Posted By David R Evans The members at my local golf club wish to 'build' their own golf shoe cleaner which basically uses compressed air and a small 'gun' to clean off grass and mud off the shoes and also golf trolley wheels. There are commercial 'CE' units available but the cost is around £2,500 which they consider prohibitive! Another golf club in the area have built their own at a cost they claim of £600 hence the enthusiasm to build their own at my club. I am very nervous about this proposal as there appear to be many safety laws to comply with here. Can anyone give me a definitive summary of what they must do to comply? I suspect the local Environmental Health Officer has not yet seen the 'custom built' unit at the other club!

Posted By Martin Taylor COncerns that would need to be addressed are:- 1) safety of pressure system - should be incorporated into the compressor but will need to be maintained and inspected 2) general use of compressed air - horseplay concerns etc - measures will be needed to minimise risk as well as suitable safety notices 3) what about the material being blown off - where will it go and how can projectile risk (eye damage) be avoided. Deal with these, detail your risk assessment and show that you have met the duty of care for members of the public and you should be OK Martin

Posted By Raymond Rapp David My golf club like many others have a compressed air 'golf shoe' cleaner. I doubt very much that any risk assessments or any other compliance with health and safety legislation have been undertaken. Ray

Posted By David R Evans Interesting points. I am inclinde to think that way. However, if they purchase a new CE marked compressor of the correct rating with safety valves and switches, ditto hoses and not forgetting anti-embolism guns with diffusers, design the thing with an accessible box, foot trays, get the insurers to endorse it................Why bother? I think they might as well buy the proper purpose built CE unit from the manufacturer. Golfers..........! Thanks David