New small and efficient humidifier from Condair

HVAC

New small and efficient humidifier from Condair

Condair is launching the Condair RM, a new low capacity resistive steam humidifier that can provide up to 8kg of steam to a duct. This level of output is ideal for applications like CRAC units in data centres, MRI suites in hospitals and high-end residential humidification. It is also ideal for offering zonal humidity control in branch ducts of buildings, like galleries or multi-occupancy offices, where a specific area of the building requires an independently managed humidity level.

The Condair RM reduces the cost of consumables, when compared to electrode boiler humidifiers, as it incorporates a boiling chamber that can be cleaned to remove lime scale, rather than needing disposable plastic cylinders. It is also, therefore, a more sustainable solution. As the Condair RM has resistive heating elements it can operate on RO water, as well as a regular mains water supply. As RO water is virtually mineral-free, scale build-up is nearly eliminated, further improving the service efficiency of the unit.

As resistive steam humidifiers, such as the Condair RM, use a submerged heating element to create steam, they react faster than an electrode boiler humidifier that relies on the conductivity of the water. This allows resistive steam humidifiers to provide more accurate humidity control, as they respond faster to a control signal. The Condair RM can offer ±5%RH control

with mains water or ±2%RH control with RO water.

Electric steam humidifiers manage the mineral content of the boiling chamber by periodically draining high mineral-content water and replacing it with fresh water. The Condair RM has an intelligent water control system that allows drain cycles to be tailored to the supply water quality. Hard water causes increased scale build-up, so drain cycles can be programmed more frequently to minimise service requirements. Alternatively, in soft water areas, the time between drain cycles can be lengthened to minimise water consumption and the energy required to heat the water.

The unit is very compact in size at just 470mm wide, 350mm high by 150mm deep, making it ideal to locate in plant rooms. It can be wall or floor-mounted and is available in capacities ranging from just 2 to 8kg/h, with full modulation across the output. The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidification and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair plc, which offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares. You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk.

Health & Safety

What you need to know about working in leading edge applications

Despite steady progress, falls from height remain a common cause of injury and death across Europe. This is why regulations surrounding fall protection equipment exist and are regularly updated – to help ensure manufacturers meet certain standards. These regulations, and the associated standards that manufacturers of fall protection equipment must meet, are important when working in leading edge applications.

In this article, Tim Bissett, Technical Manager for Fall Protection at MSA Safety looks at the relevant standards relating to leading edge work; what to look out for in the equipment you use; and what processes you need to have in place, including the vital importance of a rescue plan.

Tim has been Technical Manager for the Latchways® Engineered Systems range for 18 years. Part of his role is to contribute to the development of product standards for PPE. This involves looking at product testing methods and systems and evolving standards to meet changing industry needs. He is a member of the BSI Technical Committee PH/5, from which he convenes two working groups for CEN/TC 160.

What is leading edge work?

“Leading edge” work or “edge working” is defined as working at any unprotected edge of a platform, floor, or other construction point where there’s a risk that the lifeline a worker is using may come in contact with an exposed edge, or edge of the working surface. In many scenarios, leading edge applications occur when a worker is connected to an anchor point below their back D-ring, although it’s also possible when anchor points are above this position.

Work in leading edge applications presents its own unique challenges and safety hazards; one of which is the greater risk of lifelines being frayed, cut, or severed on impact with the edge in the event of a fall. This is complicated further should the worker swing after falling, creating a pendulum-like motion. The friction this causes can increase the likelihood of the lifeline being cut or severed.

These potential risks place a sharp focus on testing criteria

within relevant standards, following best practice and choosing the right equipment for the job. Let’s start by looking at the standards you need to be aware of.

Standards relating to leading edge work

First things first, before any leading edge work takes place, check that the equipment you’re using adheres to the relevant standards. We appreciate that these standards can seem complex, so we’ve broken them down below.

PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425

These regulations, which were first introduced in 2018, imposed additional requirements on manufacturers of PPE, including an assessment of the risks against which the PPE is intended to protect and changes in requirements for product marking. It’s vital that purchasers of PPE take steps to ensure that their suppliers meet these new regulatory requirements. You can do so by looking out for the CE marking affixed to PPE. This provides evidence of compliance with the applicable EU legislation.

EN 360 and CNB/P/11.060

This standard (EN 360:2002), relating to retractable fall arrest devices, is currently under revision and is expected to be out for review shortly prior to publication. It is likely, given their increasing popularity, that an updated standard will encompass twin-legged, as well as singleunit retractable devices. Be mindful that overhead or traditional SRLs meeting the requirements of EN 360:2002 are not necessarily designed or rated to arrest a fall over an edge. Necessary steps should always be taken to select the absolute right equipment for the job at hand.

CNB/P/11.060 is a coordination document associated with EN 360:2002. It outlines the testing criteria for the use of SRLs in leading edge applications, specifically how SRLs must carry evidence of dynamic performance, dynamic strength, and static strength within a leading edge application with the retractable lifeline stressed over an edge. Adherence to this coordination document and the testing criteria within it are central to mitigating the potential risk of lines fraying or being cut in the event of a fall.

First port of call: hierarchy of fall protection

Typically, fall protection is associated with saving a worker’s life in the event of a fall. And while this isn’t strictly wrong, it’s not the ideal scenario either. The hierarchy of fall protection helps to prevent a worker ever getting into a situation where they could fall by prioritising various applications from “most preferred” to “least preferred”. Leading edge applications will inevitably mean working in fall arrest – the “least preferred” option. It’s not something to take lightly and should always be a last resort, taken only once the first three options outlined below have been explored. 1. Hazard elimination. This means the removal of the hazard by designing it out wherever possible. It’s the “most preferred”, safest option. If there’s no hazard, there’s no fall. 2. Collective (or passive) fall prevention. This defines products that prevent access to a fall hazard. A guardrail, for instance, acts as a physical barrier between the worker and the hazard. 3. Fall restraint. If working in fall restraint then there is no barrier between the user and the fall hazard. Instead, they’re using fall protection equipment – harness, lanyard, and anchor point – that will not allow them to reach the hazard. For example, a worker who is working in fall restraint may use a six metre lanyard to connect to an anchor point at least seven metres away from the fall hazard. 4. Fall arrest. This defines equipment designed to catch (or “arrest”) the worker in the event of a fall. This is the “least preferred” option because arresting a fall exposes the worker to significant forces, putting them at risk of physical harm. Rescuing a fallen worker (which we’ll come onto a little later) can also be a challenging and potentially dangerous process.

Let’s take a look at some key things to consider if – after following this hierarchy – edge working remains the only option available.

Choosing the right harness for the job

First things first, all harnesses on the market should be compliant in accordance with EN 361:2002. That’s a given. But a good harness – one that’s comfortable, doesn’t restrict workers’ movement, and mitigates impact on the user’s body in the event of a fall – goes beyond mere compliance.

Fit is fundamental to achieving this. Leg and shoulder straps should be easily adjustable for a comfortable, snug fit. The user’s finished position in a fall scenario should be heads up and slightly forward-leaning. This is important for correct distribution of load through the leg straps and load through the body, such that the spine and pelvis are being properly supported and protected. In a fall event, a good quality, well-fitted harness can help limit the effects of suspension trauma/ syncope (more on that later).

While incredibly important, fit is just one aspect. Fall protection harnesses are highly engineered pieces of kit and many design features dictate performance, such as appropriate materials for improved fit and speed of donning, or how dirt may affect the webbing (to name just a few). If in doubt about which harness is most appropriate for you and/ or the job at hand then consult with a reputable manufacturer.

Do nothing without training

Making sure your workers have completed a comprehensive training programme is absolutely essential. Not only do employers have a responsibility to provide suitable information, instruction and training for their employees, but training gives those working at height the confidence, knowledge and skills required to carry out their work safely and efficiently. It will also teach operatives how to properly use, care and maintain their equipment.

If you must, be prepared

For many, having followed the hierarchy of fall protection, edge working remains an unavoidable reality. If that’s the case then the steps you take before any work takes place are vital. So, stop, think and ask yourself these three questions: 1. Training, training, training. Have my workers received the very best training for the specific job at hand? Are they as prepared as they can be to work safely and confidently? 2. Am I up to speed with and implementing the very latest legislation and best practice processes? 3. Is the equipment I’m using not only compliant with the relevant legislation, but designed specifically for work in leading edge applications?

Finally, remember, you don’t have to tackle all of this alone. Any reputable fall protection provider – like MSA Safety – is readily available for consultation on any of the above. They will be willing to help guide you on implementing the very best and safest work at height solutions. And at no other time is that more important than when working in leading edge applications.

Visit www.MSAsafety.com to view MSA’s full fall protection range, including training courses.

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