BCAS 2018

The BCAS Survey 22 www.bcas.org.uk Survey reveals risks of using non BCAS members A survey of compressed air end users reveals that a significant number of those not using BCAS members experience problems and worse 19% could be left non-compliant with health and safety and environmental standards. Vanda Jones, executive director of BCAS commented: “Compressed air is referred to as the fourth utility for a reason, many processes need a reliable supply and it typically uses 10% of an industrial company’s electricity. “Having confidence in the correct specification, installation and subsequent maintenance and service is vital to avoid downtime, save energy and ensure safe operation. “This survey asked respondents to rate their suppliers across a number of different factors and also whether or not they used a BCAS member for equipment and maintenance. The results are truly illuminating. “We were expecting the results to show that compressed air users were happier with BCAS members for equipment supply, service and maintenance, but what surprised us was the number who were dissatisfied with the quality of installation and service received from non-members.” In one of the questions, end users were asked to rate their suppliers from 0 to 10 across a number of factors. When asked about legal compliance or more specifically whether “They help us meet environmental and health and safety standards” a staggering 19% of those using non BCAS members rated them as either 0 or 1 out of 10 and a further 19% only rated them between 2 and 5. In contrast of those using BCAS members, 49% scored their supplier either 9 or 10 out of 10 and a further 34% scored them between 6 to 8. Of the rest, no one scored a BCAS member lower than 4. The same story is repeated across other factors such as maintaining equipment and fixing problems quickly, for expert advice and responsive personnel; see pie charts. Vanda Jones continues: “It is also a mistake to think that using a non BCAS member may offer better value for money, with 15% expressing extreme dissatisfaction and further 27% not being happy. “This survey provides empirical evidence