January/February 2021

www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS January/February 2021 29 overcome this period of uncertainty. “Looking forward, investments in capital equipment will return, but the market will be even more demanding – specifically as it involves the lifecycle cost considerations for purchase decisions since energy consumption is by far the largest component (representing up to 63%) of running a compressor, and energy efficient compressors not only save money, but they also pollute less.” Pavlov reflects that after an unprecedented contraction in Q2 of 2020, the market quickly recovered to pre- pandemic levels. “Currently, demand is quite strong, and the second lockdown hasn’t made much difference,” he adds. Health & safety Are current health & safety policies and practices adequate in our industry? Bartlett makes the point that the valves industry is particularly safety conscious in any case with an inbred safety culture. “We’ve certainly not been made aware of any major outbreaks in members’ premises,” he says. “BVAA was quick to relay the latest guidance to members at all times, and I was surprised how keenly our own office closures and openings were followed and commented upon while we endeavoured to give lead and be the proverbial ‘Goldilocks’.” Jones explains that BCAS contributes to numerous standards and legislative bodies both in the UK and in Europe, and provides regular updates to its members and the wider industry on best practice and regulations. “For many years, BCAS has been the secretariat for many standards’ committees, producing technical standards for our industry on a broad range range of products and services,” she says. “BSI and ISO, for example, depend on industry participation to ensure these standards are balanced, workable and add value and we continue to work well with our partners towards global consolidation of standards. However, an area that concerns us is the risk of divergence in legislation and directives between the UK and the EU during the transition period. In some areas, this divergence is deliberate, such as the UK Government’s desire to provide more stretching targets for the Eco design directive than our European counterparts. In other areas, we may see a slippage in alignment. For example, the machinery directive is being reviewed in Europe currently, but this work will be concluded after the UK has left the EU, leading to, at best, a potential timing difference – or more crucially, a difference in approach and implementation. At this point in time, it is not clear how the Government intends to address this issue. However, one thing that is clear is that BCAS will continue to work diligently to identify and track these areas of concern for our members.” One other area that has concerned BCAS during the Coronavirus pandemic is to ensure best practice guidance regarding the treatment, quality and maintenance of compressed air continues to be followed. “The BCAS technical helpline has received an increasing number of enquiries during the Coronavirus pandemic from end-users concerned that their compressed air supply is adequately protected and seeking advice to ensure that there can be no risk from airbourne contaminants,” explains Jones. “To assist, users are advised to refer to BCAS’s free guides, which can be downloaded from the website at www.bcas.org.uk, including BPG102 for compressed air purity and BPG104 for best practice advice on the filtration and drying of compressed air.” Risk factor Buxton believes health & safety is one of those areas where enough is never enough. “It often boils down to practicality and return on cost,” he says. “Life is risky. Where we draw the line of acceptable risk is ever changing and can take step-changes in the event of a serious and well-publicised accident. Fortunately, whilst fluid injection injuries are particularly unpleasant, the industry statistics are still good compared to many industrial sectors. However, this is not an excuse for complacency and as the Trade Association for the sector we continually strive to provide a platform for members to improve both their safety record and the training of operatives. The BFPA Hose Assembly Scheme and its associated training are a good example of this.” Gunter explains that Abdex has joined Stichting Industriële Reiniging [Industrial Cleaning Foundation] (SIR), the organisation dedicated to promoting and regulating safe working in industrial cleaning situations in applications within the Netherlands and Belgium. SIR serves as an example of how effective self- regulation can be as regards safety in a particular sector. “For many years, Abdex has been selling product into Europe and we wanted to secure SIR certification in order to further enhance our strong portfolio,” says Gunter. “Abdex is fully certified by Parker Polyflex for HP and UHP up to 4000 bar working pressure. The company is also a member of the BFPA and the WJA, however the team recognised the importance of SIR in the European marketplace.” As a new member, Abdex has signed the Declaration of Intent. “Standardisation, certification and safety is very important to us,” says Gunter. “Abdex will always supply our customers with 100% safe and tested hose assemblies/products. Continuous improvement, standardisation and training will ensure that the industry and those supplying it will remain a safe one. Abdex, with the help of SIR, Parker Polyflex, the contractors, the jetters and everyone in the industry can further ‘raise the bar’ and standards to make the industry more efficient and most importantly safer.” Gunter explains that the Abdex production team will be testing and working to strict regulations (including additional exacting controls) every day. “Our equipment and procedures ensure the safety of our employees,” he says. “Stringent procedures at Abdex means our customers can be assured of the product quality and safety of every hose assembly supplied by Abdex. Abdex customers all over the world can be secure they are receiving a fully certified, 100% tested, 100% safe, asset managed and fully traceably hose assembly/product.” Education and training What are our commentators’ views on current available training courses and education in general within the UK? Jones maintains that ensuring engineers are equipped with the latest skills remains a key priority for all sectors of industry, in a bid to ensure that best practice, changes in legislation and standards are all adhered to. “Recognising this need for training to be delivered to suit the needs of a dynamic and changing workforce, Jones points out that BCAS has recently invested in a new e-learning portal, allowing delegates to learn at a pace, and from a location, that suits. “BCAS is recognised within the industry as a provider of training and development for engineers, technical professionals and users of compressed air,” she says. “Working with its members, the society develops training based on industry standards and best practice. These include specialist courses that are tailored to the needs of industry professionals, end users and suppliers; that combine the safe working and understanding of compressed air with its multiple uses.” In Bartlett’s view, the flow control industry is blessed in many respects as it can rely on superb training centres and expertise. “BVAA members often comment on the quality of available talent when recruiting, however, and I still maintain that you can best invest by ‘growing your own’,” he says. “It is of no surprise to me that the companies with seemingly the best talent are the ones out there doing the hard yards at school and university jobs fairs.”