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Efficiency of fans

Article on the fan efficiency standard published in the ISO-Focus magazine; October 2009

The new ISO standard ISO 12759 Efficiency classification for fans is progressing very well under the leadership of several members of the Fan Manufacturers Association (FMA) in FETA. The author, who is a member of the FMA, prepared the Draft International Standard in ISO/TC117 (Fans) and it was submitted to ISO in January 09 in readiness for the 5-month enquiry ballot when all countries can make detailed technical comments.

The ballot on the Draft International Standard ISO/DIS 12759 started in April and closed in September 2009. The FMA contributed comments to this process. WG11 will meet in December to agree on the comments and move the standard onto the next "Approval" stage with publication expected around mid 2010.

An indication of the importance that countries are placing on this work was evident from the attendance at the recent FMA led meeting of ISO/TC117 in Madrid where the number of delegates was 30 compared to the more usual 20.

In addition to this, the EC is interested in using the resulting ISO to demonstrate compliance with the fan aspects of the new Eco Design of Energy using Products Directive (EuP).

Health & Safety Executive - Local Exhaust Ventilation

Each year thousands of people in the United Kingdom suffer illness due to airborne contaminants. The Fan Manufacturers Association (FMA) has worked with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to revise guidance that provides information to employers and employees in ways to reduce the impact of contaminants. This is part of an HSE project to reduce work related illness by 20%.

The aim of the HSE project is to bring about a significant and measurable improvement in the effectiveness of engineering exposure controls, particularly Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV), in the UK, and to contribute to the reduction of occupational respiratory diseases especially those prioritised in the Disease Reduction Programme (DRP). The HSE has the following goals;

• Reduce the number of working days lost by 30%
• Reduce injuries by 10%
• Reduce work related illness by 20%

Engineering controls, including LEV, are often important elements of exposure control measures in UK workplaces. Well-designed, commissioned, checked and maintained systems can help minimise exposure to substances hazardous to health. Conversely, poorly designed, commissioned, checked and maintained systems can lead to significant over-exposure and, ultimately, occupational disease. To design effective engineering controls, including LEV systems, people need to know how people are exposed, how over-exposed they are, how engineering controls including LEV work and how to design systems which are not only effective but are useable and sustainable. Designing such controls is a subtle blend of science, engineering, occupational hygiene and human factors.

The HSE has replaced its publications HSG37 and HSG54 with a number of new publications, one of which is HSG258 - Controlling airborne contaminants at work - A guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV). HSG258 was re-written with the help of many industry associations, one of which is the FMA. FMA members manufacture fans used in and parts of LEV systems. HSG258 guidance is written for the suppliers of LEV goods and service. It will also be helpful for employees and managers in businesses and trade union and employee safety representatives.

HSE 258 is a concise document that is supplemented by a simple guide, INDG408 and an employee's pocket guide INDG409. These can all be obtained from the HSE website www.hse.gov.uk/lev

ATEX Directive - The Directive for Equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX)

The FMA has produced two simple documents to help people comply with the ATEX Directive:

a) Position statement on FANS intended for use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres; Conformity with the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC

b) If you have areas on your site where potentially explosive gases, vapours or dust could combine with air then you need to know about ATEX. If there is an explosion, you will be held to account. As the end user it is YOUR responsibility to ensure your site is safe and that all equipment in hazardous areas conforms to the ATEX regulations. This download 2-page information paper will help you get started. Download here.

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E-mail: info@feta.co.uk