Latest Case Studies & White Papers

MSA Safety launches whitepaper exploring benefits of great head protection

MSA Safety, designer, manufacturer and distributor of industry-leading safety products, has published a new head protection whitepaper following an industry panel webinar, which was hosted by MSA and attended by health and safety professionals across the UK.

The webinar panel was made up of key industry figures:

• Alan Murray, CEO, BSIF
• Jim Cliff, UK Product Sales Manager (Industrial), MSA Safety
• Richard Cunningham, Worley

What is the purpose of cutting fluid?

Metalworking fluid – also known as cutting fluid – is a type of coolant used during metalworking processes such as machining, grinding and milling. They are typically neat oils or water-based fluids used to reduce the heat and friction between the cutting tool and the workpiece, helping to prevent burning and smoking.

From 17 January 2020, the fourth edition of the HSE’s guidance document ‘EH40/2005 Workplace Exposure Limits’ came into force, introducing new and revised workplace exposure limits for 13 carcinogenic substances.

The SHAPA Technical Committee regularly reviews technical papers & presentations which it recommends to its members for technical advice.

In July 2005 they published a whitepaper entitled, "Practical Guidance for Suppliers and Operators of Solid Handling Equipment for Potentially Explosive Dusts". This article was subsequently reviewed in July 2014.

Gardner Denver has created a new guide exploring how ATEX regulations and IECEX standards for controlling explosive atmospheres in plants and refineries can impact on compressor systems.

Available to download for free from bit.ly/2OFauGe, the guide covers the most important aspects of ATEX and IECEX certification, with an explanation of key concepts, and a list of countries where the standards apply. It also includes top tips to minimise risks and costs regarding air compressors.

For managers, it is crucial to understand what these ‘hazardous areas’ involve, to determine special precautions that should be taken, and precautions for the construction, installation and use of equipment.

The International Electrotechnical Commission has published a new Technical Specification called IEC 60079-32-1: “Explosive atmospheres - Part 32-1: Electrostatic hazards - Guidance”. This Technical Specification is a guidance document which is the latest addition to the IEC series of 60079 “Explosive Atmospheres” standards that are designed to limit fires and explosions caused by electrical malfunctions within hazardous areas.

Could the recent inspections in China looking at hazardous chemicals, mining and fire safety bring about more local standards and regulations? With so many to navigate globally already, is there instead scope to for creating a common ‘EX’ language?

Flow measurement is a critical aspect of plant and process operation in many industries. Users choosing equipment to measure the flow of liquid or gas processes must consider a wide range of factors to arrive at an optimal solution. Experience has shown there are significant differences between flow meter technologies, with each type of device having its own advantages and disadvantages. The following article describes the key criteria in flow meter selection. It evaluates the most common instrument designs and offers guidance in implementing the right solution for specific applications.

Could the recent inspections in China looking at hazardous chemicals, mining and fire safety bring about more local standards and regulations? With so many to navigate globally already, is there instead scope to for creating a common ‘EX’ language?

Although static electricity can be regarded as a difficult subject to grasp, it is also vital that anyone operating in hazardous areas or with flammable materials is aware of the risks.
This case study reviews an incident where vacuuming off-spec Toluene from a sump caused the vapours to ignite from a static spark discharge. The primary cause determined through an investigation, was that the truck was not grounded, causing the build-up and eventual discharge of static electricity, causing the vapour to explode.