 BCAS Addressing key issues
July 26th 2006 Viewing compressed air as a utility,BCAS offers advice and training on running a safe and efficient compressed air system
BCAS is the UK's trade association for compressed air and vacuum manufacturers, distributors and users. It provides the industry and its users with an impartial source of technical and legislative advice, and has a key input into related industry issues at UK and European level. BCAS has expanded its range of training courses and qualifications to improve the knowledge and competence of personnel who work with compressed air systems whether as suppliers or users. This year two new courses have been added to the portfolio.
The main emphasis for BCAS activities this year has been energy saving, and health and safety, two key issues for compressed air users as well as for our BCAS members. The uniqueness of the BCAS perspective is that it takes a holistic view of compressed air as a utility, incorporating, health and safety, energy saving, reliability, and productivity, to provide complete advice on these aspects of compressed air systems. This overcomes potential problems such as advice given in isolation compromising another aspect of the compressed air system, for example health and safety.
Health and safety matters
Employers face increasing legislative requirements to ensure the safety of their staff, and BCAS has been aiding this in two key areas. Firstly it has been leading the industry response on the hand-arm vibration (HAV) issue, a major concern for the compressed air and construction industries as mentioned in the president's address. Our close co-operation with the Health and Safety Executive has helped in restricting the illegal import and distribution of non-compliant tools.
Secondly, it has developed 'Working Safely with Compressed Air', a one hour course that has been developed in response to increasing requests from employers about the safe use of air tools and issue heightened by the awareness of the obligations since July 2005 of the Physical Agents Directive. Many users take compressed air granted with no appreciation of the potential danger if it is misused. Making them aware and equipping them with the knowledge reduces the likelihood of accidents in the workplace. It is an e-learning course hosted by our partner training provider, Virtual College.
Energy and the environment
These past 12 months have witnessed dramatic rises in energy prices for both gas and electricity. The latter is of specific concern to compressed air users since nearly all compressed air is produced by electrically driven air compressors. BCAS secured funding from the Carbon Trust in October 2005 to produce criteria for energy audits and specify the different levels available. This is complemented by a short distance learning course on auditing methodologies and technologies. Energy efficiency has also been incorporated into the BCAS Chartered Distributor Scheme. For more information on this project, and to view a list of BCAS accredited auditors, visit the dedicated website: www.compressedairaudits.org BCAS continues its association with Envirowise, holding a half day seminar in March to clarify the 2005 Hazardous Waste Regulations with specifically applied to waste from compressed air systems. The event was attended by users as well as BCAS members.
Training the industry
BCAS continued to offer its existing courses in addition to the Safe working and Carbon Trust course. A range of courses via distance learning, e-learning and face-to-face, is available at a variety of levels to suit all audiences. Most popular has been the Compressed Air Technology e-learning course attracting a total of over 300 since its launch in September 2004. As for the safety course, this is hosted by our e-learning training provider, Virtual College. All BCAS courses are impartial and provide underpinning knowledge that complements manufacturer product-based training.
Improving communications with the compressed air industry
In August 2006, BCAS launches its brand new website (www.bcas.org.uk) with improved navigation, and more information for general visitors and members. An A-Z list of members now appears on the home page as do key BCAS partners, there is an improved site search facility and more quick links. There are more downloadable documents for energy, environment and news and media.
The new website together with increased attendance at exhibitions (watch out for BCAS stands at Energy 2006 in September and PEMEC in October) will help raise the profile of BCAS as a source of information for the so-called "fourth utility" at a time when the need to produce compressed air as efficiently, reliably and as safely as possible has never been greater.
A record number on new members joined BCAS during the year and if you would like to discuss the benefits of BCAS membership can offer you and your company please contact BCAS. More articles from British Compressed Air Society (BCAS): | 
