Company gains IECEx Certified Facility Certification

22 June 2009

The second IECEx Certificate covering the repair and overhaul of rotating machines for use in explosive atmospheres issued in the UK was granted by Baseefa, world- leading Certification Body in the highly-specialised field of equipment for explosive atmospheres (Ex) operating within the IECEx Certification System, to Kirkby Lindsey Electrical Engineering.

Why a UK company sought IECEx Certified Facility Certification

Kirkby Lindsey, a private Hull-based company, is a distributor and stockist of a wide range of leading UK and European-manufactured new and used electrical rotating machinery, surface and submersible pumps and associated control gear. It is one of the leading experts in the sale, service and repair of electric motors. Over the years, the company has acquired expertise in the repair, rewind and refurbishment of all types of AC and DC rotating machines, transformers and associated control equipment and supply spares, ex-stock, for UK and European-manufactured industrial motors.

The reputation and success of Kirkby Lindsey in the field of overhaul and repair of hazardous atmosphere equipment stems from recognising the importance of providing a rapid, reliable and safe turnaround of new, overhauled and repaired Ex d, Ex e and Ex n equipment strictly in accordance with the requirements specified in the IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme and in IEC 60079-19, Explosive atmospheres - Part 19: Equipment repair, overhaul and reclamation, in order to meet customers’ needs quickly, consistently and dependably.

The confidence that customers have in Kirkby Lindsey’s first-class service is enhanced by the frequent independent assessment, conducted by Baseefa Ltd, of the competence of its staff and its work according to the requirements specified in the IECEx Scheme and IEC 60079-19. To date, there are only two companies in the UK that can claim this expertise.

Kirkby Lindsey’s top priority and work ethic is to continue to put the health and safety of its customers first. Over the years, the company’s directors have been very conscious of the responsibilities they have for the safety of their staff and customers.

Apart from actually caring for and taking into consideration the well-being of all personnel, they are only too aware that, should an accident occur, charges of manslaughter and negligence could be directed at them. Current legislation states that they could face prison should there be proof of incompetence or insufficient evidence that correct practice had been followed. And the same could apply to their customers’ senior personnel.

When hearing of explosions or fires in industry, they always think of the consequences were such an occurrence caused by a new machine, an overhaul or repair involving their company.

Judging by the amount of information concerning health and safety, quality assurance, corporate insurance and environmental a company now needs to supply in order to trade, the situation is not going to get easier. Management has to ensure that every decision made is the right one and there is no room for negligence or shortcuts.
A company can either fight the trend, or embrace it and ride the tide. Management at Kirkby Lindsey has opted to do the latter. The company aims for service excellence in everything it does. Through certification to the IECEx Scheme and the on-going validation provided by Baseefa, it is now in a position to give assurance to customers, working with equipment operating on potentially explosive environments, that the machines and motors repaired are safe and the flameproof credentials of the motor are maintained.

Companies who operate equipment used in potentially hazardous environments have a legal responsibility to ensure the repairers they use are competent. Repairers in turn need to provide hard evidence, not only that their staff are competent, but critically that the work they have undertaken complies fully with the latest edition of IEC 60079-19.

Through its constant and precise compliance with the requirements defined by the IECEx Scheme, through the on-going periodic assessments conducted by Baseefa, Kirkby Lindsey Electrical Engineering proves its concern for the health and safety of both its staff and customers, and ensures that the various parties involved are exempt from possible legal action.