Information
Personal service and quality workmanship are the key elements in the continuing success story of the plumbing and heating engineering firm, J. W. Wishart, which reached a significant milestone in the year 2001. It was the 75th anniversary of the Kirkcaldy business, now run in partnership by the third and fourth generation of the Wishart family, Jack and his son Scott.
It was on February 28th, 1926, that Jack's grandfather, John Watson Wishart, founded the firm, to be joined almost immediately by his son Alexander, at a tender age of 14. The Depression was at its height and times were hard, but through sheer hard work, the pair built up the business and laid the foundations for the modern operation it is today.
The venture began life on the Esplanade, moving three years later to Saunders Street, where it has been based ever since. In those days of course, a plumber's job was very different from that of the highly skilled engineers Jack employs today. Most people didn't even have an inside toilet, let alone a bathroom, so problems such as dripping taps and blocked drains were their 'bread and butter'.
When Jack joined the firm during the 60's, central heating was beginning to take off, heralding the beginning of a whole new technological era. Nowadays the installation and servicing of central heating systems represents the biggest part of the firm's work, with a well-established customer base extending as far afield as Arbroath, Perth, Edinburgh, Galashields and Kirkintilloch.
Whether gas, electricity, solid fuel or Calor Gas, Wishart's has the endorsement of all the major trade associations, backed by the firm's own comprehensive service cover, which includes an insurance-based breakdown scheme for further peace of mind. The fact that all the engineers have met the stringent standards laid down by the Code of Practice on Gas Safety underlines Jack's commitment to ongoing training. Indeed, on this subject, he has earned a place amongst the plumbing elite, achieving recognition on an international scale.
Not only is he a past president of the Fife and Kinross Master Plumbers Association and past president of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation, he is a director of the British Plumbing Employers Council and the European Plumbing Federation. In 1994, Jack was granted the freedom of the City of London in recognition of his contribution to training. He then received the industry's ultimate honour when he was made a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers - an accolade awarded to only a handful of Scots since the organisation was formed way back in the 1300's.
Despite occupying such a prominent position however, Jack remains true to the family values established by his grandfather and father, who didn't retire until the age of 70 and who maintained a close interest in the running of the business for a further 15 years until his death. Jack's son Scott joined the business in 1985 and is now a partner in the firm. Robin Penman runs the office/reception part of the business at Saunders Street.
"By remaining a small family firm we believe we are able to offer our customers good personal service as well as high standards of workmanship", says Jack. "We are very fortunate to have an excellent workforce who take pride in their work and who are always courteous and helpful to customers. Because we do not have a traditional 'boss-worker' relationship, morale is high - and a happy firm produces good results. Over the years, we have received many letters from satisfied customers, and their support is very much appreciated. We look forward to being of service to them for many years to come".
CARBON MONOXIDE - ALWAYS PLAY SAFE
CORGI installers have the expertise to do the job right
Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas which can be produced where an appliance has not been correctly installed or service or a flue or chimney has become blocked. It is difficult to recognise because you cannot see it, smell it or taste it but, if left undetected, it is deadly.
All gas appliances need air to work safely. The air 'breathed in' by appliances in your home can come from many different places, so you must take care not to block any ventilation. When insulating or carrying out any building work in your home, ensure that air bricks and vents are unobstructed.
Provided that a gas appliance is installed and serviced correctly by a CORGI registered installer and there is an adequate supply of fresh air, combustion of the gas will be satisfactory. When the process of combustion is interrupted (through lack of maintenance or inadequate ventilation, for example), incomplete combustion will occur. This will result in the formation of carbon monoxide. If you breathe this gas into your body, it will try and take oxygen from your blood and will eventually deprive the brain of oxygen.
Haemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying molecule in the red blood cells) has a greater affinity for carbon monoxide than oxygen. Therefore, of carbon monoxide is inhaled, the haemoglobin will preferentially combine with it to form carboxyhaemoglobin. As the levels of carbon monoxide increase, less oxygen is absorbed in to the bloodstream.
What makes carbon monoxide extremely dangerous is its insidious onset. It affects mental ability, rendering a person incapable without them knowing anything is wrong. Also any sudden exertion by the person may cause collapse, preventing escape from the situation. The result is often fatal.
The symptoms are vague and easily confused with those of viral infections. They include drowsiness, fatigue, weakness, chest pains, nausea and headaches. If anyone in your house has any of these symptoms when using a gas appliance, stop using the appliance until it has been checked and consult a doctor. Exposure to relatively low levels can cause brain damage or death.
There are signs to look out for on gas appliances. These include signs of sooting or staining marks on the appliance, a yellow or orange lazy flame or excessive condensation in the room where the appliance is installed.
TOP TEN TIPS
1 Always use a CORGI registered installer for any gas work. J. W. Wishart Plumbers are CORGI registered.
2 Always ask to see an installer's certificate. Legitimate installers will have been assessed and approved by a CORGI inspector so their standards must be high.
3 Check your appliance for visual signs of carbon monoxide - sooting and staining marks. The flame should be crisp and blue, not yellow and floppy.
4 If you are moving into rented accommodation, ask your landlord for proof that the appliances have been checked for safety during the past year. Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994, he is legally bound to do this.
5 If you think that work carried out compromises gas safety, tell the installer. If they fail to put things right, tell CORGI immediately.
6 If you are aware of someone carrying out gas work who is not properly registered and authorised to do the job, contact CORGI. He may be putting people at risk.
7 If you think you can smell gas, ring the emergency gas number in your telephone directory. Turn off the supply at the meter, open all windows, extinguish naked flames and so not use electrical switches.
8 If you are in any doubt about the safety of a gas appliance, get it checked with out delay.
9 Be cautious when buying second hand appliances. Do not save on safety.
10 Always follow the user instructions. If you think you have a problem, contact a registered installer for advice.
J.W.WISHART PLUMBING AND HEATING ENGINEERS OF SAUNDERS STREET,
KIRKCALDY
ARE REGISTERD CORGI INSTALLERS (REG. NO 5349),
WITH FULL GAS CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATIONS
AND SERVICING.
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Phone :
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Our Address: 74 Saunders Street,Kirkcaldy, Fife, KY1 1TY |
Fax : 01592 597004 |