Cti e-News - Castings Technology International

December 2006
Health, Safety and Environmental Services
• Defra have recently issued proposals for consultation on the Environmental Permitting
Programme. This will make application simpler for companies applying for a permit. It will
eventually replace PPC and transition will be automatic. Members should not be overly
concerned about the effects of this.
• The HSE are making the control of hand-arm vibration in foundries a priority for 2007. Cti have
circulated to Members a briefing note. Members should ensure they are working to requirements
of The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.
• There is a new workplace exposure limit for respirable silica of 0.1 mg.m -3 . If exposure cannot be
controlled to 0.1 mg.m -3 (8-hour TWA) or below by elimination, process change or engineering
controls, then exposure must be controlled by provision and use of suitable respiratory protective
equipment. It must be remembered that the use of suitable respiratory protection must only be
used as a last resort. A briefing note has been circulated to all Members.
• Waste companies are increasingly asking for testing of waste streams to ensure compliance with
the waste acceptance criteria introduced last year.
Climate Change
• The casting sector Climate Change Agreement has now reached its third milestone target period
and the 200 signatories are having to report upon their energy performance over the period 1st
October 2005 to 30th September 2006, which is then compared against the energy efficiency
targets that they agreed with the Secretary of State in return for 80% levy relief.
• Target 2010 Ltd has the responsibility for administering the collection of data and reporting
individual performance to Defra, including the resolution of any compliance issues, via the UK
Emissions Trading Scheme. Those foundries that are re-certified will receive the levy relief for a
further two years, i.e. to the fourth milestone in 2008, worth on average £50k/annum.
• On 12th September, at the Alvechurch Offices of Cti, Target 2010 Ltd repeated its popular half
day briefing "Climate Change Agreements - back to basics", providing both a useful refresher for
those with some prior knowledge and valuable information for the many who have had
responsibility thrust on them without any previous training.
Casting Skills Centre
• Victoria Sindaco of Aeromet International Plc, Worcester, has successfully completed the Casting
Skills Centre’s first Full Technician Advanced Apprenticeship. Vicky specialised in Engineering
Technical Services, such as determining customer requirements and conducting complex
monitoring of the company’s investment cast products. As part of her Apprenticeship, she
achieved NVQs at level 2 and 3, Key Skills qualifications and a BTEC National Certificate in
Mechanical Production Engineering and Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering.
Vicky started her apprenticeship in February 2004 and completed it in September 2006 – 11
months ahead of time!
• 19 personnel attended in-company Casting Design courses held in September and October at
Hendrickson Europe Ltd, Northampton.
• 53 personnel in 4 Member companies have received bespoke, on-site training in the past
year on Grey and Ductile Iron Production, Iron Melting Technology, Greensand
Operations and Identification of Defects
Further details on training are available from the Casting Skills Centre’s Training Calendar.
Copyright © 2006. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this document, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the
written permission of Castings Technology International.
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