The Copper Connection Podcast – Season 2, Episode 10

On this episode of The Copper Connection Podcast, host Chris Bailey dives into awareness and inspections in building services engineering — a practical guide to staying safe, compliant, and efficient on construction sites. We unpack what “being safety conscious” really means day to day, how to report hazards effectively, the role of site inductions, ongoing training, and toolbox talks, plus exactly what HSE inspectors look for when they arrive unannounced.

From good housekeeping and PPE to working at height and welfare facilities, you’ll learn how simple, consistent habits reduce risk, prevent incidents, and keep projects on schedule. We also cover the documentation you need — risk assessments, method statements, near-miss logs, and equipment records — so your site is always inspection-ready.

Whether you’re an apprentice, site supervisor, or seasoned engineer, this episode gives you actionable steps to improve health and safety performance across plumbing, HVAC, and electrical installations — and to build a culture where everyone goes home safe.

• What “safety conscious” means in practice: engineering controls, admin controls, and daily awareness.
• How to report hazards clearly and quickly — and why near-miss reporting is gold.
• Why site inductions, training (including CSCS), and toolbox talks strengthen safety culture.
• The essentials of good housekeeping: clear access routes, safe storage, waste management, and welfare.
• Working at height done right: edge protection, ladder selection, securing, and training.
• PPE that protects: choosing, using, and maintaining the right kit for the task.
• What HSE inspectors check: sensory and visual inspections, documentation, and equipment maintenance.
• Records that matter: RAs, RAMS, inspections, incidents, and authorisations that prove compliance.
• The business case for safety: fewer accidents, better reputation, regulatory compliance, and cost savings.
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Perfect for: apprentices, technicians, site managers, and anyone working across building services engineering who wants a clear, practical framework for health and safety on construction sites.

SEO keywords: construction safety, HSE inspection, building services engineering, site induction, toolbox talks, PPE, working at height, good housekeeping, risk assessment, method statement, near miss reporting, health and safety compliance, UK construction regulations.

🎧 Listen to the audio podcast:

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📺 Watch the video podcast on YouTube:

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🎥 TikTok: @copperconnectionpodcast

📺 YouTube: @TheCopperConnectionpodca-sm8zx

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The Copper Connection Podcast – Season 2, Episode 10

On this episode of The Copper Connection Podcast, host Chris Bailey explores the fundamental heat principles that shape modern construction and building services engineering. From conduction, convection, and radiation to thermal conductivity, U-values, and condensation control, we'll break down the science behind how heat moves through buildings — and why understanding these principles is critical for creating energy-efficient, sustainable, and healthy living spaces.

You'll discover how heat loss occurs through walls, roofs, windows, and ventilation systems, and learn the practical solutions that reduce energy consumption and improve thermal performance. Plus, we'll examine how moisture and condensation affect construction materials, explore thermal expansion calculations, and look ahead to the future of sustainable heating systems including heat pumps, photovoltaic cells, and combined heat and power (CHP) technology.

Whether you're a construction student, building services engineer, architect, or trades professional, this episode equips you with essential knowledge about thermal dynamics, Building Regulations Part L compliance, and the renewable energy solutions transforming the built environment.

• The three mechanisms of heat transfer — conduction, convection, and radiation — and how each affects building performance
• How to reduce heat loss through cavity wall insulation, double glazing, roof insulation, and draught-proofing
• Understanding U-values, R-values, and K-values and how they guide insulation selection
• Condensation causes and prevention — why poorly ventilated buildings develop moisture and mould problems
• The damaging effects of moisture on timber, plaster, steel, and electrical systems
• Thermal expansion in construction and why expansion joints are essential
• Sustainable heating systems — photovoltaic cells, heat recovery ventilation, and heat pumps
• Passive heating and cooling strategies — building orientation, natural ventilation, and solar shading
• Combined Heat and Power (CHP) technology and reducing carbon emissions by up to 30%
• Future-proofing buildings for climate change and temperature extremes
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Whether you're studying construction science, working on retrofits, or designing net-zero buildings, this episode delivers practical insights into thermal principles that determine comfort, performance, and sustainability.

🎧 Listen to the audio podcast:

👉 https://shows.acast.com/663884554e48ad001264210a/68bd42201af371182a4af644

📺 Watch the video podcast on YouTube:

👉

🎥 TikTok: @copperconnectionpodcast

📺 YouTube: @TheCopperConnectionpodca-sm8zx

🛠️ Store: https://thecopperconnectionpodcast.store/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Access Equipment and Manual Handling in Building Services Engineering

Working at height and lifting loads are daily tasks in building services, but they’re also major sources of injury. This episode dives into safe practices for all types of access equipment—from ladders and podiums to mobile towers and MEWPs. We cover essential pre-use checks, correct assembly, and how to operate safely. Plus, we tackle manual handling, showing you how to plan lifts, use proper technique, and when to opt for mechanical aids to protect your back.

We link every safety step to crucial UK regulations, including the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, and Work at Height Regulations 2005. This is your guide to working smarter, safer, and fully compliant.

What You’ll Learn in Episode 9:

Identify and correctly use various access equipment: ladders, platforms, towers, and MEWPs.

Perform critical pre-use checks and safe setup for all access equipment.

Master safe manual handling techniques and know when to use mechanical assistance.

Understand and apply key UK health and safety regulations for work at height and lifting operations.

Sharpen your safety skills and protect yourself and your team on every job.

🎧 Listen to the audio podcast:

👉https://shows.acast.com/663884554e48ad001264210a/68bd42201af371182a4af644

📺 Watch the video podcast on YouTube:

👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqbeXt0SVbA

🔗 Connect With Us:

🎥 TikTok: @copperconnectionpodcast

📺 YouTube: @TheCopperConnectionpodca-sm8zx

🛠️ Store: https://thecopperconnectionpodcast.store/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.