FSDF advises on DSEAR compliance and legionella

The Food Storage and Distribution Federation (FSDF) considers health & safety a principal concern. One of its working committees, the Technical and Safety Committee highlights key issues, identifies best practice and advises members of legislative changes that can have an impact on their business. The committee comprises experienced professionals in engineering and refrigeration as well as safety advisors and specialists who apply their expertise and best practice to enhance services for FSDF members.

Chris Sturman, CEO of FSDF explains: "Over the past four years, the FSDF's Technical and Safety Committee has developed a close working relationship with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and we are proud of the relationship that has developed between our organisations that has enabled practical solutions to be produced to particular problems unique to the food and drink sector. By combining our knowledge and expertise, we are confident we will be able to tackle key issues that affect our fellow colleagues in the supply chain."

One project the FSDF is working on with the HSE is the production of technical guidance for owners of ammonia refrigeration plants to ensure compliance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002. Ammonia is both an explosive substance under certain circumstances and is toxic. The initial focus of the guidance is to complement IEC600079:10-1; the International Standard that provides detailed requirements for hazardous area classification in accordance with DSEAR.A hazardous area is one in which explosive gas/air mixtures may be expected to be found in quantities such as to require precautions for the construction, installation and use of electrical equipment. It has been known for some time that the approach for calculating the Vz (the flammable gas cloud volume) has been shown to be conservative to the value of three times or more.

As a result of previous joint meetings, research work undertaken by the Health and Safety Laboratory at Buxton has resulted in the release of a new software product, Quadvent, a mathematical model of a flammable gas jet that can be used as part of a hazardous area classification exercise under the DSEAR regulations. Quadvent allows the user to obtain realistic estimates of Vz for a given gas, pressure and hole size. The model can take into account the effects of ventilation by specifying the room volume and ventilation rate.

"We at FSDF welcome the development of this useful tool which should enable a saving of capital and maintenance costs of unnecessary protection regimes. This allows businesses to have the assurance that the most appropriate risk assessment and management environment is in place and working effectively. We recommend that our member companies that use ammonia refrigeration consult with their engineers and outside contractors to undertake an updated evaluation using Quadvent and apply the results to any changes that are then required as part of a demonstrably effective response to the requirements set out in the Regulations," says Sturman.

Another concern for cold and chilled facility operators is the threat of an outbreak of Legionnaires disease. It has been shown that in 90% of all outbreaks, employers failed to identify risk or to put in place effective controls. David Snowball, HSE director for Scotland & Northern England reported that its research confirmed that evaporating condensers posed one of the greatest legionella risks. "If we, or local authority inspectors, find the appropriate controls are not in place, we will take enforcement action. Inspections are a valuable part of our regulatory action," he says.

"They are however no substitute for companies meeting their legal duties on a daily basis, given that legionella levels can increase to high levels in a matter of days or weeks." With this in mind, the FSDF's Technical and Safety Committee continues to ensure that this issue remains a high priority on members' agendas in order to minimise risk of contamination, and a forthcoming technical and safety seminar will focus on this topic.

The Food Storage and Distribution Federation is a UK trade body representing and supporting the food supply chain.