"Unfortunately, when it comes to safety on the shopfloor, compressed air remains largely unconsidered, or even forgotten. This means some end users could be receiving poor advice and safety could be being compromised – which is a real concern when you consider that compressors and the air they generate can pose health and safety hazards when incorrectly installed, used or maintained.
The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) offers four courses – safe working with compressed air; a certificate in compressed air system technology; the diploma in compressed air management; and a competent examiner course for those involved in carrying out examinations in accordance with written schemes of examination. However, they are voluntary.
Mattei would like to see the introduction of a recognised training programme and an official accreditation scheme for service engineers working on compressed air systems, and for those involved in system design and installation. We would even go so far as to suggest that we need something similar to the Gas Safe Register that is in place for installers working with gas appliances – thus, only people with proven competence could install and maintain compressed air systems.
In the absence of formal accreditation, there are some voluntary schemes that end users can look out for when assessing compressed air companies, which can help them to choose a professional supplier or maintenance contractor.
Compressed air companies can demonstrate their professionalism and competence, as well as commitment to health and safety and best practice, by joining BCAS. Membership is by peer review and members have to adhere to codes of conduct. Members can also choose proactively to participate in the BCAS AirSAFE register, which promotes the credibility and professionalism of BCAS members as identified via customer feedback.
