Unprecedented breathability with no loss in levels of protection and durability revolutionizes worker safety and protection

DuPont (NYSE:DD) today unveiled Tyvek® APX™, a new disposable chemical garment fabric designed to transform the way wearers experience comfort and safety at work, at A+A 2025 in Dusseldorf, Germany. The culmination of years of scientific research and customer collaboration, Tyvek® APX™ fabric is the most advanced form of Tyvek® material to date and provides outstanding levels of breathability without compromising on protection or durability.

“With the launch of Tyvek® APX™, we’ve created a new and revolutionary form of Tyvek® material that addresses one of the most problematic health and safety challenges – how to make garments more breathable without sacrificing performance or durability,” said Dave Kee, Global Business Director, DuPont Personal Protection. “Tyvek® APX™ fabric offers an outstanding combination of protection and comfort, helping workers to perform at their best, especially in physically demanding environments.”

Improving worker well-being

Worker well-being and comfort have gained increasing prominence in recent years, as companies across sectors—from pharmaceuticals and utilities to heavy manufacturing and chemical processing—have placed an increased focus on worker safety. The ability to efficiently dissipate body heat while wearing protective coveralls is becoming an increasingly important factor in worker comfort and the prevention of overheating. Regulations are focusing more on worker well-being, driving the need for more breathable protective garments. But achieving the desired levels of comfort without compromising on safety has been the sticking point.

Tyvek® APX™ protective coveralls provide the ultimate balance of comfort and protection. It represents a breakthrough in breathability, allowing moisture to escape and air to circulate, keeping workers more comfortable.

“For over 50 years, the DuPont™ Tyvek® brand has defined the category of protective clothing. It is synonymous with safety and trusted innovation,” said Kee. “Now, we are taking that legacy to a new level with Tyvek® APX™, redefining what it means to feel safe and protected.”

Comfort as a science

DuPont defines comfort as enhancing worker well-being by reducing the risk of suffering from heat build-up while wearing essential protective garments. Crucially, the properties being claimed for Tyvek® APX™ garments are scientifically validated. An independent physiological study, conducted by Empa, has demonstrated the enhanced breathability credentials of Tyvek® APX™ fabric. It measured the physiological changes in workers wearing traditional chemical protective garments and Tyvek® APX™ coveralls under different environmental conditions while performing different levels of activity.

DuPont also conducted customer wear trials globally to gauge whether wearers could feel the difference in performance. Almost 300 people took part across different regions and applications. The garments were tested in extremes of temperature and humidity, and from low work intensity to high levels of activity. Overall, the preference for high-breathability Tyvek® APX™ fabric was clear.

For more details, please visit: tyvek.co.uk/apx

RoSPA guide launched in partnership with Draeger Safety UK

• 40% of industrial accidents have been linked to substance misuse ¹
• Alcohol misuse in UK workplaces costs £7 billion a year in lost productivity ²
• Some prescription medications (such as those used to treat conditions, including anxiety and chronic pain) also have the potential to impair performance 
• 83% of workers support drug and alcohol testing ³ 

 The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), in partnership with Draeger Safety UK, has published a new best practice guide to help UK employers tackle the growing issue of drink and drug misuse in the workplace.

Released today, A Best Practice Guide for Managing Drink and Drug Misuse in the Workplace and when Driving for Work outlines practical steps for organisations to manage impairment risks, improve safety, and meet legal obligations.

The guide provides a step-by-step framework for developing workplace policies and introducing and conducting fair and confidential impairment testing programmes. It also highlights the impact of alcohol and drug use in UK workplaces and the risks posed, especially for safety critical roles such as those involving the operation of heavy machinery or when driving for work. 

Substance misuse, including alcohol, illegal drugs, as well as some prescription medications, poses serious risks to workplace safety, productivity, and public health. It is estimated that 40 per cent of industrial accidents at work are linked to substance abuse, and alcohol misuse alone is estimated to cost the UK economy over £7 billion annually. 

Meanwhile, Dräger’s research, undertaken for its annual Dräger Safety and Health at Work report, indicates that 83 per cent of workers support drug and alcohol testing at work, reflecting growing awareness of the issue and support for proactive safety measures. This is set in the context that 78 per cent of managers surveyed said that their organisation had concerns about workplace impairment (and resulting injuries/accidents) due to alcohol, drugs and prescribed medications such as antidepressants.

The best practice guide recommends a combination of education, consent-based testing, and rehabilitation support, and also outlines modern technologies for screening and testing, such as saliva and breath testing, as well as alcohol interlock systems, which, once installed in a vehicle, rely on a negative breath test to allow the engine to start.

The legal frameworks that employers must navigate are also referenced in the guide, including the Health and Safety at Work Act and UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Caitlin Taylor, Road Safety Manager at RoSPA, said: “Substance misuse isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a workplace safety risk, and it’s on the rise. Whether it’s alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription medication, impairment can have devastating consequences. This guide helps employers take practical, fair steps to protect their staff and the public.”

Mark Burrup, Drug and Alcohol Testing Expert at Draeger Safety UK, adds: “Today’s workplace testing technologies are highly advanced and designed to be discreet and non-invasive, typically involving a quick saliva swab and/or a single breath sample into a breathalyser to indicate whether an employee has taken drugs or alcohol. These simple testing processes make implementation of pre-employment, random or for-cause testing straightforward for employers. In our experience, such programmes are well-received by employees as they understand that these measures play a vital role in maintaining a safe and responsible working environment for everyone.”

Aimed at HR departments, fleet managers, and health and safety professionals across all sectors, the guide is free to download on the RoSPA and Dräger websites.  It is also available via the Scottish Occupational Road Safety Alliance(ScORSA), a RoSPA initiative supported by the Scottish government helping businesses to manage occupational road risk.

Working for a leading global foods business, Hart Door Systems has completed the installation of  three of Hart’s door types at a plant in Greater London.

National Operations Manager Keith Fisher comments that the client had requested work to commence on a Thursday and be complete in readiness  for the start of following week.

“This was a clear requirement which, by working over the weekend, we completed the installation of one Speedor Eco, one Speedor Mini and one Hart’s roller shutter, despite the pressures resulting from multiple trades working in the same area.  

“We were very much aware of the need to start and complete the installation to a food compliance deadline for the client. Resultantly the three doors up and running with no  interference of operation of the client’s business,” says Mr Fisher.

“This we achieved satisfactorily. The installation demonstrates our flexibility, our range of door types and our commitment to deliver a superior service.”

Doug Hart, Hart’s chairman, says the ‘can do’ approach “is a good example of the team drive within Hart”. He adds: “We are a global business, delivering high quality door systems which can be seen on every continent. This has only been achieved through the team ethic which clearly is still very evident throughout the company.”

www.hartdoors.com

In a strategic move designed to further its aim of becoming the leading supplier of plastic reactor and scrubbing systems in Europe, ERG Process Technologies has acquired specialist industrial plastic fabrication manufacturer, Hygrade Industrial Plastics.

ERG already provide odour maintenance solutions to every UK water company (including Thames Water, Southern Water and Scottish Water as framework suppliers), with this latest purchase significantly boosting the Group’s presence at industrial sites requiring process engineering for gas cleaning and odour abatement.

‘Reinforces odour and industrial maintenance services

to UK wastewater and process industries’

Richard Hanson, CEO of ERG Air Pollution Control, Ltd, commented:

"This important new acquisition is a natural extension of ERG's long-term growth strategy. Hygrade brings unique technical expertise, a solid reputation, and capabilities that will allow us to deliver technically better solutions to our customers.”

Hanson says that the acquirement enhances ERG’s proven expertise in manufacturing plastic pressure vessels in full compliance with the Pressure Equipment Directive and BS EN 13121 (GRP tanks and vessels with ellipsoidal and torispherical dished ends). And with Rugby’s key central location, it reinforces its odour and industrial maintenance services to the UK wastewater and process industries, as Troy Gunn, General Manager at ERG APC Maintenance, explains:

 ‘Create major savings by repairing and enhancing dilapidated air pollution and odour control equipment’

“We now plan to raise the bar with our maintenance services that already create major savings by repairing and enhancing dilapidated air pollution and odour control equipment. This includes replacing spent bio-media, failed scrubber internals, and various air pollution filter components.”

He added: “By expanding customer care and strengthening our sustainable practices, we aim to provide even greater support to our customers with advanced monitoring and diagnostics so that ERG systems operate at optimum levels.”

In addition to the wastewater industry, ERG also successfully operates in several industrial sectors, including pharmaceutical, healthcare, chemicals, metallurgical, PGM metal finishing and renewable energy.

www.ergapc.co.uk

Here’s a clear and professional audience description for the HES (Hazardous Engineering Solutions) Media Pack 2026, 

🎯 Audience Overview

Hazardous Engineering Solutions (HES) reaches a highly specialised audience of Directors, Managers, and Engineers responsible for the installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical and mechanical equipment within hazardous and potentially explosive environments.

These professionals work across industries where safety, compliance, and reliability are critical — including oil and gas, chemicals, manufacturing, mining, energy, utilities, and offshore sectors.

🌍 Circulation & Reach

• Total readership: Over 92,000 (combined print and digital)

• Audience: Engineering and safety professionals involved in:

  • Hazardous area operations

  • Plant and process safety

  • Explosion protection (ATEX, IECEx, UKCA)

  • Health & Safety management

  • Equipment specification and compliance

The magazine and website — www.hazeng.com — collectively attract over 52,000 unique visitors annually, with more than 1.7 million page views per month, making it one of the world’s largest online information resources for hazardous area professionals.

🏭 Industry Sectors

HES reaches professionals across key industrial segments including:

• Oil, Gas & Petrochemicals

• Energy & Utilities

• Chemical Manufacturing

• Mining & Quarrying

• Food & Beverage

• Construction & Electrical Contracting

• Transport & Storage

• Defence & Government

👔 Reader Profile

• Plant & Maintenance Managers

• Electrical & Mechanical Engineers

• Health & Safety Managers

• Compliance & Inspection Officers

• Project & Operations Directors

• Procurement Specialists

⚙️ Editorial Focus

Each issue covers the latest products, technology, and regulatory updates on:

• ATEX / IECEx / UKCA standards

• Explosion Protection

• Gas Detection & Safety Systems

• Hazardous Area Inspection

• PPE & Safety Lighting

• Fumes, Dust & Extraction

• Control, Instrumentation & Monitoring

• Subsea and Offshore Engineering

• Fire Safety & Emergency Equipment

💻 Digital & Marketing Platforms

• Website: www.hazeng.com — world’s largest resource for safety professionals

• Email Campaigns & E-newsletters: Targeted communications to verified business contacts

• Online Directory & Product Editorials: 12-month exposure with backlinks

• Engineering Solutions TV: Video promotion for hazardous-area innovations and interviews

✅ Why Advertisers Choose HES

• Established authority in safety and hazardous area engineering

• 92,000+ verified readers across print and digital

• High engagement through technical editorial, events, and video

• Multi-platform visibility: magazine, website, email, and YouTube

• Ideal audience for manufacturers, suppliers, and training providers promoting ATEX, safety, and compliance products

• HES_Media_Pack_2026_1.pdf

The end of centralised control: Automation moves to the field

i.safe MOBILE introduces the Mobile Operator Panel, a technological breakthrough that fundamentally transforms industrial automation in hazardous environments. The system embeds contextual process automation directly into the hands of field operators, ending decades of disconnection between centralised control rooms and field-level reality. Where operators previously worked with static procedures whilst critical decisions lagged behind real-time conditions, the Mobile Operator Panel delivers smart orchestration at the right moment decisions matter most. This is artificial intelligence reimagined for Ex-zones, where human expertise meets sovereign AI processing. The Mobile Operator Panel transforms how industries achieve safety, efficiency, and operational excellence in environments where both are non-negotiable.

Beyond Traditional Human-Machine Interfaces

Traditional human-machine interfaces display information and accept commands. The Mobile Operator Panel does something fundamentally different. It understands the operator's location, active permits, surrounding equipment, and current conditions. The system then coordinates workflows dynamically. The result transforms passive information displays into active decision surfaces that amplify human expertise rather than simply relay data. This represents the shift from Industry 4.0 connectivity to Industry X.0 collaboration. Machines no longer simply connect to networks. They understand operational situations and respond in a way that takes into account both technical constraints and human judgement. The Mobile Operator Panel creates truly adaptive operations where automation serves human decision-making rather than replaces it.

"For too long, industrial automation has forced field teams to adapt to rigid systems designed for control rooms," explains Martin Haaf, CEO at i.safe MOBILE. "The Mobile Operator Panel inverts this logic entirely. We deliver intelligence directly to the field. Operators gain situational awareness and structured decision support at the moment they need it most, not minutes or hours later. This is human expertise amplified by smart  automation, and it changes everything about how work is done in Ex-zones."

Legacy systems cause bottlenecks due to centralised decision-making hierarchies. They force operators to wait for approvals, confirmations and releases that are delayed to the conditions on site. The Mobile Operator Panel eliminates these friction losses. It provides information that responds to current plant conditions, approval status and operating parameters directly on the spot. This achieves unprecedented operational transparency while the system complies with the strict safety standards required in ATEX and IECEx-certified environments.

Purpose-built for hazardous environments

The Mobile Operator Panel consists of the following fully ATEX and IECEx certified components, which have been specially developed for potentially explosive atmospheres in Zone 1/21 and Zone 2/22: Firstly, the Android tablet (IS940.x) or the Windows tablet (IS945.x), which offer intrinsically safe mobile platforms with on-device AI inference capabilities. These devices bring contextual process automation through interfaces built from the ground up for potentially explosive atmospheres. The other component is the IS-CS1A.1 Connectivity System, which provides secure synchronisation, powering and integration infrastructure that connects field operations seamlessly to enterprise systems without compromising safety certification.

The edge AI architecture powers this revolution. Sovereign AI processing through high-performance inference engines, including QNN, ONNX Runtime, and TensorFlow Lite, delivers real-time decision support without cloud dependency. This matters critically in hazardous environments. Operations cannot rely on connectivity that may fail precisely when conditions become most challenging. The Mobile Operator Panel processes information locally, maintains data ownership, and continues to function even when external networks become unavailable.

Operations transformed through measurable intelligence

The Mobile Operator Panel delivers quantifiable operational improvements across safety, efficiency, and decision quality. Intelligent automation processes sensor data, video feeds, and operational information through AI-driven analysis. The system provides actionable guidance precisely when conditions shift. It eliminates decision latency and enables adaptive responses that exceed static procedures. Operators receive information tailored to immediate circumstances rather than generic instructions designed for average conditions.

Enhanced safety emerges through predictive technology. Continuous monitoring detects anomalies, compliance deviations, and equipment degradation patterns that human observation might miss. The system triggers immediate alerts and activates preventive workflows before incidents occur. This shifts safety management from reactive response to proactive prevention. Seamless multi-system integration creates a unified operational surface. Native connectivity across legacy control systems through RDP and VNC, process automation via OPC-UA and MQTT, business systems using HTTPS, JSON, and XML, and AI overlays eliminates information silos without requiring infrastructure replacement.

Human-in-the-loop governance ensures transparent AI logic so that operators retain decisive oversight. Every automated action remains explainable, accountable, and subject to human validation. The system recommends, humans decide. Edge-native resilience eliminates cloud dependencies. Local AI processing ensures consistent performance in remote or connectivity-constrained Ex-zones whilst the architecture maintains complete data sovereignty. Operations continue without interruption regardless of external network conditions.

Field-proven applications across critical operations

The Mobile Operator Panel addresses specific operational friction points that constrain efficiency and safety across hazardous environments:

Structured maintenance and inspection workflows boost uptime and safety by guiding every step. From preparation to execution. Smart, contextual automation turns these procedures into live guidance for operators. By adapting steps to real conditions and delivering instant insights on mobile panels, it ensures consistency, safety, and efficiency, everywhere and every time.

SIMOPS are overlapping industrial tasks that can create serious hazards if not well coordinated. Risks are reduced through early hazard identification, a dedicated coordinator, and clear communication. Mobile operator panels give real-time oversight and instant team connectivity for safer operations.

Permit-to-Work (PTW) management streamlines hazardous work authorisation to enhance safety and compliance. Automating PTW with contextual process automation accelerates permit approvals, enforces safety checks dynamically, and adapts requirements based on current conditions. Integrated with mobile panels, it boosts communication, reduces errors, and provides instant visibility across teams. This makes high-risk work safer, faster, and more efficient.

A shift handover transfers key operational and safety information between teams to ensure continuity. Mobile operator panels standardise this process, enabling real-time digital input, secure records, and AI-supported clarity for safer operations.

"We witness the emergence of Contextual Process Automation as a new category in industrial technology," notes Jan Rieks Zonderman, Product Manager Automation at i.safe MOBILE. "This convergence of intrinsically safe hardware, sovereign AI processing, and human-centric design creates interfaces that respond dynamically to field realities. For industries that operate in Ex-zones, this shift from centralised control to contextual orchestration fundamentally reimagines how work happens. The question is no longer whether to automate. The question now is where intelligence is located and how it serves human expertise."

Global Debut at ADIPEC 2025

i.safe MOBILE will introduce the Mobile Operator Panel at ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi from 3-6 November 2025 in hall 15, booth 15118. The launch will highlight how context-aware automation enhances system resilience and enables solutions for holistic global progress.

Offshore oil rigs combine explosive gas zones with harsh marine conditions. Computing systems must meet strict hazardous-area standards to operate safely

 Offshore oil and gas rigs are among the most demanding environments in the world for computing systems. Positioned miles from shore and constantly exposed to corrosive salt air, these platforms contain drilling systems, production modules, and fuel skids that can release flammable gases and vapors even under routine operating conditions.

As a result, regulators classify certain areas of a rig as hazardous locations. In these zones, even a small spark or hot surface could ignite a gas–air mixture and trigger a catastrophic explosion. Any computer or electronic device installed in these zones must comply with strict international and national safety standards to prevent ignition hazards.

Hazardous locations are classified according to the type and frequency of flammable vapors or gases present. In North America, a class/division system is primarily utilized, and regulations related to the design and manufacturing of industrial equipment are formulated by the NEC, CEC, OSHA, and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association). Internationally, most installations follow the ATEX or IECEx Zone system.

Under the NEC and CEC systems used in North America, Class I areas involve flammable gases or vapors, with Division 1 indicating that such hazards are present during normal operation and Division 2 meaning they are only likely under abnormal conditions.

Computing and control systems are generally not installed in Class I, Division 1 hazardous areas because these zones present a continuous or frequent presence of flammable gases or vapors. Instead, such systems are typically located in Class I, Division 2 areas, where hazardous materials are present only under abnormal conditions.

On an offshore oil rig, Class I, Division 2 areas commonly include spaces adjacent to production equipment, such as the open areas surrounding production modules, compressor skids, and separation trains. Even exterior decks and ventilation intakes may be classified as Division 2, since drifting vapors can occasionally accumulate there when wind or ventilation is insufficient.

“To create a safe and secure working environment in hazardous areas, the computing systems at the worksite must, by regulation, be designed to pass the explosion-proof certification and be able to withstand the corrosive environment,” says Paul Shu of ARISTA Corporation, a leading provider of thin client and panel PC solutions for the oil and gas industry.

In these environments, computer systems must be either intrinsically safe, explosion-proof, or installed within purged or pressurized enclosures depending on the zone and frequency of hazardous substance presence. Every enclosure, connector, and touchscreen must be tested and certified by a recognized authority, and temperature limits must remain below the ignition point of the gases present.

Shu notes that due to the harsh marine environment, computing systems on offshore oil rigs must also be engineered to withstand salt spray, constant vibration, and high humidity. As a result, they typically require enclosures rated as IP66 or IP67 to ensure adequate environmental protection. Materials such as 316 stainless steel are often used for their corrosion resistance in offshore applications.

“Long lifecycles, revision control, electromagnetic compatibility, and strict certification documentation are also crucial because industrial rigs demand predictable, stable platforms that can be supported over many years,” explains Shu.

To meet these requirements, ARISTA offers a wide range of panel PCs and thin clients, certified for Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations.

According to Shu, touch panel PCs in various sizes are routinely deployed as HMI workstations in hazardous industrial operations. For this type of application, Panel PCs such as the ARP-3821AX and the ARP-5500AX Series are certified for Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations in the oil and gas industry. These units feature explosion-proof designs and are built with NEMA 4X stainless steel enclosures, providing robust protection against water, corrosion, and other harsh environmental conditions. The Panel PCs are installed with a Windows operating system, and the high-resolution touch screens can be manipulated by operators wearing industrial gloves.

The company also provides fanless thin client models for hazardous environments. ARISTA’s Class I, Division 2 certified Thin Clients are engineered with 316L stainless steel enclosures and IP66/NEMA 4X protection, ensuring reliable operation in areas exposed to high humidity, salt spray, and corrosive substances.

Designed for offshore oil rig environments, models such as the ARP-3821AX combine rugged, fanless architecture with IP65+ protection ratings to resist moisture and chemical exposure. Available in screen sizes from 10.4 to 24 inches, these thin clients are engineered for reliable performance and long-term durability in harsh industrial environments. Touchscreen options are offered in both glove-friendly resistive and projected capacitive types, allowing precise operation even in challenging field conditions.

“As offshore oil rig operators continue upgrading their control systems, Class I, Division 2–certified computing platforms are becoming essential components of modern infrastructure,” says Shu. “Combining explosion protection with marine-grade durability, these systems provide the safety, reliability, and resilience required to operate effectively in some of the world’s most demanding environments.”

For more information, contact ARISTA Corporation at (510) 226-1800; on the web: https://www.aristaipc.com/; e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or write to 48460 Lakeview Boulevard, Fremont, CA 94538.

Handling drums and barrels can be a difficult, time-consuming and potentially hazardous task. A full steel drum can weigh more than 200 kilograms, and even when empty, drums are awkward to move manually. For businesses which only occasionally handle drums, buying permanent equipment may not be practical.

This is where forklift drum handling attachment hire – or short-term rental – provides a safe, efficient and flexible solution.

At St Clare Engineering, we offer a wide range of drum handling equipment available for hire across the UK, helping businesses move, lift and tip drums with confidence.

Hiring or renting drum handling attachments offers clear benefits when compared to buying. The main reasons include:

• Flexibility: perfect for one-off projects, seasonal demand, or short contracts.
• Cost efficiency: no need to invest in equipment you may rarely use.
• Continuity: ideal if your own equipment is out of service and you need a temporary replacement.
• Trial before purchase: hiring allows you to test equipment in real-world conditions before making a buying decision.
• Compliance: rented equipment from St Clare Engineering is fully tested and certified, giving peace of mind.

Hiring provides the right balance between operational efficiency and financial sense, especially for businesses that only handle drums occasionally.

Which industries need drum handling equipment hire?

While some businesses need forklift drum handling attachments every day, many industries only require them from time to time. Hiring or renting is therefore the most practical option.

Industries that benefit from one-off or short-term hire include:

• Events and festivals: for moving fuel drums for generators, water containers or waste barrels.
• Construction: for handling coatings, fuels or chemicals stored in drums during a project.
• Agriculture: for fertilisers, animal feed or pesticides delivered in barrels at peak times of year.
• Manufacturing: for short production runs or contracts requiring materials in drums.
• Waste management and environmental clean-up: for lifting and disposing of hazardous or bulk liquids.
• Food and beverage: for ingredients such as oils, syrups or flavourings supplied in drums for a campaign.
• Logistics and warehousing: for unloading containers or lorries during seasonal peaks.

By renting equipment only when needed, these industries can carry out safe and efficient drum handling without long-term cost commitments.

What drum handling equipment can you rent?

St Clare Engineering provides a wide choice of forklift drum attachments for rent or hire, suitable for steel, plastic or fibre drums. Options include:

• Rim grippers: secure drums by the rim for lifting and moving.
• Base grippers: lift drums securely from the bottom edge.
• Waist grippers: hold the body of the drum for transport.
• Drum rotators and tippers: allow drums to be lifted, tipped and emptied safely.
• Pedestrian drum handlers: for use in areas where forklifts are not suitable.

Each attachment is designed to reduce manual handling, prevent accidents and ensure smooth operations.

Hire terms and service from St Clare Engineering

When you hire or rent through St Clare Engineering, you can expect:

• Flexible terms: from a week upwards, with extensions available.
• Certified equipment: every attachment is fully tested and certified for safety.
• Fast delivery: equipment is dispatched quickly across the UK from our base near Southampton.
• Easy returns: straightforward collection or return process when your hire period ends.

Our hire service is designed to remove complexity and make drum handling safe and straightforward.

Safety and compliance benefits

Manual drum handling is one of the leading causes of workplace injury in warehouses and factories. Renting a forklift drum attachment helps you:

• Reduce the risk of back injuries and accidents.
• Prevent spills, leaks and damage to valuable contents.
• Comply with HSE guidance on safe manual handling.

By using properly certified equipment, you create a safer working environment and protect both staff and products. For further industry context, see IOSH’s advice on safe handling of drums in warehouses.

Conclusion

Hiring or renting drum handling equipment is the smart choice for businesses that need to manage barrels safely but not every day. Whether for an event, a construction project, or a seasonal manufacturing run, forklift drum handling attachment hire provides a safe, flexible and cost-effective solution.

At St Clare Engineering, we have decades of expertise in drum handling and provide a trusted, responsive service across the UK.

Contact us today to arrange your drum handling equipment hire and make your next project safer, faster and more efficient.

Andy Bow – St Clare Engineering Ltd

Tel: 02380 643402
Fax: 02380 642189
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web: www.stclare-engineering.co.uk

When shipping and receiving drums around the world, speed, safety and precision all matter. Whether you’re unloading barrels from a shipping container in Rotterdam or loading drums for export in Dubai, every delay or dropped drum costs time, money and even your reputation.

That’s where British drum handling equipment from St Clare Engineering makes a difference. Our forklift attachments for loading and unloading barrels are designed and manufactured in the UK to meet global demand, with high-quality engineering, ISO 9001 certification, and full export support.

In this article, we look at how our attachments solve the challenges of moving drums in and out of containers and lorries — and why customers around the world trust our equipment for this critical job.

Barrels are heavy, awkward to manoeuvre, and often packed tightly in containers. Without the right tools, unloading them can be slow, hazardous, and highly labour-intensive.

Some common risks include:

• Crushed fingers or toes when manually moving drums
• Back injuries from lifting heavy loads
• Spillages or leaks due to dropped or damaged barrels
• Delays in unloading due to lack of proper handling equipment
• Compliance issues if safety standards are not met.

Whether you’re in manufacturing, chemical production, food processing or warehousing, the message is the same: when loading or unloading, you need to ensure safe handling of drums.

Forklift attachments for safe, fast drum handling

At St Clare Engineering, we design and build specialist forklift drum attachments that do the heavy lifting for you — literally!

Our Grab-O-Matic range includes:

• Rim Grippers, Base Grippers and Waist Grippers to handle drums securely
• Single-drum and multi-drum handlers for different batch sizes
• ATEX-rated drum handling models for use in hazardous environments
• Customised solutions for unusual drum sizes or operating conditions

Our attachments allow you to load or unload barrels by forklift with confidence. The drums remain upright and stable during movement, reducing the chance of spills, and they can be placed precisely where needed with minimal effort.

Efficient loading and unloading — wherever you operate

Our forklift drum handling equipment is used globally in locations such as:

• Middle East: Drum handlers for the oil and gas sector in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where robust drum handlers are required for the high-volume usage ATEX-certified equipment can also be specified if required. Learn more about our drum handlers for oil and gas exporters.
• Far East – Supporting logistics and warehouse and manufacturing operations in Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, where reliability and speed matter most. Read more about out drum handling forklift attachments for logistics operations
• Europe – Supplying transport and industrial manufacturers across, Ireland, France, Sweden, The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Portugal and Finland, where high performance and safety are priorities.
• We also supply our drum handlers to countries across Africa, as well as to Pakistan, Australia, Vietnam, USA and elsewhere. And closer to home, we help whisky producers move their precious barrels in Scotland!

Because our equipment is made in Britain, many of our customers enjoy tariff-free or reduced duty when importing our drum handling solutions, particularly compared to equipment from non-UK sources.

Wherever you’re handling drums around the world, we can support your project with:

• Full export documentation
• CE marked equipment
• Maintenance and testing advice
• Global customer service and technical support.

Built in Britain. Trusted worldwide.

All our products are proudly manufactured in the UK to international quality standards, including rigorous testing. Our factory in Eastleigh, Hampshire, is ISO 9001 certified and follows strict safety protocols throughout production.

This gives you confidence not only in the product’s durability but also in its compliance with safety legislation in your country.

Customers tell us they choose our British-made equipment because:

• It’s robust and long-lasting, even in tough environments
• It’s fully supported with drum handling attachment servicing, spares and advice
• It helps them avoid tariffs or restrictions associated with other regions
• It comes from a company with decades of export experience

Unloading barrels by forklift: speed and safety combined

If you’re managing a container load of 80 drums, speed matters. Our Grab-O-Matic 2-DLR double drum handler can unload the entire load in under 30 minutes — far faster than manual handling or improvised tools.

Every St Clare drum handler is built to reduce:

• Loading and unloading time
• Risk of dropped or damaged drums
• Operator fatigue and injury
• Warehouse congestion.

And because they’re forklift-mounted, you don’t need extra lifting machinery or space-consuming gantries. Add in our time-saving Quick Release System and you’ll find that your forklift driver is both safer and faster, delivering even greater efficiency in drum handling.

Need to move more than one drum at a time?

We offer a full range of drum handling equipment, from pedestrian drum handlers right through to multiple drum-handling forklift attachments:

• 2-drum handlers – most popular for standard containers
• 3-drum and 4-drum handlers – for high-throughput environments
• Bespoke overhead drum cages – where forklifts can’t be used
• Custom-engineered solutions – built for your exact needs

Things to consider before choosing a forklift drum attachment

To ensure the safest and most efficient setup for drum handling, think about:

Drum type
Are your barrels steel, plastic, or fibreboard? Do they have rims or smooth sides? Check your drum type to find out the best drum handling attachment for your needs.

Contents
Are you handling hazardous, flammable, food-grade or delicate materials? We can offer drum handling equipment tailored to the contents of your drums.

Environment
Are you working in hot climates, freezer storage, or explosive zones? Our British made drum handling forklift attachments have no hydraulics, electronics or plastic components, making them suitable for many extreme environments, whilst we also build ATEX rated drum handling equipment.

Forklift compatibility
What’s the make and model of your forklift? We’ll ensure perfect fit and balance.

Check out our Ultimate Guide to choosing the right drum handling forklift attachment.

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Andy Bow – St Clare Engineering Ltd

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Cleanova, a global leader in engineered filtration solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its PFAS-Free Media Coalescing Filters, now available across its Dollinger GP-198 series. This significant innovation delivers the same proven performance and reliability that customers have trusted for decades, now with a reduced environmental footprint.

The transition to PFAS-free filtration media marks a major milestone in Cleanova’s ongoing commitment to sustainable engineering and responsible innovation. The newly developed coalescing media achieves up to 99.99% efficiency on 0.3µm aerosols, ensuring exceptional liquid and solid removal performance from compressed air and gas streams while fully eliminating the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

A Responsible Response to Global Change

PFAS – often referred to as “forever chemicals” – are synthetic compounds known for their exceptional oil- and water-repellent properties. However, their persistence in the environment and potential long-term health risks have led to increasing concern among regulatory bodies worldwide.

As industries prepare for tighter regulation and greater environmental accountability, Cleanova’s PFAS-Free Media Coalescing Filters offer customers a proven, proactive solution – one that delivers compliance readiness without compromising reliability, safety, or efficiency.

Engineered for Performance. Designed for the Planet.

The new PFAS-Free media builds upon Cleanova’s legacy of coalescing filtration expertise. Each GP-198 coalescer incorporates a multi-layer borosilicate glass construction supported by precision-engineered cores to ensure structural integrity, rapid drainage, and extended element life.

Cleanova’s PFAS-free formulation features a non-wicking composition that maintains a low release point and prevents aerosol re-entrainment – all without the use of fluorinated compounds. This design ensures stable pressure drops, long service life, and consistent high efficiency across a wide range of process conditions.

Cleanova, a global leader in engineered filtration solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its PFAS-Free Media Coalescing Filters, now available across its Dollinger GP-198 series. This significant innovation delivers the same proven performance and reliability that customers have trusted for decades, now with a reduced environmental footprint.

The transition to PFAS-free filtration media marks a major milestone in Cleanova’s ongoing commitment to sustainable engineering and responsible innovation. The newly developed coalescing media achieves up to 99.99% efficiency on 0.3µm aerosols, ensuring exceptional liquid and solid removal performance from compressed air and gas streams while fully eliminating the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

A Responsible Response to Global Change

PFAS – often referred to as “forever chemicals” – are synthetic compounds known for their exceptional oil- and water-repellent properties. However, their persistence in the environment and potential long-term health risks have led to increasing concern among regulatory bodies worldwide.

As industries prepare for tighter regulation and greater environmental accountability, Cleanova’s PFAS-Free Media Coalescing Filters offer customers a proven, proactive solution – one that delivers compliance readiness without compromising reliability, safety, or efficiency.

Engineered for Performance. Designed for the Planet.

The new PFAS-Free media builds upon Cleanova’s legacy of coalescing filtration expertise. Each GP-198 coalescer incorporates a multi-layer borosilicate glass construction supported by precision-engineered cores to ensure structural integrity, rapid drainage, and extended element life.

Cleanova’s PFAS-free formulation features a non-wicking composition that maintains a low release point and prevents aerosol re-entrainment – all without the use of fluorinated compounds. This design ensures stable pressure drops, long service life, and consistent high efficiency across a wide range of process conditions.

www.cleanova.com