By Chris Instone • Published on Friday 9 January 2015, 5:57pm
Introduction
TIMS aims to organise safe exhibitions of Meccano models. This Code of Practice goes some way to address the problems associated with the operation of toy steam engines in the presence of the general public and should be treated as a minimum requirement to be observed by exhibitors. It may also assist with obtaining/negotiating event insurance.
The definition of toy/model steam engines referred to in this Code of Practice is: "Quantity produced steam engine assemblies operated by steam and fired by methylated spirits, fuel tablets, gas or gel fuel." They include steam-powered stationary engines, locomotives, road vehicles and boat engines made by such manufacturers as Meccano, Mamod, Bassett Lowke, Bowman, S.E.L, Aster, Marklin, Bing, Carrett, Fleischemann, Wilesco etc.
The risks, in contrast to motoring or DIY in the home, in the preparation and operation of toy steam engines are very small and are almost unquantifiable. However, in accordance with HSE recommendations, a risk assessment (in decreasing order) for toy steam engine operation in public is given below:
Hazard: Touching hot metal.
Consequence: Burn or scald.
Risk: Low.
Control Measure: Keep public behind barriers 18" from display. Display warning signs. Provide first aid/burns kit or notify of such on site.
Hazard: Spilling of fuel.
Consequence: Fire.
Risk: Low.
Control Measure: Operator to exercise care when filling/re-filling engine. Wet towel and/or spray bottle/fire extinguisher to be at hand.
Hazard: Locomotive overspeed/derailment.
Consequence: Locomotive may fall to floor/fuel spill and fire.
Risk: Lower.
Control Measure: Provide 'crash barriers' (perspex board surrounds for example) to contain locomotive on baseboard. Avoid crashes by controlling speed. Operator to right locomotive quickly.
Hazard: Uncontrolled and rapid release of steam.
Consequence: Burn/injury local to release of steam.
Risk: Negligible.
Control Measure: Each operator of each steam engine to ensure that safety valve is free to lift, prior to operator raising steam.
Do's and Don'ts
DO
- Ensure you have a fire extinguisher, such as a wet towel, water spray bottle or commercially available extinguisher, easily accessible during preparation and operation.
- Ensure that you have a First Aid Kit, or know where they are.
- Ensure the crowd barrier is 18" from your exhibit and that warning signs are displayed.
- Test safety valve moves prior to raising steam.
- Use only coloured methylated spirits. Use amounts of meth's/solid fuel/gas as per manufacturers' instructions for burner filling/fuel tank filling. Close meth's/solid fuel/gas containers and remove to safe place prior to light up when not in use.
- Monitor model steam engine at all times while burner is alight. Exercise care in preparation and operation.
- Extinguish burner before refilling burner/tank.
DON'T
- Leave an engine raising steam or operating unattended.
- Ignore the maker's operating procedures.
Safety Valve Settings
The following are some examples of safety valve lift pressures when new:
- Meccano: 12–15 psi (depending on model)
- Mamod: 15–40 psi (depending on model)
- Bassett-Lowke 0 gauge locomotives: 25 psi
- Bowman: 30 psi
NOTE: If we as operators of toy/model steam engines fail to demonstrate them in public in a safe manner, injuries may occur and increasingly restrictive legislation will be imposed upon us. Steam engines run in a safe manner are safe.