Joining pipe can be a demanding task. Even with proper equipment and training, traditional methods of installation still run the risk of causing injury to installers, experienced or not. Liberty Utilities of New Hampshire wanted a way to keep its installers safe without compromising the quality of their installations, which is why the utility provider decided to start installing Viega MegaPress.
“We’re doing 500 in-to-outs and the biggest concern was the wear and tear on the installers’ arms, trying to save their bodies from the wrenching they’re doing,” said Bob Mostone, Gas Service Department Supervisor for Liberty Utilities. “Less mess and threading, that was what caught my eye. It’s easier to fit things together, especially since we’re changing out large-volume meters to rotary meters. Cutting out old flanges and installing new ones is a lot easier too.”
Mostone, who is a licensed gas fitter since 1991, has worked for the utility company for 29 years. When he first experienced press fitting technology, his first thought wasn’t about time savings.
“I saw press technology and I was interested in the wear and tear on the servicemen in the field,” said Mostone. “With Viega MegaPress, we have fewer soft tissue injuries, which are Liberty’s big concern this year.”
According to Mostone, every three months, Liberty’s Vice President of Operations and Engineering chooses a safety category to focus on. The previous category was trips and falls, and currently Liberty is focusing on reducing soft tissue injuries.
Viega MegaPress carbon steel press fittings
Liberty Utilities is installing Viega MegaPressG fittings in sizes ½" to 2" as it continues working to change out meters across its areas of service. Before experiencing Viega MegaPress, Liberty Utilities installed piping systems using traditional methods. When Liberty discovered the Viega MegaPress system, they were immediately interested in switching.
“The breaking point of the pipe is always weakest around the threads,” Mostone said. “The pipe-wall thickness from the thread breaks down. With threaded pipe, it snaps at the fitting. That’s our strong point now when we’re pressing them with Viega MegaPress.”
Viega MegaPress has allowed Liberty Utilities to take a weakness in black iron pipe joining and turn it into a strength.
Liberty Utilities worked with their local Viega Technical Manager to ensure that Viega MegaPress fittings would meet all codes and standards.
“We did a class with some of the pipers and the codes and standards group, and actually one of the local gas inspectors,” Mostone said. “From that class we voted to move forward to see if we could get it done. We went through the process for our company to approve it. We checked with the state fire marshal’s office and they were fine with it.”
Approved for more applications than any other carbon steel press fitting, Viega MegaPress saves installation time but also helps prevent labor-related injuries on the job.
“Saving wear and tear on the installers’ bodies was my biggest concern,” Mostone said. “Viega MegaPress is helping us with that.”
For more information, visit www.viega.us.
Related Stories
Resiliency | Aug 19, 2021
White paper outlines cost-effective flood protection approaches for building owners
A new white paper from Walter P Moore offers an in-depth review of the flood protection process and proven approaches.
Urban Planning | Aug 16, 2021
Building with bikes in mind: How cities can capitalize on the pandemic’s ‘bike boom’ to make streets safer for everyone
Since early 2020, Americans have been forced to sequester themselves in their homes with outdoor activities, in most cases, being the sole respite for social distancing. And many of people are going back to the basics with a quintessential outdoor activity: biking. Bike sales absolutely skyrocketed during the pandemic, growing by 69% in 2020.
Senior Living Design | Aug 13, 2021
Designing with dignity for senior living, with Mike Rodebaugh, LEO A DALY
In this exclusive interview for HorizonTV, Mike Rodebaugh, AIA, Senior Living Sector Leader with LEO A DALY, describes how his firm applies "hospitality magic tricks" in its senior living communities, using design to lend dignity to residents, staff, and residents' families and social circles.
Architects | Aug 5, 2021
Lord Aeck Sargent's post-Katerra future, with LAS President Joe Greco
After three years under the ownership of Katerra, which closed its North American operations last May, the architecture firm Lord Aeck Sargent is re-establishing itself as an independent company, with an eye toward strengthening its eight practices and regional presence in the U.S.
Architects | Aug 5, 2021
Lord Aeck Sargent's post-Katerra future, with LAS President Joe Greco
After three years under the ownership of Katerra, which closed its North American operations last May, the architecture firm Lord Aeck Sargent is re-establishing itself as an independent company, with an eye toward strengthening its eight practices and regional presence in the U.S.
Office Buildings | Aug 4, 2021
‘Lighthouse’ office tower will be new headquarters for A2A in Milan
The tower, dubbed Torre Faro, reimagines the company’s office spaces to adapt to people’s ever-changing needs at work.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 30, 2021
Multifamily housing for a post-COVID world
A trio of multifamily design experts presents concepts for post-pandemic apartment developments.
Architects | Jul 23, 2021
NCARB releases demographic breakdown of licensing exam pass rates
The organization is launching initiatives to figure out what’s causing disparities among candidate groups.
Wood | Jul 16, 2021
The future of mass timber construction, with Swinerton's Timberlab
In this exclusive for HorizonTV, BD+C's John Caulfield sat down with three Timberlab leaders to discuss the launch of the firm and what factors will lead to greater mass timber demand.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 15, 2021
Economic rebound leads to record increase in multifamily asking rents
Across the country, multifamily rents have skyrocketed. Year-over-year rents are up by double digits in nine of the top 30 markets, while national YoY rent growth is up 6.3%. Emerging from the pandemic, a perfect storm of migration, enhanced government stimulus and a hot housing market, among other factors, has enabled this extremely strong growth.
