HazardEx - Features

Balancing safety and network considerations in WirelessHART gas detection systems

16 April 2019

This article by Julian Yeo of United Electric Controls addresses recommended practices in implementing fixed-point gas detection across WirelessHART networks, although many of the considerations will apply across other wireless protocols. It approaches the topic through the lens of life safety at two levels — the device and the network. ...
Monitoring is essential for VOC emissions reduction

02 April 2019

In this article, John Clements, former Managing Director of UK-based monitoring equipment manufacturer Signal Group, explains why VOC emissions reduction is important, how monitoring performs an essential role, and outlines the latest developments in monitoring technology....
Why SIL is the best thing that has happened to process safety – and why it needs to go further

30 March 2019

By continuously monitoring critical parameters, instruments can highlight potentially dangerous conditions and ensure that processes are safely shut down. For this reason, instruments need to offer maximum protection against unsafe events escalating into dangerous failures. One way to ensure this is to select SIL-rated instruments. In this Q&A, David Bowers of ABB explains more about SIL and its impact on process safety. ...
How can you be sure your Ex Inspections are being carried out correctly?

26 March 2019

Companies cannot afford to take chances with explosion safety. More than ever industry is seeing enforcement and claims for non-compliant inspections with entire teams being replaced on sites for not being competent. In this article, Paul Hague of ExVeritas takes a look at the requirements for inspection teams and the individuals who lead them....
Dust Explosion Hazards in the Food Industry

15 March 2019

Nearly all foodstuffs and ingredients including grain, sugar, artificial sweeteners, starch, and powdered flavours will burn with difficulty, as a powder layer, but they can explode violently when ignited in the form of a dust cloud. This paper from Dekra Process Safety outlines the many factors that affect the explosion violence or the sensitivity to ignition of a dust cloud such as particle size, cloud density or moisture content....

Securing Big Pharma: Surveillance is Key 13 March 2019

The pharmaceutical industry is a burgeoning one: the global market was worth $934.8 billion in 2017 and will reach more than $1.1 trillion by 2021, according to The Business Research Company. It also employs approximately 4.4 million people worldwide according to the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations....

The need to review physical security in hazardous areas 11 March 2019

The latest New Year has brought with it reports from around the world of civil unrest, terrorist insurgency and cyber-attacks. In this article, Doug Woodbridge of SecurEx looks at how the high hazard industries, which are particularly vulnerable, can best protect their critical infrastructure, physical assets and personnel from outside threats....

Connected workers: bridging the gap between millennials and the ageing workforce 20 February 2019

The shifting demographic makeup of the global workforce is posing unprecedented challenges when it comes to catering for workers’ safety requirements, from the millennial generation’s digital needs (1) to the health concerns of increasing numbers of older workers (2). Gene Vena of Honeywell Industrial Safety discusses how connected safety technology can help bridge the gap between generations and improve safety for all. ...

Best practice for good DSEAR documentation 19 February 2019

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002 are concerned with protection of personnel against risks from fire, explosion and similar events arising from dangerous substances used or present in the workplace. The Regulations have been in force for a decade and a half, and yet many operating companies are still unsure whether they are fully meeting the requirements for compliance. ...

Small Modular Reactors and the future of nuclear power 17 February 2019

Thomas Fink, General Manager of the Nuclear Safety Division at SCHOTT Electronic Packaging, looks at the emergence of modular reactors and the intriguing benefits they present for safe, flexible power generation. High-quality component development and integration as well as ambitious development projects in China are pushing the way forward for a new generation of nuclear power that could prove to be a low-carbon emissions answer for the future....