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IMFormation April 2007
IMF Distance Learning Modules – the first student to
complete the full course and to be awarded LIMF
Congratulations to John Carey, Senior Research Technician employed by Dana Glacier
Vandervell, who has successfully, over several years studied his way through the
Distance Learning modules. This comprised:
General Principles followed by Plating Practice lead to the award of Technician
Certificate.
Electrochemistry, Material Science, Surface Coating and Process Management modules
leading to the Advance Technician Certificate.
John then embarked on the route to the Licentiate qualification, first with a project for
which he was awarded the Advanced Technician Diploma. This was then followed by
an extensive research project agreed between his company and the IMF and culminated
in the award of a Research Certificate and further the qualification – Licentiate of the
Institute of Metal Finishing - LIMF
Environmental Studies Module
The recently introduced Environmental Studies module which can be can be taken as
an optional subject on route to the Technician Certificate and the Advanced Technician
Certificate (but only for one of these). To obtain the Certificate it is necessary to sit an
examination comprising 25 multi-choice and 2 essay type questions and complete a
project based on an environmental subject that has been agreed between the student’s
employer, the student and the IMF. Whilst intended for persons within the surface
finishing industries it can be taken as a ‘stand alone’ course and could be useful to
personnel in other industries.
Change of Date for Annual General Meeting
Please make a note of the revised date for the 2006-07 Annual General Meeting
Friday 30 November 2007 at the Birmingham Medical Institute
Health, Safety and Environment
Working with Asbestos
Asbestos is the single biggest cause of work-related
deaths in the UK. Asbestos-related diseases such as
mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer are thought to
be responsible for up to 30,000 deaths each year due to
past exposure. Widely used in buildings between 1945
and 1985 and thousands of tons are still present in all
types of buildings. That is why it is so important that the
correct safety precautions are taken when working n
areas where asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) may
be encountered. Whilst ACMs remain undisturbed they
pose no risk to health. However, they can be fatal is not
properly managed.
HSE’ asbestos campaign aims to encourage people to
comply with new regulations. A leaflet, Working with
asbestos is available which details a wide range of books
giving information that aims to help reduce the risks in a
wide range of industries. As well as helping those with
responsibilities under the Regulations, there is advice for
those working on asbestos removal, the area that carries
the highest risk of exposure.
Check up which books relate to your specific industry on
line at: www.hsebooks.co.uk or ring up HSE on 01787
313995 and request a copy of the leaflet ‘Working with
asbestos’.
Legionnaire’s disease at chemical sites
Do you know what’s growing in your wet cooling
system? A HSE publication gives information on how to
keep your wet cooling system free from legionnaire’s
disease.
Outbreaks due to poor management still occur, often
leading to prosecutions by HSE, e.g. in the Cumbria and
the West Midlands.
August 2006 saw 127 reported cases of legionnaire’s
disease, a twofold increase on the figure for August
2005. A copy of the leaflet ‘Legionnaire’s disease at
chemical sites’ is available on the HSE website at:
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/web23.pdf.
Scottish Executive-Environment Group
Consultation on transposition of the Environmental
Liability Directive. Comments are being solicited on the
consultation document on transposition into Scots law of
the EU Environmental Liability Directive 2004/35/EC.
The document includes policy proposals, specific
questions and an initial impact assessment
Copy of the document can be obtained from:
Environmental Futures, Victoria Quay,
Edinburgh EH6 6Q Q or Tel: 0131 244 7357
Health and Safety Commission (HSC)
HSC has published a public consultation document
seeking views on the merging of HSC and the Health and
Safety Executive (HSE) into a single authority. HSC
believes a merger will modernise corporate governance
and provide a stronger voice for health and safety. The
merger will provide:
- A more accountable structure in line with current best practice;
- Better decision making and a clearer public and regulatory presence;
- A balanced structure at arm’s length from Ministers
- Membership for representatives from employer and employee backgrounds, with a seat for local government and a member designated to maintain links with devolved authorities.
Carcinogens in the Workplace
HSE have a remit to actively eliminate or reduce by up
to 50%, exposure to known carcinogens used in the
workplace which is known as the ‘Disease Reduction
Programme’. Dr Paul Lansdell attended a recent
meeting where information was tabled and has given
permission to include it in total as a separate insert with
this edition of IMFormation.
Galvanizers Association
- Zinc Risk Assessment and zinc risk reduction
strategy
The final drafts of the zinc (and zinc chemicals - zinc
oxide, zinc chloride, zinc sulphate, zinc phosphate, zinc
stearate) health and environment risk assessments have
been completed by the Netherlands as the Rapporteur for
the European Union.
Risk to health from zinc oxide in cutting and welding of
galvanised (or otherwise zinc coated) steel arise from the
formation of very fine airborne particulate zinc oxide of
a size that allows deep lung penetration and provokes
‘metal fume fever’, The risks are readily managed by
simple ventilation and extraction. Metal fume fever is an
acute effect similar in symptoms to the ‘flu and has no
long term adverse effects but should be managed in order
to avoid adverse effects on worker.
The drafts have been submitted to the EU Chemicals
Bureau and forwarded to the Scientific Committee for
Health and Environment Risks (SCHER).
In Court Today
A director of a company was found guilty of not having
employers liability compulsory insurance in a case
brought by HSE. A mechanic student was injured in an
incident with a vehicle. The director claimed that the two
students were not workers and were only attending to
watch. The students testified that she had carried out a
range of mechanical tasks including paint stripping and
brake changing. The director was fined £11.500 in fines,
costs and compensation. The HSE investigating
inspector commented that ‘it is terrible when people get
hurt at work, but at least having insurance means the
victim can get some compensation to cover losses and
help their recovery’.
* * * * *
An illegal waste business in the Black Country has been
fined £2,000 with £984 costs after an undercover
operation witnessed skips coming and going from the
unlicensed site.
* * * * *
Failures in running a landfill site near Peterborough
resulted in two companies fined a total of £47,000 for the
breaching licence conditions and environmental
protection law plus a share of the EA costs of nearly
£40,000
* * * * *
A water company fined £50,000 with £25,000 costs after
admitting polluting rivers and streams. The Court was
told that an error in setting the height of a weir at a
sewage treatment works allowed untreated sewage to
escape into watercourse.
* * * * *
Water management company fined £54,000 with over
£2,500 costs and two directors fined £3,000, for
polluting rivers. The company had been hired to dispose
of sludge from a treatment works, which had been
spread on farmland, but due to poor supervision of the
‘sludge spread’, found its way into nearby rivers.
* * * * *
Four companies ordered to pay a total of more than
£750,000 for breaking the rules of the EU Emissions
Trading Scheme, the first to be imposed by the EA for
what is described as failure to account for carbon
emissions during the trading schemes’ first year. The
businesses penalised (a steel recycling business, a tile
manufacturer, a food manufacturer and an adhesive
manufacturer) failed to provide information on their
emissions, which resulted in an automatic penalty under
the scheme rules.
Company News and Products
Tempus -
Occupational Health Consultancy
Tempus deliver a range of Occupational Health Services
which includes specialist services for Health
Professional, Human Resources and Management to
enable companies to meet their health and safety and
general business needs. Further information tel: 0121
233 3100 or e-mail: sales@tempus.co.uk
Chemetall PLC
Chemetall PLC has strengthened its presence in Ireland
with the appointment of Keith Russell as Surface
Treatment Sales Manager. Keith has relocated to the
territory and this will provide the opportunity to build up
Chemetall’s sales to the Emerald Isle.
Schloetter Company Ltd
Schloetter have released the following new products:
SLOTOCOUP CU 140 - a new copper plating process
for the PCB Industry, especially developed for the
electroplating of blind micro-vias, an ideal process for
through-hole plating.
SLOTOCOUP BV 110 - a flexible process for blind
vias filling in either pattern or panel plating mode. The
process has exceptional levelling and the deposit
displays good ductility with low internal stress.
Corrector PSV - for the control of Zinc in Cr3+ based
passivation baths, resulting in decreased corrosion
protection and finally renewal of the bath solution.
For further information on the above products contact:
Paul Griffiths, Tel: 01386 552331
Chemetall PLC
A new pre-treatment process has enabled a turf
maintenance equipment manufacturer to improve
corrosion resistance whilst reducing the impact of their
paint system on the environment. Replacing their former
zinc phosphate pre-treatment process with Chemetall’s
new Oxsilan nanoscale technology has made significant
gains in paint quality whilst at the same time diminishing
the effect on the environment.
The new process operates at ambient temperature,
reduced labour costs associated with minimal cleaning
and no waste disposal costs, with the added bonus of a
significant reduction in water consumption as the rinsing
process is much cleaner.
For further information Tel: 01908 361885
Wieländer + Schill UK Ltd
Two painting processes to reduce costs:
SIMPLE-PAINT de-ioniser system is for the nonelectrostatic
painting of metal, plastics, glass, leather and
wood with either high or low pressure spray guns with
water or solvent based paints. Fitted between the
compressor and the spray area, its purpose is to remove
oil, dirt and moisture and the de-ionised ultra clean air
neutralises electrostatically charged particles resulting in
a working environment where overspray is reduced,
quality improves, productivity increases and paint
consumption falls.
ATIMIX for powder coating and electrostatic paint use.
The ATIMAX system is designed to remove virtually all
the electrostatic field currently disrupting the painting
process, de-ionise the air used by the spray guns and
improve the coverage of the paint whether in liquid or
powder form. It is claimed that both systems have been
extensively used on production lines in Europe, and in
every case the claims have been proved to be true.
For more information telephone 01722 422270
Elcometer Instruments Limited
Elcometer launches the first purpose test kit to meet ISO
8502-3, the assessment of dust on steel surfaces prepared
for painting (pressure-sensitive tape method).
Inadequate preparation of steel substrates prior to
applying a coating can lead to premature failures. To
ensure a lasting coating performance, it is essential to
assess the cleanliness of the surface. ISO 8502-3: 1992
provides pictorial ratings which can be used in the
assessment of the average quantity of dust. Based on
using a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, ISO 8502-3 can
be used as both a ‘pass/fail’ test – by comparison with
specific limits – and as a permanent inspection record.
The Elecometer 142 Dust Tape Test Kit provides users,
for the first time, with a specifically designed inspection
kit which can be used for ISO 8502-3, and contains all
the components required for accurate testing.
For more information visit www.elcometer.com
or e-mail: sales@elcometer.com
ITRI
ITRI launches Tin Innovations Network (TIN) as a new
initiative aimed at bringing together research
communities from around the world to focus on tin
innovations through communication and co-operation.
Using their expertise and knowledge base in tin
technologies, ITRI has evaluated key global drivers to
create a strategic research agenda with a set of aligned
tin innovations. Portfolios include Sustainability, Energy
and Functional Materials. A particular focus of TIN will
be promotion of research in tin producing countries.
Further information from Dr Jeremy Pearce at ITRI tel:
0044 (0) 1344 871 311
Titanium Information Group (TIG)
Titanium offers a combination of lightweight, high
strength and corrosion resistance to designers and
engineers. TIG is holding a seminar on 2 May at the
National Metalforming Centre to bring together speakers
from academia and industry to explain the different
treatments available for its use. For further details from
Neil Lowrie telephone 01709 722 463
Tecan
TECfin Connect is a new range of gold-based finishes
designed to provide optimum durability, reliability
and/or solderability dependant on the application. The
finishes have been developed to change surface
properties for specific electronic applications from
consumer electronics products to aerospace, medical and
military needs.
Four corrosion resistant finish options are offered
allowing the most appropriate to be selected to ensure
the best possible performance characteristics for
application–specific needs, including properties such as
conductivity, connection, solderability and contact
resistance. Further information tel: 01305 765432
Autopaint International
Autopaint pledges to support customers through the
European Products Directive (EPD) which limits the use
of organic solvents in vehicle refinishing paints from
January 2007. It is estimated that some 4,000 smaller
bodyshops will continue to use non-compliant materials,
despite the deadline. They are concerned about the cost
of upgrading their mixing, drying and spray equipment
and question how the new regulation will be policed in
such a diverse trade sector which extends from insurance
company repair networks to ‘back garden’ sprayshops.
Michael Smith Engineers
Drums and chemical pumps for transfer of hazardous
surface finishing chemicals. FTI plastics magnet drive
centrifugal pumps deliver flows of up to 40m3/hr and
heads up to 30 metres. Available in polypropylene or
PVDF their dry run capacity means optimum protection
for your system. Further details freephone 0800 316
7891
News Flash - Platers Beware!
We have been advised that there is an increasing problem
with burglaries with one company being burgled 5 times
in the last 4 months. Over a weekend, over £8,000 worth
of Nickel was stolen. Result the company has ceased
nickel and chromium plating with the resultant
redundancies and disruption to many customers. It is
understood that this an endemic industry problem which
it is suggested should be co-ordinated by the police for
cross county incidents.
If your company has suffered with similar incidents let
the IMF know and further bring the problem to the
attention of the authorities.
Editor’s comment – The British Metal Recycling
Association runs a national register for stolen materials
that may turn up in one of the many scrap yards in the
UK. The contact is Lindsey Millington – they may help to
track the missing metals, worth giving them a call – tel:
01480455249
Organic Finishing Group
Following the very successful Organic Finishing
symposium last year and the recent ‘Organic Finishing
in the Aerospace Industry’ organised by the then Organic
Finishing working party, Council at its recent meeting
approved the formation of a Organic Finishing Group.
The first requirement is the ‘legalisation’ – election of
chairman, secretary, treasurer, committee etc. Unlike a
Branch, a Group is not normally regionally based. Any
members who would like to be involved in the workings
of this new body should contact Exeter House.
Midland Branch
22 May at the Birmingham Medical Institute
1⁄2 day FREE seminar on Water Savings.
This event will feature a keynote presentation on behalf
of the Water Management Society followed by
presentations on the use/savings of water.
See enclosed insert or look on the IMF website or
contact the Branch Secretary: ronread@ic24.net
New Members and Transfers
Student
Akinci, Beril - Istanbul University
Ebage, Andy - Loughborough University
Ebru, Sam - Istanbul University
Yuksel, Behiye- Istanbul University
Affiliate
Barker, Iain - Firma-Chrome Ltd
Busby, Nigel - Daido Industrial. Bearings
Dehil, Paul - Hawker Pacific Aerospace
Durnin, Paul - S R Technics
Ekless, Philip - Messier Services
Fitzpatrick, Charles - S R Technics
Gormley, Philip - Verichrome Plating Services
Haggett, Anthony - Messier Services
Hare, Mark - BAE Systems
Kernaghan, Gary - Hawker Pacific Aerospace
King, Benjamin - SKF (UK) Ltd
Manning, Ian - Triumph Motorcycles Ltd
Martyak, Nicholas - Atofina Chemicals Inc.
Mayhew, Phillip - Alan Technologies
Mayhew, Stephen - BMW Oxford
Pritchard, Mark - BAE Systems
Poole, Tony - Hawker Pacific Aerospace
Porter, Mark - S R Technics
Saunders, Lee - BMW Oxford
Saxby, Luke - Hawker Pacific Aerospace
Sibson, Jeremy - Honda R & D Europe
Stancu, Rodica - Mech.Eng.Res.Inst, Bucharest
Sverdloff, Neil - Nu-Pro Surface Treatments
Tratt, Carolyn - Daido Industrial Bearings
Watson, Andrew - De La Rue
Yeo, Adrian - AST Ltd
Bobbin, Shaun - Brace, Ross
Butler, Paul - Costelloe, Shaun
Deus, Patrica - Dunn, Simon
Ham, Steven - Hurley, Michael
Hurne, Andrew - Loughlan, Elizabeth
Moorcroft, David - Neath, Christopher
Reynolds, Richard
All above from SFK (UK) Ltd
Cummins, Carl Davies, Scott
Devine, Michael Duncan, Melvin
Kirby, Mark Rich, Daniel
Workman, Laurie
All above from Poetons Industries Limited
TechIMF
Churchil, James * Messier Services
Licentiate
Carey, John ** Dana Glacier Vandervell
Member
Arnold, Clive *
Fellow
Briggs, Sam # Northern Ireland
Keers, Grant # Atotech Germany
Martyak, Nicholas Arkema Inc. USA
Transfer from *Affiliate, #Member, ** TechIMF
Recent Examination Results
Foundation - January & February 2007
Brodie, Alexander * Doig, Alan *
Gray, John * Lamond, Derek #
McGlasham, Leslie # McLaren, Fraser #
Ward, Colin *
All above from DARA
Barton, David * Blackmore, Daniel *
Bojkowski, Adan Champion, Stephen
Cockayne, Allan Coombes, Tim
Kalnins, Nick * Mayer, Andrew *
Roka, Rodrick Sherriff, Mark #
Timmis, Barry #
All above from South West Metal Finishing Ltd
Lawrence, Paul * Ashton & Moore Ltd
Whitehead, Emma * CML Group
Distance Learning - General Principles
Azanu, Robert Private student
Distance Learning - Paint, Lacquer & Varnish
Pritchard, Mark # BAE Systems
Distance Learning - Environment Module
Cromwell, Paul * Stainless Plating Ltd
Yeo, Adrian # AST Ltd
* pass with merit # pass with distinction
Metal Finishing Golf Day
This year the Golf Society will be holding this event on:
Thursday 17 May at Handsworth Golf Club
18 hole competitions for Stableford/Medal will be in the
afternoon - tee off 1.30-2.30 pm.
Entry forms available from
Asbury Brodie, 1 Dover Street, Birmingham B18 5HN
and J.R.Bate, 21 Sunningdale Close, Birmingham
B20 1LH.
Previous entrtrants will receive a Entry Form direct.
History revisited
At the recent Council Meeting, the consideration of a
name change was once again under discussion. What
was made abundantly clear is that the initials IMF and
the logo were not to be surrendered. Whilst a name
change can be easily carried out, the cost of changing all
the associated paperwork could be very high and should
not to taken lightly.
What does the membership think. Send your thoughts to
Exeter House.
New Sustaining Member
AlanTechnologies Ltd
Unit 1, 26 Station Road
Coleshill, Birmingham B46 1HT
Tel: 01675 466444, Fax: 01676 530205
Alan Technologies supply all speciality chemicals for
surface finishing for electrodeposition of nickel,
chromium, zinc, zinc alloy and tin, as well as cleaners,
passivates, top coats, waste water treatment materials,
mechanical plating, commodities, pH papers etc.
WEEE, RoHS and ELV compliant.
Out and About
Environmental Technology/Environmental
Services/Sustainability Live Exhibition
1 - 3 May 2007 at the NEC, Birmingham
Information hotline - 01870 443 6089
Institute of Vitreous Enamellers Annual Technical
Seminar
8 - 9 May 2007 at the Whitehouse Hotel Telford
Further information Tel: 01543 450596
or E-mail: info@ive.org.uk
Sustainable Development in the Coating Industry
26 June 2007 at Hampton, UK organised by the Paint
Research Association. Further details from Janet Sarary,
fax 020 8487 0801
SURFIN 2007
13 - 16 August at the Cleveland Convention Centre,
Cleveland Ohio.
More information: www.sur-fin.net or contact
Cheryl Clarke at: 202 457 8403, e-mail: cclark@nasf.org
Call for Papers
Annual conference showcasing postgraduate and new
research into waste minimisation, recovery, reuse and
recycling of ‘waste’ materials and novel approaches
to waste treatment. 4 - 5 July at the University of
Nottingham Jubilee Campus.
Abstracts c 200 words in MS Word format to:
tacklingwaste@northampton.ac.uk or telephone: 01604
892419
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