Upcoming 2019 European parliament elections are currently influencing work plans programmed for this year and beyond, with a number of items being prioritised before a potential change of representatives.  

Although Brexit negotiations are continuing apace, these are not expected to affect directives concerning safety, health and environmental issues at present, but resource is inevitably diverted to concentrate on these important issues.

Machinery Directive (MD)

An impact assessment is due to start by the end of 2018. No major revisions are expected, but there will be a number of improvements and clarifications. In particular, the impact of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and Human-Robot Cooperation are the main focus.

Outdoor Noise Directive (OND).

The public consultation concluded in April this year with a final report expected in September 2018. Any new proposals will fall under the mandate of the new commission, so revisions to the directive are not expected before 2021.

Pressure Equipment (PED) and Simple Pressure Vessels (SPVD) Directives.

There are ongoing discussions regarding the applicability of the latest SPVD 2014/29/EU revision, due to the use of the term ‘fillers.’  The next update is expected by September 2018.

Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)

Reach is an EU regulation dating from 18 December 2006, which addresses the production and use of chemical substances, and their potential impacts on both human health and the environment.

The latest review report in March 2018 stated that no amendments were required, but some actions were proposed to make the regulation more effective. There is an on-going review of the candidate list of substances, which now include trimethoxyamphetamines (TMA) and Dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP). Lead may also be included in the next revision, expected in November 2018, which may have some impact as it can be present in small proportions in brass or other metals acting as an alloying element to aid machinability.  

Circular Economy

The current global focus on the reduction of ‘single-use’ plastics is affecting some end-users in the plastics industry, as they adjust to a reduction in demand for their products and their consumption of compressed air reduces. This has little direct impact on current air compressor manufacturing practices (other than packaging for components, etc.), but the future focus may shift to a ‘design for recycling’ methodology, encouraging the industry to explore the use of more recycled material during the design process.

EcoDesign Directive

For the compressed air industry, the focus remains on Ecodesign; Lot 31, which potentially incorporates components of energy efficiency and labelling directives. It is pleasing to report that the European Commission has now appointed a policy officer and the project is building momentum. 

Alongside ‘standard air’ products, the measure will likely include ‘oil-free’ and ‘low pressure’ compressor packages within a single item of legislation, but with different requirements for each group. As energy saving potential is relatively low, it is likely that product information requirements will be the primary concern. 

Final adoption of the Lot 31 Ecodesign measure is expected for the beginning of 2020 at the earliest.

F-Gas phase-down

The phase-down process is ongoing, and the benefits of reclaiming and recycling is being promoted in order to reduce the impact of increasing costs due to restricted supply. The promotion of lower GWP refrigerants is also being encouraged to increase end-user awareness. A useful guide from BCAS to reducing the costs associated with the F-Gas phase-down process can be found on page xxx