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Market Report: Health & Safety pt2 Hand arm vibration, noise & dust Latest products: Noise and dust GenSet keeps it quiet On 3 January 2006, the second element of Directive 2000/14/EC on Noise Requirements became effective, which amends the Noise Emissions in the Environment by Equipment for Use Outdoors (Amendment) Regulations 2005. This harmonises laws on noise emissions, measurements and labelling of 60 different types of plant and equipment used outdoors. The first component of the Directive was implemented in January 2002. It set a noise level that manufacturers of in-scope equipment could not exceed, and these thresholds have now been further reduced. GenSet points out that portable power generation equipment is one of the product categories most affected, being frequently specified for use outdoors, and often a diesel engine is the preferred option. The company says that all its products are compliant with the latest Directive, and that the equipment will help employers meet the requirements of the new Control of Noise at Work Regulations. “Being a major supplier throughout Europe means that we take EC regulations very seriously,” states GenSet’s Power Generation Product Champion, John Parker. “We have ensured that all our generators, from the very smallest petrol set, are compliant.” GenSet offers a line-up that ranges from a 2.2kW petrol generator to its 500kVA diesel HireMan sets. Its Ultra Silenced sets have noise levels as low as 61dB at 7m and the HireMan and HushBaby range are said to average 67dB at 7m. GenSet has also ensured that their its lighting towers have noise levels in accordance with the new legislation. The VT-1 SuperLight has a noise level of 61dB at 7m, and the HushLight range offer noise levels of 67dB. T
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777000 Briggs & Stratton for durability Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power says that light compaction equipment fleets can be subjected to the most severe working conditions, often operating in extremely dusty conditions. These represent the harshest environment in which an engine can operate, dust or air-borne debris being one of the most common materials responsible for the premature failure of internal components. This is primarily caused by silica, which can be found in sand particles and is the main component of quartz. To offer better protection, several Briggs & Stratton Vanguard single cylinder and twin cylinder engines are now available with the Donaldson industrial cyclonic air-cleaner system. This also offers extended air cleaner service intervals, reducing equipment down time and improving productivity. The engines also feature specially designed cast iron cylinder sleeves for added wear resistance. T
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335600 Makita’s noise and dust solutions Dust extraction connections are standard equipment on the majority of Makita circular saws, jigsaws, table saws and mitre saws, routers and sanders. Dust collection bags and holders are also fitted to a number of specialist tools such as the company’s biscuit jointer, belt sanders and concrete planer. Water dust suppression systems are fitted to Makita’s stone polishers, core cutters and petrol engine disc cutters. The HR2432 SDS+ rotary hammer drill has an integral dust collection system that uses the airflow exhausted by the mains motor to extract dust from the drill bit immediately adjacent to the hole being drilled. Makita recently introduced a dust extraction coupling for the new Diamak diamond core set that draws air over the outside of the core as it cuts through the brickwork and pulls the air through the core to the extraction unit. The 445X dust extractor is a 1200-watt vacuum with a 40-litre tank capacity, complete with two flexible hoses, various nozzles and extension tubes. Makita says that machines with low vibration ratings usually generate lower noise, although contact noise between the steel and the concrete to be broken is less controllable. The company also offers a range of brushcutters for grounds maintenance professionals. They feature four-stroke engines that are said to give lower noise levels, reduced emissions and plenty of torque. Makita plans to put what it claims to be the first four-stroke chainsaw into production this autumn. T
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211678 Upgraded Dustcontrol vacuum Dustcontrol has introduced an upgraded version of its cyclone based DC 2700c industrial vacuum cleaner with a new chassis and a separate micro-filter to the main filter. Called the DC 2800c, it is designed for on-tool extraction from equipment such as a wall chaser or a floor grinding tool, or it can be used for general on-site cleaning. Dust is securely contained to prevent emission into the air, says the company. Filter cleaning is achieved with reverse pulse so that work can continue without having to remove filters on site. Extracted material is collected in a plastic sack at the base of the cyclone, and it can be disposed of without release of dust. A steel container is available as an option. T
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811800 Abraclean blasts off The Satblast, available from Abraclean Ltd, is a variable pressure slurry blast system designed for cleaning or preparing brick, stone, concrete and steel without producing airborne dust or exposing the operator to risk from HAV. It is also faster and less labour intensive than mechanical cleaning methods. The company offers a range of shot blast cleaning systems, all of which are claimed to have been shown in tests to be used for eight hours a day within permissible HAV limits. T
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1398 Duradiamond does the double The Multiswivel dual wet and dry diamond drilling system from Duradiamond is designed to offer efficient dust extraction and to stop core bits from jamming. The system has an innovative sliding collar that redirects dust through the Multiswivel head to a vacuum cleaner. It can be used with any size of core bit. By reversing the swivel head and slotting the water reservoir into the vacuum/pump unit, the product can be used for the wet drilling of hard materials, using the same set of core bits. The head allows water or dust to pass separately around the drive shaft, significantly reducing component wear and increasing the life of the system, says Duradiamond. With wet drilling being up to ten times faster than dry, this also reduces the exposure of the operator to vibration. “This dual capability makes Multiswivel cost-effective for hirers, and customers will appreciate it because they will be fully equipped for drilling whatever material is encountered,” contends Duradiamond Managing Director, John Clark. This month, the company is introducing a hire kit, presented in an aluminium case. “We’ve listened to our hire clients,” says John Clark, “and have launched this to help reduce the number of components to be accounted for.” Any suitable drill can be used, with adaptors available, but a new 1900 watt Multiswivel 3-speed drill specifically designed for wet and dry diamond drilling can be supplied. T
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863028 Keep on alert with Castle Castle Group of Scarborough has launched dBAlert, a device that warns the wearer when noise levels become dangerous, and that hearing protection must be used. It also notifies the wearer when it is safe to remove their ear defenders. According to industrial safety legislation, areas subject to hazardous noise must be clearly defined, and workers notified of the risk. In many industrial settings, the noise hazard will vary throughout the premises and employees are often mobile. dBAlert activates only when the noise exceeds a user-defined, pre-set level. On triggering, a warning LED flashes to catch the wearer’s attention through their peripheral vision, warning exposed workers that ear-defenders must be worn. The product is also available with an optional vibrating alert. T
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584250 New Boy at UK Generators UK Generators says that its generators already meet the latest noise emissions regulations. The New Boy 3,000rpm water-cooled diesel model draws its cooling air, and discharges its exhaust and hot air, on one side only. This makes it suitable for applications where the generator needs to be installed in a secondary enclosure, such as site cabins, catering trailers, and exhibition trailers. In addition, the unit is fully serviceable from the front. The Kubota engine runs at 62dB. The company says its hydraulic powered generator is used extensively within the powered access market, being driven by the host machine’s integral hydraulic supply. It produces 3.5kVA of AC power at either 110V or 220V. Optional 50Hz or 60Hz units are also available. The company says the product can be used on a variety of equipment, and that it can offer a better solution for many on-site power requirements in terms of reduced noise, emissions and maintenance. T
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747500 Executive Hire News › Archives › April 2006 › Market Report › Latest products: Noise and dust
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