UK’s leading safety company will showcase responsible ranges and joined-up safety solutions at the NEC in Birmingham 

Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, will be exhibiting at this year's Health & Safety Event, scheduled to take place from the 30^th April to 2^nd May at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.  

The event takes place during a momentous year for both Arco and the health and safety industry, coinciding with the 50^th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) and Arco’s 140^th anniversary. 

Arco’s interactive exhibition can be found in Hall 4, Stand 4/G100 and has been designed to take visitors on a journey through the hierarchy of control, emphasising the importance of a joined-up approach to safety management. With a focus on consultancy, training, expert advice, compliance and sustainability, Arco aims to demonstrate its unparalleled safety expertise.  

Visitors to the Arco stand can expect immersive experiences, including virtual reality demonstrations where they will be placed in realistic environments, highlighting hazards within working at height and confined spaces. The stand will also showcase Arco’s award-winning Responsible hi-vis and Responsible workwear product ranges, as well as its product-assurance process and independent UKAS-accredited laboratory.  

Ahead of the event, Arco has been shortlisted in four categories for the 2024 Safety and Health Excellence Awards. Arco is nominated for: BSIF Product Innovation Award Safety Product Category (Non-PPE), Campaign of the Year, Distributor of the Year and Marketing Campaign of the Year, as well as sponsoring and judging this year’s inaugural Sustainable Company of the Year award. The winners will be announced during the award ceremony that will take place on the second night of the three-day Health & Safety Event. 

Gareth Wray, Marketing Director at Arco, commented: “We are thoroughly excited to be attending The Health & Safety Event during such a special year for Arco and the industry. We have gone above and beyond to create a truly engaging experience for visitors, showcasing our expertise not only in sourcing and delivering quality and compliant products, but in driving forward sustainable practices and offering joined-up safety solutions.   

“We look forward to interacting with the many attendees and sharing our expertise to drive positive change in safety practices." 

For more information, visit www.arco.co.uk  

Enerpac continues to raise the performance of its range of battery powered pumps with the announcement of the XC2-Series cordless hydraulic pumps. The new pumps offer higher speeds, longer battery run-times and greater oil capacity allowing larger tool and multiple cylinder applications to be undertaken on a single charge.

Powered by a high-capacity 54 Volt battery, the XC2 pump matches the speed of a 0,37 kW electric pump with the added benefit of cordless convenience, eliminating the need for extension cords and noisy and emission producing generators. With the XC2 pump, managing cable trip risks are eliminated and environmental health and safety concerns significantly reduced. 

More projects on a single battery charge

The XC2 pump’s brushless motor provides twice the life of brushed motors and high-flow rates for increased productivity, allowing significant work completions on a single battery charge. In addition to increasing engineer efficiency, it also enables a more flexible approach to completing projects.  Available in either 2 or 4 litres oil capacity, the 4 litre XC2 pump can be used with larger and multiple cylinders, up to four 50 ton cylinders, two 75 ton cylinders or a single 100 ton cylinder, for example. 

XC2-Series manual valve models also include a variable speed trigger enabling greater control of tool or cylinder movement. The pump’s bladder reservoir design reduces the risk of contamination and allows pump use in any position; ideal for projects where access and working space are limited. 

The XC2 pumps are highly portable with weights ranging from 11.9kg to 16.8kg depending on valve function and oil capacity, effectively bringing previously difficult to service remote projects within easy reach. They also include integrated steel rings to attach the accessory carry strap.

The XC2-Series 54 Volt fast battery charger minimises downtime with a 1.5 hour charge cycle. An LED display provides charge status, over temperature and damaged battery indication.

Heavy duty pendant controls

Heavy-duty pendants are used to operate any Enerpac XC2-Series pump. Easy to connect or disconnect when not required, the pendants feature large buttons, an over moulded grip, lanyard loop and hanger magnet. Multiple seals within the pendant provide IP64 environmental protection. When working in confined spaces where using any cord can be problematic, the pendant control is easily detached, and the pump operated by the trigger.

Torque specific model available

For bolting applications, there is the XC-2 cordless torque wrench pump featuring an adjustable pressure relief valve which can be locked when the desired pressure is set. It can be used with a wide range of torque wrenches and features a 100 mm glycerine-filled pressure gauge for easy viewing and a 6 metre detachable pendant control.

Stay Connected - Enerpac Connect

The Enerpac Connect app gives XC2-Series pump users a complete picture of the tool and its usage, both important factors in job safety and productivity. Using either a SmartPhone or tablet, XC2-Series owners can scan the QR code on the pump nameplate for instant access to product specifications, manuals, videos, job specific usage data, and wireless firmware updates through smart enabled tool technology.

Redefining Pump Portability, Usability and Efficiency

“The XC2-Series cordless hydraulic pumps demonstrate the focus that Enerpac is offering customers in terms of portability, usability and enhanced job performance. The increases in speed, battery runtime, and oil capacity compared to the previous XC-Series is where the XC2-Series excels,” says Angie Wallace Global Product Manager, Enerpac. 

We’re translating our outstanding pump innovation and technology into tangible customer benefits designed to improve competitiveness and service delivery, as well as providing the ability to take on larger and higher cycle applications with a cordless pump.”

For more information on the Enerpac XC2-Series cordless hydraulic pump, and torque pump, visit www.enerpac.com.

Hazards from dusts and spilled product fall in to two distinct categories; the first is dusts that are hazardous to health. This category includes obvious products like asbestos and silica dust, but any dust that can be breathed in by the operator or other personnel in the workplace is likely to be hazardous to health to a degree. Industrial Vacuum Cleaners with M-Class and H-Class filtration ensures hazardous dusts are appropriately handled when being recovered.

The second category is dusts that are hazardous in the environment. The obvious category is dusts that can potentially cause an explosive atmosphere, particularly organic products like sugar and flour. Some products fall in to both categories such as wood dusts, which are both hazardous to health and potentially explosive. ATEX rated Industrial Vacuum Cleaners must be specified for use in ATEX zones.

Selecting an appropriate Industrial Vacuum Cleaner requires careful consideration of the potential hazards which then informs the specification of the machine. BVC – British Vacuum Cleaners is the leading brand of British manufactured industrial vacuum cleaners. Manufactured by Quirepace in Fareham, Hampshire the range includes both M-Class and H-Class machines for dusts hazardous to health and ATEX rated equipment suitable to operate in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Quirepace’s extensive knowledge combined with our experienced sales team, UK manufacture, and local service and spares support, means that BVC UK manufactured Industrial Vacuum Cleaners, with their 5-year parts warranty, deliver excellent durability and value for money in the industrial environment.

In addition to portable equipment, Quirepace also design and install fixed installations for Central Vacuum Cleaning, where multiple outlets are served by central plant through a network of fixed pipework.

Contact us today to arrange an initial consultation meeting.

www.quirepace.co.uk www.bvc.co.uk
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023 9260 3700

For over 30 years, Silicon-on-Sapphire (SOS) sensor technology has stood as a cornerstone within ESI's lineup, defining the very essence of reliability and precision in intrinsically safe pressure transmitters. This innovative technology has played a pivotal role in ensuring steadfast and accurate measurements amidst the challenges posed by hazardous environments. Through the symbiotic fusion of silicon's sensing prowess and sapphire's unyielding resilience, the SOS sensor has emerged as an unparalleled solution, conquering the harsh realities of hazardous applications.

The SOS sensor harnesses the extraordinary properties of both silicon and sapphire, culminating in unparalleled performance. Sapphire, renowned for its exceptional durability, chemical inertness, and resistance to extreme temperatures, provides an impervious shield against corrosive chemicals, abrasive substances, and soaring temperatures. Meanwhile, silicon, meticulously grown onto the surface of the sapphire substrate, furnishes the sensor with unmatched sensitivity and precision. This harmonious marriage of materials ensures long-term reliability, even in the most unforgiving environments.

Intrinsically safe pressure transmitters, fortified with Silicon-on-Sapphire Technology, assume a pivotal role in hazardous environments where the spectre of explosion looms large. In such precarious settings, safety reigns supreme, and intrinsically safe devices stand as guardians against potential calamities. ESI's pressure transmitters, not only meet stringent safety standards, but also deliver unwaveringly accurate and dependable pressure measurements, instilling confidence in even the most challenging conditions.

The intrinsic electrical insulation properties of sapphire serve as a linchpin in achieving intrinsic safety. With its exceptional insulating characteristics, sapphire forms an impenetrable barrier, thwarting the passage of electric current and mitigating the risk of sparking or overheating. This inherent safety feature renders SOS sensors inherently safer for use in explosive atmospheres compared to their conventional counterparts.

Furthermore, Silicon-on-Sapphire technology empowers ESI to craft pressure transmitters boasting a compact footprint without compromising performance. The slender yet robust nature of the SOS sensor facilitates the development of smaller, lighter devices, simplifying installation and maintenance in confined spaces within industrial settings.

As industries steadfastly prioritise safety and precision in their operations, ESI’s SOS technology stands poised at the vanguard of intrinsically safe pressure transmitter solutions, offering a steadfast and enduring solution for critical applications. With three decades of innovation behind us, ESI remains committed to pushing the boundaries of excellence, ensuring that our SOS sensors continue to set the standard for reliability and precision in hazardous environments.

www.esi-tec.com

As the inventor of flameless explosion venting, REMBE is once again challenging the status quo with the new Q-Box R3leaf, the world's first sustainable device for flameless explosion venting.

After years of systematic development, testing and successful approval tests, REMBE is convinced that it has contributed to more than just an improvement in flameless explosion venting technology. Instead, the aim is to set a good example and send a clear signal that everyone can reduce the carbon footprint in our industry. 

Fig. 1: The Q-Box R3leaf as the first sustainable flameless explosion venting device

During development of the Q-Box R3leaf the focus was on sustainability and the central question: Where can the status quo be further challenged?  

The development of the Q-Box R3leaf expands REMBE's line of flameless explosion venting devices with a product optimised in terms of both effectiveness and sustainability.  

Thanks to the selection of materials, the geometry of components and appropriate joining processes, it was possible to significantly increase the packaging density, avoid the need for emission-intensive joining and coating processes, and at the same time significantly improve the effectiveness of internal and international logistics processes. These optimisations affect the entire supply chain of the Q-Box R3leaf and thus ensure reduced CO₂ emissions.

Thanks to continuous development, it was possible to significantly increase the venting efficiency of the Q-Box R3leaf, allowing plant operators to reduce the number of flameless explosion venting devices required on their plant.

How does an explosion occur?

The topic of “explosion protection” is omnipresent for plant operators and machine manufacturers when it comes to handling or transporting flammable and explosive dusts. Contrary to the widespread assumption, the risk of explosion extends beyond gases, as flammable dusts can release enormous forces.

The following conditions, also known as fire triangle or dust explosion pentagon, must exist for an explosion to occur within a production facility or machine:

Fig. 2: Dust explosion pentagon

If any of the aforementioned conditions are eliminated, explosion protection has essentially been practised. However, if this is not possible at all times and in all operating states, explosion hazards persist. This necessitates categorizing explosion-prone areas into zones and systematically installing protective measures accordingly.

What is flameless explosion venting? 

Flameless explosion venting devices are primarily used to protect vessels or plants against the main effects of explosions, flames and pressure, which would be released unhindered into the environment if conventional explosion venting was used. To put it simply, they consist of two elements: the explosion venting device, such as an explosion vent and a downstream flame extinguishing element. This decreases the explosive pressure to a level that is harmless for the protected plant, and at the same time reduces the temperature of the combustion gases to a harmless level.

Flameless explosion venting devices are used wherever safe pressure relief in the event of an explosion is not permitted due to the potential proximity to people, other plants or objects.

www.rembe.com

The Water Jetting Association has launched a new code of practice for the safe use of pressure washing equipment.

The code – known as the Purple Code due to its purple cover – has been approved by the HSE and the first of its kind to provide guidance on the use of lower pressure water jetting techniques.

Its full title is the WJA code of practice for the safe use of pressure washers with pressures up to 207 bar and flow up to 22 litres (5 imperial gallons) per minute.

The Purple Code now sits alongside the WJA’s two other long-established codes. The Blue Code is for the safe use of high pressure and ultra-high pressure water jetting equipment.

The Red Code is for the safe use of water jetting equipment in drains and sewers and surface preparation with a jetting gun at pressures up to 275 bar (4,000 psi) that an operative can comfortably control.

WJA President John Jones said: “Given the wide use of pressure washing equipment, both commercially and domestically, the Purple Code is, arguably, one of the most important documents the WJA has produced in recent years.

“We’ve worked hard to make sure it is accurate, up-to-date and, above all, easy to follow and practical, so operatives get clear guidance on how to use pressure washing equipment safely and productively.

“Pressure washing is an increasingly important application in many industrial and commercial settings, and in countless gardens and drives up and down the UK. Therefore, it’s vital that there is authoritative, expert-led guidance to control the risks associated with it.”

Water at pressures as seven bar (100 psi) can puncture skin or damage eyes. At pressures up to 207 bar (3,000 psi), common in pressure washing systems, the damage caused by water jets to the body can be catastrophic. Also, harsh chemicals can be added, and water can be heated to boiling point.

The WJA’s Purple Code is thought to be the first pressure washing code of practice published anywhere in the world. It was finalised with the assistance of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

WJA Technical Manager Gordon Taylor explained: “The HSE has reviewed the WJA Purple Code and we’ve incorporated its recommendations to ensure it is fully aligned with latest health and safety laws and regulations.

“We hope it means the HSE will view the document as the UK’s foremost authoritative guide to safe pressure washing, in the same way it sees our Blue and Red Codes as setting the industry standards for their water jetting applications.

“Powerful pressure washing equipment is widely available but the risks associated with it are often not well understood by operatives.

“We’re very keen to work proactively with contractors and service users to make the WJA Purple Code widely available to address this issue and ensure pressure washing is carried out as safely as possible.”

The WJA Purple Code follows the same format as the two other codes. Its 100 pages has 19 sections covering topics that include:

• Personal protective equipment;
• Water jetting team organisation and duties;
• Frost precautions;
• Water jetting units;
• Hose assemblies, including inspection and testing;
• Safe use of pressure washing equipment, including training.

In a series of appendices, the code shows the WJA injury treatment algorithm, which gives clear instruction on treating water jetting injuries from first response to post-hospital rehabilitation.

The WJA Purple Code will be used as an important aid in the delivery of the WJA’s City & Guilds-accredited Pressure Washing course.

The one-day course, delivered by WJA-approved coach/examiners provides class-based learning and practical skills assessment. Candidates are then examined on their knowledge using the CLiKAPAD digital response tool, with a 75% pass mark required.

www.waterjetting.org.uk

In Great Britain, the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) require employers to eliminate or control the risks from explosive atmospheres in the workplace. This includes adhering to two European Directives including Directive 2014/34/EU, also known as the ATEX Equipment Directive, which concerns equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. 

Production facilities that use combustible powders as part of their production process, or those which create a very fine waste which is classed as combustible dust, should all use ATEX rated equipment.

Kerstar’s UK manufactured ATEX certified industrial vacuum cleaners are suitable for use in Gas Zones 1 & 2 and Dust Zones 21 & 22 – as specified on the rating plate on every unit. All of Kerstar’s compressed air (KAV range) and electric (KEVA range) ATEX vacuums provide three-stage filtration which includes a specially designed microfibre bag with a cap which, when closed, cannot be re-opened, and a HEPA H14 filter – offering 99.995% efficiency for dusts and powders as fine as 0.3 micron.

All KAV and KEVA models offer stainless steel canisters mounted on a stainless steel caddy fitted with conductive braked castors and wheels - this ensures each vacuum is antistatic and conductive from top to bottom. Every machine is supplied with a fully conductive hose and accessory kit, and a full earth path continuity certificate.

Kerstar Business Development Manager, Brian Folland, comments, “It’s really important that employers ensure they are providing equipment which is fit for purpose – particularly in potentially explosive atmospheres. This is just as important for cleaning equipment as it is for production machinery. Everything used in an ATEX rated Zone must be certified to meet the ATEX Directives.”

Find out more about Kerstar’s ATEX certified and Type H (suitable for use with hazardous dusts) vacuum cleaners by visiting www.kerstar.com.

In many hazardous locations there is a need to use condition monitoring equipment, e.g. for measuring the vibration levels and temperatures of rotating machinery to diagnose faults such as misalignment, unbalance or impending bearing failure. The equipment needed to do the monitoring must therefore be “intrinsically safe” and incapable of igniting an explosive atmosphere.

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) require employers to control the risks to safety from fire and explosions. Consequently, this entails compliance with BS EN 1127 (Explosive atmospheres - explosion prevention and protection), which requires that any electrical equipment used is intrinsically safe and complies with IEC 60079.

The likelihood of an explosive atmosphere existing is dealt with in these standards by the definition of various “zones”. These range from Zone 0, where an explosive atmosphere is likely to be present most of the time, to Zone 2, where it is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only. With Zone 1 the “grey area” in between these two extremes.

Importantly, it is the responsibility of the plant operator to decide which parts of their plant are in which zones. But this can pose something of a problem. For example, these days there are many Zone 2 certified devices available, such as mobile phones or tablet PCs in special casings. These are fine when used in an area that is clearly Zone 2. But what if someone left a door or a hatch open to a Zone 0 area? Does our Zone 2 now become Zone 1, or worse still Zone 0? Does our previously certified safe, Zone 2 device now constitute a potential hazard?

This is where the real benefit of Zone 0 certification comes in. Basically, you don’t have to think because Zone 0 devices can literally be used anywhere!

There is a price to pay however, as Zone 0 devices are typically more expensive due to increased manufacturing costs (e.g. additional safety components and higher levels of redundancy). However, Test Products International (TPI) believes it has achieved a significant Zone 0 cost breakthrough with the very affordable TPI 9085Ex vibration analyser.

Costing from as little as £4,250 the TPI 9085Ex combines on-meter diagnostics with the all-important ability to TREND readings over time to simplify condition-based maintenance (CBM). Certified for Zone 0 with IECEx, ATEX and North American approval, the TPI 9085Ex can be used in ANY hazardous location anywhere in the world.

The TPI 9085Ex offers on-meter analysis for the detection of machine faults such as unbalance, misalignment, looseness and bearing wear. With full colour OLED display and Bluetooth communications, the TPI 9085Ex features colour coded alarms and zoomable on-screen vibration frequency plots with cursor readout. It can store lists (routes) of up to 1000 machines, each with up to 10 measurement points, with full waveform and frequency spectrum (FFT) capture and transfer to PC-based software.

Additionally, the TPI 9085Ex with its uniquely designed sensor, SIMULTANEOUSLY captures both VIBRATION and TEMPERATURE readings. So, if the indicated level of bearing wear is high and it’s hot then you can be sure that what you have is a worn bearing and not for example pump cavitation.

The included C-Trend PC-based trending and reporting software features all the high-end benefits, such as automatic email notification of alarms and report generation, to implement a full CBM strategy.  Routes and readings can also be transferred to/from the TPI 9085Ex via Bluetooth using a smart phone or tablet running the free TPI Cloud Bridge App. This allows service personnel to be sent routes and return readings over the Internet, no matter where they are in the world. 

For more information please contact TPI Europe’s head office on +44 1293 530196 or take a look on the website at www.tpieurope.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Expo Technologies is excited to announce the latest addition to our range of purge & pressurization systems – the SmartPurge Z.

While Purge & Pressurization is one of the simplest approved protection methods for electrical enclosures in hazardous areas, many purge systems are complicated to specify, and even more complex to install and commission.

The SmartPurge Z has been designed to be one of the simplest systems while offering all the capabilities electrical panel builders and OEMs are looking for.

One unit

Many purge systems comprise multiple elements, typically the control system, vent valve, and inlet valve. The SmartPurge Z has combined all of these elements into one unit, avoiding potential errors in specifying, and allowing for simple, fast installation.

One input

With the SmartPurge Z there is no complex set-up process, with flow curves and multiple parameter inputs. There is only one thing to set – the purge time – and that only takes a few seconds.

One size

The purge flow rate of the SmartPurge Z has been optimised to suit the most frequently used enclosure sizes. For ATEX/IECEx certified applications, requiring 5 air changes, the system can purge enclosures up to 2.1m³ in volume in 30 minutes or less. Purge times up to 99 minutes can be selected, allowing it to purge even larger enclosures.

No further adjustment

After the purge is complete, a key capability of the SmartPurge Z is to automatically adjust the leakage compensation flow rate to maintain a constant enclosure pressure. This eliminates time-consuming manual set-up, as well as reducing the consumption of purge gas.

Contact Expo Technologies

Expo Technologies has redefined Purge and Pressurization through the development of the SmartPurge Z. Visit our website to find out more.

www.expoworldwide.com

There are many schemes that check the competence of ‘Ex’ equipment installers and inspectors (such as CompEx) but those schemes ‘assume’ that the equipment certificates are correct. In the UK and EU however, a lot of equipment can be ‘self-certified’ by the manufacturer. This includes all Zone 2 equipment, Zone 1 non-electrical equipment and even equipment for Zone 0 if the manufacturer declares that the device is a simple apparatus. In addition to this, there is equipment which is put on the market as an ‘assembly’ using certified equipment but often introducing new (often non-electrical) ignition sources.

So how does the end user know these ‘self-certified’ items of equipment are safe?

As an end user, you are taking the final responsibility for the equipment you use, it is vital that you have sufficient diligence in accepting certification that has no accreditation or independence. ‘Ex’ matters, if something goes wrong the result can be catastrophic, so you should accept nothing at ‘face value’.

Specify 3^rd party certication (and check it is legitimate)

Although the manufacturer does not legally always need to obtain 3^rd party certication, the buyer can make it a condition of purchase. This is the safest and simplest as method as the buyer can be assured of the independence and competence of the Certification Body (assuming the body is accredited for ‘Ex’, schemes like ‘IECEx’ who have global recognition and Certification Bodies status can be checked on line.)

Caveat Emptor (Let the Buyer Beware)

Remember, anyone can produce a certificate and many manufacturers and non-accredited bodies and counterfeiters issue certificates that look very much like officially Notified Body or IECEx Body Certification. Only accept certification from reputable bodies who’s certification can be verified (that can be done by the end user online with IECEx).

Be an ‘intelligent’ customer.

No certification should be taken at face value, so you should always have the competence to check the certificate you are being presented with ‘before’ purchase, for example:

• Are the certificates to the correct Standards and are all necessary standards included. For example, a fan may be certified to generic standards when it should be certified to the standard specifically for Ex fans.
• Are the certificates to the ‘current’ level and at least to the 60079 series standards (as required by the installation standard, 60079-14).
• Is the manufacturer an ‘Ex’ specialist and have you audited or reviewed them as a body with the ‘competence’ to self-certify (for example, do they have a test facility, do their staff have the relevant competence and independence).

There are suitable training courses to help become be an ‘intelligent customer’ or a ‘competent manufacturer’ for explosion safety. These courses can help with the design and certification (self certication or 3^rd party certication) and will ultimately save time and money as well as make ‘safer’ product and installations. For example, courses run by ExVeritas include:

• 'Ex' Electrical Equipment Design and Certification: How to select a design with appropriate protection concepts, prepare certication drawings, test samples and quality systems (QAN/QAR/FUS).
• Advanced Intrinsic Safety Circuit Design: A five-day workshop-based training covering the most advanced intrinsic safety design techniques.
• Ex Assemblies and Non-Electrical Equipment: How to design ‘Ex’ assemblies and non-electrical equipment for ATEX, UKCA and IECEx Certification (from simple pump skids to diesel engine generators)

ExVeritas are a UK Government Appointed Body for UKCA ‘Ex’, an ATEX Notified Body and an IECEx Certification Body and Test Laboratory, we are also a MET Partner Laboratory for North American Certification. Our training is delivered by Senior Certification Body Engineers who are industry experts, you will learn from our vast experience in this field. www.exveritas.com

Links for courses that address the competence issues discussed in this article:

Ex Certification Process for ATEX and IECEx is explained here (exveritas.com)

Advanced Intrinsic Safety Circuit Design from an ATEX/UKCA and IECEx Body (exveritas.com)

ATEX and IECEx Ex h Non-Electrical Equipment and Assemblies training for Designers (exveritas.com)