News

Two of the world’s leading companies in VOC detection will launch an informative on-demand (free) webinar available now. Speakers from both ION Science and Industrial Scientific will describe what VOCsare, why they should be monitored,what detection techniques are suitable, and where and when measurements should be undertaken.

The webinar speakers will be Ilaria Tramelli, Business Development Director for PID, at Industrial Scientific, and Peter Morris, Head of Sensors at ION Science. “This webinar will be an ideal learning opportunity for anyone with responsibility for health, safety or the environment in almost any industry,” explains the webinar host, Emily Lane, Marketing Manager at ION Science Ltd, “VOCs occur in most industrial sectors, but their relative toxicity varies widely, and there are a number of ways in which they can be detected, so this webinar has been designed to provide the core knowledge that is necessary for VOCs to be managed effectively.”

The on-demand webinar lasts for around 30minutes and can be accessed, free of charge, by visiting 

The main objective of the webinar is to provide educational content that contributes to the professional development of viewers. Whilst explaining the advantages and disadvantages of different detection technologies, the speakers will also describe the unique aspects of the ION Science MiniPIDs that make them ideal for OEM integration for accurate and reliable VOC detection.

The speakers will also describe the most common applications for VOC detection; providing insights into the factors which can lead to potentially dangerous concentrations of VOCs. Pete will also describe the increasing use of PIDs in low-cost, (sometimes mobile) spatially dense ambient air quality monitoring networks and in indoor air quality monitoring; an area of growing concern post-Covid. In addition, Ilaria will explain the requirement for first responders to be able to quickly assess the levels of danger following an incident or accident involving hazardous materials. 

Given the fast response, sensitivity and wide range of VOCs detected by ION’s MiniPID, their inclusion in the Industrial Scientific products is a major benefit. Laura Faust, Product Manager atIndustrial Scientific says: “The Ventis Pro 5 multi-gas monitor gives you the power to monitor up to five gases simultaneously and with multiple connectivity options, you can manager worker safety anytime, anywhere. Now with the addition of the PID sensor, you can protect workers from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with the same compact personal monitor. This valuable addition brings us one step closer to our vision of ending workplace deaths by 2050.”

After viewing the webinar, attendees should have a better understanding of what VOCs are, what their acute and chronic health effects are, and how they affect the environment. They will also be aware of the different detection techniques that are available, and their relative advantages and disadvantages. This should include an understanding of the reasons why PID is the most commonly accepted method for VOC detection.

www.ionscience.com  

ION Science, the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of PID gas sensors and instruments, has announced the acquisition of Analox Group, a gas sensing and analysis manufacturer based in Stokesley, North Yorkshire. “This is a major step on our strategic growth journey,” explains ION Science Group Managing Director, Duncan Johns. “With strong brands in global markets, ION and Analox will continue to operate separately. However, both companies invest heavily in research and development, so by working together, we are really excited by the opportunities this acquisition presents for accelerating future growth.

“Importantly, both companies share a common focus on customers’ needs, and especially product quality and reliability. We also both supply OEM sensors and engineered solutions, so customers can expect a broader range of solutions in the future. From an ION Science perspective, this move will expand the range of measurement technologies that we will be able to offer, which means that in addition to VOCs, we will also offer detection and measurement solutions for a wide range of other gases.”

Analox Managing Director, Emma Harbottle says: “Over the last 40 years we have designed and developed innovative gas sensing solutions that truly solve our customers' challenges. We are extremely proud of the reputation we have built, especially in the defence, beverage & hospitality and laboratory sectors. By working closely with ION we can continue to build on the success of both companies and I am excited to see what the future holds.”

About Ion Science

ION Science is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of advanced gas detection equipment and gas sensors. For over 30 years, the company has developed measurement solutions for almost every industry; helping to protect the environment and the safety of workers, even in the harshest of environments.

Key products in the ION Science portfolio include portable, personal, semi-portable, and fixed VOC detectors, in addition to the world’s most popular range of PID sensors. With a focus on sensitivity, stability and a wide measurement range, ION Science’s instruments and sensors have a global reputation for quality. Manufactured at the company’s UK headquarters, ION Science products are designed and developed by a talented and experienced in-house team and distributed worldwide via subsidiaries in Germany, France, Italy, India, China and the USA, and via a global network of distributors.

For more information, visit www.ionscience.com.

Croda Europe Ltd has become the latest organisation to join EEMUA as a corporate member.

Croda is a global speciality chemical company creating ingredients and technologies that bring innovation, high performance and sustainability to an array of products used by industry and consumers around the world. All the company’s UK operations fall within scope of membership, which covers manufacturing sites at Rawcliffe (East Yorkshire), Leek (Staffordshire) and Ditton (Cheshire) producing a range of chemical products.

EEMUA provides valuable information through guidance and other activities for members that assist with tackling issues within industry, whether that is in relation to new or ongoing industry-wide issues, conforming to regulatory standards or discussing incidents. As a membership organisation EEMUA aims to benefit its members continuously across all areas of concern, including the challenges of decarbonisation and sustainability.

EEMUA corporate membership is open to companies that own and/or operate industrial facilities or that are significant purchasers or users of engineering equipment and materials

EEMUA: www.eemua.org

Croda: www.croda.com/en-gb

Musculoskeletal Disorders Continue to Burden Worker Health, Latest Health & Safety Executive Reveal

The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) latest statistics show that 7.3 million working days were lost last year to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) with 477,000 cases being reported in 2022, 139,000 of which were new cases. Employers should take a proactive approach to prevent this kind of injury, reducing the risk to employees and the burden on businesses from working days lost and costly fines or legal action.

MSDs are common in most industries, but the agriculture, forestry & fishing, construction and human health/ social work sectors have significantly higher than average rates. Footwear manufacturer, HAIX, has a wealth of experience in advising businesses across all sectors on how the correct use of personal protective equipment, particularly safety footwear, can contribute to healthier and more productive employees.

Industry expert Simon Ash at HAIX, comments, “MSD injuries are most often associated with pain in the joints and muscles with aching or stiffness in the back and upper limbs most common. Back pain is often linked to tasks that involve lifting and carrying, bending and crouching as well as with spending long periods in one position. With many of today’s workers required to spend a good deal of their working day on their feet, good foot care and wearing supportive, high quality, comfortable footwear can contribute to reducing the risk of these types of MSDs.”

“The correct footwear supports the entire body and helps to reduce the risk of injury, particularly when working in slippery, wet environments. If footwear is comfortable, people are more likely to be concentrating on their task as opposed to worrying about their feet; meaning productivity also significantly improves. A key feature to look for when buying work boots is that they actively work to correct foot posture, which can help reduce lower body and back pain by aligning the spine properly. Doing so will reduce MSDs and provide superior long-term comfort.”

“To support the foot, ankle and lower limbs, it is best to choose boots that have superior cushioning technology, construction materials and design, which will help to decrease the harmful effects of impact-related stresses when the foot strikes the ground. Modern materials used in the interior lining of boots will help prevent blisters and soft-tissue injury by reducing friction and pressure. It is valuable to invest in boots that have a climatic control system that regulates temperatures within the boot.”

“Ultimately, the latest HSE statistics demonstrate that musculoskeletal injuries are still a major problem in the workplace. When selecting safety footwear take it seriously and consider both the long-term benefits and potential impacts incorrect choices can have so that more workers can stay safe on their feet.”

Enerpac announces the ERAK-Series Reaction Arm Kits for Enerpac S and RSL (RSQ)-Series Square Drive torque wrenches. In addition to improving torque tool fit, the kits enhance worker safety by providing a safety tested and full torque rated reaction arm.

The ERAK-Series Reaction Arm reduces the twisting reaction force produced during torque wrench bolting and, consequently, prevents operator fatigue. Significantly the ERAK-Series also eliminates the need for extended reaction arm and reaction tubes, enabling a more compact torque tool arrangement. Simplicity and ease of use are the trademark of Enerpac torque tools. The ERAK-Series replaces the need for multiple custom reaction arms. It can be configured in unique standard setups which are suitable to repetitive work. Moreover, the reaction arm can be used with the hexagon Allen-Key drives on the torque wrench. 

The ERAK-Series Reaction Arm is designed for the most common Enerpac S and RSL (RSQ)-Series Square Drive torque wrenches. Since their introduction, the S-Series and RSL-Series have set the benchmark for ease of use and productivity, providing a simple and robust solution for a wide range of bolting applications.

For more information on the ERAK-Series Reaction Arm Kits, visit www.enerpac.com.

Snickers Workwear’s innovative and sustainable Mid-layer clothing has excellent breathability for efficient body-temperature management when you’re working hard.

The body-mapping designs and sustainable fabrics keep you ventilated as the heat from your body is regulated to give you winter warmth and cooling comfort when you need it.

The new autumn-winter styles include the FlexiWorkHigh-Vis Hoodie which is stretchy, versatile and made from a 2-layer mesh fabric and recycled polyester fibres. This Class 1 Hoodie comes with glow-in-the-dark and flashes and plenty of features to deliver comfort and functionality.

Use FlexiWork Jacket underneath an outer layer on cold days or on its own in milder conditions. It’s made from a functional fabric with a high content of recycled polyester fibres and an ergonomic design for plenty of freedom of movement. 

For comfort freedom of movement on chilly workdays, the FlexiWork Fleece Hoodie is ideal. The recycled polyester fleece fabric offers great insulation while long cuffs with thumb grip provide extra protection against cold air.

All Snickers Workwear Mid-layer Jackets, Fleeces, Sweatshirts and Knitwear come in a range of styles and High-visibility options for different working environments and weather conditions.

So, to make sure you get the right protection, visibility, flexibility, durability and ventilation, you should check out all the layered Climate Control garments from Snickers Workwear that work together to suit your workday.  

The Cygnus 1 Ex ultrasonic thickness gauge is the only one of its kind in the world certified toATEX, IECEx, UKEX for Zone 0 and NRTL for Class 1, Division 1 - offering aninvaluable leap forward for safety in: Oil and Gas , Mines , Chemical plants , Fuel Depots , road Tankers , Chemical Oil and Gas Tankers , Explosion Atmospheres and Hazardous storage Tanks.

The great news for advanced users is the Manual Measuring Mode allows manual adjustment of gain and gates. Like a flaw detector, its two gates can be positioned anywhere on the A-scan. You can alter the gate height, start-point and width. It also allows you to choose to measure from the first gate orbetween gates. Further still, if the 2nd or 3rd echo is weak, the Time-Controlled Gain (TCG) enables you to introduce different gains to boost the weaker echo(es), keeping the first echo the same. Such versatility makes measurements on tricky areas easier and more accurate.

When storing your data, you have equal flexibility.Comprehensive data-logging offers linear, templates and 2-Dor 3-D grid formats, with 16 grid patterns and annotation capability. Radial points can be used to investigate areas of interest around measurements, attaching up to 12 measurements ‘around’ the principle measurement.

No matter how complex your logging process is, the gauge is designed for seamless data analysis and report generationusing Cyglink, easily connected via BluetoothTM or a data port.It can generate PDF reports and export to Excel. The CygLink software allows you to transfer, manage and view data logger records, A-scans and B-scans as well as templates, measurement comments and material velocity tables.

To GET A QUOTE, visit https://cygnus.tiny.us/Cygnus-1-Ex-gage. Alternatively, call +44 (0) 1305 265533 oremail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.s.Quote HES22 for 10% off a gauge.

EEMUA is pleased to announce that Jim Lewis has been appointed as Chair of the EEMUA Council.

The Council is the senior body in EEMUA setting the overall direction and policy of the organisation.

Jim is Director of the Central Engineering function at BOC UK & Ireland and has been involved with EEMUA since 2014. He is an active member of the EEMUA Competence and Training Board, which is responsible for quality assurance of the organisation’s training activities.

Commenting on his appointment Jim said: “EEMUA represents companies across the process industry and becoming Chair of Council is a great opportunity to work with member companies to help shape what EEMUA has to offer in changing and challenging times”. He continued, “EEMUA provides some high-quality guidance and training, and this is made uniquely relevant by harnessing the network of its member organisations. I look forward to encouraging greater participation through our efforts at Council”.

https://www.eemua.org/News/EEMUA-appoints-new-Chair-of-Council.aspx

BEIS has once again issued new guidance as the UKCA Requirements as they continue to change just weeks before the mandatory implementation date.

Legislation has again been prepared to extend the date on which UKCA Marking becomes mandatory. UKCA Ex marking still the official mark for the UK, but manufacturers can use ATEX Certification or UKCA Ex Certification in the UK if the legislation passes for an extended period.

Requirements are changing on an almost monthly basis, so please check directly with the UK Government before deciding what you need (or just get UKCA and ATEX to be sure!). This new legislation must still be passed by parliament(so it could change again) but it has left UK Manufacturers (most of whom have already have the UKCA Marking Certification as the deadline was weeks away) and UKCA Appointed Bodies for issuing UKCA Certification totally bemused.

Since BREXIT it is the EU now decides what countries can issue Notified Body Certificates such as ATEX that will be accepted in the UK. It does not have to be countries in the EU- It is entirely the EU's decision where Notified Bodies can be- Turkey, Canada...everywhere but the UK!

The United Kingdom are now accepting a scheme we are not part of, have no input into and no influence over…we have ‘handed full control to the EU’ in a one-way agreement with no mutual acceptance or formal agreement. 

www.Exveritas.com

Written by 

Sean Clarke CEng MSc FIET is the Managing Director of ExVeritas Limited. 

ExVeritas provides Product Certification, Management System Certification, CompEx Certification and Site Safety Servicesand are a UK Government Appointed Body for UKCA ‘Ex’,an ATEX Notified Body and an IECEx Certification Body and Test Laboratory