Trades & Services : M&E News

Electrical safety guidance – England

The UK Government has on the 1st June 2020, released guidance on the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. There are three sets of guidance with separate versions released for landlords, tenants, and local authorities in England. Private landlords must ensure: Electrical safety standards are

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BCIA RELEASES NEW GUIDE ON IMPACT OF CONTROLS ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has released a new technical guide to add to its portfolio of online guides available to download. The new guide, The Impact of Controls on the Energy Efficiency of Buildings, focuses on the British and European standard, BS EN 15232-1:2017, which assesses the cumulative impact

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What is Air Purification?

Air purification is the removal of dust and other harmful impurities from the air using various technical means. Air purification by means of supply ventilation and air conditioning systems takes place in residential, public, and industrial buildings. In addition, air purification is used in various technological processes, such as oxygen

Read More »

Costain to help Bradford Council reduce cost and carbon

Costain, the smart infrastructure solutions company, has won a £2m consultancy programme management contract to deliver Bradford Council’s Smart Street Lighting project, which will involve the replacement of 59,000 lights and 17,000 lampposts across the city over a period of four years. The new, energy-efficient, LED lights will be controlled

Read More »

Mitie Security launches thermal imaging service to help businesses protect against the spread of COVID-19

Mitie Security has launched new fever-screening solutions, using thermal imaging to identify individuals potentially suffering from COVID-19 The solutions are designed to support both businesses on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic such as hospitals, and those preparing to return to business post lockdown, such as retailers, venues and buildings

Read More »

Engineering services bodies issue coronavirus site safety guides

Leading engineering services sector bodies BESA and ECA have jointly developed two new guides to help contractors to manage coronavirus-related issues on site. The new guides will be freely available to the wider industry during the current emergency. They provide sector-relevant guidance for engineering and building services contractors working across

Read More »

The Necessity Of An Electrician

Electricity is a necessary part of the modern world, making electricians vital for as long as there is a need for this utility. Most people take this component of their lives for granted, not imagining a life without it. And with the level of dependence on technology and being connected,

Read More »

Industrial Dust Collectors: Safety Measures and Maintenance Tips

Setting up a dust collector in your factory comprises the desire to keep workers, equipment, and the working areas safe from dust. This installation, however, often undergoes a grudge purchase scenario.  The initial thought may be to choose the cheapest dust collector. But, you need to keep in mind that

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Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

Trades : M&E News

Electrical safety guidance – England

The UK Government has on the 1st June 2020, released guidance on the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. There are three sets of guidance with separate versions released for landlords, tenants, and local authorities in England. Private landlords must ensure: Electrical safety standards are met when the property is occupied during a tenancy. Every fixed electrical installation at the property is inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person. The first inspection and testing are carried out before new tenancies commence on or after 1 July 2020 and by 1 April 2021 for existing tenancies. Key questions answered WHAT DOES ELECTRICAL SAFETY STANDARDS MEAN? Under the Regulations, electrical safety standards mean that the inspection and test of the installation is carried out in accordance with the eighteenth edition of the wiring regulations BS 7671:2018 (the national standard to which all domestic wiring must conform). WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE AN EXISTING REPORT? If the landlord has obtained a satisfactory Electrical Installation Safety Report which is less than five years old, they should review the report to see what was recommended on it and consider how the property has been let since it was carried out. If big differences to the property have occurred, then it would be wise to get another check done. If no changes have been made, then the report will remain valid until the next inspection date specified. WHAT TENANCY TYPES ARE COVERED BY THE REGULATIONS? The Regulations apply to all tenancies apart from those listed as excluded tenancies which are social housing, shared accommodation with a landlord or landlord’s family, long leases, student halls of residence, hostels and refuges, care homes, hospitals, and hospices as well as other accommodation relating to healthcare provision. DO THE REGULATIONS APPLY TO HOUSES OF MULTIPLE OCCUPATION (HMO)? Yes, if an HMO is a tenant’s only or main residence and they pay rent, then these regulations apply to the property. Furthermore, these Regulations repeal the previous legislation which set requirements on HMO landlords. WHAT ABOUT NEW BUILD PROPERTY? The Regulations stipulate that all rented properties – even new builds – should have their electrical installations tested every five years. The Electrical Installation Certificate will certify that electrics are safe when they are put into service, but it will not identify any damage, deterioration, or defects that take place subsequently. After five years of use as a rented property, the UK Government believes it is sensible to ask landlords (who have not been living in the property) to ensure that the electrical installation is still safe. WHO CAN CARRY OUT THE CHECKS? Any Electrical Inspector employed to undertake the electrical inspection and testing within the property must have: Adequate insurance. This should include at least £2 million public liability insurance and £250,000 professional indemnity insurance. A qualification covering the current version of the wiring regulations (BS 7671). A qualification covering the periodic inspection, testing, and certification of electrical installations. At least two years’ experience in carrying out periodic inspection and testing See www.electricalcompetentperson.co.uk and www.napit.org.uk/member-search.aspx How do the rules interact with the guidance because of COVID-19? The UK Government recognise that the restrictions imposed by current measures to minimise the infection risks from COVID-19 may make carrying out electrical safety checks more difficult, for example where households are isolating or where an individual has been advised to shield. Under such circumstances, provided the landlord can demonstrate they have taken reasonable steps to comply, they would not be in breach of their legal duties.

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BCIA RELEASES NEW GUIDE ON IMPACT OF CONTROLS ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has released a new technical guide to add to its portfolio of online guides available to download. The new guide, The Impact of Controls on the Energy Efficiency of Buildings, focuses on the British and European standard, BS EN 15232-1:2017, which assesses the cumulative impact of building automation and controls – commonly referred to as BACS – on the energy efficiency of buildings. Terry Sharp, President of the BCIA, said: “It is a well-documented fact that buildings account for over 40% of global energy consumption, and buildings rarely perform as well as their designers calculated. BCIA member companies use the BS EN 15232 Standard as a guiding light for control system design and operation, so we have released this Technical Guide to help manufacturers and systems integrators understand the Standard better and improve the performance of the buildings they work on.” The BCIA’s technical guides are designed to help members and those in the building controls and BEMS industry work more effectively. All technical guides can be downloaded from the ‘resources’ section of the BCIA website.

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LEDriving® working lights enable construction to continue around the clock

A specialist range of LED driving and working lights have been launched to help the construction industry, enabling work to continue safely through the night thanks to their industrial levels of illumination. During this unprecedented time, the construction industry is playing a major role in helping to maintain key infrastructure and with several health and safety risks on site, it is important that work can take place safely and securely with efficient visibility, 24/7. Launched by automotive OE lighting specialist, OSRAM, the LEDriving® driving and working lights range offers a variety of performances, shapes and beam patterns, with various illumination profiles including spot, wide and combo. There are four series to choose from: Multifunctional, Functional, Slim and Value, with three LEDriving® working lights available within the Multifunctional series, which have been specially designed for off-road applications, allowing work to continue into the night. The LEDriving CUBE MX85-SP and -WD versions combine two LED lighting performances: a working light and a stylish ‘X’ shape light. The CUBE MX85 is available in a Spot (SP) version, which offers a far-field illumination beam of up to 110 metres with a 13.5° beam angle. There is also a wide-beam pattern (WD) version, which is specialised for near-field illumination with a light beam of up to 55 metres and a particularly wide-beam angle of 43.5°. These two products only work with 12V applications. LEDriving LIGHTBAR MX140-WD can be used with 12V and 24V applications and offers wide beam patterns, producing a powerful far field illumination up to 60 metres. The product has a robust and compact design with a long lifetime of up to 5000 hours. The LED light provides an extremely high optic efficiency, homogeneous light distribution and reduced glare to improve visibility, even during compromised daylight. All OSRAM LEDriving® driving and working lights are rigorously tested under the most extreme environmental conditions to ensure premium quality light for any situation. This includes testing for competence in the field of environmental simulation according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025; fully adhering to ECE regulations; light measurement to ensure high performance; vibration and shock testing to check for mechanical robustness; water resistance testing, achieving the highest IP protection class, IP4X; dust resistance testing, classifying as IP5X and IP6X; and salt spray testing to prevent chemical corrosion. All the products in the range come with a five-year OSRAM guarantee, providing customers with complete reassurance. For more information on OSRAM’s range of LEDriving® lights, visit www.osram.co.uk/ledriving-lights.

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What is Air Purification?

Air purification is the removal of dust and other harmful impurities from the air using various technical means. Air purification by means of supply ventilation and air conditioning systems takes place in residential, public, and industrial buildings. In addition, air purification is used in various technological processes, such as oxygen production. The air is also cleaned by means of extraction from production buildings, followed by dry or wet cleaning in industrial plants. The air supplied to the buildings is cleaned from dust to create a favorable microclimate for employees and to prevent pollution of equipment and other elements of ventilation systems. Many technological processes of modern industrial production should be carried out only in premises where the air is thoroughly cleaned. Such air purification is most relevant for microelectronics and medicine, as well as for precision instruments, films, and photographs. Selection of means for air purification The choice of air purification agents depends on the requirements for air purification. Air purification, with the help of air filters, is the most common. These air purification filters are installed in the rooms of supply air ventilation, air conditioning, and air purification systems. Air purification at industrial enterprises plays a significant role in the system of environmental and health protection measures. Various filters are used for air purification and neutralization. For finer air purification, dust chambers, gas catchers, “cyclones” PVM units and other devices are used. Industrial air purifiers – how do they work? The air purifier can be integrated into the room ventilation system, or placed separately. Its task is to drive the air through special filters that capture dust, smoke, odors, and microorganisms, so that “at the output” the air is fresh, without foreign matter. If an air purifier is integrated into a ventilation system, the air is supplied to the filters by this system. If it is a separate device, then it works on the principle of air conditioner, “running” through the air in the room. By the way, certain types of cleaners can work in pairs with the conditioner. Such purification is also a great way to improve the microclimate in the room. By removing harmful impurities, dust, and bacteria, purifiers make not only the air cleaner. The general sanitary situation in the room is improved – after all, dust particles settling on the filters will not get back into the room, and thus will not settle on the surface of furniture and equipment. This is especially important for high-precision production and chemical and catering facilities (e.g. medical laboratories, precision optics plants, food processing plants, etc.). Many air purifiers have additional functions, such as the ability to saturate the air with ozone. If you have such a purifier, the room will smell like mountain air. Ozonation is a great way to get rid of pathogenic bacteria in the air and dust. It is also good for your health. According to research, people work better in rooms where air purifiers are installed as muscle and brain activity levels increase. If you want your employees to feel less sick and work better, buy this device.

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Costain to help Bradford Council reduce cost and carbon

Costain, the smart infrastructure solutions company, has won a £2m consultancy programme management contract to deliver Bradford Council’s Smart Street Lighting project, which will involve the replacement of 59,000 lights and 17,000 lampposts across the city over a period of four years. The new, energy-efficient, LED lights will be controlled by a CMS (Central Management System) which will allow remote control of illumination levels (switch on/off times only) which will deliver significant environmental and safety benefits. The CMS also provides the backbone for the inclusion of additional Internet of things (IoT) solutions. The project will reduce the Council’s street lighting power consumption by 65% and its carbon emissions by over 6000 tonnes per year, helping the Council to meet its climate change strategy targets and saving taxpayers an estimated £189m over 50 years. The ability to support a wide range of emerging IoT technologies will potentially assist the Council in making further cost savings in other areas in the future. In the spirit of true partnership, Costain will work with the Council to ensure additional IoT capabilities can be easily enabled to measure things like road temperatures, air pollution, road gully condition or river levels to even more effectively target maintenance and capital programmes. This latest consultancy contract win builds on Costain’s three year relationship with Bradford, which has culminated in current status as strategic delivery partner and the development of a high level plan to give an overall picture of £500m worth of capital delivery programmes within the city. The planensures effective integration and governance of the programmes associated with the Transforming Cities Fund, which seeks to improve productivity and prosperity through sustainable transport development, as well as other road, rail and multi-modal programmes. Costain brings significant experience in working with the Department for Transport and Highways England, a broader understanding of the UK infrastructure landscape and decades of delivery heritage, into the partnership. Sue Kershaw, Transportation managing director, Costain, said: “In these unprecedented times, where Covid-19 has brought much of the economy to a standstill, local authorities are under huge pressure to continue delivery of critical programmes of work for their communities. Our relationship with Bradford Council, which focuses on partnership and outcomes, has allowed us to reach back into our organisation to deliver additional capacity, capability, resilience and flexibility in a range of areas to support our client and keep the transport infrastructure services working.” Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “Bradford’s Smart Street Lighting programme represents a major investment in one of the biggest assets of the Council – our 59,000 street lighting columns.  The ability to ensure effective delivery of the contract was paramount in Bradford’s approach to seeking a delivery partner with the skills, knowledge and ability to drive both the financial savings and the associated positive contribution to our CO2 emissions which are key outputs over the next five years.  The appointment of Costain to the strategic delivery partner role has given Bradford the confidence that we have the right people helping us achieve these outcomes based on our experience of their involvement in our programmes of transport investment in the district.“ This work supporting Bradford Council also demonstrates Costain’s commitment to helping clients accelerate the transition to a net zero carbon economy, made as part of its Climate Change Action plan launched in February 2020, and is another step in fulfilling its ambition to lead UK infrastructure into a zero carbon future by 2035 at the latest, supporting the UK Government in meeting their 2050 target.

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Mitie Security launches thermal imaging service to help businesses protect against the spread of COVID-19

Mitie Security has launched new fever-screening solutions, using thermal imaging to identify individuals potentially suffering from COVID-19 The solutions are designed to support both businesses on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic such as hospitals, and those preparing to return to business post lockdown, such as retailers, venues and buildings with a significant number of employees Mitie Security is helping businesses mitigate against the spread of Coronavirus with the launch of a new suite of fever-screening solutions. The solutions, which have been developed by adapting existing thermal imaging technology, quickly and easily identify individuals with a fever that may be symptomatic of COVID-19. This fever-screening technology is able to detect human temperatures to within an accuracy of 0.3ºC, raising the alarm to monitoring teams should it identify an individual with a fever. However, it is important to note that some people believe that this kind of fever monitoring tech can pose privacy risks depending on who has access to the data collected from these devices. However, these more focused programs are a far cry from dragnet surveillance cameras constantly surveilling the public like the mass surveillance in China. These solutions have been designed to support the wide range of industries on the frontline of the nation’s fight against coronavirus, as well as those looking to prepare for when current restrictions are eased. Applications for the technology include: Healthcare: Identifying potential COVID-19 sufferers as they enter hospital which will allow healthcare professionals to take precautions, such as limiting contact with other patients and ensuring all staff they encounter are wearing appropriate PPE. Public spaces: Scanning people’s body temperature on entry to public spaces, such as railway stations, airports and large venues. This will allow individuals potentially suffering from COVID-19 to be isolated and reduce the further spread of the virus in crowded places. Retail: Thermal imaging technology will support the safety of staff and customers in supermarkets or other shops in identifying individuals with fevers and potentially diverting them away from the stores. Business Headquarters: For businesses preparing for the return of large number of employees to their Head Offices. These fever-screening solutions will detect any employees or visitors who are potentially infected with COVID-19, preventing it from spreading further within the office. To enable use in different situations, the technology has been developed in several formats from hand-held units to mounted cameras. For example, locating the thermal cameras at site entrances allows a larger number of people to be checked at one time, such as in public areas or when a large number of employees are entering a building at the same time, for instance, during shift changes at manufacturing site, or employees arriving for work at a large office block. The portable hand-held solution meanwhile can be used to check individuals, enabling the detection of anyone showing an elevated body temperature. Mitie’s specialist Fire and Security Systems’ Team has also developed a process guide to be used alongside the fever-screening solutions, including best practice guidelines and procedures to manage individuals with a high body temperature, depending on the scenario. For instance, potential COVID-19 sufferers could be diverted to a safe area for further checks to be performed by an employee wearing appropriate PPE, before determining if access to the site will be granted or denied. The fever-screening solutions, alongside these guidelines, will allow businesses to protect their employees and customers, by minimising the risk of spreading COVID-19 infections. Jason Towse, Managing Director of Business Services, Mitie, said: “Ensuring the safety of our clients’ employees and customers has always been our priority, and this is even more important during the Coronavirus pandemic. As many businesses start planning a return to work after lockdown, we must ensure that we all play our part in limiting the spread of COVID-19 as much as possible. “As the UK’s leading technology-led security provider, we are evolving to meet this new threat. By harnessing thermal technology we can support businesses in keeping people safe – be that those at the coal face of the pandemic or others looking to find safe ways to return to daily life as and when restrictions begin to ease.”

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Engineering services bodies issue coronavirus site safety guides

Leading engineering services sector bodies BESA and ECA have jointly developed two new guides to help contractors to manage coronavirus-related issues on site. The new guides will be freely available to the wider industry during the current emergency. They provide sector-relevant guidance for engineering and building services contractors working across construction and FM in two specific areas: ‘Specific Environments’ (where there may be higher risk of COVID-19 transmission); and ‘close proximity working’ (less than 2m). The new guides: – align with the hierarchy of preventative measures shown in the Construction Leadership Council Site Operating Procedures, based on guidance from Public Health England;   – do not recommend the deployment of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) for general site activities, most notably where social distancing is possible; and – recommend that any decision to deploy RPE in site-specific situations should be based on risk assessment. The guides have been drawn up with the support of a COVID-19 Expert Panel made up of BESA and ECA safety practitioners. The panel is also helping ECA and the BESA to provide informed, practical comments on site health and safety issues to the government and industry bodies who are generating overarching guidance in this area. BESA Health & Safety Advisor Rebecca Crosland said: “It is imperative that there is further guidance out there to help keep the industry safe. “The health, wellbeing and safety of everyone on site must be a priority during the COVID-19 health crisis. Businesses must exercise their duty of care under legislation to ensure all workers are protected and ensure that any critical information related to their health and safety is communicated clearly and then implemented.” Paul Reeve, ECA’s CSR Director and a member of the CLC’s working group on site safety measures said: “The CLC SOP is an overarching industry document, but it refers to the need for sector guidance. These two guides are the start of joint ECA and BESA activity to produce more detailed, sector-relevant information that’s desperately needed by many engineering services contractors. “They aim to help with the practical management of coronavirus-related issues on site, which may include the challenges associated with doing essential work in closer proximity than 2 metres.” The BESA and ECA welcome comments on the new guides from across the industry

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The Necessity Of An Electrician

Electricity is a necessary part of the modern world, making electricians vital for as long as there is a need for this utility. Most people take this component of their lives for granted, not imagining a life without it. And with the level of dependence on technology and being connected, we would truly be lost without it. In saying that, we must have high-quality trade professionals responsible for the installation and repair of the electrical systems and wires in our homes and businesses such as the computer network, HVAC, security, and, of course, lighting systems. Categories of Electricians In the modern world, the note is that there are four main specialty categories under which electricians fall. When choosing the best electrician near me, I take these categories into consideration. Those that work within the single-family homes and apartment complexes deem residential. Public facilities not fitted with high-voltage lines such as industrial, office spaces, rental building, all fall under commercial electricians who are responsible for the repair, maintenance, and renovation of the various electrical systems. The industrial electrician works to install and maintain a variety of different components and machines as well as high-voltage electrical systems. Low-voltage systems like video, data, voice, networks, and systems are taken care of by electricians specializing in this field. Their primary responsibility is the repair, installation, and maintenance of fiber optic cables and phone lines.  In some instances, the low voltage and residential will be one category with the commercial and industrial combined into one. Some classes separate electricians based on their level of training and experience as well. Trainee electricians who work under a more qualified, experienced professional during a specific period deem to be an apprentice. After working as an apprentice, there is a need to obtain licensing from a state-approved authority, which will then bring the status of journeyman electrician. After taking a state-approved exam which will provide a license and deem a high level of competence in the field, a master electrician offers years of experience on top of that. Every state is different and will have its expectations and requirements for each level of the electrician. In situations where you need an emergency electrician, it is important that they are qualified. So make sure they are part of a registered board for the state. Facts About Electricians Not many of us realize how reliant we are on our electricity or specifically the electricians who take care of the power for us. In each moment of our daily lives with every activity, we have an extensive requirement and use for electricity. Let’s check out some facts about the critical tradesman who are responsible for our utility. In many instances, the only way to differentiate between multiple types of wiring is through color-coding. Without color vision, someone working with electrical wires could make what would be a fatal mistake. In saying that, it’s not widely known that those who work as electricians must have appropriate color vision. Follow this link for facts on things electricians wish we knew: https://www.familyhandyman.com/electrical/10-things-your-electrician-wants-you-to-know/. Many of these tradesmen use a lot of diagnostic tools in an effort to diagnose and evaluate potential defects and issues where the cause is not so readily available. These professionals need to have a solid understanding of math and the ability to read blueprints and technical schematics.  The electrician trade is only growing with anticipated increases in years to come as the job is critical for home construction and properties as a whole, not to mention the ever-evolving dependence on digital technology. The reliance on electricity and electrical appliances has no signs of decreasing, meaning there will always be a need for those knowledgeable in the maintenance, upkeep, and repair of these systems. The demand will be critical as technology continues to advance. We’ve become a society so oblivious to the extent of our ‘luxury’ that we take it all as if it will always be here without question. It would be a very curious prospect if we all woke up and all the modern conveniences were temporarily inoperable for even a day specifically electricity. No one would know how to function. That’s a sad and scary reality. Our great grandparents, even our grandparents would have had a party in that situation with food and friends. In today’s world, we wouldn’t know what to do. Hopefully, we never have to do without our electrician friends who keep this utility humming and our technology running for those who would simply crumble under similar circumstances.

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Electrical apprenticeships and training are in safe hands during COVID-19 crisis, SECTT tells electrical industry

The Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) has reassured the industry that electrical apprenticeships and training are in safe hands following the introduction of a range of emergency measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. As well as offering ongoing help and guidance to all apprentices, SECTT is working closely with the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), SELECT and colleges across Scotland to support the collective efforts of employers and colleges throughout the current crisis. To ensure clarity across the board, SECTT ­­– the body charged with managing electrical installation apprenticeships in Scotland – has already communicated nationally and regionally with all colleges, employers and apprentices via email, phone, social media and the OneFile platform. It will also hold an online meeting with all colleges in the week beginning 20 April, to devise a delivery model and take into consideration the needs of employers, apprentice and trainees, so no-one is disadvantaged. Anne Galbraith, CEO of SECTT, said: “We know these are unprecedented times, but we are doing all we can to help apprentices continue with their studies through alternate channels, while maintaining the high standards required. “The Electrical Installation Modern Apprenticeship is a vocational qualification and has safety implications, so we must ensure competency throughout the course, especially in the ‘Key Safety Critical’ areas. “Therefore, SECTT will be looking to complete the coursework as near to normal as possible, but this will depend on when we return to free movement.” Apprentices and trainees are being encouraged to keep in contact with their college lecturers with any coursework they can complete online, and by completing their ePortfolios through OneFile which their training officers will be marking. The objective is to reduce the overall workload when returning to normality to ensure apprenticeships remain on track. Ms Galbraith added: “Apprentices’ health and wellbeing is, of course, the most important aspect to consider and I appreciate sometimes it can be difficult to focus and concentrate on anything at present. However, learning might provide the distraction needed to ensure a healthy mindset. “We want to assure all employers that the SECTT team is still here and happy to answer their questions, we will work with them to allow them and their apprentices to get back to work and back on track as best we can.” SECTT was established in 1990 by SELECT and Unite the Union to manage the SJIB Training Schemes and today runs the only industry approved training scheme for electrical installation apprenticeships in Scotland. Ms Galbraith concluded: “When we do get back to normal, I can assure all apprentices that SECTT and the colleges will continue with the professional level of care to ensure we catch up with least disruption. “We will get through this, so in the meantime, look after yourself and your families, stick to the government guidelines and stay safe.”

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Industrial Dust Collectors: Safety Measures and Maintenance Tips

Setting up a dust collector in your factory comprises the desire to keep workers, equipment, and the working areas safe from dust. This installation, however, often undergoes a grudge purchase scenario.  The initial thought may be to choose the cheapest dust collector. But, you need to keep in mind that a dust collector’s key purpose is to keep the working environment safe, so corners should not be cut.  According to Baghouse America, a leader in the environmental industry for developing, licensing, and deploying air filtration systems, the cost of the unit and accessories should not interfere with the safety dust collectors are intended to produce.  That said, the following tips will help make your dust collector the safest out there, ensuring the job is done effectively. Even the best dust collector systems need to be well maintained so that they will last longer and serve their purpose better, Read on to know more on how to maintain your dust collector system and to make sure that everyone is safe around it. Equip With Deflagration Protection Does your dust collector handle combustible dust? If so, consider equipping it with proper deflagration protection.  There are several different forms of passive deflagration/explosion protection out there. However, explosion vents tend to be the most common and cost-efficient method.  Typically, an explosion vent opens once a specific amount of pressure builds up within the collector, allowing the flame front and excess pressure to exit to a secure area. Explosion vents are built to prevent your dust collector from blowing up during a deflagration, thereby diminishing the hazard. Also, they help minimize damage to the dust collector itself. The Protection for the Ductwork The National Association for Fire Protection (NFPA) overlooks ductwork protection and the dust collector’s upstream safety procedures. The ducting must be equipped with a valve comprising flow-activated isolation that preserves the downstream workspaces and operations from that of the spreading of pressure and flames via the inlet duct as deflagration occurs in the dust collector. After that, the pressure wave will close the valve through the deflagration of the dust collector, preventing the spread of smoke and flames to parts upstream of the valve. Note that the valve is closed and should be opened manually. Once enabled, the valve parts could be compromised and a comprehensive inspection is needed before it is returned back to regular service. Do Not Use the Hoppers to Collect Dust This is a common mistake people make, especially those new in manufacturing. You shouldn’t use hoppers to store dust.  Keep in mind that the hopper’s key purpose is to funnel processed dust toward the storage bins. As it so happens, the dust that’s about to fill up the hopper will most likely create some potential deflagration or fire risks.  Another important factor to note is that the dust in the hopper may further decrease the dust collector’s performance via blocking the system and pulse-cleaning from performing the task it was designed to. Self-dumping hoppers are an easy dust disposal system while still protecting against dust leaks among the hoppers and the collector. Prevent fire Some applications are able to generate a spark and can cause fires. This must be taken care of quickly and effectively.  The market offers plenty of technologies and features to choose from. For example, there are flame-retardant filter media and spark arrestors in the form of drop-out boxes, cyclone devices mounted at the collectors’ inlets, perforated screens, etc. Even fire sprinkler installations require some implementations. You can also install cartridges vertically mounted to help limit fire and deflagration by reducing the heavier loads of dust on the attached filters. Inversely, particularly with mounted systems arranged horizontally, the dust may get trapped at the filters. In situations like these, the filter life may be shortened, thereby allowing for the dirty surface to spark/ignite and raise the working pressure drop of the filter elements. Create a Maintenance Program Industrial dust collectors have enabled businesses to efficiently capture airborne particles that help provide a clean and healthy work environment.  To make sure an industrial dust collector is working as it should be, periodic inspections in conjunction with a maintenance program will come in handy in terms of keeping the dust collector functioning properly, at a higher level.  Scheduled inspections on an annual, semi-annual, monthly, weekly or even daily level will keep your industrial dust collector working effectively and keep the maintenance expenses down. Remember, failing to regularly check and maintain your dust collector will hurt its performance.  Continued neglect may lead to your dust collector not following EPA outlet emissions standards.  Incorporate Safety Accessories Image source Major concerns like what type of dust collector you should use and how to maintain it must take precedence, but when you’ve actually addressed such concerns, there are several other ways to make your dust collector safer.  Safety accessories can be an excellent way to do this. Turns out they are not simply a great idea— in some situations, safety accessories are an absolute must to ensure the workers’ safety.

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