Case Studies » Yamazaki Mazak
The challenge
A visit was made to the Yamazaki Mazak UK Limited site at Worcester in June 2015 to consider compliance in respect of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR).
Yamazaki Mazak specialise in the manufacture of high quality machine tools for a range of client sectors.
Finishing stages include grinding, spray painting or coating of products to client-led requirements. While operations are not particularly complex, process activity routinely involves a range of potentially hazardous substances.
The solution provided
A range of flammable paint, coatings, curing agents and thinners (containing Butanol, Xylene and Ethylbenzene etc.) were found to be routinely used on-site. Many were used in ambient conditions at temperature above flashpoint and thus present a fire / explosion risk.
Dust from grinding, powder coating or other plant operations can often be flammable if present in sufficient quantity as ‘fines’.
A full review of all site operations was undertaken and each areas was assessed to determine what DSEAR risks existed.
It was identified to site management that fire or explosion hazards arise if flammable vapour or dust builds up where there may be an ignition source from electrics or a hot surface etc.
Hazardous area classification requirements were calculated and clearly identified in the report provided to management. A range of improvement actions were recommended to take the business forwards towards full DSEAR compliance.
