BOC compound a vital asset for the growing construction sector

Portable compound provides safe and secure on-site storage for industrial gases.

Guildford, UK, 9 January 2007-BOC Industrial is supporting the continued growth in the UK construction sector with the launch of a portable compound designed for the safe storage of industrial gases on building sites across the country.

The first of its kind in the UK, the three metre container-like structure has been designed by BOC Industrial to store acetylene, argon and other compressed gases regularly used in metal fabrication. Unlike standard sea containers adapted for gas storage and widely used in many building projects, the BOC portable compound does not trap toxic or flammable gases that may have leaked in storage. Instead, by allowing air to circulate throughout the compound, any leakages are quickly and continually dissipated without danger to site staff or contractors.

The compound is the progeny of BOC's 'ideas@work' programme, a cross business initiative involving a range of BOC experts to fast-track innovative business ideas from employees. From initial design to first installation has taken just eight months.

Programme manager, Darren Gurney said: "BOC is a major supporter of UK industry delivering thousands of compressed gas cylinders to construction companies and steel fabricators for welding and cutting jobs every day. We know that a secure and safe supply of compressed gases is crucial that's why we've made safe handling, transport and storage a priority for BOC employees and customers."

"Because steel construction companies are subcontracted on site, working to tight completion dates that don't warrant investment in permanent gas storage, we see corners being cut to get the job done. While on-site storage might be secure, in many cases it does not comply with industry guidelines set down by the Health and Safety Executive.

Said Gurney: "BOC Industrial is constantly aware of the need to store gases safely and always looking to bring improvements that help our customers get the most out of gases and gas related equipment. The portable compound is a prime example of BOC combining customer knowledge, hands-on expertise and commercial 'muscle' to bring a safe and practicable solution to the UK construction industry."

The BOC Industrial compound contains a range of safety and security benefits and features including:

• Multiple ventilation. Good ventilation is essential when storing compressed gases to prevent oxygen deficient or explosive atmosphere's forming. The compound is fitted with a steel mesh floor which allows a greater volume of air to circulate - rapidly dissipating heavier than air gases such as Argon and CO2 - while high level louvers vent lighter than air gases, such as helium.

• Integral cylinder pens. Ensures cylinders are restrained in an upright position without the risk of toppling and causing injury or damage to the compound. Built to accommodate all cylinder sizes the pens can hold over 100 mixed cylinders which greatly improves stock control.

• Lighting Zone 2C lighting is provided for additional safety and required for the safe movement and storage of cylinders in badly lit areas on site and throughout the winter months. The unit has its own RCD and isolator;

• Anti-theft locking. Aside from a conventional container deadlock the compound also has anti- cut cowling to prevent the external padlock being cut and a further locking point if required;

• Sturdy construction. Built to withstand the rigours of the construction environment the BOC compound has been heavy load tested to seven tonnes and meets ISO 17001 safety standards. Its construction requires little by way of maintenance;

• Reduced environmental impact. Completely self contained the compound does not require civil work before it is positioned on site and does not take up vital space on site;

• Easily transported. The compound can be easily and quickly moved onto site using just a single Hiab vehicle.

BOC Industrial has installed the first portable compound at a BOC agent site in the midlands and another 10 compounds are expected to be completed and despatched early in the new year.

Said Gurney: "The BOC Industrial portable gas compound is ideal for any project where safety, security and portability are paramount. For these reasons we see enormous potential for the compound wherever in the world BOC Industrial supports local industry."

For further information contact BOC Industrial on 0800 111 333 or visit the BOC Industrial website at www.bocindustrial.co.uk