BFPA publishes new hydraulic industry training course reference manual

03 October, 2019

For the past two years, the BFPA has championed the creation of a set of Recommended Minimum Educational Standards against which any individual, technician or operative should be measured before even thinking of picking up a tool and working on what can be quite literally lethal fluid power equipment. Many readers will now be aware that there are three sets of minimum educational recommendations; one for each of hydraulics, pneumatics and latterly, fluid power electrical/electronic control for the ever growing integrated systems market.

Training establishments are being encouraged to ensure that they not only meet these minimum standards but that they become accredited by the BFPA as recognised suppliers of courses that either meet or exceed the required standards. We are also in discussions with other key stakeholders such as the Health & Safety Executive who have applauded our efforts and are encouraging us to have these standards adopted by any of the major users of fluid power equipment. Augmented by the new BFPA training passport, this initiative is expected to have a major impact in reducing the number of accidents in our industry and raising the general educational standards. Ultimately, it will also provide a starting point for capable candidates who wish to take their fluid power training further and embark pon CETOP qualifications which are widely recognised across Europe.

The latest development in the BFPA training initiative is the production of a brand new industry leading training course manual on hydraulic technology which can be used either as a standalone textbook or as a reference document to augment training courses developed to meet the minimum educational recommendations for hydraulics. Written by leading industry experts and produced to the very highest publishing standards, this book is a one-stop reference manual for both novices wishing to embark upon a career in this sector or seasoned experts who simply require a consolidated reference source which captures all of the fundamental principles of this much under-rated and all-encompassing technology.

Currently four BFPA member companies: National Fluid Power Centre (NFPC), National Oilwell Varco (NOV) Training Centre, Pirtek UK National Training Centre and Sparrows Offshore Services, have been audited and approved to deliver training courses which meet the new BFPA Minimum Educational Recommendations for hydraulics.

Copies of this publication can be purchased from the BFPA – please contact Karen Gordon Brander on 01608 647900 for more information or email enquiries@bfpa.co.uk