In a survey carried out by the Safety and Health Engineering Partnership (SHEP), 84% of respondents stated that the pandemic has made them more aware of how virus, bacteria and other particles transmit through the air, with 70% advising that Covid-19 has made them more mindful of the dangers of airborne particles.

“What is worrying is the fact that 27% of responses said that their employer does not provide training on how to use control measures, while 21% admitted that their local exhaust ventilation [LEV] systems are tested by a competent person less than once every 14 months,” says SHEP chairman Chris Buxton, CEO of the British Fluid Power Association (BFPA). “Providing controls is a great start, but if operatives do not understand how to use them, they may have little impact. LEV is widely regarded as the most effective control for airborne particles and COSHH regulations require a minimum testing frequency of 14 months, which means that many UK manufacturers are potentially still not adhering to this requirement.”

For further information www.shepuk.co.uk.

BYD UK and Alexander Dennis Ltd (ADL) have jointly confirmed that their electric vehicle partnership will deliver the UK’s largest ever electric bus order. The order has been placed by RATP Dev London, one of Transport for London (TfL)’s principal bus operators, for a total of 195 single and double deck vehicles. With this order, RATP Dev London confirms its commitment to supporting TfL’s electrification plan for London’s bus network, a key objective of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy for 2018, under which all TfL buses will be zero emissions by 2037.

For further information
www.alexander-dennis.com

The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) has formed a network that brings together leading Scottish research, innovation, education and training providers to help unlock manufacturing innovation and drive growth in the sector. Providing an open channel to share knowledge, capability and ideas, the network is accessible to all organisations across the nation that can contribute to creating a sustainable and vibrant future for the Scottish manufacturing and engineering community. Companies will also be able to access the capability partners’ own networks, including the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.

For further information
www.nmis.scot

Schmitz Cargobull, a European manufacturer of semi-trailers, is opening a new factory in Manchester to build customised vehicles for UK and Irish operators. CEO Andreas Schmitz says: “The UK is a key transport and logistics market for us, as well as an important semi-trailer and rigid truck market. With the new plant we are moving closer to our customers and ensuring that we can address their needs by offering the most reliable chassis and a proven locally-produced body.” Manufacturing at the 7,500 sq m facility in Wythenshawe will start this summer with a capacity of 50 units per week.

For further information
www.cargobull.com

A former Sheffield Forgemasters apprentice now sits on the company’s board of directors as chief operating officer (COO). Gareth Barker joined in 1996 as an apprentice engineer and since progressed through the company, working across all production divisions in various managerial roles. He now takes overall responsibility for: all site operations; technical and quality output; health, safety and the environment; and the implementation of specific new plant investments. Barker will work with the company’s CEO, CFO and non-executive directors to shape and develop the future of the business.

For further information
www.sheffieldforgemasters.com