Ongoing Services
Stack Monitoring
When an installation is complete, EPM service doesn't stop there. We also offer various valuable ongoing services to Clients to ensure you are operating safely, efficiently and effectively. An essential part of installing abatement plant is to ensure that they operate effectively within the P.E.L. (Permitted Emission Limit) as detailed within the process guidance note.
Both as part of the acceptance testing and also annual monitoring, the emissions of VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), CO and NOx must be monitored over a minimum 5 hour period. The initial task is to establish a S.S.P. (Site Specific Protocol) to be agreed with the Regulatory Authority. Additionally, a Risk Assessment has to be made because of the inherent hazards involved.
EPM are members of the STA (Source Testing Association) and have MCerts certified personnel for stack emissions monitoring.
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Member of the STA - Source Testing Association. |
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MCERTS-Certified staff. |
LEL Calibration
In recent generations of press designs, gas monitors are installed to constantly monitor solvent levels within dryers and exhaust ductwork. If not already installed, then we would install them as part of the optimisation process.
The solvent is measured as a function of safety as %LEL (a percentage of the lower explosive limit) normally using catalytic or infra red sensors.
Since they are important safety devices, it is essential to establish and maintain a calibration regime. We recommend calibration every 3 months when installed in dryers not only because of their importance but potential for contamination and reduced sensitivity.
EPM install, calibrate and replace most types of gas monitors and sensors including MSA, Honeywell (Sieger/Zellweger), Heck, etc.
During the visit, we not only calibrate but also check other essential aspects of their operation. This includes checking set-up parameters, alarm functions, e.g. machine stop on high LEL alarm, we check for sensor cleanliness and correct sampling from ducts e.g. sampling pipes are correctly connected without leaks.
Using solvents in printing results in exposing Operatives to hazardous vapours.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (1994) (COSHH) includes Regulation 7 that requires LEV's ( Local Extract Ventilation) to be installed to control the risk. Regulation 9 requires that the control measures be assessed every 14 months maximum to ensure that they are operating correctly and efficiently to minimise the exposure risk.
EPM carry out the assessment in two parts:-
* mechanical inspection
* monitoring Operator exposure levels
COSHH Assessments
Using solvents in printing results in exposing Operatives to hazardous vapours.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (1994) (COSHH) includes Regulation 7 that requires LEV's ( Local Extract Ventilation) to be installed to control the risk. Regulation 9 requires that the control measures be assessed every 14 months maximum to ensure that they are operating correctly and efficiently to minimise the exposure risk.
EPM carry out the assessment in two parts:-
* mechanical inspection
* monitoring Operator exposure levels
Low level extraction (LEV's) is necessary in Ink Stores, etc to prevent build up of solvent vapours to dangerous levels. However, the press dryers, recirculation and supply ducts are also classed as LEV's because they are controlling solvent levels. The mechanical inspection involves monitoring the airflows, checking for correct fan operation, air leaks in ducts and flexible connections, etc. Flexible ducts on inter-colour dryers are particularly vulnerable to damage and are important that they are airtight. Dryers should also be checked for correct air balance to ensure good suction with no overspill of solvent vapour into the workspace.
Operator exposure concentrations are defined in the HSE document EH40 for different solvent levels. In a printing environment, Operatives most at risk are identified and monitored over a working shift (normally 8 hours) carrying out their normal tasks. Exposure is assessed using sampling equipment which captures the airborne solvent during the working period. The solvents are quantified by analysis and compared to the levels defined in EH40.
General Servicing
An effective and efficient operation can only be maintained if the system operates correctly. This can include the following:
* Dampers and explosion panels being checked and lubricated.
* System alarms functions being checked.
* Checking and calibrating pressure switches and transducers.
Checking and lubricating an explosion panel.
