Posted to News on 17th May 2010, 16:18
Free Machinery Safety seminars at Drives & Controls show
Phil Papard, the HSE's head of product safety, will be presenting a paper about applying the new Machinery Directive at this year's Drives and Controls Exhibition and co-located events - Plant and Works Exhibition (PWE), Air-Tech and International Fluid Power Exhibition (IFPEX), taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 8-10 June 2010.
Papard will be talking about the main changes and duties in the new Directive, and what is meant by "state of the art". In addition, he will explain the role of harmonised standards and their limitations, as well as discussing interfacing with user legislation such as PUWER.
The new Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC places requirements on manufacturers to ensure their products, when supplied, are safe. Its scope covers both industrial machines and domestic appliances, and much more besides. Where the provisions of other EC directives apply - such as the Low-Voltage Directive - these must be taken into account in order to achieve full compliance with the Machinery Directive.
It is intended that the legislation will assist industry by reducing barriers to trade within the Single Market by ensuring a common policy of safety and supply of machinery across the European Economic Area (EEA).
Papard's seminar session is a rare opportunity for engineers to learn about applying the new Directive. Preregistration is recommended - go to www.drives2010.com to register now.
Free industry-focused seminar programme
This machinery safety paper is part of a wider programme of FREE seminars at the Drives and Controls Exhibition and co-located events. Run across the three days of the shows (8-10 June 2010), the industry-focused seminar programme will also include a variety of presentations ranging from energy management and plant safety to manual handling, Ethernet communications and gearbox maintenance. The programme will cover a broad range of subjects specifically chosen for their topicality and relevance to today's increasingly multi-tasking engineers. These seminars will also give delegates the opportunity to hear best-practice tips and valuable advice from a variety of speakers.
Issues such as marketing strategy will be discussed, and Graeme Allinson, head of manufacturing, transport and logistics at Barclays Commercial Bank, will explain the often misunderstood subjects of lending criteria and what banks are looking for in manufacturers today. Commenting on his presence at the show, he said: "I am delighted to be presenting at the 2010 exhibitions. Visitors to these shows are confronting a difficult economic situation and this is a fantastic opportunity to give them a comprehensive insight into what banks look for when they lend money. Barclays Commercial Bank remains dedicated to increasing lending so that our clients are able to pursue their business agendas, indeed our lending was up 10 per cent in the first half of 2009 compared with the same period last year and we are focused on getting closer to our clients than ever before."
Saving energy
Many speakers will be emphasising the need for energy savings, highlighted by the fact that electric motors use 65 per cent of electrical energy in industry. One area of potential savings is with variable-speed drives; Stephen Barker of Siemens, and a representative of the Gambica Trade Association, will use his seminar to look at maximising cost reductions and improving competitive advantage. He explains: "Reducing costs and improving productivity are key goals for most organisations in these economically challenging times. Some clear thinking supported by a systematic approach can provide substantial benefits - therefore my presentation will explain the benefits of a value-based approach, clarify how to develop a 'best practice' energy-, cost- and carbon-reduction strategy, and also demonstrate how to lever success from innovative financing models."
The Carbon Trust's head of financial services, Paul Higgins, will give practical advice on how to obtain money from the organisation. Chris Dee, executive director of the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS), will look at the importance of leak detection to help save end user energy costs.
Other leading seminar contributors include: Ian Morris of the British Fluid Power Association (BFPA); Professor Len Gelman, director of the Centre of Vibro-Acoustics and Fatigue at Cranfield University; Stephen Barker, representing Gambica; Geoff Walker, representing the Institution of Diagnostic Engineers; and Professor Andrew Plummer, director of the University of Bath's Centre for Power Transmission and Motion Control; plus many others.
Ian Atkinson, managing director of show organiser DFA Media, enthuses: "We are delighted commerce and industry have been so keen to participate in these important series of seminars at a crucial time. With such a variety of themes, high-calibre speakers, and a truly independent approach without commercial influences, we are offering visitors added value for their time at this important series of events in June - there will be something for everyone."
Follow the link to see the seminar programme on MachineBuilding.net.
For the most up to date information on the seminars and to register to for attend a particular presentation, visit the show websites: Drives and Controls Exhibition and co-located events - Plant and Works Exhibition (PWE), Air-Tech and International Fluid Power Exhibition (IFPEX).
