BCAS is expanding its technical capabilities with two new appointments. Tim Preece is the society’s new technical officer and Roy Brooks will fill a new position as technical development officer.

Says Vanda Jones, executive director: “These two appointments enhance our technical capabilities at a time when it is important for us to support members as the country goes through a period of significant change.

“Tim and Roy will help ensure that members are both represented and understand both current and future standards and legislation plus of course ensure that BCAS members continue to be regarded as the partner of choice for compressed air equipment supply and service.”

Tim joins the society with almost 30 years’ experience as an engineer working across a number of industries including nuclear and automotive. He has been heavily involved with pneumatics and hydraulics for the last 11 years.

Commenting on his appointment, Tim says: “I am looking forward to collaborating with members to understand and help deliver what they need from BCAS.  Alongside Roy we will be offering them an expanded technical capability.”

Roy brings 40 years’ of mechanical and electrical engineering experience to the role. His wealth of product support and service roles for organisations include Darenth Automation, Parker (dh) and IATT. His experience in the management and development of skilled teams of product support engineers gives him the ideal background to assist the BCAS membership with standards’ regulations and future training and development.

He comments: “I am looking forward to developing this new role with Tim as we work to provide a comprehensive technical support package to our members.”

Independent supplier reviews

Following its recent survey that looked at what end users want from a compressed air supplier and service provider, BCAS is urging industry to check its independent review site AirRated.

It provides compressed air users with the peace of mind that they have selected the best supplier possible based on verified customer feedback.

Pressure and Leak Testing Guide

BCAS has made its Pressure and Leak Testing Guide free to download from its website www.bcas.org.uk.

Testing compressed air components is essential to establish the system’s leak rate to help improve energy efficiency and reliability and to check or verify the integrity of pipe/fitting joints to ensure the safety of personnel.

The guide covers the pressure testing of piping and its associated components using the recommended pneumatic testing method.

Continuous Achievement Awards

Since BCAS began in 1930, seven members have been awarded a 50 years’ continuous membership award.

Another 11 have received an award for 25 years membership, 22 for 15 years and 40 for 10 years and there are some companies that have been members since the society’s inception.

Distributor committee chair

Mark Scott has been appointed as the new chair of the BCAS distributor committee. He says: “The committee is a great place to represent the interest of our distributor members within BCAS and to discuss best practice."