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What is the MIDFIX Academy?

Written by Stevan Grkinic | November 06, 2020

With over 45 years’ experience supplying superior product and service to the mechanical and electrical industry, it seemed a natural transition to set up our own unique MIDFIX Academy. The primary purpose of the academy is to upskill and support M&E contractors, installers, and supervisors.

 

What is the MIDFIX Academy?

The MIDFIX Academy is the only specialist training and technical resource to upskill and support contractors, installers and supervisors in the M&E sector. Currently, in its infancy, the Academy’s purpose is to ensure that installers and their supervisors can confidently learn and develop the skills required to install M&E fixings and anchors to the correct standard.

Why should I sign up for the MIDFIX Academy?

Here at the MIDFIX Academy, we are passionate about ensuring that your M&E anchor installations are compliant. With the construction industry becoming increasingly litigious, we are here to give you peace of mind when it comes to the installation of anchors. The MIDFIX Academy training courses are aimed at all levels, from the main contractor, through supervisors, to installers.

What are the benefits of attending the MIDFIX Academy?

After completing the MIDFIX online assessments your installers will receive a personalised training card to prove that they have sat through and passed the training course. A MIDFIX Academy graduate will have the assurance that their anchor installations are to the highest standards. As an M & E contractor, you can be assured that all of your installers have the competency and proficiency to install anchors to the highest standards and best practices.

  • You will also receive a MIDFIX qualification / recognised as following best practice
  • Carry out installations compliant with BS8539:2012

Why is it important that I fully understand the regulations surrounding anchors?

Anchors are a small component to which little consideration is frequently given but are absolutely vital to preventing the collapse of the structure or installation that depends on them.

Construction products regulation and anchors

The CPR requires that all anchors offered for use in safety-critical applications are suitably approved. These approvals are called European Technical Assessments and are awarded after the anchor has undergone rigorous testing.

Approved anchors will display the approval, carry the CE mark, and have the manufacturer’s ‘Declaration of performance’ which is a guarantee of the loads they will take.

BS8539:2012 code of practice for the selection and installation of anchors in concrete and masonry

The British Standard sets out the rules and responsibilities for all parties from specifier to installer involved in the use of anchors in safety-critical applications. The recommendation of this standard is that safety-critical fixings should have a European Technical Assessment (ETA) relevant to the application they are being used in.

What is 'safety-critical'?

If the failure of an anchor could lead to injuring or significant material or economic damage to the building then the situation is deemed safety-critical. With the majority of mechanical and electrical installations being suspended from the buildings, ceilings, these are clearly safety-critical and anchors should be suitably approved.

What are the benefits of using approved Anchors?

  • Comply with the recommendations of BS8539:2012 safeguarding the liabilities of the parties involved
  • Performance values provided by the manufacturer can be consistently relied upon
  • All parties to the construction process can be confident in the long term security of the fixings
  • Site testing is not required for an ETA anchor where the manufacturer provides data for the substrate in question and the installation is undertaken by competent operatives under supervisors.

Online training courses

At MIDFIX we care about ensuring the courses we offer are as appealing and inclusive as possible.

Training courses overview:

  • BS8539:2012 awareness and best practice, aimed at the principle contractor and subcontractor, managers, project managers, procurement members etc.
  • Four installer training packs, covering deformation control anchors, through bolts, concrete screws, and resin anchors (chemical anchors)
  • Supervisor awareness training.

How do I pass?

All courses are carried out online and are currently available as guided (trainer-led) and self-directed (unguided) courses. For course content please register below. Each candidate will need to obtain a minimum pass mark via an interactive questionnaire.

For more information on course content please register your interest here.

What does it cost?

Please register interest here to find out the costs of getting your installers compliant.

Why MIDFIX?

MIDFIX are experts in onsite and offsite supports for the mechanical and electrical industry, delivered through design, engineering, fabrication, and industry training. We also have over 100 years of combined experience of supporting the M&E industry through difficult and challenging projects with the best product and service. With this deep understanding and level of experience, we know we are well-positioned to help upskill and support installers and their supervisors.

How do I enroll?

We have recently launched a dedicated website for the MIDFIX Academy if you would like to find out more please visit: academy.midfix.co.uk alternatively call our experienced technical sales team: 0115 922 1585 or email: sales@midfix.co.uk.