These publications have been designed with the technician in mind, making technical information more accessible than ever before. It will be available as a digital publication for use on electronic devices or alternatively available to purchase as a hard copy.
Development
The new technical manual and field guide publication was a culmination of over two years’ work. The field guide, which is still in development, was redesigned based on feedback received from technicians and analysis. It was clear that a new publication was needed, which was an easy-to-read, well-illustrated, on-site technical guide available in a fully digital format which could be rendered and used on all screen devices.
OFTEC Technical Manual
This publication is available from training centres and is supplied as a learning aid when taking an OFTEC course or alternatively can be purchased from OFTEC Direct as a physical publication only. The technical manual can also be used by technicians when out in the field for reference.
It is an in-depth technical publication that is used as reference material when taking OFTEC assessments and thereafter, and proves a detailed technical resource. At present, it is limited to content relating to the installation, servicing, and commissioning of liquid fuel-fired equipment. In the future, further modules relating to solid fuel and renewable technologies will be available to incorporate within the publication folder.
Layout
The technical manual is made up of four modules of which the first module – the core – is made up of eight sections and supplied in a folder as standard. The core module consists of the following sections:
- Introduction, Glossary of Terms, Definitions, Abbreviations, and Further Reading
- Health, Safety and Waste Disposal
- Fuel
- Fuel Storage
- Fuel Supply
- Appliances, Flues and Ventilation
- Heating and Hot Water Systems
- OFTEC Procedures and Documentation
The contents of these sections replace Technical Books 1, 3 and 4. The content covers everything required for taking OFTEC’s assessments.
Further sections as below can be added to the folder as required:
- Servicing and commissioning of single stage pressure jet appliances
(Replaces Technical Book 2 – required for OFTEC’s 101 assessment) - Servicing and commissioning of multistage pressure jet appliances
(Replaces Technical Book 7 – required for OFTEC’s 201 assessment) - Servicing and commissioning of vaporising appliance
(Replaces Technical Book 5 – required for OFTEC’s 102 assessment)
In total, the page count for all sections has been reduced by approximately 600 pages compared to the previous Technical Books 1- 7!
Content
The technical manual is limited to content directly affecting technicians. Content related to improving the energy efficiency of houses has been removed. As general health and safety content is easily accessible on HSE websites, topics are limited to liquid fuel specific information.
The entire manual is written to discuss liquid fuel installations, not oil installations, thereby future proofing the manual for the use of biofuels. For the first time, detailed information on HVO is included, such as fuel properties and conversion processes. Non-domestic requirements are clearer and the entire manual features new illustrations to simplify understanding.
Updates?
There is no need to print updates for this publication! It will be valid for five years until your next assessment. OFTEC registered technicians will be kept updated via technical notices and an exciting FREE digital field guide that will be updated annually. Keep reading to learn more.
OFTEC Domestic Liquid Fuel Field Guide
The field guide replaces and expands upon the popular Domestic Oil Heating Pocket Guide. It is only available to OFTEC registered technicians as a benefit of registration.
Layout
All technicians will receive a FREE digital copy annually. An A5 sized physical publication will also be available for purchase for those who don’t want a digital version but want a hard copy to carry in the van. The guide will be updated annually with any industry changes. Subsequently, the latest digital version will be sent to technicians.
Content
The field guide is limited to information technicians need to know when carrying out their day-to-day jobs. It is not designed to replace the technical manual – rather it is a ready-reference for use in the field. It features the following content:
- Compliance
- Fuel storage tanks
- Fill pipes and vent pipes
- Fuel supply systems
- Appliances
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Flues and chimneys
- Combustion and ventilation air
- Heating and hot water systems
- HVO conversion
- Nozzle sizing and pump pressure calculation
- Procedures
- Classifying risks
The field guide also includes a limited selection of technical notices in the appendix – again, limited to those particularly useful in the field.
FAQs
Q. I have not sat assessments with the new technical manual yet and I have an OFTEC inspection coming up. Will the inspector expect me to own a copy of the new technical manual?
A. No. The inspector will check you have your old technical books and the new field guide as and when it has been launched.
Q. Do I have to print any more book updates?
A. No. You can stay up-to-date by reading e-news, accessing newly published OFTEC technical notices, and holding the latest version of the field guide (as a digital or physical copy).
Q. How can I purchase a copy of the new technical manual and a physical copy of the field guide?
A. They are available at OFTEC Direct, our online shop.
Q. How can I access a digital copy of the field guide?
A. A digital copy of the field guide will be available from your business or technician portal found at www.oftec.org. Businesses and technicians can log in to view and download the document. Physical copies of the field guide are also available to purchase from OFTEC Direct if you would like a hard copy.
