PECM Issue 34 2018 | Page 135

HYDRAULICS EDUCATION RECOMMENDATIONS BFPA BFPA DEFINES MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS IN FLUID POWER, FOR A SAFER, MULTI-SKILLED WORKFORCE Modern industry is far safer than it has ever been, with advances in smart automation and legislation playing key roles in providing both the carrot and stick for the uptake of contemporary safety solutions. This industry-wide change in attitude has created an incredibly positive landscape, with the adoption of safe, secure technology now being the norm. Maintenance has a huge role to play in the safe operation of heavy equipment and machinery. Badly maintained systems can completely negate the positive impact of even the most advanced safety solution. The same is true for productivity and throughput. Badly maintained or incorrectly installed systems can bring about elevated levels of downtime, the metric by which just about every plant operations manager on the planet is measured. As a result, a wider spotlight is being placed on training, in order to ensure that tasks undertaken by all operators and staff, from the engineer down to the technician on the shop floor – especially where maintenance is concerned – do not have a detrimental effect on the overall safety rating of a device, vehicle or plant. Leading the way in the fluid power industry is the British Fluid Power Association (BFPA). By leveraging the resources of its Education and Training (E&T) Committee, it has developed a publication entitled ‘BFPA Minimum Educational Recommendations – Hydraulics’ as part of a three part suite of Educational Recommendations which also cover Pneumatics and Electronic Control of Fluid Power. This new document presents the consolidated view of leading representatives and experts in fluid power – including academia, representatives from other BFPA member organisations, OEMs and the wider UK engineering industry – managed by a specially convened BFPA Education and Training (E&T) Task- For more information on force. the BFPA’s new hydraulic or pneumatic minimum educational recommendations, please all BFPA on 10608 647900 or Email [email protected]. Connection tools to accelerate sealing and testing methods FEATURES n n n Unique pressure assisted gripping and sealing technology increases gripping pressure as pressure increases Floating split collet design eliminates operator adjustment Minimal maintenance, easy seal replacement, long life and ergonomically designed FasTest is a dedicated manufacturer of advanced engineered connection tools for pressure and vacuum testing applications. FasTest connection tools are easy, safe and reliable. The connectors dramatically lower operating costs through increased operational output. Make the switch from inefficient, unproductive plugging or sealing methods, to FasTest quick connection tools for testing or filling needs. Call Tom Parker Ltd for more information. APPLICATIONS n n n Leak testing Calibration, filling, pressure and proof testing Ideal for piping, cooling, heating, fluid, hydraulic, pneumatic, refrigerant and fittings Exclusively available from Sales: 01772 255109 | Online: tom-parker.co.uk Request a catalogue: [email protected] Issue 34 PECM 135