times are required or an electronic monitoring system should be fitted.

How to save on running costs and the environment

When multiple heat sources are utilised it is imperative to set the most economical heat source to a higher set temperature than the auxiliary set temperature. By doing this the cheaper heat source will push the temperature past the auxiliary limit that will minimise the auxiliary run time, the greater the difference the larger the savings will be. What needs to be considered is what the minimum temperature set point can be tolerated without customer discomfort and the maximum temperature taking into account customer satisfaction and accelerated chemical consumption. The minimum set temperature will be the Auxiliary heater with the highest energy consumption that can be set at

Equipment Installation

about 26 degrees Celsius and the maximum temperature will be the least expensive to run to a temperature of about 29 degrees Celsius. This will differ from State to State as pool temperature needs to be set relevant to ambient air temperature to achieve a comfort level. n

Prevention is better than cureBy DAVID LLOYD, International Quadratics Pty Ltd

There have been several outbreaks of Cryptosporidium around Australia this season leading to

significant media publicity and many swimming pools being closed down.

Crypto is a particularly nasty pathogen often contracted in public swimming pools. It is immune to normal levels of chlorination and once contracted can cause severe illness and in the case of people with low immunity may even be fatal.

Many health authorities have published guidelines and protocols for the prevention and treatment of cryptosporidium and these are available from State health departments.

The most effective way of preventing Crypto from entering a pool is to encourage good swimmer hygiene practices such as showering before using the pool, swimming costumes with waterproof overpants to be worn by infants who are not toilet trained, ensure washing or showering after using the

toilet and before re-entering the pool etc. All State health departments have excellent literature available on the prevention of the spread of Cryptosporidium. Unfortunately most Hotel / Motel pools are not continuously monitored so it may be difficult to enforce these types of practices. It may therefore be wise to take other preventative measures.

In recent weeks since the NSW outbreaks council health inspectors have been visiting public pools and insisting that precautionary measures be instigated. There are two standard methods of dealing with this problem.

Super-chlorinate or shock dose to chlorine levels of above 10ppm for periods of 10 – 24 hours. This usually involves the pool being shut down followed by de-chlorination, coagulation and filtration.

A method growing in popularity is treatment with chlorine dioxide at levels of 0.3 – 1ppm for a period of 2 – 6 hours. Using chlorine dioxide at these levels there is no need for pool shut downs or de-chlorination. Swimming may commence following filtration and backwashing. Chlorine Dioxide may be generated by the activation of a sodium chlorite solution (C-5 / Biosafe-5 etc.) with acid.

Several state Health Departments recommend regular (fortnightly / monthly) preventive procedures for all public pools. (Note; That under Health department guidelines Hotel / Motel pools are classed as “Public pools”).

All staff associated with the swimming pool operation should be trained in these preventative procedures.

In addition some health authorities require regular (monthly) bacteriological testing. This is in addition to your normal daily pool water testing regime. While bacteriological testing does not include testing for Cryptosporidium, the presence of coli forms is an indication of possible contamination.

Filtration is particularly important in the removal of the Cryptosporidium cysts. Most sand filters will remove particles down to about 10 micron while Crypto cysts are about 4 – 6 micron. For this reason coagulation should always be part of the regular maintenance schedule and preferably should be on a continuous basis.

For further information on this subject contact your local Public Health Unit or International Quadratics Pty Ltd (02) 9790 4200

Keeping your pool clean and your cleaning equipment working can be a matter of simple preventative maintenance or taking a bit more care when it comes time

to purchase new equipment.

Selection of equipment does not always mean buy the most expensive but it usually means buy that that is best suited to your onsite requirements. This can mean as simple as do not get a robotic pool cleaner with an 18m long cable if you have a 25m swimming pool. Yes you can place the cleaner in the middle of the pool and have it reach both ends but the trouble with this is the person putting the cleaner in at night will change over time and such a simple thing if not passed on as part of the training instructions to the next tech can result in sand or leaf or other debris building up in areas not reached if the robotic cleaner is placed at one end of the swimming pool.

So what do you look for in a Robotic Pool Cleaner and how do you know which one is for your application? Size matters. Work out the longest run of the cable from the transformer/trolley from its normal

Robotic Pool Cleaners

sitting area to the furthest point away in the swimming pool. This will eliminate the machines with too little cable and if need be to much cable whilst you can keep the extra cable rolled up you do need to occasionally lay the cable out flat so that the memory and the twists are taken out. The cable length usually dictates the size of the body of the cleaner however you should also check the flow of the pumps in the Robot as this will affect the amount of water that is filtered as well as floor area cleaned per use.

If you have a swimming pool with a lot of sand in it then pick a robotic cleaner that has a high volume of water flow through the pumps and with a smaller body thus focusing the suction. You can get machines that climb the walls and others that stay on the bottom and while most times the wall climbing sounds the best there is not much dirt on the walls so look for a unit that only climbs the wall occasionally. If you have a lot of benches or swim out’s it may be better to go with the floor only unit but do make sure you get a cleaner that will back out of swim out’s or at the very least turn its self off to save the motors from burning out. On the matter of motors brushless motors will normally out last brush motors by a long way. Some cleaners have infrared systems which will sense walls and other obstacles in the pool and move around them.

There are a number of robotic pool cleaners out there with 3 or 4 cleaning programs and these will range form the length of time they will run 3 or 5 or even 7 hours, the speed at witch they travel (slower means a more concentrated clean with some makes), the surface area so that traction issues are addressed and even delayed starts so that debris can have time to drop from suspension and settle on the floor prior to the robot starting its cleaning cycle. Most commercial grade robotic pool cleaners come with a remote control and this can allow you to get around objects in swimming pool, fountains and water features if they are deep enough. Check to see if one has a better program for your swimming pool needs and if the remote would be of benefit. It may well be worth having a repair centre in town or at least in your state and check average down time for repairs because after the first 2 to 3 years the cleaners do need service and will need parts replacing. Ensuring you use a commercial grade cleaner will lower your maintenance costs and extend the life of your robotic pool cleaner.

Maintenance can play a big part in keeping your running costs down that is preventative maintenance. Make sure that the pool tech as a matter of habit checks to see if any band aids, chewing gum, or hair clips are caught in the tracts or rollers, all ways rinse the bags after use and regularly them in hot soapy water to remove body fats and check the motor blades for hair.

The other way to save money and time is to change from a suction mobile vacuum pool cleaner to the latest robotic manual vacuum. This means no more priming headaches as the robotic Power Vac is completely self contained with the filter pump and filter bag built directly into the body. All types of dirt and debris ranging from leaves to algae is trapped in the filter bag with filtering down to as fine as 2 microns and returning filtered water to the swimming pool as it cleans. This means a quicker job resulting in less down time for the pool and your pool operator and with a total weight of 12kgs urgent use can be handled by any available staff.

A robotic pool cleaner will always be cheaper than a strait manual system due to the labour content but the ongoing costs of the cleaners can be managed. n

PHILLIP GREEN Hi-Tech Pacific Australasia


RELAXING by the pool is a pre-requisite for many Australian holiday seekers. Being greeted

by an oasis of green dirty water is not and can do more harm to your business’s bottom line than having guests choose an alternative accommodation provider.

Aside from associated health risks for guests swimming in infected water, pool and spa areas left neglected can pose serious legal ramifications for hospitality clients for failing to fulfil their Duty of Care.

Engaging a professional pool and spa care expert takes away the stress of maintaining the health and quality of your pool and ensures you avoid time consuming, costly maintenance issues or worse.

PoolWerx, Australasia’s largest pool and spa maintenance network with over 250 territories operating across Australia and New Zealand, has over 10 years experience working with hospitality clients and understands the challenges faced

Let Poolwerx lead the way for poolside care

by hoteliers, and the importance of an outstanding, consistent outcome.

PoolWerx technicians are experts in keeping pools and spas of any size sparkling, healthy, cost efficient and compliant all year round. PoolWerx technicians have a strong focus on complying with the State Health guidelines/legislation and assess, maintain and document all work undertaken.

PoolWerx is known for providing quality service to a diverse portfolio of corporate clientele across six key business areas including real estate, pool builders, strata management, hospitality, and insurance providers, institutions such as schools and gyms and retirement villages.

These strategic alliances are partnerships formed to deliver defined objectives in a timely and professional manner.

With PoolWerx you can feel safe in the knowledge that all potential risks have been taken care of, maintenance is up to date and

the equipment and surrounds are in good order.

PoolWerx CEO John O’Brien said the company had worked hard to develop the offering of services and processes to meet the needs of the hospitality industries.

“We have built a strong set of offerings which set us apart from our competitors,” he said.

“Working with our corporate clients to develop a care plan that specifically meets their needs is crucial and we place a strong emphasis on the importance of good pool management planning, risk assessment and crisis management.”

PoolWerx corporate clients receive additional peace of mind with access to a 24/7 emergency hotline and professional problem solving and advisory service free of charge.

As your nominated pool and spa experts, PoolWerx can do as much or as little of the work as you require and provide training to in-house maintenance workers.

“There is often certain pool maintenance activities clients prefer to continue performing in-house,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Whichever option a client chooses, PoolWerx is able to accommodate the individual needs of our clients. Our team of technicians have the skills and knowledge to take on the job and devise a plan which suits their business perfectly.”

ADVERTORIAL

< PoolWerx is about more than just servicing pools, spas and conducting inspections. The company’s full range of offerings, coupled with a reputation as a leader in pool health and safety means your business has access to the depth of PoolWerx’s experience, the expanse of an ever-growing franchise network, and credibility associated with the brand.

“Over the years we have built successful relationships with hundreds of agencies across Australia and New Zealand,” Mr O’Brien said.

“These relationships form an integral part of our business, as they translate into ongoing, year round corporate support. Our corporate relationships are mutually beneficial and in business those are the relationships that last.

“A partnership with PoolWerx means consistent and local service, backed by regional and national support.”

PoolWerx technicians are also equipped with the knowledge to manage and maintain other water structures including water features, fountains and waterfalls. These additional features of many pool and spa areas must comply with the same legal requirements.

PoolWerx can incorporate the maintenance of these areas in your tailored package.

To ensure your pool and spa area remains compliant, your PoolWerx technician will work with you to formulate a Pool Management and Crisis Management plan; perform regular, formal logging of management measures; perform a minimum daily test and treatment (up to hourly, dependant on load); provide adequate formal training; install appropriate signage and ensure equipment is deemed suitable to circumstances and bather load.

Starting with a complementary on-site visual inspection, your PoolWerx technician will tailor a solution, keeping your current resources and budget in mind.

Call 1800 009 000 to speak to your PoolWerx representative today to book your poolside appointment, or email [email protected]

About PoolWerx

John O’Brien’s experience in the franchising industry spans over 20 years and prior to establishing PoolWerx in 1990, he built six successful franchise systems.

PoolWerx is the largest mobile pool and spa maintenance network in the world. It is the only organisation within the pool services industry that is a Registered Training Organisation and has professional indemnity insurance, which is unique in the pool industry.

PoolWerx has grown to a network of over 250 territories comprising of retail outlets (hubs) and mobile vans across Australia and New Zealand backed by intensive franchisor support.

PoolWerx was listed in BRW’s “Fast Franchises” for 2009, including special recognition as the leading pacesetter for the year and listed as the “16th fastest growing franchise by revenue” and the “30th fastest growing by outlets” continuing the company’s consistent ranking since the list was introduced in 2004.

Let Poolwerx lead the way for poolside care

I wish to update/confirm my details q (Please fill in the details below)

I wish to apply for:

Renewal of my membership q Membership Number ........................... (if known)

I wish to become a new member via:

Membership q Corporate Membership q Associate Membership q Student Membership q

Affiliate Membership q Honorary Fellow Membership (No Fee) q Fellow Membership (No Fee) q(Please see Membership Classifications for understandings)

SURNAME: ..................................................... GIVEN NAME: ...................................................

COMPANY NAME: ........................................ POSITION: .........................................................

POSTAL WORK ADDRESS: .............................................................................................................

WORK TELEPHONE: ..................................... WORK FAX: .....................................................

WORK MOBILE: ............................................. WORK EMAIL: ...................................................

HOME POSTAL ADDRESS: .............................................................................................................

HOME TELEPHONE: ...................................... HOME FAX: .......................................................

PERSONAL MOBILE: ...................................... HOME EMAIL: ...................................................

Please send ALL AIHE correspondence to my Work Email q Home Email q

Please send me an Invoice (If required) for payment by Email q Mail q (A receipt will be sent by mail)

Please send my Newsletter by Email q Mail q

Please send my Quarterly Magazine to my Home address q Work address q

QUALIFICATIONS/EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:

...........................................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................................

AIHEAustrAliAn institute of Hotel engineering inc.

Incorporated in Queensland 1989

FEES

Membership / Associate Membership New Member AUD$120.00 Yearly Renewal AUD$100.00

Student New Member AUD$80.00 Yearly Renewal AUD$60.00

Corporate Fees New Member AUD$550.00 Yearly Renewal AUD$550.00

Payments can be made by:

Cheque payable to The Australian Institute of Hotel Engineering Inc.

Direct Deposit into BSB 084-462

Account Number 205126424

The National Australian Bank (Please use surname as reference)

Your membership application will now be processed and your membership number, certificate, name badge, receipt and a forecasted calendar for this year’s events will be sent in 2-3 weeks.

I have read, understood, and agreed to conform to the institute’s code of ethics as set out, conditional upon acceptance of my application for membership.

Note: your membership includes receiving our monthly newsletters and the quarterly magazine “The Hotel Engineer”. As the aihe is a non profit organisation, GST is not applicable.

Signed: ....................................................... Date: ....................................

Mail completed forms to: THE SECRETARY

AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF HOTEL ENGINEERING INC.

PO BOX 5118

GOLD COAST MAIL CENTRE QLD 9726

FOR INSTITUTE USE ONLY:

DATE RECEIVED: FEE RECEIVED: CHEQUE#:

GRADING:

ENTERED:



CODE OF ETHICS1 The responsibility of Hotel Engineers for the welfare, health and safety of the community shall, at all times, come before

their responsibility to sectional or private industry interests.

2 Hotel Engineers shall apply their skills and knowledge in the interest of their employers for whom they shall act, professionally, as faithful agents and trustees.

3 Hotel Engineers shall act so as to uphold and enhance the values of the Institute to the Hotel Industry and Consulting Engineers, Architects, Builders and Contractors engaged by the Industry.

4 Hotel Engineers shall give evidence, advice, express opinions or make statements in an objective and truthful manner and on the basis of adequate knowledge.

5 Hotel Engineers shall obtain other Professional Engineering advice, on behalf of their employers, when advice is required in areas beyond their competence.

6 Hotel Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their careers and shall actively assist and encourage those under their direction to advance their knowledge and experience.

7 Hotel Engineers shall not directly or indirectly seek or receive any personal inducements on consideration for placement of orders for work or awarding of contracts on behalf of their employer.

8 Hotel Engineers shall set, review and evaluate performance against technical standards compatible with the objectives of their employer and to the overall benefit of the Hotel Industry.

MEMBERSHIP CLASSIFICATION1 Fellow – FAIHE A member of at least ten years standing who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of Hotel

Engineering or this Institute may be advanced by Council to the grade of Fellow.

2 Honorary Fellow – Hon. FAIHE Any person who has rendered conspicuous service to the Industry, or any person prominently connected with, but not

necessarily in the Industry, who may be approved by Council, shall be eligible as an Honorary Fellow.

3 Member – MAIHE A person of 23 or more years of age shall be eligible as a Member if the applicant holds a certificate, degree or diploma

or other such qualification in Engineering approved by Council, and has at least 12 months experience in a responsible engineering position and shall be directly engaged in Hotel Engineering (as defined by Council).

4 Associate Member – Assoc. AIHE A person of 21 or more years of age shall be eligible as an Associate Member if the applicant holds a qualification

in Engineering approved by Council and is directly engaged in Hotel Engineering and whose qualifications and/or experience do not in the opinion of Council entitle them to admission as a Member.

5 Student Member – Stud. AIHE A Student Member shall be a person of 17 or more years of age, who is attending an appropriate course of instruction

at an Institution approved by Council. Upon obtaining the necessary academic qualification and subsequent work experience, the Student Member may make application to Council for reclassification as a Member.

6 Affiliate Member An Affiliate Member shall be a person of 21 or more years of age who is associated with the Hotel Industry and whose

occupation, qualifications or experience do not in the opinion of Council entitle him/her to admission as a Member or Associate Member.

7 Corporate Member This grade of membership will entitle applicants endorsed by Council to be eligible for Corporate Membership, which

will carry those rights and entitlements of Affiliate Members, with a maximum of five (5) members of the Corporation being eligible to attend monthly meetings. In addition, this membership will entitle the Corporation to receive all specialised material sourced and published by the Institute for the overall benefit of the Hotel Industry.

All applicants’ Membership classification shall be determined by Council in accordance with the above guidelines.




Product NewsHOTEL ENGINEERTHE

Onity™ Secures Asia Pacific’s First Pullman by Accor at Sydney Olympic Park

With the opening of the 212-room Pullman at Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney’s only new 5-star hotel to open this decade and western Sydney’s first 5-star hotel, Onity has completed the electronic locking solution for the Accor properties at Sydney Olympic Park. The Pullman selected the ADVANCE by Onity electronic locking system with custom handles to complement its contemporary design and décor. Onity, one of the world’s leading providers of electronic locking solutions, is part of UTC Fire & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

ADVANCE by Onity is an electronic locking solution that offers a wide range of flexibility in both aesthetic design and operational features. The newly developed electronic lock features a unique, modular, two-piece design that minimizes hardware on the guestroom door. The ADVANCE solution offers dual and MIFARE® upgradeable technology, so as security technology continues to advance, upgrades and retrofits are both simple and affordable.

At Sydney Olympic Park, Onity was also selected to provide the locking solution for the Formula 1, which chose the Onity HT24 Magnetic Stripe to secure both its guest room doors and car park access control system. In early 2008, Onity upgraded the electronic locks at the Novotel and IBIS Sydney Olympic Park to the traditional Onity HT24 Magnetic Stripe lock.

For additional information, please contact Justin Chambers at +61 2 9316 0900, or visit www.onity.com.

Philips Acquires Lighting Controls Company Dynalite In Australia

Further strengthens Philips’ position to lead the global switch to energy-efficient lighting solutions

Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Sydney, Australia – Royal Philips Electronics (AEX: PHI, NYSE: PHG) announced recently that it has acquired Dynalite, a leading maker of lighting controls headquartered in Sydney, Australia. Dynalite has become part of the Lighting Electronics business within the Philips Lighting sector. Financial details of this agreement were not disclosed.

”Sophisticated lighting control systems can provide our customers with significant cost and energy savings. A variety of lighting control methods present a solution to suit any setting, ensuring that energy is not consumed unnecessarily, while providing the user with complete flexibility and control over their environment. As such, the acquisition of Dynalite enables us to further strengthen our offering of integral energy management solutions to major corporations, property developers and hotel groups,” said Rudy Provoost, Chief Executive of Philips’ Lighting sector. “Having a prominent lighting controls business will help us to further capitalize on the growing demand for energy saving solutions. This is fueled by trends towards net zero CO2 buildings and the accelerating global switch to green energy saving solutions, partly enforced by increasing government legislations.”

Dynalite was founded in 1989 and has since become a prominent lighting control company with its energy management and building automation, architectural lighting control, home automation and residential applications solutions. The company, with offices in Australia, the U.K., China and Dubai has around 130 employees. Dynalite posted a double-digit profit margin and sales growth in 2008; a performance which is expected to continue in years to come as it starts leveraging Philips’ existing global distribution channels.

With the acquisition of Dynalite, Philips significantly expands its existing lighting controls business. The combination will have a prominent position in the global lighting controls industry with an estimated total market value of approximately EUR 2 billion. The acquisition also expands Philips’ green products portfolio, and further secures its position to lead the global shift to energy-efficient lighting solutions.

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of “sense and simplicity”. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 121,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 26 billion in 2008, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

About Dynalite

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2009, Dynalite designs and manufactures cutting-edge lighting control and building automation solutions for architectural, commercial, home automation and energy management applications. The company’s sophisticated approach, specialist knowledge and technical expertise place Dynalite at the forefront of the industry, particularly in the area of integrated lighting control solutions. With a core belief in empowering its people and partners, Dynalite is dedicated to providing the highest possible level of service to its customers. Founded in Australia, Dynalite has grown over 20 years into a global enterprise with offices in China, UK and the Middle-East. The company is also represented by a powerful distributor and dealer network—known as Dynalite Dimension—in over 40 countries, including Australasia, the UK, continental Europe, the Middle-East, South-East Asia, North Asia, Africa and South America. News from Dynalite is located at http://dynalite-online.com/content/newsroom/index.asp.


Product NewsHOTEL ENGINEERTHE

SPDD Nozzle Plate Filters

Waterco is proud to release a new line of hydraulic efficient commercial filters. Micron SPDD filters are fitted with a plate and nozzle system, which ensures uniform

flow for both filtering and backwashing, ensuring

maximum performance through the media bed.

The nozzle plate system also allows the introduction of pressurised air directly into the bottom of the filter media. Uniform introduction of air and water through the nozzle plate provides vigorous agitation and filter media bed expansion required for an effective air/water backwash leading to reduced backwashing times and reduced volumes of water.

Save up to 25% of backwash water.

Hydro 5000 Cast Iron Pump Composite Lock Ring, Lid and Strainer Basket

Waterco has replaced its Hydyr5000 Cast Iron Pump’s lid and strainer basket with a

composite strainer basket, lock ring and lid.

This advancement decreases the overall weight of the pump by approximately 10kg, but more importantly enables an instant view of the strainer basket, which was not possible via a cast iron lid.

The new lock ring incorporates easy grip handles, requiring no tools for simple removal and replacement of the polycarbonate lid.

Waterco’s next step is the total substitution of the strainer basket housing with composite material, which would result in significant weight reduction and improved corrosion resistance.

Hydro5000 Cast Iron Pump is a high performance, self-priming cast iron pump, designed for aquatic facilities, water parks and large commercial swimming pools. Hydro5000 is available from 4kW to 11kW and is capable of flow rates up to 2250 litres per minute.

Lewis Pulleys

As the sole agent in the Pacific region for the VTP (Ventilated Turbo Pulley) we can now offer a vee belt drive unsurpassed by any other currently on the market.

This is achieved in a number of ways.The unique design of the VTP is such that the drive runs up to 17c cooler, this carries with it huge benefits towards extended belt life.Coupled with material quality, (GGG 60) and a superior casting technique, we now see VTP drives extending belt life up to 5 times longer than running a standard grey iron pulley.Reduced downtime equals higher productivity.

Another advantage of the VTP is weight reduction, 50% to 60% lighter than grey iron. This decreases bearing loads, therefore extending bearing life.

Material integrity is such that we can now design an off the shelf drive capable of 100m/s as opposed to the usual 35m/so in grey iron. As an added benefit, all pulleys are coated with ACC (Autophoretic Coating Compound) for improved rust protection.

Lewis Pulleys200 Wyndham Street, Alexandria, NSW 2015www.lewispulleys.com.auTel: (02) 9319 5541, Fax: (02) 9319 6455

Philips Launches Digital Conference Recording SystemVienna, Austria – Royal Philips Electronics (AEX: PHI, NYSE: PHG) announced recently the launch of its Digital Conference Recording System 955, designed to record both small interviews and large meetings for digital archiving or transcription. A special edition of the Philips Digital Pocket Memo with two-channel audio encoding provides a crystal clear recording of everything that is being said, while the Philips Conference Microphones and a remote control allow the solution to be used as a wide-area recording system. With virtually unlimited recording space, the Digital Conference Recording System 955 is perfect for recording interviews, press conferences and important company meetings.

The new Philips Conference Microphone, technically named Boundary Layer Microphone, provides excellent sound quality even in larger rooms. Its elegant design with a plate-shaped foot provides the ideal conducting surface

for enabling sound to reach the microphone. Using the effect of the acoustic pressure of the table surface, the device features a 360 degree pickup, while unwanted vibrations are minimized by a special rubber lamination. The Conference Microphone has received the IF Product Design award 2008 for its unique appearance and innovative functionality.

The package also contains a clip-on two channel stereo microphone, which transforms the Digital Pocket Memo into a fully functional stereo-quality interview recorder, with no additional wires or loose components.

When connected to the remote control, it enables the user to start or stop a recording at any time and to set index marks so that specific points in the recording can be found instantly. At the push of a button, the system can automatically record the next agenda point to a new file. The professional software SpeechExec Pro Dictate allows file routing, editing and archiving of all recordings. With its outstanding components the Conference Recording System also perfectly complements a professional dictation and transcription environment.

The Digital Conference Recording System 955 comes in a metal carry case for secure storage and increased mobility and can be set up in any meeting room. The recording formats range from uncompressed audio CD format which delivers CD-like audio quality to professional DSS format ready for professional transcription. For faster file transfer and reduced network traffic, the system uses the compact DSS/DS2 file encoding format, the most compact voice recording format available on the market. Users can also choose the MP3 format, which can be easily distributed and played back by conference participants on their PC or MP3 player.

For small and medium-sized meetings, the new system can be used as an out-of-the-box solution and set up to record within minutes. A convenient option for the recording of large meetings, the system can be extended by simply adding up to six microphones (three microphones per channel). The Digital Conference Recording System 955 comes with an exchangeable 1 GB Secure Digital (SD) memory card for almost unlimited recording space, also making transcription and archiving a breeze. The devices can even be used during fast charging via USB. Rechargeable batteries and a professional docking station are also included in the package.

For further information please contact:Matthew Long - Sales ManagerPhilips Speech Processing - Dictation SystemsA division of Philips Electronics Australia LtdTel: + 61 2 9947 0072 Fax: + 61 2 9947 0077 Mobile: 0411 562 039

The Hotel Engineer 14_1

Documents

Transcript of The Hotel Engineer 14_1