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Providing your workforce with a hard hat they can be proud of isn’t just a nice to have, but essential to operating a safe site.  

But beyond choosing a hard-hat that is high quality, comfortable and with a low profile and modern design, you can improve them further by taking advantage of MSA’s hard hat branding. 

How does branding improve safety on site? 

We know that the safest helmet is the one that workers are going to wear and unifying your employees with a sense of pride and cohesiveness, by providing a branded hard-hat, dramatically improves the use of PPE and people’swillingness to look after their kit.  

Beyond that, however, there are some important benefits to customising the hard hat your workforce are using. 

Managing a busy project site can be challenging, with dozens or even hundreds of workers and sub-contractors.  It’s important to remember that many of these workers may be relative strangers and unfamiliar with an organisation’s procedures and rules.  Customising your hard hats, using different colours and artwork, provides a reminder of people’sroles and responsibilities while on site. 

Other safety features can be added on, including retro-fitted stickers, that enhance the visibility of the workers, and name badges, to enhance security on site and to ensure it is restricted to those that should have access. You can also use it to promote potentially life-saving safety messages and reminders.  

Furthermore, in an increasingly competitive market, customisation, including the printing of companies’ logos, is an invaluable marketing tool, enabling companies to stand out from the crowd.  It can also unify workforces and foster a greater sense of collective teamwork and pride.  

Experts you can rely on

Having decided that helmet customisation is a valuable tool for your company, here are some things to consider when branding up your hard hats:

Working with MSA’s Let’s Logo service, we make life simple for customers, offering

Ordering from MSA you get all this, and our best-in-class helmets.  We know that comfort and fit aren’t nice to haves, but essential to safe site operation.  That’s because we’ve been protecting lives for over 100 years.  

Our team is here to help make purchasing high quality, customised hard hats, quick and hassle-free.  And, if you’re using a safety helmet from another brand, for a limited time we are offering a free front logo if you make the switch to us. 

Visitmsasafety.com/customhardhatsto experience the benefits of hard-hat customisation for yourself.

Enerpac announces the ML40 Mini Lift Gantry with 40-ton lifting capacity. Designed to be portable, simple to set up, and easy to use, it is the ideal solution for machinery movers, plant relocation services and medical equipment installers who need to move machines and equipment in compact spaces.

Machinery Relocation

When moving machines or parts of machines either within the same building or to another building, space is always limited. The ML40 Mini Lift Gantry has a compact size ideal for moving equipment around old installations. Its short, collapsed height (1.97m) and narrow width (750mm) means the ML40 Mini Lift Gantry can get into spaces that other equipment cannot. The gantry can also rotate the load (up-end or down-turn) to move through the building. 

Machinery Installation or Replacement

When performing a new equipment installation or the removal and installation of equipment for maintenance or repair, industrial movers are often faced with minimal headroom and many obstacles. The ML40 Mini Lift Gantry makes it easy to offload the equipment from the delivery vehicle and re-position it for use in the facility. Additionally, it makes it easy to assemble the equipment in sections and then move it as a complete unit into final position. When replacing old equipment, disassembly in sections may be easiest method of removal. The small size of the ML40 Mini Lift Gantry makes it easier to mobilise and set up. 

Medical Equipment Installation

Installing medical equipment typically involves difficult access within the hospital. Medical equipment is often delicate and needs smooth, even lifting. Standard synchronised lifting on the ML40 prevents damage to equipment. The compact size of the ML40 Mini Lift Gantry is also a critical feature. It is easy to transport and fits into most freight elevators. Single phase voltage 115 or 230 VAC operation eliminates need for long, high voltage power connections or noisy generators.

ML40 Mini Lift Gantry – powerful lifting capability

When it comes to safety, the ML40 Mini Lift Gantry features standard synchronised lifting and control and load readout to ensure safe and level lifting. A wireless pendant keeps the operator away from equipment during operation. The ML40 is also versatile. Its high capacity and simple set up mean even jobs with challenging or uncertain information can be managed without issue. It is also easy to use. A simple set up means even relatively new rigging operators can operate the equipment.

ML40 Mini Lift Gantry has 40 ton capacity (4 legs) in all three lifting stages. It is 750 mm wide, 1.97 m collapsed height and 5.5 m extended height. Each leg weighs 1350 kg with oil. The ML40 uses an industry standard 610mm (24-inch) track gauge, and can be operated without support track with considerations for load and ground conditions. It uses the same accessories as the Enerpac SL100 gantry such as track, header beam and side shifts. For ease of deployment, the ML40 Mini Gantry features freewheel operation for transportation and set up, and a roll cage for overhead lifting and/or towing and pushing for installation.

To learn more about the latest Enerpac tools, visit the Enerpac Innovations page on www.enerpac.com. 

With as many as 40,000 stitches, and up to 64 pieces of fabric in a single pair of Snickers Workwear trousers, it’s little wonder they’re built to last and the preferred choice of discerning tradesmen and women.

Ergonomically designed for maximum comfort, freedom of movement and functionality, there’s over 80 different styles and 71 different sizes in the Snickers Workwear Trouser system. So you will always find a pair to suit you. The men’s and women’s Trousers range includes full stretch slim fit styles plus street-smart regular and looser fits throughout the full LiteWork, FlexiWork, RUFFwork and AllroundWork trouser families.

With at least 16 pocket compartments integral to every pair complimented by a choice of 8 different Kneepads, Snickers Workwear knows that your work trousers have to do a lot of things. Keep you comfortable, carry your essentials, and protect your knees and legs from debris and hazards in the workplace.

So, whatever your trade, wherever you’re working and whatever your sustainability preferences are, you can be sure there is a pair of Snickers Workwear Trousers to suit you.

 Getting more information on the Snickers Workwear clothing range is easy. You can call the Helpline on 01484 854788; check out www.snickersworkwear.co.uk and download a digital catalogue or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This article can alos be found in the issue below.

With energy bills likely to remain high for some time, users of compressed air must consider every potential energy-reducing measure. In tandem with growing demands to reduce carbon footprint as the UK transitions to a net-zero future, many companies are looking at compressed air technologies for the solution. Air dryers, which are essential to improve the quality of compressed air and protect valuable assets, are no exception. With this thought in mind, Hi-line’s latest Tundra range of refrigeration air dryers is its most energy-efficient to date, helping companies reduce costs, remain competitive and boost their green credentials.

Tundra refrigeration air dryers outperform rival technologies in energy efficiency by minimising pressure drop and lowering absorbed power. The principle of operation is direct expansion, which offers a notable advantage over thermal expansion dryers, namely a far more stable dew point of +1°C at all load levels. This stability contrasts greatly to thermal expansion dryers, where dew points can range from +3°C to +20°C. Importantly, this impressive stability in no way compromises performance: Tundra refrigeration dryers deliver continuous dry air that satisfies ISO 7183 industry standards.

One of the secrets behind the energy-efficient Tundra series is the improved and patented single-cell heat exchanger, which delivers highly efficient heat transfer at low energy costs. In essence, pre-cooled air enters the all-aluminium heat exchanger module while post-heated air departs, supporting a reduction in the energy consumed by the chiller circuit.

Another energy-saving attribute of the Hi-line’s Tundra range of refrigeration air dryers involves condensate removal. A link between the microprocessor controller and the condensate removal valve ensures minimum loss of compressed air during condensate discharge, again saving energy. This function is fully programmable in line with climatic and seasonal conditions.

A variable-speed fan is among further energy-reducing technologies that help to drive down bills. Fan speed is adjustable via the multifunction control panel, providing users of Tundra refrigeration air dryers with improved process control, increased power factor and significant energy savings.

Controlling the fan speed on the refrigerant circuit also presents the opportunity to eliminate components such as fan pressure switches which, over time, can sometimes become defective in compressed air dryers. The less moving parts, the more reliable the product.

Providing a robust and highly reliable build quality is a priority at Hi-line. For instance, following significant company investment, all Hi-line Tundra dryers now feature Scroll Freon refrigerant compressors, which offer the lowest possible power consumption and deliver cost-effective, long-life performance. The refrigerant system also takes advantage of liquid receivers, line dryers, thermostatic expansion valves and a series of safety features to protect the Freon compressor and its parts. In short, the design of Hi-line’s Tundra range centres on engineering specification, rather than budget.

As a point of note, Tundra dryers take advantage of R513a refrigerant in models up to and including Tundra 115 (115 cfm, 195 m3/hr capacity). A HFC/HFO blend, R513a refrigerant has no ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) and a much reduced CO2 impact in comparison with the previous R134a refrigerant.

Tundra refrigeration air dryers with capacities up to 1530 cfm are available ex-stock from Hi-line’s centrally located headquarters and manufacturing facility in Burton upon Trent. The company also offers larger and higher pressure dryers (up to 40 bar) on short lead times.

www.hilineindustries.com

Surprisingly, many companies still use a system of Planned Periodic Maintenance in an attempt to avoid costly downtime arising from the failure of their equipment and machinery. In other words, they replace parts that tend to wear out (e.g. motor bearings) on a routine basis whether they need replacing or not. Not only is this needlessly costly, but can make matters worse by introducing faults during the process of stripping down and rebuilding a perfectly good machine. Even more of a problem is deciding the PPM time intervals. Too frequent, means more wasted time and cost (and more potential for introducing faults) but not frequent enough, means more unexpected breakdowns.

Condition Based Maintenance relies on the fact that a machine’s condition (degree of wear) can be monitored, by measuring the vibration levels in motor bearings for example. This way, the machine only needs to be maintained when its condition deteriorates beyond an acceptable level. This decision is based on recording and tracking changes in the machine’s condition over time (trending). Put simply, CBM philosophy is if it’s not broken, don’t try to fix it!

This approach obviously saves time and money since machine parts are only changed when they need to be. However, CBM can potentially save a lot of money by spotting a machine that is about to fail prematurely before it fails and hence avoid an unexpected and costly shutdown.

Clearly, CBM is a superior technique but until now, its cost of implementation has put off some companies from using it. Traditionally, both CBM equipment and the expertise required to use it has been prohibitively expensive.

Test Products International (TPI) has however completely revolutionised this concept with the introduction of its low cost, portable vibration analysers and free to use trending software. Both the analysers and software are very easy to use, stemming from the fact that they are very intuitive and based on internationally agreed (ISO) alarm levels for rotating machinery.

TPI’s free to use VibTrend machine management and trending software stores machine condition readings and displays their trends in a clear and easily understood graphical format. In addition, various ‘expert system’ features are incorporated into the software, such as bearing quality assessment, which is achieved by analysing the frequency components of the vibration data and automatically identifying the classic ‘signatures’ associated with bearing wear. That way, it is very easy to monitor the health of a bearing simply by observing the level of bearing quality displayed on the trend plots.

A complete CBM system can cost from as little as £1,450 with the TPI 9080, which uses industry standard accelerometers and offers on-meter analysis for the detection of machine faults such as unbalance, misalignment, looseness and bearing wear. The equivalent intrinsically safe version (IEC Ex, ATEX and North American) TPI 9080Ex offers a complete Zone 1 CBM solution for £3,500. Both versions include a full VibTrend free to use unlimited software license.

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.

This article can alos be found in this issue below.

On-time and under-budget are two phrases which property developers know can never be taken for granted. Especially where renovations or restorations of older properties are concerned. Hidden structural issues, water damage, heat loss or ageing heating systems; they can all be significant (and expensive) problems which can set a build back by months. The same goes for property surveys or insurance claims where potential property issues, if missed, can cause big problems later on. Traditionally, detecting damage to properties has risked further disturbance of the fabric of the building with invasive tests conducted to assess the full extent of the issue.

This can be costly, time-consuming and sometimes even makes existing problems worse. magicplan changes all of that. Designed for remodelling, restoration, inspection, and claims professionals, this application makes invasive manual property inspections a thing of the past. It’s been developed to make the job of creating floor plans easier, simplify reporting and generate cost estimates at the touch of a button. And with recent updates adding further functionality, magicplan can now also show acute real-time energy loss and damage beneath the surface in real-time - revealing dangers that could otherwise be missed by visual inspection.

Mobile thermography for the discerning developer By integrating FLIR’s industry-leading thermography, magicplan now allows developers to integrate essential energy loss and damage information into their reporting and planning. From pinpointing inefficiencies in insulation through to identifying water damage, magicplan works with the FLIR ONE Edge Pro to detect everything from extreme heat to pervasive cold spots - all of which can signify problematic damage. The uses for this are limited only by the scope of the project it is put to work on. By combining the app’s extensive library of developer-led features with the FLIR ONE Edge Pro, it equips users with a professionalgrade thermal camera that can detect heat of up to 400°C (752°F) with thermal sensitivity of 70 mK.

Now, those examining sites can detect more than meets the eye and elevate inspection with must-have data to help focus their plan, timeframe and estimated cost. Whether it’s inspecting mechanical systems, investigating water loss, or checking ​​the output of an electrical panel, developers can deliver real-time insights without the need to bore, burrow or drill their way through physical obstacles. Planning around problem areas Developers know that until a thorough inspection has been carried out, every build can be subject to any 1/3 number of vexing variables. magicplan allows users to do more than just passively relay data - it contextualises it instantly and intuitively.

It allows users to create instant floor plans, both manually or by performing a quick scan of the room using their smartphone camera, as well as being compatible with laser meters with bluetooth technology for 100% accurate measurements. Creating projects in 2D and 3D and providing developers with a quote on the spot to supply to prospective clients, this latest collaboration with Teledyne FLIR means that everything from the most minute measurements to the most pervasive ‘unseen’ problems is displayed clearly. Pinpoint accuracy across every elevation Once a floorplan has been created using magicplan, users can choose to add their photos not just to an individual project, but can even decide its placement, classification and orientation.

Say, for example, a developer suspected a property suffering from water damage - whether through visual inspection or a room feeling colder than usual during a walkthrough. Using the FLIR ONE Edge Pro in conjunction with magicplan, they could easily perform a scan of the room and photograph areas that show anomalies - either on the surface or lurking beneath the surface. Once detected, the concern can be added to a specific location on the floor plan so that anyone involved in the project can not only be aware of the issue, but also of its exact location and degree of severity. Everything from a faulty thermostat impacting a heating system to invisible draughts from broken window seals through to rising damp and even the most minute fluctuations in insulation density, developers can now see beyond the visual spectrum and make real-time adjustments to their estimates with active thermography - all in the palm of their hands.

It’s ideally suited to every stage of development but is especially useful when it comes to inspection and claims prior to a buyer purchasing a property. With this potent combination of heat-sensitive hardware and insightful software, would-be purchasers could potentially save thousands by detecting unseen problems before they sign the dotted line. Bernd Wolfram, Head of Product & Marketing at magicplan, said: “FLIR stands out as a technology provider that makes it easy to integrate its hardware with third party software applications like magicplan. “Integrated workflows are key to optimizing the daily workflows and productivity of field technicians!”

. For more information, please visit www.teledyneflir.com 

One of Europe’s leading chemical filter manufacturers, Amazon Filters, is showcasing the latest developments with its wide range of filters and housings. A key theme is how its proprietary technology safeguards operators and improves process economics in hazardous production environments worldwide. They include coatings manufacture, pharmaceutical processing, particulate and contaminant removal and laboratory-based separation systems. As well as filters such as the new VisClear II, specifically designed for the high-temperature manufacture of viscous fluids, Amazon Filters is highlighting its SupaClean system that accepts the company’s full range of filter types while providing exceptional operator safety. Visit Stand M30 or https://www.amazonfilters.com/industry/chemicals-and-coatings.

 This article can also be found in the issue below.

The Water Jetting Association is implementing changes to its drain and sewer training to embed standards and improve the learning experience of operatives as it reports a major increase in courses delivered.

The association, the member organisation for the water jetting industry, has introduced a series of updates to its training procedures designed to raise the quality of training outcomes.

Its aim is to build on the success of its City & Guilds accredited courses, the key ones for the drainage industry being its class-based Safety Awareness course and its Drain and Sewer practical module.

Operatives must pass both courses to obtain their WJA training cards. Many contractors and water utility companies specify this training standard for jetting operatives working on their sites.

Latest figures show a big increase in WJA people courses being delivered over the last five years. In 2022, nearly 20,000 people attended WJA courses, well over double the number of courses delivered in 2018.

For the WJA Drain and Sewer practical module, the uplift on training is even more evident, with a five-fold increase in the courses delivered in 2022 compared with 2018.

WJA Training and Safety Chairman Steve Williams said: “Increasing practical training must be good for the drainage industry. Contractors must be given huge credit for embracing our approach.

“Hands-on training delivered by skilled WJA approved instructors is vital to set an industry standard on the safety and operational performance of water jetting in drains, sewers and other wastewater assets.”

The WJA is committed to continuously reviewing and improving its training offer to the drainage industry, a process that has resulted in significant changes over the last six months.

A key step has been the publication of a fully revised WJA code of practice for use of water jetting equipment in drains and sewers, the Red Code.

For example, it now encompasses surface preparation jetting up to 275 bar, to acknowledge the cleaning and washdown tasks drainage contractors increasingly carry out.

The WJA has had valuable input from the HSE in updating the Red Code, reflecting the safety regulator’s view of the importance of this code in the water jetting industry.

Steve Williams said: “Any drainage contractor that builds the Red Code guidance into operational procedures can be sure it’s working to health and safety standards the HSE considers to be best practice.

“We also value the insights of WJA members. By pooling their knowledge and drainage industry experience, the Red Code is improving safety for everyone. This is at the core of the WJA’s purpose.”

The Drain and Sewer practical module has also been updated, in line with the Red Code changes, so technical issues learned and techniques taught are fully up-to-date.

WJA approved instructors can now use the CLiKAPAD digital Q&A system to assess operatives during the training. This is making learning more engaging. It also helps overcome barriers related to language, writing and numeracy skills, as well as anxiety about being tested.

The refresher training process has also been improved, with operatives now sitting a Safety Awareness recap and the practical element of the WJA practical module relevant to their industry, so practice skills can also be assessed and best practice reinforced.

The permitted size of courses has been increased to 12 delegates, as long as risk assessments for safety and training quality have been carried out.

This removes limits found to be unnecessary, and allows WJA approved training providers and instructors to plan training more effectively to meet growing demand for WJA water jetting training.

The WJA has also introduced an Audited Member programme, with all participating members being audited every three years. This gives their clients even greater assurance about WJA standards, and an opportunity for members to market those standards more effectively.

www.waterjetting.org.uk

This article can alos be found in the issue below.