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
Architects | Mar 5, 2024
Riken Yamamoto wins 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize
The Pritzker Architecture Prize announces Riken Yamamoto, of Yokohama, Japan, as the 2024 Laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the award that is regarded internationally as architecture’s highest honor.
Office Buildings | Mar 5, 2024
Former McDonald’s headquarters transformed into modern office building for Ace Hardware
In Oak Brook, Ill., about 15 miles west of downtown Chicago, McDonald’s former corporate headquarters has been transformed into a modern office building for its new tenant, Ace Hardware. Now for the first time, Ace Hardware can bring 1,700 employees from three facilities under one roof.
Green | Mar 5, 2024
New York City’s Green Economy Action Plan aims for building decarbonization
New York City’s recently revealed Green Economy Action Plan includes the goals of the decarbonization of buildings and developing a renewable energy system. The ambitious plan includes enabling low-carbon alternatives in the transportation sector and boosting green industries, aiming to create more than 12,000 green economy apprenticeships by 2040.
Lighting | Mar 4, 2024
Illuminating your path to energy efficiency
Design Collaborative's Kelsey Rowe, PE, CLD, shares some tools, resources, and next steps to guide you through the process of lighting design.
MFPRO+ News | Mar 1, 2024
Housing affordability, speed of construction are top of mind for multifamily architecture and construction firms
The 2023 Multifamily Giants get creative to solve the affordability crisis, while helping their developer clients build faster and more economically.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 29, 2024
Manny Gonzalez, FAIA, inducted into Best in American Living Awards Hall of Fame
Manny Gonzalez, FAIA, has been inducted into the BALA Hall of Fame.
K-12 Schools | Feb 29, 2024
Average age of U.S. school buildings is just under 50 years
The average age of a main instructional school building in the United States is 49 years, according to a survey by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). About 38% of schools were built before 1970. Roughly half of the schools surveyed have undergone a major building renovation or addition.
MFPRO+ Research | Feb 28, 2024
New download: BD+C's 2023 Multifamily Amenities report
New research from Building Design+Construction and Multifamily Pro+ highlights the 127 top amenities that developers, property owners, architects, contractors, and builders are providing in today’s apartment, condominium, student housing, and senior living communities.
AEC Tech | Feb 28, 2024
How to harness LIDAR and BIM technology for precise building data, equipment needs
By following the Scan to Point Cloud + Point Cloud to BIM process, organizations can leverage the power of LIDAR and BIM technology at the same time. This optimizes the documentation of existing building conditions, functions, and equipment needs as a current condition and as a starting point for future physical plant expansion projects.
Data Centers | Feb 28, 2024
What’s next for data center design in 2024
Nuclear power, direct-to-chip liquid cooling, and data centers as learning destinations are among the emerging design trends in the data center sector, according to Scott Hays, Sector Leader, Sustainable Design, with HED.