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In industries such as chemical plants, pharmaceutical production facilities, oil refineries and mining - precision, reliability, and safety are paramount! The MTX 3297 Ex digital multimeter from Chauvin Arnoux is built to improve how professionals work in explosive atmospheres.

Certified under European directive 2014/34/UE, it meets strict safety standards for hazardous zones, including gas zones (0, 1, 2), dust zones (20, 21, 22), and M1 mining applications. This allows technicians to perform essential tests and troubleshoot with certainty and reduced risk. But offering safety is just the starting point!

Maintenance teams face increasingly difficult challenges, for example, dealing with stray voltages, fluctuating signals, and the need to quickly pinpoint faults in high-risk industrial systems. The MTX 3297 Ex offers advanced measurement capabilities, including low-impedance voltage readings and a low-pass filter for PWM signals, which minimise interference and provide accuracy in tough environments. Its features, such as Min/Max, Peak, and differential measurements, enable specialists to perform detailed diagnostics, quickly identify anomalies, and make informed decisions to prevent equipment failures.

This digital multimeter stands out for its detailed measurement capabilities! Its broad range, including capacitance measurement and extended frequency coverage, makes it suitable for a range of industrial applications. For businesses, this leads to faster problem-solving, improved reliability, and reduced downtime.

The dual display allows users to view two measurements simultaneously, reducing mode changes and enabling technicians to identify issues more quickly. This saves time, eliminates errors, and streamlines maintenance tasks.

The MTX 3297 Ex is also built for use in harsh industrial conditions. With an IP67 rating, it is protected against dust and can withstand exposure to water, making it reliable in dusty, wet, or tough environments. Its high safety ratings (1000 V CAT III / 600 V CAT IV) mean it The CAT rating indicates suitability for specific electrical zones. CAT III applies to distribution-level equipment with lower fault currents protected by miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) and is used downstream of the incoming fuse. CAT IV is intended for use upstream of the distribution board (DB) for utility operations and/or systems.)

For companies operating in hazardous environments, the MTX 3297 Ex improves safety, enables faster, more accurate fault detection, and helps preserve seamless equipment

 [RL1]Hope this reads right? Please leave your suggestion in comments - if it should be tweaked

 [GU2]Hi Rochel, everything looks great. The sentence is technically correct - the CAT rating means it can be used in different electrical zones CAT III can be used at distribution level equipment where fault currents are lower as they have MCBs you can use CATIII anywhere down stream of incoming fuse - CAT IV can be used upstream of the DB on electrical utilities side. Hope this helps

operation. Visit www.cauk.net to learn more or book a free demonstration. (398/400

Atexxo introducing the ATEX iPhone 17 – Certified Communication for Hazardous Environments

 iPhone 17 for ATEX Zone 1 / 21                                iPhone 17 for ATEX Zone 2 / 22

Introducing the ATEX iPhone 17 – Certified Communication for Hazardous Environments

Professionals working in hazardous areas no longer have to choose between safety and cutting-edge technology. The new ATEX iPhone 17 Zone 1 / 21 brings the latest Apple performance to industries where explosive atmospheres are part of daily operations.

Designed for use in ATEX Zone 1 (gas) and Zone 21 (dust) environments, the device is engineered and certified to operate safely in locations such as oil & gas facilities, chemical plants, offshore platforms, grain processing plants, and pharmaceutical production sites. The ATEX modification ensures that the smartphone meets strict European explosion-safety requirements while preserving the full functionality users expect from the latest iPhone.

The ATEX iPhone 17 combines Apple’s powerful hardware with specialized safety engineering. The device is housed in a robust protective enclosure designed to prevent ignition risks while maintaining usability in demanding industrial settings. All electrical components are carefully integrated and protected according to ATEX certification standards, ensuring safe operation in environments where flammable gases or combustible dust may be present.

Despite its ruggedized safety design, the smartphone retains the premium experience of the standard iPhone 17. Users benefit from a high-performance processor, advanced camera system, large high-resolution display, and seamless connectivity. This makes the device ideal for modern industrial workflows, including digital inspections, remote expert support, video documentation, asset management, and industrial communication apps.

The ATEX iPhone 17 is also designed for practical use in the field. The enclosure offers enhanced durability, improved grip for gloved operation, and reliable protection against dust and moisture, allowing workers to operate confidently in challenging environments. The device supports the latest enterprise mobility solutions, ensuring smooth integration into existing IT and security infrastructures.

By combining Apple innovation with certified explosion protection, the ATEX iPhone 17 provides a future-ready communication platform for hazardous industries. Workers gain access to powerful mobile technology without compromising on safety or compliance.

The result is a smartphone that enables smarter workflows, improved safety, and greater productivity in environments where reliability and certification are critical. ATEX iPhone 17 – The power of Apple technology, engineered for hazardous areas.
For more information, please visit www.atexxo.com

Nicolas Van der veken, Product Manager at Donaldson

Effective dust control can support optimal working conditions, as well as compliance with dust emissions standards and regulations, and can help mitigate risks associated with combustible dust*.

For effective dust control filter efficiency is often the focus, while two other key factors – exposure and emissions – are commonly overlooked. Failing to consider these two elements can mean that dust control performance is not fully optimised.

A qualified industrial hygienist can audit a facility to evaluate air quality and potential employee exposures, determining average or peak concentrations of contaminants. Hooding can be an effective means of reducing exposure to dust, which should be designed effectively and properly located near the dust generation source. An audit can identify the facility’s dust sources to verify if ventilation hooding currently in use is appropriate. This is often when new dust generation points and the need to add controls, such as additional hood locations, are identified.

Once exposure areas have been addressed, the next step is to review appropriate dust collection technology. A dust collector should deliver consistent and predictable performance that effectively removes contaminants, while maintaining a consistent air volume at a predictable energy cost.

When assessing the appropriate dust collector, is also important to carefully analyse the type of filter and its efficiency. A filter in a regenerative dust collector is often pulse-cleaned under heavy loads. It must handle new dust entering the collector, in addition to all the dust accumulated on it over time. Evaluating a dust collector in terms of what it achieves at its stable set point, and using exposure and emissions testing will give a better indication of the ventilation system’s performance.

Outlet emissions are what ultimately passes through the dust collector. It is therefore important to know the quality of the filtered air being emitted back into the building or exhausting outside. This requires systematic testing to monitor air quality. For some facilities, industry-relevant regulations mandate continuous emissions monitoring. Other local and international standards may also apply, dictating the need for a variety of test methods to determine emissions or exposure limits.

Once ventilation needs and emissions limits are understood, a qualified industrial ventilation designer can design a dust collection system. They will identify what the dust load demands may produce in terms of energy and cleaning consumption, and how to achieve emissions goals in both a cost and energy efficient way.

Effective dust management can help prevent airborne particle contamination during manufacturing, support product quality consistency, and reduce production interruptions from contamination problems. Dust filtration can also help protect equipment, as well as contribute towards prolonging machinery life and overall system performance. Additionally, extended filter longevity can minimise operational downtime, while reduced air consumption can support lower long-term operational and energy costs. Taking into consideration dust collection in terms of exposure, efficiency and emissions will support the optimisation of dust control performance throughout the production process.

Contact Donaldson for expert support with your dust control challenges

Writes Chris Dobson

 Working through a major developer which delivers high-profile infrastructure projects, Hart Door Systems has supplied 16 industrial doors, ranging from  Speedor Storms to insulated shutters for a major Waste Transfer Station.  

Hart’s chairman, Doug Hart says the scheme is billed as a step forward into a greener future and “we are delighted to be part of this significant project which demonstrates our broad range of industrial door products”.  

He adds: “Time and again clients tell us Speedor Storm is chosen because of its fast open and close operation. This in turn helps with environmental control and energy use reduction, essential for any major green project. Other Speedor Storm benefits include reliability and technologically advanced features which boost efficiency.”

Hart Door System’s wind-resistant, high-speed, industrial rolling door, Speedor Storm, is ready for business be it a factory, warehouse, storage facility or any kind of plant operation that has one or more large external openings which must be opened frequently for people and traffic.

With wind resistance available up to ‘wind class 5’, as defined by DIN EN 12424, in the closed position this high-speed door is ready for openings to a maximum 8 metres width or height subject to 48 square metres. This ability to withstand substantial wind pressure means major entrances open/close automatically so avoiding a less than optimal working environment and the escape of heated air.

Speedor Storm is designed specifically to help with several areas of business notably productivity, improving environment in which to work, delivering maintenance of temperature and environment by door preventing penetration by wind born debris.

Made at Hart’s Newcastle factory, from where its teams of engineers are available throughout the UK for installation and reliable servicing and maintenance thereafter.

The benefits of Speedor Storm come from its unique guide system in combination with other carefully designed features. Further Speedor Storm’s strength and wind resistance comes from its multi-layer PVC and textile, both long-lasting and tear-resistant and its inbuilt horizontal curtain braces and no external cumbersome and noisy external wind bars.

There is a colour choice as well as ‘a with or without vision panel ’ which combine to deliver a good appearance, operational effectiveness and a performance product.

Safety features include a state of the art safety light curtain, anti-fall protection and sensors to activate the door. There is a range of operating methods that include hands free, floor loops, radar, photo beam, radio operation, movement sensors, handheld or vehicle-mounted radio transmitters,  or simple push button and pull cords.

The automatic operation can be set to include or exclude pedestrians as desired. If warning lights or klaxons are required, these can be incorporated in a complete door system and control panel which are designed for any conceivable need including integration into a Building Management System if necessary. This is delivered via its unique guide system in combination with other carefully designed features.

Little wonder Speedor Storms are so highly regarded.

www.hartdoors.com

Through its Skelmersdale lab, Element’s new NRTL designation removes the need for multi-site testing and U.S. hand-offs, accelerating time-to-market for manufacturers targeting the U.S.

Element, one of the world’s leading providers of laboratory-based testing, inspection and certification services, today announced a major milestone in its global certification capability. Its Skelmersdale, UK, laboratory has been officially recognised by the United States government as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) for Hazardous Locations. This recognition, a first for the UK, authorises Element Skelmersdale to conduct testing and issue NRTL certification for manufacturers seeking access to the U.S. market.

Representing a significant step forward for Element and its customers worldwide, this latest achievement strengthens the company’s ability to support manufacturers of equipment used in explosive and hazardous environments with faster, more streamlined access to critical U.S. certifications.

With this designation, Element Skelmersdale becomes the first and only UK‑based NRTL authorised to issue U.S. certification for hazardous locations directly from within the UK. It is also the first and only UK‑based NRTL able to carry out evaluation, testing, and certification for hazardous locations in a single location, removing the multi‑site process that is typically required across the industry. As a result, manufacturers benefit from a dramatically simplified certification pathway and accelerated routes to market for hazardous‑location products.

Element’s new NRTL status delivers clear and tangible benefits for customers. The laboratory now has full control of the certification process, enabling Element to issue NRTL certification independently without reliance on third‑party certification bodies in the United States. Certification can be issued directly from the UK, significantly reducing turnaround times by eliminating the need to transfer reports overseas for final approval. Greater efficiency and reduced dependency on external laboratories also support improved cost management for manufacturers.

Commenting on the achievement, Fabian Schober, SVP of Element’s Connected Technology & Mobility (CT&M) business unit, said: “Achievements like this underline our long‑term commitment to investing in capabilities that deliver real value for our customers. This recognition reflects the dedication, expertise, and collaboration of teams across our business and within our Skelmersdale laboratory.  I want to sincerely thank everyone who contributed.”

Further details on the designation are available via the official announcement in the U.S. Federal Register here.

Engineered for industrial power and quiet efficiency, the Heavy Duty Dry Vac™ System delivers fast, high‑volume dry material cleanup—moving more in less time than ordinary vacuums. Its expanded drum capacity reduces changeouts, keeping productivity high while its wear‑resistant, no‑motor design tackles abrasive materials like steel shot, garnet, metal chips, and sand with ease, yet remains versatile enough for everyday cleanup tasks.

Powered entirely by compressed air, it mounts to any 30, 55, or 110‑gallon open‑top drum and operates at an impressively low 82 dBA, bringing powerful performance without the noise. A high‑efficiency filter bag captures fine dust to maintain clean air, and with no motors or impellers to clog or fail, reliability comes built‑in—reinforced by a five‑year warranty.Each system arrives ready to work, complete with a lever‑lock drum lid, shutoff valve, reusable filter bag, static‑resistant hose, hanger, compressed air hose with swivel fittings, pressure gauge, and heavy‑duty aluminum chip wand. Deluxe Systems add a drum dolly, robust tools, and a tool holder, while Premium Systems include a full 30, 55, or 110‑gallon drum for maximum convenience.EXAIR is offering a special right now on all their Industrial Housekeeping Vacuums. Learn more at https://exair.co/190-vacpromo

As connected safety technologies continue to reshape how organisations manage risk, MSA Safety is broadening its portfolio with new innovations designed to give safety managers clearer visibility and greater control. One of the most significant additions is the ALTAIR io™ 6 Multigas Detector, which brings real-time data from a pumped multigas detector into the connected safety ecosystem for the first time. Here, Anthony Bafile, Global Senior Product Line Manager for MSA Safety's portable detection devices, gives us the latest insights…

How does MSA Safety’s work align with the current direction of industrial safety?

MSA is a mission-driven company with a single focus: helping to keep people safe at work. Everything we develop - whether it's connected gas detectors, head protection, fall protection or software - is designed to support that mission. The broader industry themes we’re seeing today around connected safety, digitisation, worker accountability and proactive risk prevention all align strongly with where MSA is heading and how our solutions are built.

What is the ALTAIR io 6, and why is it significant for safety professionals?

The ALTAIR io 6 is our newest portable multigas detector and the latest extension of the MSA Connected Work Platform. It’s a six-gas detector designed for confined space sampling, leak detection and general pumped applications where a pump is required - while also being small enough to wear as a personal monitor.

What makes the ALTAIR io 6 particularly significant is that it’s the first MSA pumped detector with built-in, out-of-the-box cellular connectivity. This means real-time data from pumped sampling applications becomes accessible through our MSA Grid cloud platform - something the market has been asking for.

It also uses our proven XCell® sensors, has a large high-visibility screen, a removable rechargeable external battery, and an interface that mirrors the ALTAIR io™ 4. That consistency makes training easier and speeds up adoption for safety teams.

How does the ALTAIR io 6 fit into the MSA Connected Work Platform?

The ALTAIR io 6 joins the ALTAIR io 4 on the Connected Work Platform. While the ALTAIR io 4 is primarily a personal, continuous monitoring device, the ALTAIR io 6 is designed for confined-space sampling, leak and spill detection, and emergency response- and is still small enough to wear as a personal monitor.

Both detectors share the same technology, user interface, and MSA Grid software, making it easy for safety managers to integrate them into a single fleet.

Together, they create a powerful Connected Work experience: MSA Grid delivers real-time device location and alerts, along with instant access to data from individual units or an entire fleet.

The devices are complementary, so you don’t need to have an ALTAIR io 4 to have an ALTAIR io 6 and vice versa. 

How does MSA define connected PPE, and what benefits does it bring to workers and safety leaders?

We look at connected PPE as solutions that can be relied on to provide data and insights to help improve worker and worksite safety. This can include facilitating adequate maintenance programs, keeping inspections and records up-to-date, and identifying issues before they pose a risk to workplace safety.

For workers in the field, it can be about having the ability to take action when seconds count. With connected devices, like wearable gas detectors, for a worker to be able to alert a crew on a worksite, or alert a safety supervisor onsite or offsite, to a potential danger within seconds, that’s a huge benefit. We see it as a way to empower organisations to leverage connected technology to help keep their workers and worksites safe.

What operational challenges do customers face when adopting connected detection, and how does the ALTAIR io 6 address them?

We’re happy to see that in today’s market, more and more companies are leveraging data to drive safety and operational decisions. But, there are those still trying to figure out how to implement and make a connected safety program work for them. That’s why we believe it’s important to meet customers where they are, whether it’s introducing a few connected devices and showing how the data can be impactful for their worksite or bringing in an entire fleet of connected devices and start generating reports from day one.

Otherwise, we hear a lot about the difficulty of accessing data easily in real time, especially with pumped gas detection. That is why the ALTAIR io 6 will hold a unique place in the detection market. By being a robust gas detector and having an integrated pump, and automatic cellular connectivity and integration with MSA Grid software all in one handheld device, it can ultimately help to address the real-time data challenge customers are facing.

How does MSA Safety balance the complexity of connected features with the need for reliability and ease of use in demanding environments?

We see connectivity as transforming hardware from traditional PPE to a technology-based, future-forward safety solution. For connected devices to have the impact and to provide the protection workers are expecting, the network is an important component to the device. The most advanced wearables feature built-in cellular connectivity and deploy right out of the box in seconds, which is what happens with the ALTAIR io 4 and will happen with the ALTAIR io 6. There is no waiting, and no IT required, making for a better ease of use experience.

For years, we’ve taken pride in setting the standard for ruggedness and durability with our portable detectors. These devices can go into some of the harshest environments, and that’s why our engineers test our instruments to the extremes. From cold environments, hot environments, humidity, dropping from heights, tumble tests, spraying and splashing, they go through all the rigorous tests that every MSA portable gas detector goes through. 

Which sectors are showing the strongest demand for connected PPE?

We’re seeing strong demand across construction, manufacturing, utilities, oil and gas and increasingly within the fire service. These sectors value real-time visibility, automatic data uploads, digital device assignment, improved accountability and simplified fleet maintenance.

One feature customers particularly appreciate is MSA ID tags. These support digital assignment, allowing safety managers to instantly see who is using what device and where it’s located. With the ALTAIR io 6 now able to upload pumped readings in real time, accountability and oversight become even stronger.

Customers also like the ability to identify maintenance needs - overdue bump tests, calibration requirements, sensor replacements - without downtime or manual checking.

Is MSA applying AI or data analytics to help organisations make better safety decisions?

We’re actively exploring how AI and advanced analytics can elevate safety programmes. There's huge potential in using the data already captured in MSA Grid to identify patterns, behaviours and opportunities for improved training or prevention.

For example, AI could help things like spotting recurring alarm trends, identifying improper device use and optimising fleet deployment. The focus is always on thoughtful, responsible innovation - making sure any use of AI truly supports worker protection.

Closing thoughts

The ALTAIR io 6 represents an important step forward in the evolution of connected detection. By combining robust pumped monitoring with instant cellular connectivity, a unified ecosystem and real-time insight, it gives organisations a new level of visibility and confidence in their safety programmes.

Success is not only the technology behind the ALTAIR io 6 but the broader shift toward proactive, connected, data-driven safety. As industries continue to evolve, tools like the ALTAIR io 6 are poised to play a crucial role in helping organisations protect their workers more effectively and with greater situational awareness.

www.msasafety.com

Ahead of Oceanology International 2026, Caroline Douglass from the Environment Agency previews a significant keynote speech which addresses the current challenges in coastal resilience and flood defence for the conference track ‘COASTAL RESILIENCE AND DEFENCE’ in the COAST Theatre

By Caroline Douglass, Executive Director of Flood and Coastal Risk Management, Environment Agency
 Australia is a country known for its golden sands and rolling surf and as an Australian I know first-hand how beloved the beaches and coasts are. 

Although the sun doesn’t shine so frequently, England’s coastline is equally valued. It is home to thriving communities, beautiful landscapes and vital infrastructure.

Our beaches and shorelines provide a variety of benefits and opportunities including tourism and recreation throughout the year. They also provide an important habitat for birds, other animals and plant species.

Our coast is changing

Coastlines naturally change over time, but rising sea levels and more frequent storms are accelerating erosion. In some parts of the east coast, erosion rates can be up to 4 metres per year.

During the early part of 2026 we have already seen accelerated erosion in East Suffolk due to Storm Goretti. Sadly, this required the demolition of several homes at Thorpeness.

Around 3,500 homes could be at risk of erosion by 2055 with today’s coastal defences in place. By 2100, nearly 20,000 properties may face erosion risk.

Protecting our coastal communities

Coastal defence projects receive funding in areas where they will deliver the most benefit and value for money. Where we deliver these projects, they often realise wider benefits such as enhanced biodiversity and improved public spaces. The Southsea Coastal project is one such example, where the defences have enhanced historic monuments, created safe and attractive public spaces whilst protecting more than 10,000 residential properties.

This cannot be achieved on all of England’s coastline. Whilst we are unable to protect every home from the effects of coastal erosion, our work to significantly improve National Coastal Erosion Risk Mapping (NCERM) data enables coastal authorities to plan for the future and inform communities.   

Each section of our coast has a Shoreline Management Plan which set out approaches and actions. In parts of the coast that cannot be defended we are supporting local authorities and communities through the Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme (CTAP) which helps them to adapt and transition away from areas as risk.

The future of our coast

As we adapt to a changing climate, we need to work in partnership with others and a collaborative approach is needed to manage our coastline and protect communities and habitats.

I am pleased to see numerous examples of where this is working well across England including at the Cockett Wick seawall improvement scheme, which opened on the vulnerable Essex coastline in 2025.  The key objective of the project was to provide an adaptive approach to meeting challenges from climate change. The new wall is designed to account for sea-level rise and climate change; it can be raised again in 50 years if required.

Our next 3 year Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Programme begins in April 2026, with areas across England benefitting from £4.2bn of Government investment. Alongside this, the Coastal Adaptation Pilots scheme will be supported by up to £30 million of government funding over the same period.

I am confident that delivery of the programme will assist in protecting these valuable and unique areas and will ensure that these coastal areas can continue to be enjoyed and contribute a range of multiple benefits to local communities for years to come.

Environment Agency at Oi26

Rachael Hill MBE, Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Strategy Manager, Environment Agency, will deliver a keynote presentation ‘Addressing the current challenges in coastal resilience and flood defence’ for the Oi26 conference track COASTAL RESILIENCE AND DEFENCE in the COAST Theatre on Wednesday 11^th March at from 11am to 12.30pm.

With a new COAST exhibition focus and conference track for 2026, the largest ever Oi takes place from 10th to 12th March at Excel London, hosting over 450+ exhibiting companies from over 30 countries.

Oceanology International 2026 visitor registration is open via the Oi26 website.

in recognition of International Women’s Day, Thorne & Derrick International is highlighting the growing contribution of women across its business and reaffirming its commitment to developing talent within traditionally male-dominated sectors. Women now represent 40% of the company’s workforce, with their work going beyond product supply, supporting engineered, certified solutions for customers operating in hazardous and high-voltage environments where failure isn’t an option, contributing to decision-making, and delivering steadfast outcomes on critical infrastructure projects.

The organisation’s focus on investing in people is reflected through hands-on development opportunities, mentorship, and support for professionals at different career stages — from apprentices building technical knowledge to experienced employees strengthening credibility in customer-facing roles and individuals returning to work after career breaks.

Chloe Johnston, the company’s first female Apprentice Sales Engineer, is CompEx F trained, bringing safety-critical competence into customer-facing technical decisions. Having progressed into a Sales Engineer role Chloe celebrates three years with the business in July and now mentors apprentice Elisa Thompson, supporting the next generation entering the industry.

Laura McCabe transitioned from an administrative role into engineering sales, completing her CompEx F training to become the organisation’s first female Sales Engineer and reaches ten years of service this year. Her experience reflects industry progress alongside ongoing challenges, including PPE historically not designed with women in mind and assumptions sometimes encountered on site, reinforcing the importance of continued awareness and inclusion.

Sarah Henderson joined the organisation seven years ago following a decade-long career break raising children. Through technical development and support, she built expertise and confidence in her role and believes diverse perspectives strengthen both problem-solving and customer engagement.

As part of ongoing development, Sarah and Chloe are scheduled to complete Nexans high-voltage tooling training in March, strengthening their capability to support complex HV projects.

Together, these professionals represent a growing presence of women in heavy industrial sectors underpinning critical infrastructure. Their work supports projects where reliable heating, lighting, and power are non-negotiable — particularly in hazardous and high-voltage environments — demonstrating the value of inclusive talent in delivering resilient outcomes.

This International Women’s Day, Thorne & Derrick International truly demonstrates this year’s ‘Give To Gain’ theme in practice: giving people training and exposure to produce stronger capability and more reliable outcomes for customers.