Successful PPFA environmental conference outlines road ahead

Citation

(2000), "Successful PPFA environmental conference outlines road ahead", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 47 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2000.12847cac.002

Successful PPFA environmental conference outlines road ahead

Keywords PPFA, Conferences, Environment

The Paint and Powder Finishing Association recently staged their first environmental conference in Birmingham. Chaired by PPFA chief executive Mike Cowley, the speakers from ETSU, the Paint Research Association, and the Health & Safety Executive were joined by industry specialists who presented vital information on legislation and other issues affecting the paint and powder finishing industry.

Speakers emphasised the importance of the trade association's role in co-ordinating and refining information and guiding members through the legislation. It became clear that the PPFA has a huge but important task ahead during 2000 and the support of its members is crucial.

Helma Jotischky, of the PRA, reviewed current and new UK and EU legislation for paint and powder coaters and recommended developing an action plan to cope with it all. Delegates were provided with a comprehensive set of her notes as an aide-memoire¨.

Martin Steer, of the Health & Safety Executive, discussed "Controlling exposure to coating powders". Sets of the industry consultation document were available for delegates to provide feedback to the HSE. This booklet is designed to raise understanding of the necessary operational factors, spray booths, techniques, safety equipment, training and health surveillance and to get away from the many misconceptions associated with health and safety.

Andy Maunder, of ETSU, considered the extensive range of good practice and environmental performance guides available as part of the ETBP programme. Under the theme of "Cost-effective paint and powder coating", these cover applications, materials, surface preparation, material management, solvent use and reducing costs. According to Maunder, profitable environmental improvements can be achieved through the adoption of best practice techniques.

Trimite's Peter Henry discussed the Solvent Directive issues, starting with the consultation in January 2000 and ending with regulations taking effect in April 2001. Compliance is either by solvent reduction or by achieving emission limits. Using the EPA, Henry took delegates through a VOC emissions check "the easy way". His method, including a worked example, showed how users can assess emission concentrations and also undertake routine assessments to ensure ongoing compliance.

Finally, consultant Malcolm Griffiths looked at housekeeping procedures required to keep financial partners, suppliers, customers, staff and the enforcement agencies happy. He outlined strategies for using current legislation such as COSHH and HSE to prevent accidents, assess risk and develop key performance indicators.

In the six hours or so of the seminar, a vast amount of information was imparted, giving delegates plenty to consider, but what is clear from this first PPFA environmental event is that there is plenty of help at hand to guide the confused and the unwary alike.

Details available from: Surface Engineering Association. Tel: +44 (0) 121 237 1122; Fax: +44 (0) 121 237 1124.