In avoiding costly breakdowns, Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) has been proven far superior to Planned Periodic Maintenance (PPM). Not only is PPM needlessly costly, due to the time wasted stripping down perfectly functioning machinery, it can sometimes make matters worse by introducing faults during the process of stripping down and rebuilding the machine. Even more of a problem is deciding the correct PPM time intervals. Too short an interval between services means more wasted time and cost (and more potential for introducing faults) but waiting too long means more unexpected breakdowns.

CBM makes use of tools such as vibration and temperature analysis to run an efficient and effective maintenance program able to predict faults BEFORE they occur. This is where the major cost benefit of CBM lies. Repairing faults AFTER a breakdown can be VERY costly, particularly where there has been collateral damage and/or injury to personnel. This is even more the case in hazardous locations where a complete shutdown of operations may also be required to effect repairs.

However, for use in hazardous locations, CBM instruments are required by law to be intrinsically safe and unable to ignite explosive atmospheres (ATEX). This means that vibration and temperature analysers must be CERTIFIED for use in the hazardous location. But the certification rules are different in different parts of the world AND in different “Zones” where explosive atmospheres are likely to exist. For example, a tanker vessel could visit many different oil and gas terminals in different countries, or a maintenance team might find themselves working unexpectedly at a wastewater treatment plant with the potential for methane build-up. So, how do you know you have the correct certification for your tools in all the different locations?

The simplest solution is to cover all eventualities by using instruments certified for Zone 0 (hazard exists continuously). Normally, that would make them much more expensive but fortunately Test Products International (TPI) has achieved a significant cost breakthrough with the very affordable TPI 9085Ex vibration analyser. With built-in on-meter diagnostics and the all-important ability to TREND readings over time, the “go anywhere” TPI 9085Ex has WORLDWIDE Zone 0 certification, meaning it can be used in ANY hazardous atmosphere and in ANY location.

 Based on international standards (ISO) the 9085Ex detects unbalance, misalignment and looseness in rotating equipment. It also measures “bearing noise” and displays it in bearing damage units (BDU) roughly equivalent to “percentage bearing wear”. In addition, the 9085Ex uniquely incorporates a directly contacting temperature sensor within its vibration probe. This gives a highly accurate, virtually instantaneous, surface temperature reading for the bearing, simultaneously as the vibration reading is taken. With a high BDU reading and high temperature, you know that what you are seeing really is a worn bearing.

The compact handheld TPI 9085Ex is extremely affordable and simple to use and an invaluable part of every maintenance tool kit. It can be used standalone for fault diagnosis or by using the FREE TPI Bridge App, “routes” and readings can be transferred to and from the 9085Ex anywhere in the world over the internet. “Routes” are simply lists of machines showing exactly what readings need to be taken and where to take them. The readings are then automatically time and date stamped by the 9085Ex and saved back into the route for automatic transfer to the included FREE TO USE computer-based trending software.

For more information please contact TPI Europe’s head office on +44 1293 530196 or take a look on the website at www.tpieurope.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 Introduction

Explosion hazards can be hidden in everyday work tasks, yet they carry the potential for catastrophic harm to people, assets, and a company’s reputation. In the UK, the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) place a legal duty on employers to assess and control these risks. A key part of this process is establishing a basis of safety - a clear strategy for preventing or mitigating explosions in your operations.

Understanding the Legal Framework

DSEAR - the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations - sets out the legal responsibilities for UK businesses handling flammable or explosive substances. Employers must identify hazardous materials, assess the likelihood of explosive atmospheres, evaluate possible ignition sources, and implement effective controls. Substances requiring assessment include raw materials, products, and by-products such as dusts, powders, gases, vapours, and flammable liquids.

Compliance goes beyond checking a legal box: it reduces the risk of devastating fires or explosions. To demonstrate this, businesses must document their findings in a suitable risk assessment. This record captures the properties of substances, outlines safe operating limits, and provides evidence that the business has taken systematic, proactive steps to protect its workforce and operations.

The Basis of Safety

A basis of safety is the defined method by which a business prevents or mitigates fires or explosions. Regulation 6 of DSEAR states that where employers cannot eliminate the risk, they should:

Control the Risks – reduce the quantity of dangerous substances, avoid/minimise/control the release, prevent the formation of a flammable atmosphere and control any ignition sources.

Mitigate the Effects of Fire or Explosion – reduce the number of employees exposed, explosion/fire propagation, explosion venting, suppression or containment systems.

The chosen basis must be justified with reliable data and supported by testing. Importantly, it should not be a “set and forget” measure, any basis of safety must be 

systematic, documented, and reviewed regularly to remain effective as processes, substances, or regulations evolve.

Role of Testing and Assessment

Testing is critical to understanding how substances behave and to defining a robust basis of safety. Accredited providers should offer a range of specialist tests, including:

• Dust explosibility testing (Kst, Pmax): measures explosion severity and maximum pressure rise.
• Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE): determines the smallest spark or discharge that can ignite the substance.
• Limiting Oxygen Concentration (LOC): identifies the oxygen level below which an explosion cannot occur.
• Electrostatic charge testing: assesses the likelihood of dangerous sparks from material handling or equipment.

These results feed directly into risk assessments, helping businesses establish safe operating parameters and select appropriate control measures. Independent, accredited testing not only builds confidence in safety systems but also provides credible evidence for regulators, insurers, and stakeholders that risks are being managed responsibly.

Conclusion

Explosion risks may not always be obvious, but their consequences are too serious to ignore. By complying with DSEAR, businesses not only meet legal obligations but also protect their people, assets, and reputation. Establishing a clear basis of safety, supported by accurate testing and independent expertise, ensures that controls are effective, justifiable, and resilient over time. Ultimately, managing explosion hazards is about more than ticking boxes, it is about creating a culture of safety that gives your business the confidence to operate securely and sustainably.

www.sigma-hse.com

Industrial vacuum cleaners must be carefully selected based on the specific hazards present in the workplace environment. In materials processing, general manufacturing and many other industries, dust hazards fall into two main categories: those harmful to health and those that pose explosion risks. Some substances, like wood dusts, can be simultaneously both hazardous to health and potentially explosive.

BVC (British Vacuum Cleaners), manufactured by Quirepace in Hampshire, offers tailored solutions for these challenges. The range includes M-Class and H-Class machines for dusts hazardous to health, and ATEX-rated models designed to operate in Dust Zone 21 and 22 explosive atmospheres. Some units are certified for both, ensuring compliance with stringent safety regulations. Some BVC units are also designed for use in ATEX gas zones.

Some key design features include:

• Robust and durable construction for the toughest industrial environments
• Specialised filters using materials like non-stick coatings and anti-static fabrics.
• Multi-stage filtration systems with various levels of HEPA filtration to ensure safe dust recovery and clean exhaust air.
• Optional PLC interfaces for integration with automated processes.

Quirepace also engineers specialised solutions, such as:

• Variable power controls to adapt the operating performance of the unit to demand
• High-level cleaning tools adapted to specific facility layouts and ceiling heights.
• A wide array of hoses and heavy-duty tools suited to various materials and tasks.

Beyond portable units, Quirepace designs central vacuum cleaning (CVC) systems with fixed pipework and multiple outlets, enhancing efficiency across large facilities and reducing manual handling.

With UK manufacturing, expert support, and a 5-year parts warranty, BVC industrial vacuum cleaners deliver durability, safety, and value for demanding industrial environments. Their adaptability and proven designs make them a trusted choice for businesses seeking long-term performance and compliance.

Quirepace – BVC
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.bvc.co.uk
023 9260 3700

As the global energy transition gathers pace, the hydrogen sector is under growing pressure to scale up production, distribution, and storage infrastructure. Beyond the headlines about electrolysers, fuel cells, and transport solutions lies a quieter but equally vital challenge: the design, delivery, and installation surrounding the water systems and associated pipework that make hydrogen viable.

This is where Puretech Systems Limited is making a decisive impact. Working in collaboration with leading hydrogen organisations from design and equipment to project execution, Puretech’s decades of expertise in fluid management, piping design, and process water systems means they’re bringing real value to the forefront of the hydrogen economy.

For hydrogen producers, water is not just a feedstock but a critical determinant of efficiency and reliability. From high-purity water systems for electrolysis to robust pipework networks capable of handling the unique demands of hydrogen and associated by-products, the engineering challenges are complex and exacting. Puretech’s role is to bridge the gap between ambition and execution.

By integrating seamlessly with project teams at the design stage, Puretech ensures that systems are not only compliant with rigorous safety standards but also optimised for long-term scalability. Its engineering teams understand the nuances of hydrogen’s physical properties - such as its small molecular size and tendency to permeate materials - and translate this knowledge into robust pipework solutions that prioritise both safety and efficiency.

Equally important is the focus on water management. Electrolyser efficiency depends heavily on the consistent supply of ultra-pure water. Puretech’s advanced water treatment systems safeguard the reliability of production facilities while reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

“Hydrogen’s future success isn’t only about breakthrough technologies,” says James Steptoe, Puretech’s Global Sales Director. “Our primary focus is to build trust with our partners so ultimately, we can support their ambitions in providing the high-grade engineering infrastructure and solutions the Hydrogen sector demands. That’s what we deliver, a partnership that gives practical, reliable support and solutions that enable manufacturers to scale with confidence.”

As hydrogen moves from pilot projects to full-scale deployment, the role of partners like Puretech becomes indispensable. Their commitment to precision engineering, collaboration, and forward-thinking design makes them a trusted ally for manufacturers driving the green energy revolution.

Peppers Cable Glands, a long-standing name in hazardous area cable gland technology, has entered a significant new chapter in its leadership journey. On 1st August 2025, Tush Thakore officially stepped down as Managing Director after more than two decades in the role.

Tush’s tenure with the company spans an impressive forty years, beginning as Stock Controller before rising through the ranks to Sales Manager, Commercial Manager, and ultimately, Managing Director. His leadership helped transform Peppers from a trusted UK supplier into a globally recognised player, known for its commitment to quality, integrity, and technical excellence.

Colleagues and industry peers cite Tush’s people-first approach and strategic vision as instrumental in shaping Peppers’ strong reputation across international markets. His focus on long-term customer relationships and product standards helped strengthen the company’s place in the global hazardous area sector.

Though stepping down from the top role, he will remain closely connected to the business as a Director, continuing to offer strategic business advice and support.

Looking ahead, General Manager Grayham steps into a leading role, guiding Peppers into an exciting new chapter. Grayham played a pivotal role in shaping the business’s commercial strategy, driving recent investments in manufacturing capability. His appointment marks the beginning of a forward-thinking new era.

Under Grayham’s leadership, Peppers has expanded its Quick Response Cell and introduced new milling technology to enhance production speed and flexibility. The company is also placing greater emphasis on global market responsiveness and sustainable growth.

“This is an exciting time for Peppers,” said Grayham. “Tush has created something incredibly special here – a business built on values that customers trust. My job now is to carry those values forward while making sure we’re evolving in the right areas – investing in innovation, deepening our partnerships, and remaining agile in a changing market.”

Peppers continues to expand its global presence, supplying industries from oil and gas to renewables and manufacturing with technically robust solutions for hazardous environments. As the company looks forward to a new and exciting era, its commitment to excellence remains unchanged.

www.cableglands.co.uk

The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has joined a broad coalition of organisations, led by Which?, urging the government to introduce strong secondary legislation to support the new Product Regulation and Metrology (PRAM) Act. The group is calling for clear measures to hold online marketplaces accountable for unsafe products sold through their platforms, ensuring a level playing field with traditional retail.

The health and safety sector has long seen the dangers of non-compliant and unsafe PPE entering the UK market through online channels. The PRAM Act, passed in July 2025, establishes a framework for a new duty on online marketplaces and equips regulators with tougher enforcement powers to protect consumers. However, the effectiveness of this framework will depend on robust and enforceable secondary legislation.

In an open letter to the Minister Justin Madders MP, the coalition sets out the strong consensus among UK businesses, consumer groups, and public safety organisations in support of secondary regulations that would:

·      Introduce a clear duty to make online marketplaces accountable for the safety of all products sold, including proactively preventing the sale of unsafe products on their platforms. 

·      Empower regulators to issue heavy fines or to then take further enforcement action for online marketplaces that fall short of the required standards.

BSIF CEO, John Hooker, comments: “The BSIF strongly welcomes the PRAM Act as a significant step in strengthening product safety and protecting the integrity of the UK marketplace. However, legislation on its own is insufficient. We share the view that only firm, consistently enforced rules with real sanctions will stop online marketplaces from enabling unsafe products to reach buyers.

“Robust enforcement is essential not only to safeguard buyers but also to guarantee fair competition for responsible businesses, including BSIF members, who invest in compliance and safety. We look forward to working closely with government, regulators, and industry partners to ensure the Act delivers meaningful improvements in product safety across all sales channels.”

 Policy leads at the Department for Business and Trade are currently preparing proposals for ministerial approval. BSIF will participate fully in all relevant consultations.

The Open letter 

Parker Hannifin, the global leader in motion and control technologies, today announced the launch of its innovative VA130 mobile valve, completing the Parker VA Series valve portfolio, a cutting-edge solution designed to revolutionize mobile hydraulics. Drawing on decades of expertise in load-sensing directional control valves, the VA130 delivers industry-leading performance, exceptional controllability, and enhanced energy efficiency. Precision-engineered using high-grade materials, this valve offers unmatched flexibility and customization, enabling seamless integration into both simple and complex hydraulic systems across a broad range of applications.

The VA130 valve stands out for its modular design and versatility, allowing it to be tailored to meet virtually any hydraulic function requirement. As part of the VA Series, the VA130 is combinable with the VA450 and VA300 making it the ideal valve for compact valve solutions in machinery where there are varying needs in terms of flow. Combining the modularity and an extensive variety of valve functionalities and combination options, Parker provides customers with optimized solutions for their specific machine needs. The valve’s design incorporates function-adapted spools, pressure compensators, and load signal pressure limiters, all developed through Parker’s deep expertise in load-sensing technology. This innovative approach significantly reduces energy losses while boosting productivity, marking a new standard in energy-efficient hydraulic control.

In addition to its superior performance, the VA130 offers multiple actuation methods — hydraulic or electrohydraulic — with optional manual lever control available in any combination within the same valve. This flexibility is complemented by the ability to combine the VA130 with tailor-made function manifolds, crafted from Parker’s comprehensive product range, to fully customize auxiliary function control. This integration reduces the number of system components, simplifies hydraulic system design, and enhances overall reliability and ease of maintenance.

The VA130 valve also incorporates advanced features designed to meet the rigorous demands of harsh operating environments. These include pre-compensated, load-independent flow control with function-adapted main spools for precise machine operation, LS pressure limitation, active tank gallery refilling, and emissions reduction technologies. Performance monitoring is facilitated through dedicated measuring points and Parker’s spool position sensors, available in both analogue and digital formats. Parker’s unique online configurator further streamlines development by providing instant access to automatically generated code reports, schematics, spare part lists, and 3D/2D models.

Targeted at key industries such as forestry, construction, material handling, and mining, the VA130 is ideally suited for a wide array of applications including forwarders, forestry harvesters, forest cranes, harvesting heads, mining machines, drill rigs, loaders, dump trucks, excavators, forklift trucks, material handling cranes, and reach stackers. With the VA130, Parker Hannifin continues to lead the way in delivering innovative hydraulic solutions that enhance machine performance, reduce environmental impact, and meet the evolving needs of modern industrial equipment.

For more information about Parker Hannifin’s VA130 valve, please visit: https://ph.parker.com/gb/en/product/mobile-directional-contol-valve-va-series/va130-mobile-valve

Stargate Hydrogen, a European-born deep-tech and green hydrogen technologies manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDI) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The signing accelerates Stargate Hydrogen’s activities in the Middle East region as the company is setting up its regional headquarters in Riyadh.

This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for green hydrogen and deep-tech innovation, aligning with the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 goals, a long-term national transformation plan announced in 2016, designed to diversify the economy and build a globally competitive society.

"This partnership with Stargate Hydrogen underscores a shared commitment to advancing green hydrogen technologies. By strengthening collaborative innovation between global leaders and local institutions, we help create shared opportunities that accelerate the Kingdom’s transition toward sustainability, while contributing to global progress in clean energy." said Dr. Yazeed, Executive Director of Institutional Funding, Acting Vice Governor for Ecosystem Development.

Under the terms of the signed MoU, the parties have agreed to collaborate on initiatives that will accelerate technology transfer and local innovation. Both parties will also explore opportunities to strengthen the regional hydrogen value chain, drive industrial decarbonization, and position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for sustainable energy technologies.

The key areas of cooperation include:

• Launching Stargate Hydrogen KSA, a new regional headquarters for Stargate Hydrogen in Riyadh, dedicated to advancing deep-tech solutions for green hydrogen production.
• Localizing Stargate Hydrogen’s proprietary technologies for deployment in the Kingdom.
• Building partnerships with leading Saudi academic institutions, such as KAUST, to generate intellectual property within the Kingdom.
• Collaborating with Saudi manufacturers to develop local production capacity for electrolyser technologies.

Marko Virkebau, CEO of Stargate Hydrogen, added:
 “Saudi Arabia offers a unique and globally competitive environment to scale transformative technologies. Through this partnership with RDI, Stargate Hydrogen will drive IP generation, support local talent, and contribute to the Kingdom’s ambition of becoming a global leader in clean energy.”

The MoU establishes a joint steering committee to oversee progress and guide the partnership, supported by dedicated teams of both partners managing daily operations. Regular workshops and stakeholder engagements will ensure alignment across government, industry, and academia. The co-operation was facilitated by Apex Ventures, under RDI’s Global Startups Attraction Program in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, which directly supports the mission to localise technological capabilities and empower innovators.

By aligning Saudi Arabia’s long-term sustainability ambitions with Stargate Hydrogen´s technology and research expertise, the two partners set a new benchmark for international collaboration in advancing technology for green hydrogen production.

Dräger, an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology, will showcase a range of sophisticated capabilities to further the safety, health and wellbeing of defence and security personnel at DSEI 2025.  

Leading Dräger’s lineup is the Breathguard 2500, a carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide gas detection device designed for continuous air monitoring when crews are within confined environments, such as military defence vehicles. The Breathguard is customisable with different alarm levels, and is designed to withstand extreme conditions such as shock, vibration, and high or low temperatures with electromagnetic compatibility.  

Dräger’s pilot mounted, in mask gas and pressure monitoring system, AviAir, will also be an important feature of Dräger’s stand. Developed to help explain ‘Unexplained Physiological Events’ (UPEs) during flight, the AviAir is designed to monitor pilots at the point of ‘most environmental challenge’, not only monitoring the pilot, but also the physical environment, including aircraft manoeuvres. The aircrew-worn data collection and monitoring device utilises Dräger core gas sensors from Dräger medical devices for Oxygen (PIA) and Carbon Dioxide measurement (ILCA2), in use globally within the medical industry today. Benefits include visualised respiration, identification of trends and learning from cause and effect.   

Providing long-duration critical gas detection capability in austere environments is Dräger’s X-GEM. Visitors to the event will see how this intelligent gas detection module has the potential to form the basis for a new generation of gas measurement devices. It can evaluate Dräger's electrochemical sensors, to provide a digital and easy-to-read total measured value. It has stripped back all the features of a gas detector to purely focus on the measurement functionality, which will allow the device to rapidly integrate into third party systems or bespoke capabilities for Defence & Security.   

Attendees will also be able to view ColPro, a Dräger Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) respiratory protection system that safeguards military personnel against CBRN threats. ColPro is designed to produce a positive pressure inside the protected cell, ensuring that contaminated air can’t reach the interior. The device offers effective protection against threats such as respirable dusts, contaminated particles, aerosols, bacteria, viruses, toxins, chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs). Dräger tailors the system to the specific application for either stationary or mobile use. 

Tom Pearson, Marketing Manager, Engineered Solutions and Government Agencies at Dräger says Dräger is looking forward to an important opportunity to exhibit its capabilities at the pivotal event for the global defence industry: “Our established expertise in medical and safety technology means we have solutions to a vast range of threats and hazards. At Dräger, our openness to new and innovative approaches drives us to apply the latest technology to our devices and leverage a deep understanding of our customers’ needs. DSEI is an important event to share details on our lifesaving technology.”  

DSEI UK 2025 takes place on 9-13th September at Excel London.   

Dräger’s stand number is N2-105