News

Novotech, the global full-service clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) that partners with biotech companies to accelerate the development of advanced and novel therapeutics at every phase, has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with New Zealand Clinical Research (NZCR).

Novotech’s Senior Therapeutic Strategy Manager, Dr. Shawnna Barrett, and Senior Business Development Manager, Lainie Mulvanny, will announce the MOU at the 4th Annual Psychedelic Therapeutics and Drug Development Conference in Boston, MA, on May 23-24, 2024.

NZCR, which has 4 sites across New Zealand, is a leading early phase research center with a strong track-record conducting psychedelics studies.

Novotech has previously collaborated with NZCR on multiple psychedelic studies. This partnership further signals Novotech’s commitment to pioneering research in the field of psychedelic medicines.

For decades, Novotech has been establishing relationships with specialized clinical research sites worldwide, ensuring clients receive priority access to some of the most experienced sites and clinical teams.

The global market for psychedelic drugs, was estimated at US$5.50 Billion in 2023, and is projected to grow 13% from 2024 to 2030, with revenues anticipated to reach close to US$12.94 Billion.

Psychedelic drugs come in three main categories:

• dissociative pharmaceuticals like phencyclidine (PCP)
• empathogens like 3,4-Methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine (MDMA; ecstacy)
• serotonergic drugs such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)

The leading drugs being investigated in trials are psilocybin, LSD, ketamine hydrochloride, and mebufotenin.

A Novotech review of current research applications reveals that CNS disorders are the leading therapeutic area in global psychedelic drug trials, with primary indications including depression, anxiety disorders, pain, and substance abuse.

“This MOU signifies a further collaboration with NZCR to support Novotech’s psychedelic therapy biotech clients. With their extensive experience and expertise in conducting clinical trials, coupled with a passionate team of psychiatrists deeply invested in this area, NZCR is an ideal research partner for exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Together with NZCR, we aim to unlock new insights, drive meaningful progress, and ultimately, make a positive impact on patients' lives,” stated Dr. Barrett.

NZCR CEO, Dr. Christian Schwabe said, “NZCR has a close and long-standing relationship with Novotech, who we have successfully partnered with on previous psychedelic drug trials. We are excited about the opportunities this MOU brings as we continue to lead research in this therapeutic area.”

Novotech research has found that during the period from 2019 to 2023, nearly 75 psychedelic drug trials were initiated and remained ongoing. The trials are predominantly conducted in Europe and North America, accounting for 39% and 38% respectively. The Asia-Pacific region follows with 20%, while the Middle East, Africa, and South and Central America together hold 3% share.

The number of psychedelic drug trials had grown by more than fourfold from 2021 to 2023.

When analysing trials by phase the data shows Phase II dominates with 37 trials, followed by 11 trials each in Phase I and Phase III. Additionally, there were 4 trials in Phase I/II and 2 in Healthy Volunteers. The prominence of Phase II trials suggests a prime focus on assessing efficacy and dosing of psychedelic drugs in the period from 2019 to 2023.

NZCR was formed in 2020 through the merger of Auckland Clinical Studies (ACS) and Christchurch Clinical Studies Trust (CCST) and is New Zealand’s leading early phase clinical research provider. In 2023, NZCR acquired Optimal Clinical Trials, a late phase clinical trials operation, to form the NZCR Group. NZCR Group brings experience in over 850 trials involving over 20,000 participants.

With physician led, world class research sites and six units located in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Hamilton, the NZCR Group conducts complex multi-phase clinical research in healthy participant and patient populations.

For more information or to speak to an expert team member visit www.Novotech-CRO.com

With over 20 employees, six offices, and 40 years of project execution experience, PES is the right partner for your most important investments. We are a privately-held, platform independent engineering, automation and information system provider poised to take on your challenges.  We’ve helped our partners execute some of their largest and most complex projects in their history, and we stand ready to help you as well.

People

While PES is a large organization with processes and procedures in place to ensure success, our customers count on us to be responsive and agile. We understand that projects can become high priority quickly and that priorities can change mid-stream. We strive to respond to your needs and be there to help you find the best possible solution to the challenges you face in each project.

Our people are what set us apart. We employ only the best and brightest in our industry, giving them the tools and techniques they need to apply their knowledge in the most efficient and effective way.

What can you expect? A consistent and reliable team to help you achieve your goals project after project. Our recruiting practices find and attract the best talent the industry has to offer, our core values and culture keep them engaged and empowered. You will always have a dedicated and knowledgeable team ready to put your needs in the forefront and meet your most demanding schedules.

Performance

When industrial manufacturers turn to PES for assistance, it’s because they need a trusted partner that brings the resources and knowledge to deliver a successful project. We have served a wide variety of industries (food and beverage, chemical, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, metals, glass, mining, automotive, and discrete manufacturing) for decades. Our industry teams will bring their knowledge and experience to your project to hit the ground running and ensure success.

Our customers also want to know that the time and money they are investing to build a relationship with us will be invested for the long run. PES has a 40 year history of providing top quality engineering services and more than 87% of our business is repeat engagements with satisfied customers. We focus on developing partnerships for the long term and look forward to adding you to the list of our partners.

Services 

• DSEAR Training
• DSEAR Risk Assessments
• Design and installation of electrical and mechanical services
• CompEx Inspections
• Testing
• Maintenance
• HAC Drawings
• Ventilation Systems
• Safety Shut Down Controls

www.pesme.co.uk

CHEMUK Expo records a 17% increase in visitors for the 2024 edition!

CHEMUK 2024 opened its doors on Wed 15^th & Thu 16^th May at the NEC in Birmingham to a record attendance of 4641 visitors (excluding exhibitor staff) over the two days, representing an increase of 17% from the 2023 edition. The total two-day attendance (visitors plus exhibitors) was 6677.

CHEMUK show founder, Ian Stone, sums up the positive response to this year's event: “Standing in the hall mid-morning on the first day was electric! So much volume and energy in the hall with our biggest concentrated audience ever, from literally every corner of the sector.”

“I think the seniority of attending technical, scientific, supply chain, and business visitors rocketed to a whole new level this year, one visitor badge after the next from the biggest names across the sector.”

Minister Alan Mak represents the UK Government at CHEMUK 2024

Visitors to CHEMUK were invited to an exclusive pre-recorded address by Minister Mak, Minister for Industry and Economic Security at the Department for Business and Trade, and Minister for the Investment Security Unit at the Cabinet Office.

The address was supported by a comprehensive UK Government footprint at the show, with several government departments exhibiting this year, including the Department for Business and Trade, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Health and Safety Executive, the Home Office, and the Department for Energy Security and NetZero.

CHEMUK Group of Events

CHEMUK redefined itself this year with the introduction of several sub-brands: the Chemical & Process Engineering Show, the Chemicals Supply Show, the Chemicals Management Show, and the Chemical Laboratory Show. The organising team was delighted to see not only an increase in the number of visitors but also an increase in the quality of visitors, which they largely attribute to the introduction of these more focused show zones.

Ian Stone commented on the new brands, “The introduction of individual sub-branded shows underneath the 'single destination’ CHEMUK24 brand has been a great success and allowed attendee groups to lock onto their primary focus area, whether as a process engineer, analytical chemist, hazardous transportation manager, and so on, whilst still benefiting from the serendipitous opportunities, intelligence, and connections drawn from the other branded show streams.”

The CHEMUK 2024 Conference covers the big issues

Reflecting on the enormous CHEMUK 2024 speaker programme, Ian Stone comments, “CHEMUK24 was our most comprehensive conference programme to date and certainly our best attended, with standing room only at so many of the keynotes and panel programmes.

The ‘drop-in’ nature of the CHEMUK conference stages carries so much appeal, giving instant access to senior figures, expertise, technology, innovation, and the most topical and lively debates around the BIG issues affecting and influencing the sector, whether Sustainability, UKREACH, Decarbonisation, Future Skills, Digitalisation, Bio-based Transition, Scale-Up and so much more.”

“It's pretty much a ‘freeze frame’ of where the industry is each year and is invaluable in intelligence gathering, empowering all important directional and investment decisions.”

CHEMUK 2024 Partner support continues to underpin CHEMUK's growth

The 2024 show welcomed several key new partners to the show this year who brought invaluable content and member groups to the show. The new partnering organisations included the British Plastics Federation, IMechE, ScotCHEM, CICA (Chemical & Industrial Consultants), and the CHCS (Chemical Hazards Communication Society).

The show’s success was underpinned by the continued support and input provided by their longstanding partner network, comprising the CBA, BCA, BASA, BVAA, BPMA, BioVale, BCMPA, BADGP, CPI, CCUK, IBioIC, GAMBICA, NEPIC, SIA, InnovateUK KTN, Chemicals Northwest, UKLA, and the UK & Ireland Spill Association, to name a few.

Stone commented on the importance of CHEMUK’s partner network, ‘The importance of our partnerships across the industry cannot be overstated, and from professional bodies such as RSC and IChemE through to the wealth of invaluable trade, technical, industry, and innovation bodies that support the event and, in most cases, are active on the show floor or contribute to the high-quality content and session development in the conference, I think all partnering bodies and institutions place great value on disseminating their key roles, priority agendas, and outputs to a truly sector-wide audience annually through the CHEMUK experience.

RSC as CHEMUK 2024

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) was again at the centre of CHEMUK, with a packed two-day programme including an RSC Team stand, an RSC Careers Clinic, an RSC Panel Discussion focusing on the importance of a positive science culture, an exclusive keynote from current RSC President, Professor Gill Reid, and a dedicated RSC member’s reception.

IChemE at CHEMUK 2024

The IChemE brought together a fantastic programme of content that included two keynote addresses by current President and CEO, Nigel Hirst, and Yvonne Baker OBE. In addition, visitors were invited to a feature panel discussion around sustainable production.

The Chemical Business Association’s ‘Chemical Supply Chain in Action’ feature zone is a massive hit

The Chemical Business Association team pulled out all the stops to present their 2024 feature zone, which represented some of the key support services and mechanics of the UK chemicals supply chain. The feature zone included DHL’s Box Stacker VR game, Road Haulage Association HGV Drive Simulator, Brenntag Fleet Stainless Steel Tanker Exhibit, CBA Live People & Skills Hub, Meet Your Industry Stakeholders: Dft and Police (CDGFP), CBA Sustainability Hub, and DGSA Discussion with Sukhpal Randeva, DFT.

This was all in addition to the CBA’s keynote address by CEO Tim Doggett and two panels entitled, ‘Transitioning into the Digitally-Enabled Age" How equipped is your Chemical Supply Chain?’, and ‘Achieving & Demonstrating Sustainability in the Chemical Supply Chain’.

CHEMUK 2025: Looking ahead

In 2025, CHEMUK will introduce ‘The Formulated Product Manufacturer Show’. Ian Stone talked through his vision for 2025, ‘CHEMUK is all about providing a single destination where all strands of the chemical industries converge through its individual show stream brands, and 2025 sees the introduction of a brand new ‘5th stream’ with the “Formulated Product Manufacturer” show. 

Aimed squarely at the downstream consumer and industrial formulated product industries, from cleaning and disinfecting products to car care, from personal care and cosmetics to adhesives and sealants, coatings and paints, lubricants, oils and fluids, plastic compounds, etc., the list goes on.

For brand owners, large and small, formulators, contract and toll manufacturers, packaging, dispensing, and aerosol solutions, and all businesses involved in the business of formulating, producing, fulfilling, and packaging formulated chemical products, this will provide an intensive supply chain showcase supported with dedicated panel discussions and expert insight into the BIG issues shaping and influencing these downstream ‘to the shelf’ sectors.’

• Dates for Diary: CHEMUK 2025 (NEC, Birmingham) Wed 21^st & Thu 22^nd May 2025.

www.chemicalukexpo.com

With the Pad-Ex® 01 P12, Pepperl+Fuchs is launching a new tablet for professional use in hazardous areas in Zone 2/22, Division 2. The tablet is equipped with the Windows 11 Pro 64-bit operating system, thus offering maximum efficiency for demanding tasks and impressing with numerous other advantages: it has an ultra-thin and lightweight housing with a widescreen display and is nevertheless exceptionally robust. Thanks to its compact and lightweight design, the device is ideal for outdoor use.

The Pad-Ex® 01 P12 is the first explosion-proof tablet to support powerful application due to the 12th generation Intel Core i5 processors based on the Intel Alder Lake platform, enabling a particularly high level of performance. The tablet works significantly faster than previous models with 8th generation processors. The model is also equipped with modern Intel Iris Xe graphics. This provides sufficient computing power to process large amounts of data, images, and video feeds in real time.

Capacitive 11.6-inch FHD display for crystal-clear, high-resolution images

The Pad-Ex® 01 P12 is certified to protection class IP64, thereby protected against the ingress of dust and splash water on all sides. It also offers a very long battery life of up to 14 hours, which ensures uninterrupted, parallel operation of multiple applications with minimal risk of failure. In addition, the tablet features a capacitive 11.6-inch FHD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and DynaVue technology. Thanks to a brightness of up to 1,000 cd/m², the display offers exceptional readability even in direct sunlight. In addition, the model offers four modern touch modes – glove, pen, water, and finger – so that it is optimized for both indoor and outdoor applications and allows maximum accuracy in any environment.

In addition, the Pad-Ex® 01 P12 is characterized by maximum flexibility: The tablet has an optional desktop docking interface, so it can be quickly and easily transformed into a PC and seamlessly integrated into office and corporate networks. State-of-the-art technologies such as Thunderbolt 4, Intel Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 transfer data at extremely high speeds. The Pad-Ex® 01 P12 can optionally be equipped with an extremely slim and powerful 2D barcode scanner from Honeywell. Another decisive advantage: with the Pad-Ex® 01 P12, customers receive an integrated complete solution from a single source. The Pepperl+Fuchs brand ECOM Instruments provides all hardware and software components, digital services and associated services in-house. In addition, thanks to an extensive network of local Pepperl+Fuchs contacts, user companies benefit from fast, direct and competent support at all times – worldwide.

Tablet for use in particularly harsh and hazardous environments

The Pad-Ex® 01 P12 meets the demanding requirements of mobile workers who rely on robust technologies that are ATEX/IECEx-certified and can therefore be used in explosion-protected areas. This allows to streamline workflows and improve productivity in even the harshest environments. The tablet uses the latest technologies so that users in potentially explosive atmospheres can easily master the constantly changing requirements of everyday work. The Pad-Ex® 01 P12 is ideal for use in highly demanding sectors such as warehousing, field service and logistics. The tablet is predestined for use in particularly hazardous areas and sectors such as hydrogen production, the chemical, oil and gas industries and for the mobile management of large-scale facilities, including inspection, maintenance and operation.

“With the Pad-Ex® 01 P12, we are providing the world's first fully ruggedized 11.6-inch ATEX/IECEx tablet with a 12th generation Intel processor. It is characterized by its slim and compact design for the modern mobile workforce. The combination of durability, outstanding performance and a large display makes the device an ideal complement to desktop PCs, laptops or wall-mounted displays and can even replace them completely. This makes the Pad-Ex® 01 P12 a solid, reliable, and indispensable companion for mobile, computer-supported work in hazardous areas,” explains Joerg Hartleb, Head of Product Management at Pepperl+Fuchs subsidiary ECOM Instruments. 

www.pepperl-fuchs.com

uvex, the leading manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE), is delighted to announce that the uvex Training Academy has been awarded the prestigious BSIF Safety Solution Award. The accolade, which was delivered at a gala awards ceremony held at the Vox in Resorts World, NEC Birmingham on 1 May 2024, recognises uvex's commitment to safety and education, exemplified through its innovative training programme.

Through comprehensive technical information and education, the uvex Training Academy equips users and distributors with the knowledge to make informed choices when selecting or supplying PPE. In a business climate marked by intense competition and constant change, well-trained employees and safe workplaces are paramount.

"At uvex, we believe that wearing the right PPE is not just a choice but a responsibility," says Carl Dwyer, uvex UK Director of Sales. "The PPE industry faces a critical challenge: misselling of low-quality products and a lack of awareness around proper PPE selection can leave workers inadequately protected, at risk of serious injuries. At uvex, we are committed to raising safety standards across the board. That's why we developed our award-winning uvex Training Academy. By equipping distribution partners and customers with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about PPE, we can work together to eliminate these issues.” 

The academy's certified modular training programme, developed in collaboration with external specialists, offers three stages of learning. Participants undergo self-assessment, engage in bespoke training courses tailored to their needs, and receive refresh sessions and assessments. The programme covers various PPE categories, including hand protection, safety eyewear, hearing protection, and safety footwear.

To date, the academy has delivered hand and eye protection modules to individuals within uvex's distributor network, with the roll-out its hearing and footwear modules in 2024. Initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants praising the programme's effectiveness and relevance.

"The uvex Training Academy fills a critical knowledge gap in the industry," says Carl Dwyer. "By providing objective information and promoting a culture of safety, we aim to empower users to choose the right equipment for the job through our in-depth training programs. This collaborative effort drives positive change within the industry, ensuring a safer work environment for everyone and creating a future where workers return home safe. It's only with a change of behaviour through increased awareness that today's workforce can achieve this, and the uvex Training Academy ensures everyone in the PPE supply chain takes full responsibility to make it happen."

Among the benefits of the academy are improved product selection, increased confidence in PPE, and enhanced compliance with safety standards. By educating stakeholders at every touchpoint in the supply chain, uvex endeavours to foster a safer working environment and reduce accidents.

Carl concludes: "As we celebrate this achievement, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting safety and well-being in the workplace and raising the culture of PPE from being provided as a tick-box exercise to being a valued part of staff wellbeing.”

uvex was also delighted to be recognised for its commitment to sustainability with a Commended award in the Sustainable Company of the Year category.

For more information about the uvex Training Academy, visit: https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/knowledge/uvex-academy/about-us/ 

A standalone detector approved for Zone 1 & 2 (Gas) and Zone 21 & 22 (Dust) environments that offers dual gas detecting capabilities in one compact housing. When it comes to keeping you and your personnel safe, the TOC-903-X5 brings a variety of useful new tools to the table, none more important than its dual-gas detection capabilities.

When operating in a dangerous and potentially explosive environment there’s a good chance that you’ll encounter more than one hazardous gas. Our TOC-903-X5 provides you with the capacity to attach two of our Plug-and-Play smart sensors to monitor two different gases in the same space from one unit, simplifying the process and cutting costs.

Dual-gas detection is just one of the reasons that we’ve come to call the TOC-903-X5 “The World’s Most Versatile Gas Detector Transmitter”. Versatility is what sets the TOC-903-X5 apart from other ATEX gas detectors. It’s the best option for a vast range of use cases and the multitude of potential installation options enables it to shine in almost any role and environment. Each of our huge range of sensors presents the opportunity for a different bespoke setup but, broadly speaking, there are five ways that the TOC-903-X5 can fit into your system and provide the solutions you need:

1. If you only require accurate, reliable detection for a single gas and you already have a system installed, then the standalone TOC-903-X5 and any one of our compatible plug-and-play sensors is all you will need
2. Adding one more sensor allows you to take advantage of the dual sensor capabilities by testing for two different gases from one point.
3. You can directly attach a sensor to the unit whilst running a remote sensor at another point. This is the easiest way of testing for two different gases residing at different levels.
4. ATEX environments often require gas monitoring in places that would present serious dangers to personnel, like the inside of an electrolyser. When combined with any remote sensors from our TOC range, the TOC-903-X5 can be placed in a safe area and used as a transmitter for the additional TOC ATEX Gas Detectors. This enables you to remotely monitor two different gases at a distance of up to 1km from the source.
5. The addition of IGD’s Sentinel+^TM 2-Wire addressable system introduces a huge range of potential set-up options. It also equips you with comprehensive digital monitoring, At-a-Glance status readings, digital readings, and simple calibration through the onboard Wi-Fi. Integrating our 2-Wire Addressable solution is the best option if you require multiple points of gas detection.

When you add our magnetic wand-enabled, one-person, non-intrusive calibration to the mix, you’re left with one powerful, complete solution to almost any imaginable ATEX gas detection requirement.

Get in touch today to find out how our century of expertise and innovation and our 10-year electronics warranty can offer you and your personnel, ultimate protection against diverse gas risks.

www.internationalgasdetectors.com

Over the past few months I have sporadically been presenting a DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres) training course to front line operators at an English Water Company (no, not that one, or even that one…). One of the topics covered is Zoning – the demarcation of areas of sites where the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere being present is elevated. Process Safety is another, where one of the distinctions made with Occupational Safety (e.g. slips, trips and falls) is that, generally, Process Safety hazards are not readily detectable by our senses.

You should be able to see a step in front of you and hear a fork lift truck in your vicinity, but it is much more difficult to sense a Process safety hazard before any loss of containment (release of toxic or flammable fluids). Once this happens, your sense may be rapidly alerted – loud bang, almighty flash, over powering smell or taste – before you (and those around you) succumb soon thereafter.

One approach to this challenge is to promote constant vigilance for personnel in facilities where there are Process Hazards – Chronic Unease. The idea may be attractive to its proponents, but in practice probably reduces safety by significantly raising personnel base levels of stress levels resulting in chronic health issues and/or operational transgressions.

The Water Company has adopted a different approach. I would say it is more realistic, humane and effective. It has started to provide what one could call ‘sense’ aids. Examples include generating clear signage such as in the image above depicting areas of heightened explosive risk. These can help to engender appropriate levels of temporary unease (flipping our mental state from auto pilot to manual), prompting conscious thought and precaution. Another is portable dangerous substance monitors (indicating the proximity of threshold concentrations and translating this into a sound). A third is a directive to ‘take a break to reflect’ if personnel sense (6^th sense?) that something isn’t right.

Our senses are our best defence for protecting ourselves in the realm of Occupational Safety.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could harness them protect us (and our colleagues) from Process Hazards as well.

Article by Angus Keddie 

Process Safety Matters 

www.processsafetymatters.com

AG Consultancy, the SAP solutions specialists, has launched the first tool of its kind designed to overcome challenges posed by the implementation of global health and safety standards and Ex/ATEX inspections in the oil and gas industry and wider energy sector. 

The Aberdeen based business – which also has an office in London - has now unveiled the programme to companies, with North Sea operator Spirit Energy becoming the first to adopt the solution. At the 2024 SAP Customer Success Awards, Spirit won the Sustainability Hero category for use of the solution. 

‘Smart Ex’ allows businesses to undertake Ex/ATEX inspections internally within SAP without the need for third party products which can lead to difficulties and inefficiencies in managing multiple IT solutions lacking a ‘single source of truth’. The fully integrated solution is an end-to-end tool which encompasses planning, execution and analysis and covers the full life cycle of Ex/ATEX inspections.  

Deepal Ratnayaka, director SAP consultancy services at AG Consultancy, said: “For the oil and gas sector – and wider energy industry – the problems posed by the use of multiple platforms when undertaking Ex/ATEX Inspections are significant and the challenges for companies can be demanding. 

“’Smart Ex’ allows businesses access to mobile, real-time updates on a single system for more up to date insights for informed decision making by bringing together work management and inspection management needs, negating the need for two separate IT solutions.” 

The software – which is designed to be regularly updated with the latest technology including Artificial Intelligence and machine learning – manages various types of inspections including integrity inspections, compliance checks, tool calibrations and maintenance checklists. 

It complies with safety standards IEC60079, NEC500/505 and ATEX and a digital auditing trail allows for full traceability of inspections.  

Benefits include the reduction of manual, duplicate efforts in system updates, time savings technicians, better insights to operation, a ‘single source of truth’ and the demonstration of better compliance via audit trails and analytics. 

Ratnayaka added: “As Ex/ATEX Inspections are an important business process, critical to the safety of staff and ongoing operations, we believe this tool can be revolutionary for organisations that are currently grappling with how best to address the challenge with multiple IT systems.   

“As a trusted SAP Gold Partner, AG not only excels in consultancy but also innovates by developing products that enhance SAP solutions. Our extensive industry knowledge in oil and gas and energy, combined with our SAP proficiency, allows us to tailor SAP solutions to specific business needs. The successful implementation of ‘Smart Ex’ for Ex/ATEX Inspections at Spirit Energy is a prime example of our expertise.” 

AG Consultancy was set up in 2014 by co-founders Francis Rajan and Nick Champion to close a gap in the market by providing value orientated, high quality multi-specialist SAP consulting and support services combining deep expertise of the software with rich industry knowledge.  

AG Consultancy & Apps Ltd

What is the meaning of a Red Lens Ex-Tech Beacon?

A red Ex-tech beacon light is usually associated with an emergency. This is also the case with red beacon lights on most, if not all signalling devices Atex or not. Red in the history of humanity has stood for Stop/Danger. In AVS signalling, red is no different and signals emergency, a dangerous or hazardous condition and A situation which requires immediate action. Signal lights with a red Ex-Tech beacon light are suitable for signalling system failures, values that lie outside their safe limits (e.g. temperature or pressure) or if there is danger.

Absolutely, a red Ex-tech beacon light is a critical situation that would require swift action in any application and is Hazard-implying. The highest warning level is indicated by a red beacon light. When it lights up, it stands for the highest level of urgency and not to be used in general IEC 600073 guidelines 'for a general warning'.

For example, in a manufacturing facility where Pressure or Temperature has increased beyond the safe range and immediate shutdown is required due to the action of the protective devices (equipment failure).

Exceptions to this rule are two-colour or multi-colour signal systems with only one red and one green warning light.

What is the meaning of a Yellow Lens Ex-Tech Beacon?

These colours, renowned for their intense brightness, are employed to draw attention to specific situations. Yellow and amber Ex-Tech beacon lights signal an impending critical state that necessitates human monitoring or intervention. Devices featuring such lights are adept at indicating overloads or surpassing standard values, provided the duration remains within permissible limits. Required actions aim to forestall abnormal conditions and avert ensuing consequences. Yellow or amber Ex-Tech beacon lights are apt for cautioning against moderate dangers, serving as precautions and warnings. For example, in a manufacturing facility where Pressure or temperature has extended above the normal operating range however has not quite reached the unsafe range, but action within a line is imminently or currently taking place to return the operation of the facility to a safe range of conditions.

An amber Ex-tech beacon light is critical in any plant operation to ensure the safety of personnel. Where toxic and/or combustible gases, dust or liquids may be released generally through a form of a vent into the atmosphere (released by a pressure relief device such as a safety or Pressure relief valve).

What is the meaning of a Green Lens Ex-Tech Beacon?

The green colour simply denotes a safe normal state of operation or environment, requiring no immediate action. It's essential really to recognize green as just that- a safety colour, as opposed to a warning colour. Safety guidelines, which already indicate potential hazards, are more appropriately conveyed through blue signals.

Commonly, machines equipped with green Ex-Tech beacon lights signal readiness for operation or seamless functioning without any glitches. For example, a green Ex-Tech beacon light in a manufacturing facility could signify pressure or temperature in a normal range and no further action is required other than seamless operation of the facility. Many plants use a green Ex-tech signalling beacon to inform other personnel simply that the plant is in operation and not the earlier information regarding what the conditions of the plant are. However, the latter is assumed otherwise operation would be put to a hold to ensure safe operation of the equipment and ultimate safety of all personnel within the facility.

What is the meaning of a Blue Lens Ex-Tech Beacon?

What does a blue Ex-Tech beacon light signify? Most linked with emergency services, these lights should refrain from usage on the road or in areas of public access. Of course, different nations operate their emergency services with different colours. However, in the UK and Europe certainly, blue is connoted to be the colour of emergency services. Many plants or manufacturers of signalling would suggest that Blue is a common alternative to red signalling. However, the true utility of the Blue Ex-Tech beacons signifies any condition necessitating a specific action by the operator, distinct from the states represented by red, yellow, orange, and green colours. Blue can be assigned various meanings beyond these.

This is best explained using an example to distinguish the true difference. For example, emergency evacuation on board a ship, a blue light could signal to an operator to abandon the ship. In manufacturing settings, a blue LED beacon often signifies a distinction, such as prompting a conditioned response to shut down safety-critical processes like switch off the line and evacuate the premises.

What is the meaning of a Clear/White Lens Ex-Tech Beacon?

An Opaque/Clear/White Ex-Tech beacon really carries ambiguity. It is best explained by what it should not be used for. Many of our new clients replace their clear domes on their push buttons with stop or off functions. While clear Ex-Tech beacon lights have high light transmission without consuming light, they are unequivocally unsuitable for drawing attention to warn of danger despite their brightness. As discussed, there are standards which must be met, and each colour has its own tailored usages.

A more appropriate selection of colour, a client would therefore have to choose specific to the application with the information provided with this article. In a nutshell, a clear beacon light carries no distinct significance. It is employed when there's uncertainty regarding the use of red, yellow, green, or blue lights. Whether employee supervision or intervention is needed for the illumination of the clear dome must be evaluated case by case.

What is the meaning of a Purple Lens Ex-Tech Beacon?

At Ex-Tech, we are committed to delivering our customers the highest quality level of customer service. Purple plays a prolific role for our Oil and Gas Clients, especially in the UAE and USA as an alternative to red. When an Ex-Tech beacon light in the purple signal colour illuminates, individuals should promptly evacuate the area or trained personnel should take immediate necessary actions.

A more appropriate selection of colour, a client would therefore have to choose specific to the application with the information provided with this article. In a nutshell, a clear beacon light carries no distinct significance. It is employed when there's uncertainty regarding the use of red, yellow, green, or blue lights. Whether employee supervision or intervention is needed for the illumination of the clear dome must be evaluated case by case.

At Ex-tech Signalling, we are experts in manufacturing a wide range of AVS solutions for Harsh and Hazardous areas, and offer a wide range of products and solutions. Please contact us today for further information.

Phone: +44 (0)1752 333 933

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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When Britain’s largest working siege machine returned to Warwick Castle recently to form the centrepiece of a new and daring action-packed show - The Legend of the Trebuchet - the castle needed a way to provide the correct tensioning for this monster of ancient and medieval warfare. Hearing the call to arms, Hoist & Winch duly supplied a class-leading Hadef electric winch offering 1500 Kg pulling force (safe working load) with supporting frame and foundations.

The trebuchet at Warwick Castle is an authentic recreation of one of the biggest and most deadly military machines of all time. Utilising a long rotating arm and the principles of leverage to launch projectiles from a sling, a trebuchet is essentially a huge catapult. It was powerful enough to hurl huge rocks that could breach castle walls. Sometimes it would even launch manure and dead animals into besieged castles to spread disease. It remained a common warfare weapon until the 15th century, when gunpowder and cannons came to the fore.

To showcase the power of the mighty trebuchet and bring a highly entertaining and educational spectacle to the banks of the River Avon next to Warwick Castle, a new show - The Legend of the Trebuchet - opened on 23 March. In the lead-up, Warwick Castle required the services of a high-performance electric winch to ensure reliable and repeatable tensioning of the trebuchet prior to launching its projectiles. The choice was a Hadef electric-powered wire-rope winch, delivered and installed by Hoist & Winch Ltd as part of a turnkey project.

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After an initial site survey to discuss the requirements of this highly unusual application and specify the winch design features, Hoist & Winch returned to oversee a test fire of the trebuchet and measure its pulling force with a load cell and site tractor. Once complete, Hoist & Winch was in position to make a formal offer, comprising fully specified winch, mounting frame and foundation base.

At the centre of the solution is a Hadef 400 V, three-phase, 50 Hz electric winch that delivers 1500 kg pulling force from its 25 m rope length. Control is via a low-voltage radio remote with back-up plug-in pendant. Features of note include: a pressure roller for the wire rope drum; four-position top/bottom geared limit switches; a galvanised steel mounting frame for the winch; and electrical enclosures with IP66 protection rating.

Following order receipt and drawing approval, Hoist & Winch commenced on-site installation and commissioning, a process that included individual hydraulic pull tests of the resin anchor bolts for the winch frame. Test firing of the trebuchet also took place with measurement of the pulling force using a load cell for the LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) certificate. Hoist & Winch also took care of customer handover training and issue of the LOLER Thorough Examination report.

Anyone interested in seeing the trebuchet in action can buy a ticket for The Legend of the Trebuchet, which runs until 4 November 2024. Built to a centuries-old design (with a little help from the latest electric winch technology), this incredible weapon takes centre stage in a show that combines thrilling live action and special effects throughout.

Visit www.hoistandwinch.co.uk for further information and to view recent case studies.

Hoist and Winch Ltd

Unit 20, 11B Arrow Business Park, Alcester Employment Park, Arden Road, Alcester, B49 6HN

Tel:  08450 171126                  

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web: www.hoistandwinch.co.uk