NEWS
INDUSTRY URGED TO RESUME PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE Until lockdown was imposed,
With the early impact of the pandemic restricting most of industry’s maintenance activities in 2020, Alfa Laval warns of a potential breakdown backlog if routine repairs and servicing are not prioritised. The pandemic has left many businesses with dwindling budgets, so
cutbacks are inevitable, and the first solution reached by some is to reduce equipment maintenance spending. Alfa Laval believes that this is a more expensive route than companies may first realise, and explains how they have overcome the challenges posed by Covid-19. “Businesses might think they’re making the best decision by saving
money on maintenance,” said John Smith, service operations divisional manager UK & Ireland at Alfa Laval, “but time and time again, we have seen what can happen when companies don’t implement a serious preventative maintenance strategy. Keeping your machinery in good condition costs a lot less than unplanned downtime or replacing broken equipment.”
COMMENT
TRAIN TO MAINTAIN COMPRESSED AIR
This month’s cover image and cover story (p.16) explores the water supply-related challenges we face globally, and how intelligent equipment, smart networks and digital solutions will help us achieve smarter water management. Our industry focus this month
is also dedicated to the water and waste treatment industry, and includes features on different aspects of the sector. HRS Heat Exchangers looks at
the impact Covid-19 has had on AMP7 (p.32-33), WEG describes the successful installation of a pump and motor combination at Battersea Shaft Pumping Station (p.34), Siltbuster explains the benefits of MBBR systems at Wessex Water (p.37), and finally, Evoqua says now is a good time to health check your cooling towers (p.38). Michelle Lea - Editor
The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) is urging industry to ensure that all employees responsible for maintaining compressed air systems are fully trained on the requirements of the Pressure Systems’ Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR), and in particular, the importance of the written scheme of examination. If pressure equipment fails
during operation, it can seriously injure or even kill people nearby and cause damage to property, which is why the Society is now offering a 25 per cent discount on its ‘Certificate in Understanding the Pressure Systems’ Safety Regulations’ training course at
https://rebrand.ly/BCASPSSR (customers of BCAS members only, excluding trade). The blended learning
workshop covers the written scheme of examination in relation to compressed air systems. It provides knowledge of the PSSR (S.I 2000 No 128), related standards and codes of practice and is designed for users, managers, or providers of written schemes of examination.
the servicing industry was growing and more businesses were taking their equipment maintenance seriously. However, with Covid-19 restrictions in place, it became more difficult for companies to plan for their servicing and maintenance. To combat the challenges of Covid-19, Alfa Laval has shifted its
focus to increasing the efficiency of its service centre in Camberley, while things return to normal. John explains: “We’ve had to adapt our workflow to guarantee
clients a quick turnaround while ensuring our customers and staff remain safe...”
www.alfalaval.co.uk/fitforduty TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TAX BREAKS
An expert in infection mitigation believes that the introduction of tax breaks for investing in machinery provides an opportunity for businesses to guard themselves against the risks of future lockdowns.
Dr Rhys Thomas, NHS frontline doctor and chief scientific officer at PP-L, says that the announcement of a capital allowance of 130% on qualifying plant and machinery investments should encourage businesses to look at introducing systems that minimise the risk of airborne viruses like COVID-19, avoiding potential shutdowns in the case of future outbreaks. Currently businesses can only reduce their tax bill by a fraction of the money they have spent on investment, but the new measures – which will come into effect on April 7, 2021 – will allow for a 130% reduction, something which could stimulate more than £25 billion of economic growth during the two-year period the deduction applies for. Dr. Thomas said: “
...germicidal ultraviolet light (UVGI) is the most
potent method of infection control with decades of proven effectiveness against all bacteria and viruses, including all currently discovered strains of the current coronavirus.” They are also classified as integral features under HMRC definitions for the tax deduction, meaning they are eligible for the 130% capital allowance. Paul Waldeck, managing director of PP-L, said: “COVID-19 has meant that we need to change our outlook and approach to make businesses more robust. It makes perfect business sense to improve facilities to make them properly bio-secure to safeguard the business operations first, before considering other investments in plant and machinery.
Guidance around the use of ventilation and germicidal ultraviolet filters has now been included in the Health and Safety Executive’s latest updates.
“Engineering interventions to infection mitigation are often relatively low cost, easy to retrofit, can run 24/7 safely above the workforce and yet, the benefits are enormous.”
www.pplpro.co.uk
4 MARCH 2021 | PROCESS & CONTROL
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