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There is no safe level of vibration exposure. Using powered hand tools over time will harm health and severely limit quality of life. Vibration exposure through the continual use of vibratory tools kills the nerve cells and blood vessels in fingers and hands, this irreversible damage results in consistent pain and prevents the sufferer from undertaking even the simplest of manual tasks.

Until now, those operatives working in potentially explosive atmospheres have been left without a suitable and sufficient solution to monitor and reduce Hand Arm Vibration risk.

Market leading HAV risk management specialists HAVi are the world’s only provider of an integrated solution to managing HAV risk in potentially explosive atmospheres. The solution is certified to ATEX, UKEX and IECEx standards for hardware up to and including Zone 0. 

Accurate and trusted explosion-proof vibration monitoring

HAVi’s robust solution has been trusted to manage risk in the harshest of environments since 2008. With numerous successful implementations in Construction, Rail, Automative, Facilities Management, Utilities and Oil & Gas infrastructure, you can be certain of a credible partner.

The core solution underwent rigorous design, testing and evaluation which resulted in the launch of a range of Trigger Timers and Wearables under the “HAVi ATEX” banner. The range utilises components and casings specifically selected to meet the requirements of the Intrinsically Safe protection concept.

The new range integrates seamlessly into the HAVi ecosystem meaning you can minimise your investment and only specify Ex rated equipment for areas that require it.

Compliance assured

The HAVi solution is designed to meet HSE and BS EN / ISO requirements in full. In another market first, HAVi will also document this compliance following implementation.

Collecting data does not equal compliance. Powered by ActivIQ, HAVi’s innovations in the field of insight management and analytics, help you make better decisions, faster to lower risk.

Added to that, experiential E-learning and in person courses designed to train and inform the operators about HAV risk and help ensure that they fully engage with their risk and take actions to help reduce personal exposure. 

Our experienced team can provide full turn-key or modular solutions ranging from Site Audits, the creation and evaluation of Risk Assessments, tool Vibration Magnitude measurements and working with you we can implement bespoke culture change projects to reinforce your key safety messages.

Continuous Improvement

The combination of HAVi’s intrinsically safe EX certified hardware and peerless HAV management solutions equip businesses operating in hazardous and explosive conditions with the safest and most accurate data and the actionable insights that protect the hand health of the tool operators by effectively managing and reducing vibration exposure.

HAVi’s Kate Louise Cole said: “For too long, those operating in Ex environments have been excluded from accurate assessments of Vibration Exposure. It is our privilege to be able to address this with our world first solution. Coupled with this, our decades of experience will help you remain compliant and most importantly protect your people, wherever they work”

For more information on HAVI visit thehavi.com or to speak to the team call 0115 932 7002

Ends

For more information please contact Gemma Sharpe at Tactic Communications | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 07807 152835.

As a safety professional, selecting flame detectors that align with your facility’s requirements is essential. Discover the key factors to consider when choosing a flame detection system.As a safety professional, you want to purchase flame detectors that meet your facility’s needs. Learn what to consider when choosing a flame detection system.

From traditional industrial environments to today’s increasingly complex hazardous processes, the risk of explosion and/or fire remains a critical concern. However, basic process controls typically do not warn of conditions outside normal system limits. Since industry vapors and gases (hydrocarbons) burn with very high flame temperatures, an external fire detection system that can rapidly sound an alarm in the event of a fire is essential to protect human lives and valuable equipment.

As a safety professional, you want to purchase flame detectors that best meet your facility’s particular needs. Here are a few things to consider when researching a fire and gas detection system.

For a comprehensive overview of flame detectors, such as operating principles and coverage best practices, download our Flame Detection Handbook.

Download the Handbook

The most popular systems use optical methods to detect flames; that is, they detect the absorption of light at specific wavelengths. Two common optical flame detector types are (1) combination ultraviolet/infrared (UV/IR) and (2) multi-spectrum infrared (MSIR). Unlike simple UV or IR detectors, UV/IR and MSIR devices are sensitive to more than one band on the energy spectrum and therefore are less likely to produce a false alarm. Both technologies function well either indoors or outdoors and provide a reasonably fast response time.

Should you choose UV/IR or MSIR detectors? That depends on several factors.

• What kind of fuels does your facility employ? Alcohols? Gasoline? LNG/LPG? Solvents? Something else? Understanding your fuel’s flammable properties will help you determine the optical flame-detecting technology you need.
• Do other types of radiant energy exist in your facility, such as arc welding, hot objects, or direct sunlight? Your flame detectors should be able to distinguish between these non-fire energy sources and real flames. Typically, MSIR detectors provide the best immunity to these types of false alarms.
• How high is the risk of air-borne particulates should a fire occur? Smoke, oil, grease, and some chemical vapors can reduce a UV/IR unit’s detection range, so if, for example, heavy smoke is a concern, you should consider MSIR technology.
• Can the detector be placed near the potential ignition source or must it be located relatively far away? How wide an area should the device monitor? Different UV/IR and MSIR units offer varying detection ranges and fields of view (FOV). Match your environment with the corresponding device specifications for the best coverage.
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This post has covered key factors to consider when choosing the right flame detection system for your needs. For further insights on these topics, including false alarm immunity and self-test diagnostics, download our Flame Detection Handbook

Learn more How to Safeguard Your Industrial Facility Against Fire Hazards

Discover Flame Detector Technologies

Are you ready to get even more connected? MSA Safety’s innovative gas detection systems can communicate and share alerts, helping you keep workers safer than ever before.

Innovation has driven rapid advances in gas detection over recent years, helping to significantly improve safety for workers operating in industries like oil and gas, steel manufacturing, waste water facilities and other utilities.

Take our ALTAIR io™ 4 Connected Gas Detector, for example. Combining built-in, cutting-edge, CAT-M LTE cellular connectivity and integration with the MSA Grid, it offers the real-time insights and actionable data you desire to give your workforce enhanced protection.

But now MSA innovation has taken workplace safety one step further with an addition to our Grid software – the Shared Alerts System.  With Shared Alerts, workers can be instantly notified when a team member or someone working nearby has triggered an alarm, so enabling swift responses to emergency situations. In contrast, traditional systems often rely on manual processes – such as where the health and safety manager is tasked with identifying the hazards and notifying nearby workers themselves.

How the MSA Shared Alerts System works

When you upgrade your non-connected gas detection system to ALTAIR io™ 4 connected gas detectors, your workers' gas detectors can communicate with each other and share alerts. You can configure the system so workers receive either proximity-based alerts, meaning that everyone within a specific distance can be notified, or label-based alerts where everyone within the same wing, floor, or department can receive an alert.

Workers can receive notification of the following three different alarms:

• Gas alarm – this alarm is triggered when a worker’s device detects dangerously high levels of gas such a H₂S or CO₂ or identifies that a worker has reached their exposure limit. A widespread notification sent in response to this alarm means that everyone in the vicinity can take prompt action to evacuate or assist.
• Motion alarm – this alarm activates when a worker remains motionless for an extended period, indicating a possible emergency. Nearby workers or colleagues receiving a notification sent if response to this alarm can respond rapidly, offering immediate assistance.
• Worker emergency alarm – this is manually triggered by a worker in distress. Again, all nearby workers or colleagues can be alerted, helping to ensure a rapid response.

Protect lives – upgrade your connected gas detection solution

The benefits of upgrading so your workers can receive shared alerts can be significant. You will enjoy:

• Enhanced safety – Anyone working in the vicinity of someone who has triggered an alarm can receive instant notification, allowing them to take immediate action to protect both themselves and others.
• Faster evacuation –Notified workers can evacuate smoothly and efficiently with minimum delay so everyone stays safe.

Connect your workers today

Shared Alerts helps to quickly notify a workforce when a hazard has been detected or a colleague is at risk. And this in turn helps you foster a safety-first culture where everyone can be more aware of risks and take greater responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe.

Find out how Shared Alerts could improve safety management at your organisation

Talk to an MSA expert today

The Peli range of tough safety torches features several rechargeable models, providing eco-friendly  lighting solutions.

The Peli 3335R Zone 0 hand torch is built tough to perform in the harshest environments, with an IP67 waterproof body, this torch is a testament to reliability and safety. Providing an impressive 246-lumen output and an extraordinary 58 hours of run time, prolonged usage is ensured without compromising performance. The ATEX Zone 0 certification allows it to be used in potentially explosive atmospheres, making it an indispensable tool for industries with stringent safety standards.

There are 3 light modes: High, Low and flashing, a built-in battery level indicator and a right-angle adaptor is available as an accessory to allow the user to attach it to a jacket for hands-free use.  This adaptor also allows the head to articulate, directing the light exactly where required.

The lithium-ion rechargeable battery offers a life expectancy of over 2000 cycles, 4 times more than the usual amount and the long battery life further contributes to resource conservation, promoting a more sustainable approach to lighting solutions.

The 9415 Zone 0 is a tough, rechargeable safety light, ideal for industrial and offshore use.  This rugged LED hand lamp will run for more than a full shift, up to 11 hours, from a single charge.  ATEX certified for use in Zone 0 hazardous areas, the 9415 LED has 3 light modes: High, Low & Flashing and a battery charge level indicator (Green, Amber, Red).

Designed to stand on end, the 9415 Zone 0 features a 120° pivoting head to angle the beam exactly where required.   A sure grip handle provides a comfortable and non- slip grip with an extra-large space to accommodate gloved hands.

Choosing a rechargeable Peli light eliminates the need for disposable batteries, minimizing waste and environmental impact.

Sales Director David Smith commented “These models are very impressive; high-quality rechargeable products that combine a compact design with a rugged yet lightweight body offering resilience, efficiency, and a commitment to environmental responsibility.”

The Peli Products range of tough safety torches is certified to ATEX Zone 0 and Zone 1 and includes head torches, right angled models hands-free and compact versions.  They are all designed for use in hazardous areas, Peli torches carry the legendary “You break it, we replace it” lifetime guarantee.

For more details go to www.peliproducts.co.uk or ring the Peli Products (UK) team: 01457 869999.

An Enerpac pump-powered door handling system is helping boosting production at the CSR Monier Roof Tile Plant, Darra, Brisbane. The system ensures all doors on the curing chambers are handled in a quick and efficient manner, ensuring production rates are maintained with no stoppages.

Roof tiles are manufactured in batches and then cured in a heated chamber. Declining factory productivity prompted CSR Monier to ask manufacturing and process improvement services company, Heltec Pty Ltd of Queensland, to review concrete roof tiles production from the factory’s 20 curing chambers. 

Following an analysis of the roof tile production process, Heltec refurbished the concrete curing chambers to improve insulation, hence providing a higher humidity and ensuring consistent temperature across the chamber. All chambers must be completely sealed and airtight, to ensure that the exothermic reaction produced by the fresh concrete tiles can be taken advantage of. 

Options for automated doors that could provide an airtight room on such an old structure were limited. A custom door was designed; however the site needed a way to handle them in a prompt manner to accommodate the fast-paced manufacturing environment. Heltec developed a frame-mounted, custom push bar locking system powered by an Enerpac XC2 pump and RC59 cylinder. Once the large steel door of the heat chamber is in the closed position, the frame is moved into place. The operator then turns on XC2 pump which in turn activates the Enerpac RC59 cylinder, pushing the bar to lock the chamber door. Once locked, the frame mounted, push bar locking system is released. Mounted on rail above the chamber doors, it can easily travel between the factory’s 20 chambers.  

In addition to its labour-saving benefits, the Enerpac pump-powered locking system also ensures a reduced manual handling risk to the operator. Heltec advised that they favoured the Enerpac XC2 over other brands due to its reliability and quality along with the technical support that Enerpac provided, which made designing the system easier.

Initial results from using the refurbished chambers have a 50% reduction in the variation of resultant tile strength across the room, enabling greater daily production volume. Coupled with this was a 47% reduction in the variation across the chamber for residual moisture in the tiles prior to packaging, meaning storage times in the yard for the final stages of the tile curing process can be reduced and the product dispatched to customers quicker.

“The Enerpac XC2 pump and RC59 cylinder has played an important role ensuring that all chamber doors are not only handled in an efficient manner, but also in a safer way,” said Peter Stephens of Heltec Pty Ltd. 

For more information on the Enerpac XC2 pump and Enerpac’s range of battery-powered, portable pumps, visit www.enerpac.com.

For over 16 years, the composite wrap system, Belzona SuperWrap II, has been applied throughout multiple industries to restore the strength of holed, weakened and corroded assets. Now, the R&D Department at Belzona Limited has honed the capabilities of this technology so that, with the new epoxy resin, Belzona 1984, this technology is now optimised to be applied in aqueous environments.  

Figure 1. Application of composite wrap system in submerged environment  

Surface-Tolerant Composite Repair System Optimised for Underwater Maintenance

One of the key individuals behind the development of the new surface-tolerant composite repair system, Ian Wade, Technical Services Manager at Belzona Limited, explained more: “The Belzona SuperWrap II compliant system already features three resins designed for different application and service temperatures. Belzona 1984 is the latest development in this system, engineered specifically with surface tolerance in mind. This resin can be applied directly to damp, wet and underwater surfaces without the need for abrasive blasting.”

Figure 2. Ian Wade, Technical Services Manager at Belzona Limited

Ian continued: “Once cured, Belzona 1984 resists temperatures of up to 50°C (122°F) and can be applied in temperatures ranging from 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F). The Belzona SuperWrap II system can be applied as a composite wrap, pad, plate or patch, depending on the application requirements.”

Figure 3. Application and service temperatures of Belzona SuperWrap II resins  

Full Compliance with ISO and ASME Standards

The Belzona 1984 system has undergone rigorous testing and is fully approved for compliance with ISO 24817 and ASME PCC-2 standards. These tests utilised samples which were applied and cured underwater in artificial seawater, representing the worst-case and most aggressive environments. Compliance with these standards demonstrates how Belzona SuperWrap II is optimised for use in a variety of challenging environments, making it a welcome addition to many a maintenance engineer’s repertoire of repair solutions.

Figure 4. Composite wrap system, Belzona SuperWrap II, incorporating Belzona 1984

Rigorous Training Programme Ensures Excellent Standard of Application

In order to apply Belzona SuperWrap II to ISO/ASME standards, applicators are required to complete a rigorous training programme at one of Belzona’s 16 training centres located worldwide. By thoroughly equipping applicators with the skills and expertise to successfully apply the composite wrap system, this ensures that an excellent standard of application is maintained.

To uphold this standard, every two years, Belzona’s Corporate Belzona SuperWrap II Trainer Committee conduct a mandatory audit of all Belzona SuperWrap II trainers, facilities as well as internal staff. Upon successful completion of the audit, Belzona SuperWrap II accreditations are then renewed. Again, this process is designed to ensure a consistently safe and successful application of the composite wrap system.  

Bypass Carbon- and Cost-Intensive Replacement Process

As industries continue to ratchet up their carbon mitigation measures in line with the net-zero by 2050 pathway, the use of polymeric repair and protection technology offers a real boon for maintenance engineers. The process of replacing damaged assets incurs a hefty carbon footprint, not to mention considerable financial expenditure. With polymeric technology, engineers can successfully bypass the carbon- and cost-intensive process of replacement, and instead rehabilitate their assets and protect them against future damage. Now, this can be achieved even in the most challenging application environments thanks to the surface-tolerant epoxy resin, Belzona 1984.

Figure 5. New surface-tolerant epoxy repair resin, Belzona 1984

This move substantially strengthens NMi's Market Access capabilities, particularly in the specialised field of product safety certification for hazardous environments. This mandatory certification needs to be obtained for products used in areas where gas, vapor or dust explosions can occur and applicable in various end markets where many of NMi’s clients operate, such as Energy & Utilities, Food & Agri and Industrial & Manufacturing. The acquisition aligns with NMi's commitment to enhancing safety worldwide.

Founded in 2005, ExVeritas plays an essential role in the certification landscape with subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Denmark, and the United States. ExVeritas is a designated UKCA Approved Body (2585) and European Notified Body (2804), holding accreditations for UKCA (Ex) and ATEX in Europe. It is also recognised under the global IECEx scheme, and its US operations are accredited as an Associated Test Lab and accepted as an Independent Laboratory by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). These comprehensive certifications enable ExVeritas to facilitate global market access. Led by founders Sean Clarke and Stephen D'Henin, along with regional co-founders Luke Ricks in the US and Peter Lauritzen in Denmark—who will continue guiding ExVeritas post-acquisition—the company provides specialised services, including ATEX/IECEx type approval, management audits, training, and inspection.

This acquisition marks a significant advancement in NMi's strategy to enhance service offerings and expand its geographical footprint. Importantly, it simplifies the certification process for our shared client base. By uniting NMi and ExVeritas, we can offer clients a streamlined approach to securing essential product safety certifications, accredited and certified to UKCA, DANAK, ATEX, IECEx, and USCG standards, making market access more efficient and straightforward.

Yvo Jansen, CEO of NMi, stated, "Partnering with ExVeritas and their solid global expertise is a landmark development in our efforts to enlarge our reach and capabilities in our market access services. The expertise of ExVeritas directly enhances our portfolio, addressing a specific market need for rigorous safety certifications required by OEMs, Installers, and End-Users to access the global market and drive product safety. Following our earlier expansion into Cybersecurity with the acquisition of TrustCB, this new collaboration further broadens NMi's service offerings, now covering Metrology, Cybersecurity, and Product Safety."

Sean Clarke, co-founder of ExVeritas, commented, "Joining NMi Group opens significant avenues for ExVeritas to scale our operations more effectively. Powered by NMi means joining a team with a proven strategic vision and ambition, leveraging their international reputation and technical expertise, thereby allowing us to focus on ExVeritas' continued growth. This collaboration will enhance our ability to deliver expanded services and meet the complex safety standards our clients require in hazardous environments."

The acquisition is a key component of NMi's buy-and-build strategy and aligns seamlessly with our mission in 'Measuring Tomorrow.' This approach emphasises forward-thinking solutions to global market challenges, focusing on sectors that demand robust safety certifications. ExVeritas's strong market presence and its reputation as a trusted certification body are crucial for advancing NMi's objectives in both new and existing markets, enabling us to further expand our valued and flexible service offerings to meet our clients' evolving needs.

Industrial scales are indispensable in a variety of industries. Whether in production, retail or logistics, they ensure that processes run precisely and efficiently. However, to ensure that industrial scales deliver reliable and standardised results, they are subject to strict regulations. These regulations can vary greatly depending on the region and area of application, and ensure both accuracy and safety in the respective industries. Industrial scales such as Combics® and Signum® from Minebea Intec, a leading global manufacturer of weighing and inspection technologies, fulfil the highest international and local standards to meet the requirements of a wide range of markets.

 In modern production processes, precise measurement often determines success or failure. From dosing and filling to fill level control and simple weighing, there are specific guidelines for the use of industrial scales depending on the area of application and industry.

International guidelines: OIML and IECEx

The OIML (Organisation Internationale de Métrologie Légale) sets global standards for measuring instruments, including industrial scales. These guidelines determine how scales must be tested and certified in order to be used globally. "Internationally active companies often rely on OIML-certified scales," explains Eren Sagdas, Product Manager Industrial Scales at Minebea Intec. "Certification facilitates export and ensures that our devices can be used reliably worldwide."

IECEx certification is another global standard that applies specifically to devices in potentially explosive atmospheres. This certification guarantees the safe operation of devices in potentially explosive environments, such as those found in the chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries.

The industrial scales in the Combics^® and Signum^® series fulfil both the OIML guidelines and the IECEx specifications. This international conformity makes them the ideal choice for companies that operate globally and rely on uniform safety standards in different regions. In addition to their certifications, both scales are characterised by numerous other advantages.

Industrial scales Combics^® : Versatility and robustness

The bench and floor scale Combics^® from Minebea Intec impresses with its combination of robustness and precision, making it the ideal solution for a wide range of industrial applications.
The floor scale plays a particularly important role in the pharmaceutical industry, for example in the exact dosing of active ingredients. Thanks to its smooth surfaces and easy cleaning, the Combics^® floor scale fulfils the strict hygiene requirements that are essential in this industry. With its high measuring accuracy, it ensures that even the smallest deviations are avoided - crucial for pharmaceutical production and other highly sensitive processes.

The Combics^® floor scale is also widely used in logistics, for example for weighing heavy pallets and freight. These measurements are essential for the precise calculation of shipping costs or the optimisation of warehouse capacities. The high load capacity and durability make the scales particularly suitable for continuous use in warehouses or loading zones.  In the food industry, the Combics^® floor scale is used in production lines to precisely measure the weight of raw materials such as flour or sugar. Thanks to its robust stainless steel construction, it can withstand the harsh conditions in production halls, including high humidity and strong cleaning agents.

The versatile application options, coupled with the robust design and precise measurement technology, make the Combics^® floor scales an indispensable tool in a wide range of industries that depend on reliability and accuracy.

Signum precision scales^® : Maximum accuracy for demanding weighing applications

The Signum^® precision scale from Minebea Intec shows its strengths particularly in industries where maximum measuring accuracy and fast response times are essential. A good example is the pharmaceutical industry, where even the smallest differences in weight can have a major impact. In the manufacture of medicines, where precise dosing of active ingredients is crucial, the Signum^® industrial scale delivers precise measurement results down to the milligram or even microgram range. Its fast measuring time makes it possible to organise production processes efficiently without compromising the quality of the measurements. "We are happy to advise our customers on the selection of different material designs, load ranges and readabilities to fulfil specific requirements," says Eren Sagdas, Product Manager Industrial Scales at Minebea Intec.

The Signum^® industrial scale is also used in cosmetics production, where strict hygiene standards and precise formulations must be adhered to. In the production of creams or lotions, the scale can measure the exact quantities of ingredients such as oils and fragrances. Thanks to its robust design, the Signum^® is also ideally suited to the demanding cleaning processes in this industry, which emphasises its durability and reliability.

Ideal weighing and inspection solutions for strictly regulated markets

Industrial scales such as the Signum^® precision scale and the Combics^®  bench and floor scale offer companies worldwide reliable solutions that fulfil international, regional and industry-specific regulations. Thanks to their exceptional precision, flexibility and robustness, they are the preferred choice in industries that require the highest standards of accuracy and reliability while complying with strict legal regulations.

Thanks to comprehensive compliance with international directives such as OIML and IECEx, as well as regional standards such as MID, NAWID, NTEP, HACCP and ATEX, Minebea Intec's weighing and inspection technologies are among the leading solutions worldwide. However, the company offers far more than a broad portfolio of industrial scales, load cells, weighing electronics, metal detectors and X-ray and visual inspection systems.

Minebea Intec takes a holistic and personalised approach to service that goes beyond product quality. This combination of high-quality products and first-class service ultimately provides the exact measure that makes the difference between success and failure in strictly regulated markets. This commitment is reflected in the brand promise "the true measure".

The existing explosionproof signalling devices, such as illuminated pushbuttons, switches, pushbuttons, emergency stop buttons, potentiometers, have been supplemented by a buzzer.

The explosionproof buzzer combines a small design with low power consumption and a high volume (>90 dB(A)). A continuous tone or an optional rising and falling tone is used to draw attention to hazards and malfunctions in potentially explosive atmospheres. The acoustic signal cannot be overheard, even in noisy environments.

The buzzer made of stainless steel is encapsulated, the sound is generated piezoelectrically by an intrinsically safe circuit inside. The intrinsically safe circuit does not have to be considered during installation.

The signalling device has an EU-Type Examination Certificate and an IECEx Certificate of Conformity as an Ex Equipment and can be used in Zones 0 and 21, as well as in zone 21 without any further housing. The cable tail must be connected in a junction box or in a switchgear combination in a standardised Type of Protection.

www.thuba.com