June 2021

28 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk Junel 2021 Process, Controls & Plant Focus on: Compressed Air should not be used for general cleaning purposes, such as cleaning clothing, especially while being worn, or benches. Vacuum cleaning is a far safer option. One way to help minimise the risk of injury is to only use blow guns which have some form of safety feature, either a safety-pattern nozzle or a safety mechanism which cuts in if the nozzle becomes blocked. If the blow gun does not have a built-in safety feature, then reduce the pressure to 2 bar or 30 PSI gauge pressure, and ensure that safety goggles or glasses are always worn. BCAS training: BCAS offers a dedicated ‘Working Safely with Compressed Air’ course via its new e-learning portal. The course covers the employer’s and employee’s responsibility for safety in the workplace and outlines why air users must know how to work safely and understand the risks involved if good practice is not followed. For further information about the full range of BCAS training courses on offer, including classroom-based training, please visit the e-learning portal at: https://e-learning.bcas.org.uk Understanding PSSR 2000 & Written Scheme The British Compressed Air Society is also urging the industry to ensure that all employees that are responsible for maintaining compressed air systems are fully trained on the requirements of the Pressure Systems’ Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR), and in particular, the importance of the written scheme of examination. If pressure equipment fails during operation, it can seriously injure or even kill people nearby and cause damage to property, which is why the Society is now offering a 25% discount on its popular ‘Certificate in Understanding the Pressure Systems’ Safety Regulations’ training course to customers of BCAS members only (excluding trade). Please visit: https://www.bcas.org.uk/training/understanding-pssr-2000-and-written-schemes.aspx The blended learning workshop, one of a number of specialist training courses in the Society’s portfolio, covers the written scheme of examination in relation to compressed air systems. It provides knowledge of the Pressure Systems’ Safety Regulations (S.I 2000 No 128), related standards and codes of practice and is designed to provide the understanding required as a user, manager, or provider of written schemes of examination. According to the latest statistics from the Health and Safety Executive, although reportable workplace accidents in manufacturing continue on a downward trend, there were still 15 fatal accidents in 2019-20, with 13% of these as a result of exposure to an explosion. As a result, the HSE states that ‘everybody operating, installing, maintaining, repairing, inspecting and testing pressure equipment should have the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their job safely’, meaning suitable training is essential. In particular, a written scheme of examination is required for most pressure systems, which should be drawn up (or certified as suitable) by a competent person – and the system should not be operated or hired out until the scheme is in place and the system fully examined. CALL US TODAY 0800 021 6800 E: enquiries@directair.co.uk Coventry | Cheltenham | www.directair.co.uk Leading supplier of compressed air solutions GIVE US 15 MINUTES TO SAVE YOU ££££’s Get a FREE compressed air system assessment with the potential to reduce business costs and your carbon footprint » Manufacturer Trained » Service Support Team » Turnkey Installations » Energy Reduction » Project Management WHY DIRECT AIR?