e-News - Castings Technology International

March 2007While many Members emphasised the value of the Information and Metallurgical services, it was not uncommon tofind some that were unaware of the environmental and workplace monitoring services – the very area where mostreported that they most needed assistance. Several were struggling with legislation, local Councils or theEnvironment Agency on matters where we can and now will provide considerable assistance. In response tocomments made, we are increasing the range of environmental services to cover assessment of noise,measurement of odours, and waste and water analysis.As a consequence of the visits, 16 Members are obtaining a range of Health, Safety and Environmental services, 4Members are seeking training for employees, 7 Members will receive consultancy support on plant layout, newmoulding lines, bottom-pour ladle practice, etc., and 3 required assistance with the prototyping of new productsand related manufacturing process development.If you would like a visit, free of charge, to discuss any aspect of service you require, or would like to visit Cti to seefirst-hand how the investments made in technology can assist your business, please contact Colin Blackburn.‘Members Only’ Area of Cti’s Web-Site• Members who have not yet registered on Cti’s web-site, should click on this link to access details on how toproceed.• Minutes of the meetings of Cti’s Research Committee and Environmental Committee are now available on theMembers Only section of the web-site. After logging-in, click on Technical Documents and Cti ResearchMinutes or Environmental Committee Minutes.• A Members’ Bulletin Board is being developed to enable Members to post critiques, ask questions, suggestimprovements, recommend R&D projects, new services, topics for workshops, etc.• The possibility of developing an advanced document search facility is being investigated.Working GroupsWorking Groups, which any Member can attend, review and comment on Cti’s research activities. They alsoprovide a discussion forum for technical issues relevant to steel and nickel alloy, iron, and non-ferrous alloycastings, and a mechanism by which Members propose and discuss new topics for R&D and awareness activities.• The Iron Castings Working Group met at Cti Alvechurch on Wednesday, 28 th February. For further details,please contact Martin Fallon.• A Non-Ferrous Working Group meeting is to be held at Cti Rotherham on 7 th March. Contact Peter Thompsonfor further details.• All Members are invited to attend any of the Working Group meetings. For further details, please contact PeterM. Haigh.Health, Safety and Environmental Services• HSE is making control of Hand-Arm Vibration in foundries a priority for 2007. In response, Cti held a Hand-Arm Vibration Focus Group meeting on the 15th February 2007 at Alvechurch. Contact Jon Donohoe on 01142537801 or j.donohoe@castingstechnology.com for information on future meetings.• The ROHS (Restriction of the use of Hazardous Substances) Directive and the WEEE (Waste Electronic andElectrical Equipment) Directive are covered in a new briefing note (2007-01). These two directives should notplace obligations on casting manufacturers but if you require further information, contact Jon Donohoe on 01142537801 or j.donohoe@castingstechnology.com.Climate Change LevyThe casting sector is presently reporting its performance to the Secretary of State at the third milestoneof its Climate Change Agreement, representing the period 1st October 2005 to 30th September 2006. As at thetwo previous milestones in 2002 and 2004, it appears likely that the sector will not meet its agreed performanceCopyright © 2007. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this document, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without thewritten permission of Castings Technology International.Page 4