News

5.5-inch smartphone with advanced features has been developed for mission critical and industrial communication

Lauda-Koenigshofen, October 05, 2023 - RugGear®, a leading designer and manufacturer of rugged mobile devices for professional mission critical and industrial use introduces a new LTE smartphone: The RG880 supports companies and public safety organisations in their digitalisation process and can be operated worldwide on all networks. The smartphone is equipped with the PTT/MCPTT-optimised Snapdragon^® 680 4G Mobile Platform from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and supports 3GPP Release 12. The Android™ 13 rugged device is slim and handy in design and has been completely adapted to the needs of users: A large PTT button on the side, an SOS button for lone worker use (via third-party LWP app) and a switch button for individual or group PTT calls, as well as other freely assignable buttons, make everyday work easier. A clear 5.5-inch screen, a new, innovative speaker design and a fingerprint sensor complete the feature package. Target industries include public safety, industrial production, energy, site construction and transport. 

Powerful features and forward-looking design
The powerful Snapdragon 680 4G Mobile Platform supports optimised transmission of voice, video and data information - important for safety-critical applications.

RugGear's R&D team has created high audio quality from the 103db speaker through a special, innovative design (the speakers are positioned across the full width of the device and sloped downwards for good audio distribution). Even when the device is worn in use with the screen facing the body, very good audio transmission is possible in noisy environments.

With the 50 MP main camera, users can capture high-resolution images and videos in real time, which is particularly needed in the maintenance sector and for surveillance tasks. As a support, an additional flash offers better quality for night shots.

Another highlight of the new industrial smartphone is the powerful, replaceable 4500 mAh battery, which guarantees a long runtime. The RG880 can also be used in multi-shift operation, as the device can be quickly and easily fitted with a replacement battery. The entire unit remains drop-proof and water-resistant even when the cover is open. The battery supports QC3.0 (18W fast charging) and adopts DRX software power-saving technique (DRX: PTT calls when screen-off, saves power and is convenient).

Extensive security features and worldwide network coverage
Through the side fingerprint sensor, the device can be unlocked quickly and securely, which is particularly useful when emergency personnel are wearing face protection and facial recognition control is not possible.

The PTT/MCPTT button on the side and the talk group switch allow easy selection between individual and group calls within the range of mobile networks and WLAN. Users can connect a headset or RSM via the secure 13-pin interface or use an RSM via Bluetooth. Additional accessories include a belt clip, desk charger, multi desk charger and a car holder for safe field travel.

The RG880 is compatible with global carrier cellular standards, allowing it to be used in international, multi-country teams. It supports eMBMS, saving significant network resources and is GCF-certified.

Multifunctional satellite positioning technology (the RG880 supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou and A-GPS) allows positions to be determined quickly and with high precision in the event of immediate emergency response.

Like the entire RugGear range, the RG880 has passed military tests (IP68, MIL-STD-810H, with 1.5 m drop protection and 1.2 m water resistance), making it suitable for use in harsh working environments with heavy rain or snow, extreme temperature fluctuations and humidity.

The RG880 will be available shortly.

For more information and technical details, click here.
Press images for download are available here.

TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS

• Snapdragon^® 680 4G Mobile Platform, 2.4 GHz QCI:1-9，65，66，67， 69，70, supports MCPTT, 3GPP Rel.12
• 5.5-inch HD+ Display (720 x 1440 pixels), 18:9, sunlight readable, use with wet hands/gloves
• Dimension/weight: 161 x 75 x 15.8 mm, 267 g
• 50 MP rear camera PDAF, 8 MP front camera FF, support flash
• Innovative sound design, amplified 2 W loudspeaker 103 dB, MIC noise reduction
• Li-ion 4500 mAh battery, removable, QC 3.0 support
• Wi-Fi®: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/e/k/r/v; Wi-Fi 6 ready (2.4 GHz - 5 GHz)
• Android^TM 13, GMS
• 128 GB ROM, 6 GB RAM
• Large, programmable side key (e.g. for PoC / PTT), side fingerprint sensor, SOS key for LWP, PTT switch button, freely assignable additional buttons
• GPS / A-GPS / Glonass / Galileo / Beidou
• 13-pin interface for secure connection of PTT headset and PTT-RSM
• Extensive frequency bands:

GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
WCDMA: B1/2/4/5/8
TDD-LTE: B34/38/39/40/41(full)
FDD-LTE: B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/20/28/66

For more information on RugGear®, please click here:
RugGear® on the net: www.ruggear.com
RugGear® on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ruggearglobal/
RugGear® on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/youtube-ruggear

• Regulator warns of risks and need for health checks
• HSE inspections to target use of specialist machines
• Director of inspected firm says “don’t feel intimidated”

Businesses are being warned to make sure their staff are safe when working with metalworking fluids or coolants.

It’s a highly technical, specialist field applying precision engineering – but can also cause harm to the lungs and skin.

Past inspections by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have uncovered poor performance around control of metalworking fluids in businesses that use computer numerical control (CNC) machines.  

Exposure to metalworking fluids – also referred to as ‘white water’ - can cause harm to lungs and skin through inhalation or direct contact with unprotected skin; particularly the hands, forearms and face.

Breathing in the mist generated by machining can lead to lung diseases such as occupational asthma and occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Manufacturing businesses should implement control measures and carry out health surveillance checks with occupational health professionals.

More about the campaign, and tips on how to keep workers safe, can be found here.

Machinists and metalworking fluid - Work Right to keep Britain safe

HSE inspector Fiona McGarry, said: “Lung problems and irritated skin don’t have to be associated with working with metalworking fluid if you take the right precautions.

“It is really important that control measures and fluid quality checks are in place to keep workers healthy. Health checks are essential to identify signs of ill-health early.”

To support the campaign, HSE will carry out inspections to look at how employers are ensuring workers are protected from exposure to fluid or mist generated by CNC machines across Great Britain.

Britain’s workplace regulator plans to carry out unannounced inspections between now and March 2024.

One business to have received such a visit was Nottingham-based engineering firm CNTL Ltd, earlier this year. Dane Rawson, the firm’s director, was apprehensive at first but soon saw the inspector was there to help.

He said: “I’m new to this side of the business, I haven’t dealt with a health and safety inspection before. At first, I was cautious, but it didn’t take long for the inspector to make us feel comfortable. She wasn’t trying to catch us out.” 

The inspection showed the company had safe working practices in some areas, but it was asked to install local exhaust ventilation (LEV) on its CNC machines. 

Dane and the team have noticed the difference: “We have several high-tech machines that constantly use pressurised coolant – it’s bound to create a mist.

“It was something we were aware of and had explored the option of installing LEVs, however as a result of HSE’s visit we wanted to follow their advice and action this sooner.

“We’ve noticed now that the smell of coolant is no longer there and air quality is much improved. It’s definitely a cleaner and safer environment to work in. The staff feel like we’ve done the right thing for them and know their wellbeing is a priority of ours.” 

To reduce exposure, you need control measures in place. Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) should be fitted on CNC machines to carry away any harmful metalworking fluid mist, which is difficult to see in normal lighting.

Fluid quality should be regularly checked focusing on concentration, pH, bacteria and contaminants. Fluid systems can become highly contaminated with harmful bacteria.

Where there is exposure to fluid or mist, it is a legal requirement to carry out health surveillance even when preventative controls are in place. You will need to involve an occupational health professional and workers should be encouraged to report any health symptoms that occur.

Regular fluid checks are a part of CNTL’s weekly routine. They outsource to a company that carries out weekly coolant and dipslide checks.

The HSE inspection has had a positive impact on Dane, making him more interested in creating an environment that protects his team’s health as well as safety. He recently attended a trade fair in Germany, partly to understand the approach on the continent.

Dane’s message to any company that will be inspected is simple: “Don’t feel intimidated. They are only there to benefit you, your company and your staff.”

Light, simple, abundant. That’s hydrogen (H₂). Because hydrogen doesn’t create carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions when burned, it holds the promise of becoming essential for global energy transformation, pollution remediation, and decarbonising the planet. 

In fact, H₂ production, distribution, and usage is skyrocketing, having been fueled, in part, by environmental legislation and worldwide demand for clean energy.  

H₂ is extremely attractive as a fuel source because of its ability to be both environmentally friendly and sustainable. However, before the adoption of hydrogen becomes even more widespread, there’s work to be done; namely, H₂ must be produced, distributed, and used safely. 

Despite hydrogen’s potential to become a widespread clean-energy source, there are very real safety issues to contend with. Therein lies the challenge and the paradox. 

On one hand, hydrogen’s unique chemical properties make it an exciting fuel alternative. On the other hand, those same properties are what hold the potential for these dangers: 

• Hydrogen has a propensity to leak. 
• It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it undetectable by human senses.  
• Hydrogen has an invisible, high-temperature flame with low thermal radiation. 
• It is fast detonating and more explosive than natural gas. 

 Leak Monitoring and Detection 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, all fuels—including hydrogen—pose some degree of danger. While hydrogen’s non-toxic nature and ability to dissipate quickly when released are just a few of the reasons hydrogen may be safer to handle than other fuels, there’s still a need for safe use. 

Specifically, hydrogen has a wide range of flammable concentrations in the air and lower ignition energy than gasoline or natural gas, which means it can ignite more easily. Consequently, adequate ventilation and leak detection are important elements in the design of safe hydrogen systems. Because hydrogen burns with a nearly invisible flame, special flame detectors are required.¹

Consistent monitoring, therefore, is imperative for hydrogen producers, distributors, and users. The question is, how?  

Although the need for monitoring and detecting hydrogen leaks is a relatively new challenge, here’s the good news …  

Here at MSA, we’ve been at the forefront of hydrogen gas and flame detection solutions. As one of the world’s largest and most experienced global suppliers of gas and flame detection equipment, MSA has pioneered the detection of combustible gases like hydrogen, methane, and propane.  

In fact, our in-house Research and Development team develops, tests, and manufactures its own fully certified portfolio of products and safety solutions—including the very latest hydrogen gas and flame detection technologies.  

Click here to learn about international standards, technologies and MSA’s solutions gas detection safety challenges.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) is a pivotal UK regulation overseeing the management, storage and disposal of dangerous substances. In sectors like engineering and manufacturing where chemicals and hazardous materials are frequently used, adhering to COSHH isn't just a legal requirement but crucial for safe and efficient operations.

This piece looks into COSHH, shedding light on its critical role in the engineering and manufacturing industries, and how abiding by these rules influences the safety and prosperity of businesses in these sectors.

Duties of employers

COSHH rules aim to protect both individuals and the environment from potential dangers posed by hazardous substances. These rules set clear standards for risk evaluation, the introduction of control strategies and the provision of adequate training and emergency preparedness. Following these regulations isn't just about legal compliance but also embodies responsible business conduct.

Employers are tasked with executing detailed risk evaluations to pinpoint potential dangers, introducing suitable control strategies to lessen risks, offering extensive training to their workforce and setting up solid emergency protocols.

Why adhering to COSHH matters

The possible risks and repercussions of neglecting COSHH are grave, spanning from health threats to workers due to exposure to harmful agents, to legal sanctions and even potential harm to machinery and the environment. Given the complex nature of engineering and manufacturing operations, which often involve substances that can be disastrous if mismanaged, COSHH compliance becomes an essential facet of operational soundness.

COSHH in the engineering and manufacturing sectors demands a pragmatic and systematic strategy. This encompasses correct storage - COSHH cabinets - accurate labelling, proper disposal techniques for dangerous substances, routine checks and updates of control methods, and continuous staff training.

By adhering to these regulations, businesses ensure the implementation of adequate safety protocols. For instance, in a factory utilising toxic chemicals, abiding by COSHH directives guarantees the installation of effective ventilation, safety gear and correct handling procedures. This not only reduces accident risks but also creates a safer workspace for the workforce.

COSHH adherence also holds weight in shaping a company's image. Firms recognised for their dedication to safety regulations, COSHH included, may draw and retain more clients and employees. In sectors like car manufacturing, meeting safety benchmarks often becomes a pivotal criterion in clinching deals with top brands, highlighting how COSHH compliance can boost a firm's market position.

Environmental conservation is another domain where COSHH plays a pivotal role. The disposal and containment methods outlined by COSHH prevent hazardous agents from polluting the environment. A case in point is a chemical engineering firm that adopted a COSHH-aligned waste management system, thereby curtailing environmental pollution risks.

While introducing COSHH in engineering and manufacturing can be challenging, given the intricacies of risk evaluations for diverse substances, the necessity for specialised training and the costs tied to compliance, these hurdles can be navigated with meticulous planning, expert collaboration and a dedication to ongoing enhancement and industry best practices.

Upholding COSHH compliance in operations

Grasping and abiding by COSHH is indispensable for the engineering and manufacturing sectors. It's a linchpin of ethical business operations, protecting workers, the environment and the enterprise itself. Whether you're an employer, a supervisor, or a worker in these fields, a profound understanding of COSHH is paramount. It guarantees not just legal adherence but also the thriving and sustainable functioning of the enterprise.

Countries around the world have set the strategic objective of reaching net-zero as soon as possible. One of the key enablers is the rapid development of the hydrogen economy. Vast amounts of public and private money are being invested in the production, storage and transportation of hydrogen as well as the fuelling station network for the increasing range of hydrogen vehicles.

As the hydrogen economy rapidly develops, safety must be the top priority. Standardisation is a key step on this journey to net-zero. The ISO 19880-1:2020 Standard is very specific about the requirements for grounding and bonding, including for hydrogen delivery systems such as trucks or trailers. The Standard states that electrical resistance between metallic parts connected or in contact together should be less than 10 ohms.

Each day there are fires and explosions caused by the ignition of flammable and combustible chemicals. One of the most common causes of the ignition is a spark caused by a sudden discharge of accumulated static electricity.

When two differing materials move against each other, electrons can be exchanged, leaving an excess of positive charge on one material and an equal negative charge on the other. This is the generation of static electricity. During the transfer or processing of a material, significant amounts of static charge can accumulate very quickly, leading to the rapid increase of voltage on the object (e.g. road tanker).

Voltages can rapidly exceed the break-down voltage of the surrounding atmosphere and create the risk of a sudden discharge to a nearby conductor in the form of a spark.

The amount of energy released by this sudden discharge can easily exceed the Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE) of the potentially flammable atmosphere and thereby lead to a fire or explosion.

The most effective way of avoiding a sudden static discharge is to ensure the object is grounded before and during the process by providing a low resistance path to true ground so that static electricity does not accumulate.

The reason that controlling static electricity is so important for hydrogen safety is that the MIE is only a fraction of that of other fuels. The very small amount of energy required to ignite hydrogen means that it is classified within Gas Group IIC (Gas Group B in the US).

Newson Gale’s Earth-Rite^® II RTR is dedicated to grounding road tankers and large vehicles. It is certified to be installed and used in IIC environments, unlike many alternative systems.

International Standard

ISO 19880-1:2020 Gaseous Hydrogen – Fuelling Stations

10.2.3 Protection from ignition due to the accumulation of static charge

“The electrical resistance between metallic parts connected or in contact together should be less than 10 ohms.”

The Newson Gale Earth-Rite^® II range of grounding systems continually monitor the connection resistance to a 10 ohms or less permissive threshold, and this has been verified by a third-party testing house.

Please visit our website to find out more:

www.newson-gale.co.uk

Having just spent a week at Offshore Europe in Aberdeen and a week at the Global IECEX Conference in Edinburgh there is no doubt ‘Hydrogen’ is firmly on everyone’s agenda…. Apparently, the future is ‘Hydrogen’!

People who have been working in or around potentially explosive atmospheres will be aware that Hydrogen is nothing new…its just another ‘IIC’ Gas and we have been classifying hydrogen zones and certifying equipment for hydrogen environments for 30+ years. The use of Hydrogen isn’t new, but the number of areas that will be classified as IIC is increasing dramatically.

So- what is special about Hydrogen? Below is a very simplified list (I have tried to be as non-technical as possible!) just to make people aware of some of the issues with Hydrogen that may affect risk assessment, area classification or product certication.

• It’s very light, can pocket in ceilings and high areas. Gas detection positioning may be affected.
• It can leak more easily than other gases if not properly sealed and may cause embrittlement and other issues
• It is very easy to ignite with energy/sparks (very susceptible to static ignition for example)
• It has a very wide flammable range so mor of the ‘leak’ will be ignitable.
• It is very volatile (can detonate even in open air, produces very high pressures etc.)

Given this list, it’s fair to say that Hydrogen presents more of a ‘risk’ (in terms of both likelihood of ignition and consequence) than most other gasses, but that existing systems (ATEX, IECEX etc.) already take account of this for IIC Gasses.

There are also many new technical working groups working on Hydrogen specific standards, hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen dispenser for example. In addition to new types of equipment there are many new retrofit issues (hydrogen generators forklift trucks etc.) which will have a knock on effect to the installed equipment.

Sites or processes that introduce Hydrogen as a new gas will need to reconsider the consequence analysis, classification and equipment EPLS as a minimum, even issues such as antistatic PPE may need to be considered.

 Given that the use of Hydrogen is increasing dramatically, Certification Bodies will no doubt get more requests for IIC Certification. Equipment Manufacturers will need to be aware that in some case (intrinsic safety, flameproof etc.) Hydrogen certication can be far more difficult (or even not possible) for some types of equipment, so start early if you think you will be involved in the Hydrogen boom!

This article was written by Sean Clarke @  Exveritas

A key focus for EEMUA is helping owners and operators of industrial assets to avoid damaging and costly incidents – by providing practical resources that support the industrial engineering community as it works with real-life’s range of ageing and new plant.

EEMUA’s many resources include ‘how to’ guidance publications, seminars, webinars, e-learning, classroom, live online, in-house and blended training throughout the year. For instance:

Mechanical Integrity Practitioner Certificate (MIPC^®) training keeps practitioner-level engineers on top of the latest industry developments and good practice in primary containment of hazardous substances, including for pressure systems.

The blended learning (live online classes, 1-1s, e-learning, with mentor support throughout the course) covers on-site application of EEMUA 177, 231 and 232 guidance, and the PSSR ACOP.

Certificated for 5 years via exam and portfolio assessment, the course adapts to the engineering needs of each learner and their site or sites through a 2-hour induction that can be fitted to diaries from September 2023.

The next MIPC course runs from 23 October 2023 for 27 weeks, 4 hours per week. Open to all practitioner-level engineers, the MIPC course is discounted for EEMUA Members and Associates.

EEMUA 194 Subsea Engineering Basics blended online learning is for practical design, specification, commissioning, operation, repair, maintenance, and refurbishment of ageing or new underwater energy production equipment.

Course Tutors’ incorporate decades of expert materials corrosion experience with the distilled know how of industry captured in the ‘how to’ guidance of EEMUA Publication 194 to capture reality in online learning.

The course’s live online classes, e-learning and 1-1 tutorials provide real-time interaction that ensures Learners immediately grasp the correct understanding and make the learning experience time-efficient.

Open to all and discounted for EEMUA Members, the next EEMUA 194 Subsea Engineering Basics course has a 2-hour Induction to fit diaries from October 2023, with learning starting 6 November 2023.

EEMUA TankAssessor course in Rotterdam, NL from 9 October. Given in Dutch, the four-day course provides understanding of: the design, material and fabrication aspects of tank construction with respect to repair or restrictions of use after degradation in service; principles, output and limitations of inspection methods and techniques; making sound assessments of storage tanks and their foundations’ integrity; offering guidance on repairs. With an exam to earn or renew a five-year certificate of competence, the course is open to all with the correct experience and discounted for EEMUA Members.

Next Seminar… The EEMUA Storage Tanks Seminar in Rotterdam, NL on 30 November is open to all for a whole day’s focus on: Current research projects relating to tank storage; Robotic tank cleaning; EEMUA Publications; Mothballing of storage tanks; Guidance for statistical analysis for tank floor inspection (New EEMUA Publication).

Free from shareholders and owners, EEMUA is the industrial engineering community’s not-for-profit association that invests all its revenue into sharing practical guidance resources, events, training, and more ~ all developed ‘for industry, by industry’ and proven by engineers in everyday use over more than 70 years. 

All EEMUA’s resources are free or discounted for EEMUA Members, and new corporate Members and Associates are always welcome, so please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make EEMUA’s many resources work best for you and your team.