News

Robust – mobile – perfect: Pepperl+Fuchs presents new Pad-Ex® 01 P12 tablet for hazardous areas

With the Pad-Ex® 01 P12, Pepperl+Fuchs is launching a new tablet for professional use in hazardous areas in Zone 2/22, Division 2. The tablet is equipped with the Windows 11 Pro 64-bit operating system, thus offering maximum efficiency for demanding tasks and impressing with numerous other advantages: it has an ultra-thin and lightweight housing with a widescreen display and is nevertheless exceptionally robust. Thanks to its compact and lightweight design, the device is ideal for outdoor use.

The Pad-Ex® 01 P12 is the first explosion-proof tablet to support powerful application due to the 12th generation Intel Core i5 processors based on the Intel Alder Lake platform, enabling a particularly high level of performance. The tablet works significantly faster than previous models with 8th generation processors. The model is also equipped with modern Intel Iris Xe graphics. This provides sufficient computing power to process large amounts of data, images, and video feeds in real time.

Capacitive 11.6-inch FHD display for crystal-clear, high-resolution images

The Pad-Ex® 01 P12 is certified to protection class IP64, thereby protected against the ingress of dust and splash water on all sides. It also offers a very long battery life of up to 14 hours, which ensures uninterrupted, parallel operation of multiple applications with minimal risk of failure. In addition, the tablet features a capacitive 11.6-inch FHD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and DynaVue technology. Thanks to a brightness of up to 1,000 cd/m², the display offers exceptional readability even in direct sunlight. In addition, the model offers four modern touch modes – glove, pen, water, and finger – so that it is optimized for both indoor and outdoor applications and allows maximum accuracy in any environment.

In addition, the Pad-Ex® 01 P12 is characterized by maximum flexibility: The tablet has an optional desktop docking interface, so it can be quickly and easily transformed into a PC and seamlessly integrated into office and corporate networks. State-of-the-art technologies such as Thunderbolt 4, Intel Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 transfer data at extremely high speeds. The Pad-Ex® 01 P12 can optionally be equipped with an extremely slim and powerful 2D barcode scanner from Honeywell. Another decisive advantage: with the Pad-Ex® 01 P12, customers receive an integrated complete solution from a single source. The Pepperl+Fuchs brand ECOM Instruments provides all hardware and software components, digital services and associated services in-house. In addition, thanks to an extensive network of local Pepperl+Fuchs contacts, user companies benefit from fast, direct and competent support at all times – worldwide.

Tablet for use in particularly harsh and hazardous environments

The Pad-Ex® 01 P12 meets the demanding requirements of mobile workers who rely on robust technologies that are ATEX/IECEx-certified and can therefore be used in explosion-protected areas. This allows to streamline workflows and improve productivity in even the harshest environments. The tablet uses the latest technologies so that users in potentially explosive atmospheres can easily master the constantly changing requirements of everyday work. The Pad-Ex® 01 P12 is ideal for use in highly demanding sectors such as warehousing, field service and logistics. The tablet is predestined for use in particularly hazardous areas and sectors such as hydrogen production, the chemical, oil and gas industries and for the mobile management of large-scale facilities, including inspection, maintenance and operation.

“With the Pad-Ex® 01 P12, we are providing the world's first fully ruggedized 11.6-inch ATEX/IECEx tablet with a 12th generation Intel processor. It is characterized by its slim and compact design for the modern mobile workforce. The combination of durability, outstanding performance and a large display makes the device an ideal complement to desktop PCs, laptops or wall-mounted displays and can even replace them completely. This makes the Pad-Ex® 01 P12 a solid, reliable, and indispensable companion for mobile, computer-supported work in hazardous areas,” explains Joerg Hartleb, Head of Product Management at Pepperl+Fuchs subsidiary ECOM Instruments. 

www.pepperl-fuchs.com

uvex Training Academy wins BSIF Safety Solution award

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uvex, the leading manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE), is delighted to announce that the uvex Training Academy has been awarded the prestigious BSIF Safety Solution Award. The accolade, which was delivered at a gala awards ceremony held at the Vox in Resorts World, NEC Birmingham on 1 May 2024, recognises uvex's commitment to safety and education, exemplified through its innovative training programme.

Through comprehensive technical information and education, the uvex Training Academy equips users and distributors with the knowledge to make informed choices when selecting or supplying PPE. In a business climate marked by intense competition and constant change, well-trained employees and safe workplaces are paramount.

"At uvex, we believe that wearing the right PPE is not just a choice but a responsibility," says Carl Dwyer, uvex UK Director of Sales. "The PPE industry faces a critical challenge: misselling of low-quality products and a lack of awareness around proper PPE selection can leave workers inadequately protected, at risk of serious injuries. At uvex, we are committed to raising safety standards across the board. That's why we developed our award-winning uvex Training Academy. By equipping distribution partners and customers with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about PPE, we can work together to eliminate these issues.” 

The academy's certified modular training programme, developed in collaboration with external specialists, offers three stages of learning. Participants undergo self-assessment, engage in bespoke training courses tailored to their needs, and receive refresh sessions and assessments. The programme covers various PPE categories, including hand protection, safety eyewear, hearing protection, and safety footwear.

To date, the academy has delivered hand and eye protection modules to individuals within uvex's distributor network, with the roll-out its hearing and footwear modules in 2024. Initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants praising the programme's effectiveness and relevance.

"The uvex Training Academy fills a critical knowledge gap in the industry," says Carl Dwyer. "By providing objective information and promoting a culture of safety, we aim to empower users to choose the right equipment for the job through our in-depth training programs. This collaborative effort drives positive change within the industry, ensuring a safer work environment for everyone and creating a future where workers return home safe. It's only with a change of behaviour through increased awareness that today's workforce can achieve this, and the uvex Training Academy ensures everyone in the PPE supply chain takes full responsibility to make it happen."

Among the benefits of the academy are improved product selection, increased confidence in PPE, and enhanced compliance with safety standards. By educating stakeholders at every touchpoint in the supply chain, uvex endeavours to foster a safer working environment and reduce accidents.

Carl concludes: "As we celebrate this achievement, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting safety and well-being in the workplace and raising the culture of PPE from being provided as a tick-box exercise to being a valued part of staff wellbeing.”

uvex was also delighted to be recognised for its commitment to sustainability with a Commended award in the Sustainable Company of the Year category.

 

For more information about the uvex Training Academy, visit: https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/knowledge/uvex-academy/about-us/ 

TOC-903-X5:The Most Versatile Gas Detector Transmitter on the Market

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A standalone detector approved for Zone 1 & 2 (Gas) and Zone 21 & 22 (Dust) environments that offers dual gas detecting capabilities in one compact housing. When it comes to keeping you and your personnel safe, the TOC-903-X5 brings a variety of useful new tools to the table, none more important than its dual-gas detection capabilities.

When operating in a dangerous and potentially explosive environment there’s a good chance that you’ll encounter more than one hazardous gas. Our TOC-903-X5 provides you with the capacity to attach two of our Plug-and-Play smart sensors to monitor two different gases in the same space from one unit, simplifying the process and cutting costs.

Dual-gas detection is just one of the reasons that we’ve come to call the TOC-903-X5 “The World’s Most Versatile Gas Detector Transmitter”. Versatility is what sets the TOC-903-X5 apart from other ATEX gas detectors. It’s the best option for a vast range of use cases and the multitude of potential installation options enables it to shine in almost any role and environment. Each of our huge range of sensors presents the opportunity for a different bespoke setup but, broadly speaking, there are five ways that the TOC-903-X5 can fit into your system and provide the solutions you need:

  1. If you only require accurate, reliable detection for a single gas and you already have a system installed, then the standalone TOC-903-X5 and any one of our compatible plug-and-play sensors is all you will need
  2. Adding one more sensor allows you to take advantage of the dual sensor capabilities by testing for two different gases from one point.
  3. You can directly attach a sensor to the unit whilst running a remote sensor at another point. This is the easiest way of testing for two different gases residing at different levels.
  4. ATEX environments often require gas monitoring in places that would present serious dangers to personnel, like the inside of an electrolyser. When combined with any remote sensors from our TOC range, the TOC-903-X5 can be placed in a safe area and used as a transmitter for the additional TOC ATEX Gas Detectors. This enables you to remotely monitor two different gases at a distance of up to 1km from the source.
  5. The addition of IGD’s Sentinel+TM 2-Wire addressable system introduces a huge range of potential set-up options. It also equips you with comprehensive digital monitoring, At-a-Glance status readings, digital readings, and simple calibration through the onboard Wi-Fi. Integrating our 2-Wire Addressable solution is the best option if you require multiple points of gas detection.

When you add our magnetic wand-enabled, one-person, non-intrusive calibration to the mix, you’re left with one powerful, complete solution to almost any imaginable ATEX gas detection requirement.

Get in touch today to find out how our century of expertise and innovation and our 10-year electronics warranty can offer you and your personnel, ultimate protection against diverse gas risks.

www.internationalgasdetectors.com

 

Making Sense of Process Safety

Over the past few months I have sporadically been presenting a DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres) training course to front line operators at an English Water Company (no, not that one, or even that one…). One of the topics covered is Zoning – the demarcation of areas of sites where the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere being present is elevated. Process Safety is another, where one of the distinctions made with Occupational Safety (e.g. slips, trips and falls) is that, generally, Process Safety hazards are not readily detectable by our senses.

You should be able to see a step in front of you and hear a fork lift truck in your vicinity, but it is much more difficult to sense a Process safety hazard before any loss of containment (release of toxic or flammable fluids). Once this happens, your sense may be rapidly alerted – loud bang, almighty flash, over powering smell or taste – before you (and those around you) succumb soon thereafter.

One approach to this challenge is to promote constant vigilance for personnel in facilities where there are Process Hazards – Chronic Unease. The idea may be attractive to its proponents, but in practice probably reduces safety by significantly raising personnel base levels of stress levels resulting in chronic health issues and/or operational transgressions.

The Water Company has adopted a different approach. I would say it is more realistic, humane and effective. It has started to provide what one could call ‘sense’ aids. Examples include generating clear signage such as in the image above depicting areas of heightened explosive risk. These can help to engender appropriate levels of temporary unease (flipping our mental state from auto pilot to manual), prompting conscious thought and precaution. Another is portable dangerous substance monitors (indicating the proximity of threshold concentrations and translating this into a sound). A third is a directive to ‘take a break to reflect’ if personnel sense (6th sense?) that something isn’t right.

Our senses are our best defence for protecting ourselves in the realm of Occupational Safety.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could harness them protect us (and our colleagues) from Process Hazards as well.

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Article by Angus Keddie 

Process Safety Matters 

www.processsafetymatters.com

 

Innovative energy sector safety software launched by AG Consultancy North Sea operator the first to use ‘Smart Ex’ to improve Ex/ATEX inspection processes

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AG Consultancy, the SAP solutions specialists, has launched the first tool of its kind designed to overcome challenges posed by the implementation of global health and safety standards and Ex/ATEX inspections in the oil and gas industry and wider energy sector. 

The Aberdeen based business – which also has an office in London - has now unveiled the programme to companies, with North Sea operator Spirit Energy becoming the first to adopt the solution. At the 2024 SAP Customer Success Awards, Spirit won the Sustainability Hero category for use of the solution. 

‘Smart Ex’ allows businesses to undertake Ex/ATEX inspections internally within SAP without the need for third party products which can lead to difficulties and inefficiencies in managing multiple IT solutions lacking a ‘single source of truth’. The fully integrated solution is an end-to-end tool which encompasses planning, execution and analysis and covers the full life cycle of Ex/ATEX inspections.  

Deepal Ratnayaka, director SAP consultancy services at AG Consultancy, said: “For the oil and gas sector – and wider energy industry – the problems posed by the use of multiple platforms when undertaking Ex/ATEX Inspections are significant and the challenges for companies can be demanding. 

“’Smart Ex’ allows businesses access to mobile, real-time updates on a single system for more up to date insights for informed decision making by bringing together work management and inspection management needs, negating the need for two separate IT solutions.” 

The software – which is designed to be regularly updated with the latest technology including Artificial Intelligence and machine learning – manages various types of inspections including integrity inspections, compliance checks, tool calibrations and maintenance checklists. 

It complies with safety standards IEC60079, NEC500/505 and ATEX and a digital auditing trail allows for full traceability of inspections.  

Benefits include the reduction of manual, duplicate efforts in system updates, time savings technicians, better insights to operation, a ‘single source of truth’ and the demonstration of better compliance via audit trails and analytics. 

Ratnayaka added: “As Ex/ATEX Inspections are an important business process, critical to the safety of staff and ongoing operations, we believe this tool can be revolutionary for organisations that are currently grappling with how best to address the challenge with multiple IT systems.   

“As a trusted SAP Gold Partner, AG not only excels in consultancy but also innovates by developing products that enhance SAP solutions. Our extensive industry knowledge in oil and gas and energy, combined with our SAP proficiency, allows us to tailor SAP solutions to specific business needs. The successful implementation of ‘Smart Ex’ for Ex/ATEX Inspections at Spirit Energy is a prime example of our expertise.” 

AG Consultancy was set up in 2014 by co-founders Francis Rajan and Nick Champion to close a gap in the market by providing value orientated, high quality multi-specialist SAP consulting and support services combining deep expertise of the software with rich industry knowledge.  

AG Consultancy & Apps Ltd

Beacons: What is the meaning of each colour lens? (IEC 60073)

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What is the meaning of a Red Lens Ex-Tech Beacon?

A red Ex-tech beacon light is usually associated with an emergency. This is also the case with red beacon lights on most, if not all signalling devices Atex or not. Red in the history of humanity has stood for Stop/Danger. In AVS signalling, red is no different and signals emergency, a dangerous or hazardous condition and A situation which requires immediate action. Signal lights with a red Ex-Tech beacon light are suitable for signalling system failures, values that lie outside their safe limits (e.g. temperature or pressure) or if there is danger.

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Absolutely, a red Ex-tech beacon light is a critical situation that would require swift action in any application and is Hazard-implying. The highest warning level is indicated by a red beacon light. When it lights up, it stands for the highest level of urgency and not to be used in general IEC 600073 guidelines 'for a general warning'.

For example, in a manufacturing facility where Pressure or Temperature has increased beyond the safe range and immediate shutdown is required due to the action of the protective devices (equipment failure).

Exceptions to this rule are two-colour or multi-colour signal systems with only one red and one green warning light.

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What is the meaning of a Yellow Lens Ex-Tech Beacon?

These colours, renowned for their intense brightness, are employed to draw attention to specific situations. Yellow and amber Ex-Tech beacon lights signal an impending critical state that necessitates human monitoring or intervention. Devices featuring such lights are adept at indicating overloads or surpassing standard values, provided the duration remains within permissible limits. Required actions aim to forestall abnormal conditions and avert ensuing consequences. Yellow or amber Ex-Tech beacon lights are apt for cautioning against moderate dangers, serving as precautions and warnings. For example, in a manufacturing facility where Pressure or temperature has extended above the normal operating range however has not quite reached the unsafe range, but action within a line is imminently or currently taking place to return the operation of the facility to a safe range of conditions.

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An amber Ex-tech beacon light is critical in any plant operation to ensure the safety of personnel. Where toxic and/or combustible gases, dust or liquids may be released generally through a form of a vent into the atmosphere (released by a pressure relief device such as a safety or Pressure relief valve).

What is the meaning of a Green Lens Ex-Tech Beacon?

The green colour simply denotes a safe normal state of operation or environment, requiring no immediate action. It's essential really to recognize green as just that- a safety colour, as opposed to a warning colour. Safety guidelines, which already indicate potential hazards, are more appropriately conveyed through blue signals.

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Commonly, machines equipped with green Ex-Tech beacon lights signal readiness for operation or seamless functioning without any glitches. For example, a green Ex-Tech beacon light in a manufacturing facility could signify pressure or temperature in a normal range and no further action is required other than seamless operation of the facility. Many plants use a green Ex-tech signalling beacon to inform other personnel simply that the plant is in operation and not the earlier information regarding what the conditions of the plant are. However, the latter is assumed otherwise operation would be put to a hold to ensure safe operation of the equipment and ultimate safety of all personnel within the facility.

What is the meaning of a Blue Lens Ex-Tech Beacon?

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What does a blue Ex-Tech beacon light signify? Most linked with emergency services, these lights should refrain from usage on the road or in areas of public access. Of course, different nations operate their emergency services with different colours. However, in the UK and Europe certainly, blue is connoted to be the colour of emergency services. Many plants or manufacturers of signalling would suggest that Blue is a common alternative to red signalling. However, the true utility of the Blue Ex-Tech beacons signifies any condition necessitating a specific action by the operator, distinct from the states represented by red, yellow, orange, and green colours. Blue can be assigned various meanings beyond these.

This is best explained using an example to distinguish the true difference. For example, emergency evacuation on board a ship, a blue light could signal to an operator to abandon the ship. In manufacturing settings, a blue LED beacon often signifies a distinction, such as prompting a conditioned response to shut down safety-critical processes like switch off the line and evacuate the premises.

What is the meaning of a Clear/White Lens Ex-Tech Beacon?

An Opaque/Clear/White Ex-Tech beacon really carries ambiguity. It is best explained by what it should not be used for. Many of our new clients replace their clear domes on their push buttons with stop or off functions. While clear Ex-Tech beacon lights have high light transmission without consuming light, they are unequivocally unsuitable for drawing attention to warn of danger despite their brightness. As discussed, there are standards which must be met, and each colour has its own tailored usages.

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A more appropriate selection of colour, a client would therefore have to choose specific to the application with the information provided with this article. In a nutshell, a clear beacon light carries no distinct significance. It is employed when there's uncertainty regarding the use of red, yellow, green, or blue lights. Whether employee supervision or intervention is needed for the illumination of the clear dome must be evaluated case by case.

What is the meaning of a Purple Lens Ex-Tech Beacon?

At Ex-Tech, we are committed to delivering our customers the highest quality level of customer service. Purple plays a prolific role for our Oil and Gas Clients, especially in the UAE and USA as an alternative to red. When an Ex-Tech beacon light in the purple signal colour illuminates, individuals should promptly evacuate the area or trained personnel should take immediate necessary actions.

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A more appropriate selection of colour, a client would therefore have to choose specific to the application with the information provided with this article. In a nutshell, a clear beacon light carries no distinct significance. It is employed when there's uncertainty regarding the use of red, yellow, green, or blue lights. Whether employee supervision or intervention is needed for the illumination of the clear dome must be evaluated case by case.

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At Ex-tech Signalling, we are experts in manufacturing a wide range of AVS solutions for Harsh and Hazardous areas, and offer a wide range of products and solutions. Please contact us today for further information.

Phone: +44 (0)1752 333 933

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website

Electric winch catapults trebuchet into the spotlight at Warwick Castle

When Britain’s largest working siege machine returned to Warwick Castle recently to form the centrepiece of a new and daring action-packed show - The Legend of the Trebuchet - the castle needed a way to provide the correct tensioning for this monster of ancient and medieval warfare. Hearing the call to arms, Hoist & Winch duly supplied a class-leading Hadef electric winch offering 1500 Kg pulling force (safe working load) with supporting frame and foundations.

The trebuchet at Warwick Castle is an authentic recreation of one of the biggest and most deadly military machines of all time. Utilising a long rotating arm and the principles of leverage to launch projectiles from a sling, a trebuchet is essentially a huge catapult. It was powerful enough to hurl huge rocks that could breach castle walls. Sometimes it would even launch manure and dead animals into besieged castles to spread disease. It remained a common warfare weapon until the 15th century, when gunpowder and cannons came to the fore.

To showcase the power of the mighty trebuchet and bring a highly entertaining and educational spectacle to the banks of the River Avon next to Warwick Castle, a new show - The Legend of the Trebuchet - opened on 23 March. In the lead-up, Warwick Castle required the services of a high-performance electric winch to ensure reliable and repeatable tensioning of the trebuchet prior to launching its projectiles. The choice was a Hadef electric-powered wire-rope winch, delivered and installed by Hoist & Winch Ltd as part of a turnkey project.

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After an initial site survey to discuss the requirements of this highly unusual application and specify the winch design features, Hoist & Winch returned to oversee a test fire of the trebuchet and measure its pulling force with a load cell and site tractor. Once complete, Hoist & Winch was in position to make a formal offer, comprising fully specified winch, mounting frame and foundation base.

At the centre of the solution is a Hadef 400 V, three-phase, 50 Hz electric winch that delivers 1500 kg pulling force from its 25 m rope length. Control is via a low-voltage radio remote with back-up plug-in pendant. Features of note include: a pressure roller for the wire rope drum; four-position top/bottom geared limit switches; a galvanised steel mounting frame for the winch; and electrical enclosures with IP66 protection rating.

Following order receipt and drawing approval, Hoist & Winch commenced on-site installation and commissioning, a process that included individual hydraulic pull tests of the resin anchor bolts for the winch frame. Test firing of the trebuchet also took place with measurement of the pulling force using a load cell for the LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) certificate. Hoist & Winch also took care of customer handover training and issue of the LOLER Thorough Examination report.

Anyone interested in seeing the trebuchet in action can buy a ticket for The Legend of the Trebuchet, which runs until 4 November 2024. Built to a centuries-old design (with a little help from the latest electric winch technology), this incredible weapon takes centre stage in a show that combines thrilling live action and special effects throughout.

Visit www.hoistandwinch.co.uk for further information and to view recent case studies.

Hoist and Winch Ltd

Unit 20, 11B Arrow Business Park, Alcester Employment Park, Arden Road, Alcester, B49 6HN

Tel:  08450 171126                  

e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

web: www.hoistandwinch.co.uk

HYDROGEN AND FUEL CELL SPECIALIST JOINS HYDROGEN SAFE TO SUPPORT BUSINESS GROWTH

Hydrogen Safe, the hydrogen safety training specialist that acts as a conduit between industry and education, has announced the appointment of Amer Gaffar as Strategic Advisor as the company continues to expand.

As Director of Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University, Amer will bring with him a wealth of expertise and industry leading knowledge to the business.

As an authority on hydrogen fuel cells, he will be responsible for writing strategy papers, thought leadership articles, and providing insight to be used in developing new partnerships and programmes, while also delivering lectures and CPD sessions for the company.

Amer comments: “Hydrogen Safe is a progressive business with big ambitions and that really appealed to me. I’ve worked in the green energy sector for over two decades now, so it made sense for me to extend my remit and use the knowledge and insight I have developed in this new role.

“There is certainly a lot going on at the company and I’m very pleased to have joined at such an exciting time. I look forward to meeting with education providers and businesses that want to put the infrastructure in place to work confidently and safely with hydrogen as we transition to more sustainable ways of working.”

CEO and Founder of Hydrogen Safe, Andy Lord, comments: “Amer is a wonderful addition to our team. His appointment reinforces our commitment to attracting industry leading expertise to the company. We know that we can continue to expand the business and become the trusted partner that our clients need us to be.

“We are very much looking forward to shaping our proposition as we set our sights on becoming the UK’s leading training provider in hydrogen safety.”

Members of Hydrogen UK; the Hydrogen Energy Association; the Hydrogen Skills Alliance; and NPTC Group of Colleges, Net Zero Skills Advisory Board, as well as being a corporate partner of the Greater Manchester Mayors Charity, Hydrogen Safe works with businesses, education providers and individuals to deliver courses that meet with their specific objectives and sustainability goals.

For more information, please visit: www.hydrogensafe.org and for regular updates follow: @Hydrogen Safe on LinkedIn.

Largest Benco side-mounting turnover engine stand supplied to Voith Turbo

Brixworth Engineering, manufacturer of the globally renowned Benco engine stands, has produced its largest-ever side-mounting turnover stand. Supplied to the Croydon facility of leading power transmission specialist Voith Turbo, the Benco 1050 (an upgrade to Brixworth’s standard Benco 1000 engine stand) is helping this progressive plant to inspect and service a variety of engines and transmissions.

With a load capacity of 5000 kg (at 500 mm from the mounting spindle) and a turning capacity of 10,000 Nm, the Benco 1050 supplied to Voith Turbo facilitates the manipulation of complete engines for inspection, repair or modification. Moreover, it is a mobile version featuring a motor drive to deliver rotational speed up to 4 rpm, although customers can opt for floor mounting and manual operation if preferable.

Control of the Benco 1050 at Voith Turbo is via a fixed pushbutton station, with pendant control available as an option. As a further point of note, Brixworth designed and manufactured additional mounting arms to minimise deflection throughout the loading and rotation process.

Rugged, cost-effective Benco engine stands are ideal for undertaking a whole host of new-build, repair and refurbishment operations quickly and easily. With these popular engine stands, users can rotate or horizontally and vertically manipulate engines with ease to minimise the dangers of personal injuries associated with the manual handling of heavy loads. An adjustable column facilitates working at a convenient height while maintaining access to all aspects of the operation.

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Although a comprehensive range of standard models is available, Brixworth has considerable experience in the design and manufacture of bespoke engine stands to suit individual customer requirements. The company can undertake site surveys and provide engineers to evaluate any special demands, ensuring the supply of a safe, effective and cost-competitive solution.

Developed over many years, Benco engine stands today enjoy a worldwide reputation for simplicity and reliability in the rotational handling of heavy, out-of-balance loads with the added benefit of near backlash-free movement. The stands, more than 5000 of which have been produced for use in over 20 countries, can reduce man hours by up to 50% through the elimination of non-productive handling procedures. They fully comply with all current working practices and safety regulations, and come with an extensive guarantee for complete peace-of-mind.

Further information is available on request to:

The Brixworth Engineering Co Ltd, Creaton Road, Brixworth, Northampton  NN6 9BW

Telephone: 01604 880338

e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                  www.benco.co.uk

Tap, Assign, Monitor: MSA id Digital Device Assignment Helps Drive Accountability and Simplify Compliance

Numerous perks come with investing in the ruggedly tested, smartly connected ALTAIR io™ 4 Connected Gas Detector. One small feature, with big implications for how you and your team use the device, is the MSA id Tag. Every ALTAIR io 4 device comes with the MSA id digital device assignment feature, and it can help save you and your team time and effort. The key benefits to using the MSA id Tag are the fast and easy digital assigning of an ALTAIR io 4 device to a specific worker and seamless data monitoring of the device via MSA Grid cloud-based software while the worker is using it.

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WHAT CHALLENGES CAN USING THE MSA ID TAG HELP SOLVE?

MSA estimates that around one in five gas detection devices is not returned to the fleet. It would be much easier to keep track of devices and who is using them if the detectors were digitally assigned to workers at the start of each shift. Using the MSA id Tag, you can do just that – assign a device to a user as soon as it’s in their possession. The built-in RFID tagging system is intertwined with the MSA Grid cloud-based software meaning, once assigned, the device shows as being assigned to that specific worker by name; until it is returned, device usage and behavior data are linked to each worker and visible on the Grid dashboard. This helps support simplified recordkeeping, compliance, monitoring, and more.

HOW DOES THE MSA ID TAG WORK WITH ALTAIR IO 4 DEVICES?

The MSA id Tag was designed to function as simplistically as possible. It works by simply tapping the MSA id Tag to an ALTAIR io 4 device at the start of a worker’s shift. The MSA id Tag instantly assigns the device to that worker. The device remains assigned to the worker until it is returned. Once the device is “clicked” back into the ALTAIR io Charge, the device status returns to being unassigned.

The digital assigning feature was designed to be easy to use and intended to help reduce the amount of training needed for implementation. There is also less hassle and wasted time at the start and end of a shift compared to the traditional manual process of checking out a device using pen and paper.

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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS FEATURE?

The MSA id Tag helps promote worker accountability and compliance of use. MSA id allows you to monitor which worker is using which device and how the device is being used during each shift.

While signed out to an individual, all device data sent to the cloud is linked to that worker. You’ll go from manual processes and pen-on-paper device tracking to a digital, cloud-based management system that allows you to monitor device usage and performance digitally and hold workers accountable for returning devices at the end of their shifts. This added accountability can help prevent unnecessary loss or damages associated with potentially careless handling of a device when no tracking mechanism is in use.

Other useful tracking tools can help ensure proper protocols and procedures are followed. MSA id enables you to monitor your workforce and easily track things like whether an individual device is active or whether an individual is responding to an alarm. All real-time and historical data will be tied to the user so you can monitor usage patterns and possible needs for additional support or training. This insight gives you the ability to respond to alarms and send help to workers when an alarm goes off. It also allows you to see areas where you can decide whether to implement enhanced training or other measures for your team to help support your culture of safety.

A subscription to MSA+, which includes ALTAIR io 4 devices with id Tags and Grid software, will give you access to even more powerful fleet management and live monitoring tools. You can choose a plan that works best for your organization and benefit from the real-time and historical cloud data.

MSA+ subscription options for Altair io 4 devices:

MSA Safety | United Kingdom