Johnston Sweepers first to introduce new “lowest-emissions” Stage 5 JCB engine

Johnston Sweepers has introduced the brand new Stage 5 JCB engines to its VT Range truck mounted sweeper range, the first sweeper company to add the super-clean engines to its range of engine choices for customers. 

The 3 litre 55kW engine is available now on new sweeper orders, and a 4.8 litre 97kW version will be introduced later in 2020.

The new, “more environmentally friendly” engines have been designed to meet the new Stage 5 legislation, offering improved emissions over the previous 3b engines.

The 55Kw engine also features a particulate trap to collect harmful particulates from the exhaust system, whilst the 97Kw has a particulate trap and SCR exhaust treatment systems with ad blue.

As many cities in the UK look to move to ultra low emissions zone, considerations on diesel engines are high on the agenda for most local councils.

The debate regarding the merits of using a single engine or twin engine drive for sweepers has long raged, not only in terms of performance, but now very importantly with consideration for emissions.

The new Stage 5 JCB engine is being fitted to the twin engine range, which continues as Johnston’s most popular truck mounted sweeper product, making up 95% of its sales.

Ecomondo & Key Energy 5-8 November 2019

The Green technology, and circular Economy exhibition, Ecomondo took place in Rimini, Italy between 5-8 November, and enjoyed a presence of technology, science, policy examination, and Governmental and EU participation in a showcase of global trends in 28-halls of environmental excellence.

Ecomondo was opened by the Italian minister for the Environment, Sergio Costa who opined that “This (Ecomondo)is the world’s most important expo for the green economy”.

Mr Costa was supported by many officials from the Italian Government, demonstrating Italy’s support for businesses developing new engineering technology in the sector.

Ecomondo now covers 129,000 square metres, hosts 1,400 exhibitors, and over 100,000 delegates. This was a serious scrutiny of the circular economy.

The organisers, IEG (Italian Exhibition Group) announced a 24% increase in attendance from outside Italy.

The EU’s support in the Italian Green Economy may have edged up European interest, but there was considerable presence from outside EU states, including delegations from Brazil, Chile, Egypt, Tunisia, Ukraine and Russia, the organisers said.

Ecomondo will be back in 2020, between 3-6 November.

 Arco urges sector to prepare for HSE site inspections

An estimated 4,000 workers each year sustain a non-fatal injury at work in the waste and recycling industry. Employing 154,000 people it’s recognised as one of the most dangerous sectors in the UK.

With the highest work-related illness, accidents and fatalities, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is asking those working in the waste and recycling industry to pay closer attention to how they manage workplace risk and will be conducting site inspections, without warning, to assess the standards of health, safety and welfare.

To ensure sites are prepared, Arco is offering its customers site inspections to help ensure they meet the HSE’s top three priorities for the waste and recycling sector:

• To reduce the number of people being struck by moving vehicles
• To reduce the number of workers being caught in moving machinery
• To reduce the number of ill-health cases

Fatal injuries are 17 times higher than other industries with 30% of deaths caused by contact with moving machinery and 28% by moving vehicles. There are 6,000 estimated occupational ill health cases annually (new or long-standing), equating to 4.5% per 100,000 workers compared to an industry average 3.1%. Key hazards include bioaerosols, needle stick injuries, personal hygiene, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and noise.

The HSE issued 269 improvement notices and 77 prohibition notices 2018/19. In addition to these notices, 20 prosecution cases resulted in a total of around £2.8m fines with an average £141,000 per case.

Geesinknorba appoints new agent in Northern Ireland

Geesinknorba has announced the appointment of MacPac Refuse Bodies as its Northern Ireland agent at the Northern Ireland Waste Expo in Belfast in October.

Based in County Antrim, MacPac is a manufacturer and supplier of side-loading refuse collection vehicles and associated products to the public and private sectors across the UK.

The appointment will see MacPac become the point of contact for sales, parts, and servicing for all Geesinknorba’s Irish customers, and MacPac will be responsible for building the company’s presence across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Geesinknorba designs and manufactures a range of vehicle bodies and bin-lifting equipment for waste management applications, with a focus on innovation and delivering practical solutions to meet evolving market requirements.

All Geesinknorba’s products will be available to customers in Northern Ireland through MacPac, including its ground-breaking all-electric Li-On Power Pro RCV, the new Norba N4, and the popular GPMIV.

Colin McMorine, regional business manager for Geesinknorba, said: “We are delighted to announce that MacPac will become Geesinknorba’s agent in Northern Ireland. MacPac is the ideal partner for our brand.

“The business is well established in the industry and works closely with local authority customers. And, as manufacturers, they understand what we do. We are looking forward to good things from this relationship.”

MacPac’s business development manager Liam Regan, said: “This association also gives us the opportunity to share technologies and learn from each other. At MacPac we have already started looking at alternative ways to power our own products, so we are excited to partner with a company that is at the forefront of EV innovation in the sector”.