News

One of the world’s first EV fire blankets to be independently tested, passed and certified to the new regulated standard.

Fire Cloak™ has officially achieved certification to DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11, the world’s first regulated testing framework created specifically for EV fire limitation blankets. This confirms Fire Cloak™ as one of the first products globally to complete the full programme of testing and be certified to the new standard.

Published in November 2024, DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11 introduces a rigorous, evidence-led method for assessing the construction, performance and reliability of EV fire blankets. Developed by fire-safety professionals, emergency services, vehicle manufacturers and industry specialists, the specification brings clarity and control to a previously unregulated market.


A New Benchmark for EV Fire Safety

Certification to DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11 provides fire services, first responders, insurers and safety professionals with trusted, independent assurance. The specification requires proven performance across a wide set of criteria, including:

• Loop strap design and ignitability, including FMVSS 302 testing
• Clear positioning markers for accurate deployment in low-visibility conditions
• Thermal resistance, assessed through EN ISO 13501-1 and a dedicated DIN furnace test replicating 700–1,000°C thermal runaway scenarios
• Mechanical strength, cut resistance and load testing
• Material integrity, including PFAS-free manufacture and resistance to oils, greases, extinguishing agents and battery acids
• Deployment performance, with a required maximum 30-second deployment by two people on both wet and dry vehicles
• Storage and durability, including IP65-rated container testing
• Full marking, traceability and usage instructions

The certification also demands comprehensive evidence: photographic documentation, video capture of every stage, and independent expert thermal-resistance opinions.


Long-Standing Commitment to Rigorous Testing

Fire Cloak™’s approach to fire containment is rooted in transparency, testing and engineering integrity. Long before DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11 existed, Fire Cloak™ blankets had already undergone extensive independent fire-resistance testing relevant to lithium battery and vehicle-fire conditions, including:

• BS 476 Parts 6 & 7 – Class 0
• ASTM D6413 Vertical Flame Resistance – PASSED
• FMVSS 302 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard – PASSED
• NFPA 701 Flame Retardancy – PASSED
• BS 476 Part 22 Indicative Furnace Test – Resisted 1,000°C for 90 minutes
• EN ISO 13501-1:2018 – A2, s1, d0

Fire Cloak™ blankets are engineered to withstand temperatures of up to 1,600°C, matching the extreme thermal conditions seen in lithium battery thermal runaway events.


Industry Commentary

“We welcome the introduction of DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11 because it raises the bar for everyone. EV environments demand equipment that’s proven, not promised, and this certification confirms the level of reliability and consistency we build into every Fire Cloak. It’s another step in our commitment to transparent testing and ensuring fire professionals can trust the tools they’re working with.”
— Mark Tamblyn, Fire Cloak™


Supporting Safer EV Environments

As EV adoption accelerates, effective fire-mitigation solutions are essential across car parks, workshops, recovery operations, charging hubs, transport fleets and industrial environments. DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11 brings long-awaited regulation to the sector and gives organisations clear confidence in the tools they rely on.
Fire Cloak™ will continue working alongside regulators, industry bodies and fire-safety experts to advance research, improve standards and strengthen safety across all EV environments.


Product Availability

The Fire Cloak™ EV Fire Limitation Blanket is available in three standard sizes designed for lithium batteries, passenger vehicles and larger commercial vehicles. A made-to-measure service is also available for specialist applications.
Product information:

• Fire Cloak™ main website – firecloak.co.uk
• EV Fire Blankets – firecloak.co.uk/ev-fire-blankets

DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11 certification files for both blanket sizes are available to download directly from the website.

Commenting on the Budget statement today (Wednesday) by the Chancellor, Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of British Safety Council, said:

"Today’s Budget was framed by the Chancellor as supporting people with the cost of living. However, while some of its measures will be welcome relief to those most in need, there was little to support employers or their staff navigate the significant and rapid social, political, economic and technological changes they face.

“British Safety Council called for wellbeing to be put at the heart of this budget, given the boost to productivity, profitability and growth that it would deliver. Our call for a National Wellbeing Strategy, led by a new Minister for Wellbeing, was first made in 2024 as part of our Health, Safety and Wellbeing Manifesto. We renewed that call ahead of this budget in a letter to the Chancellor, recognising that central government is best placed to pull the right policy levers, at the right time, to embed wellbeing as part of our working and cultural lives.

“If the health of the workforce is reflective of the health of the nation and the economy, this week’s figures revealing record levels of stress, anxiety and depression at work show that more needs to be done. New Neighbourhood Health Centres, and a focus on young people’s health and work, are both welcome steps. But regulators overseeing and enforcing safety, health and wellbeing – in work and building safety – must be properly resourced, and we need a more joined-up approach across Government."

www.britsafe.org

When Axians GA Netztechnik GmbH set out to optimise its M30 tower design, it needed a system that reduced wind load and made maintenance faster and safer - without compromise.
That’s where MSA - The Safety Company came in.

MSA’s solution helped to eliminate the need for a fixed ladder while enabling flexible, secure access for antenna maintenance - even in challenging weather. The result? A system that’s lighter, adaptable, and delivers exceptional build quality from every angle.

“The advantage of the MSA Lifeline System is that it can be installed without additional wind loads, and the antennas can be maintained.”
Watch how MSA’s innovation is helping telecom engineers maintain efficiency and precision, even at height.

ExVeritas has expanded its internationally recognised accreditation portfolio with several significant achievements:
UKAS-accredited ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification, full recognition as an IECEE CB Testing Laboratory (CBTL) and National Certification Body (NCB), and now, approval to operate within the IECEx Conformity Mark Licensing Scheme.

Already well established as a leading provider of ATEX, IECEx and UKCA certification, these new approvals further enhance ExVeritas’ position as a global compliance partner for manufacturers operating in hazardous environments and safety-critical industries.

Anoop Chandrahasan, Operations Manager at ExVeritas, said:
“Securing ISO 14001, IECEE CBTL/NCB status, and now the IECEx Conformity Mark capability reflects our commitment to rigorous technical governance and continuous improvement. These accreditations strengthen the support we offer manufacturers—helping them navigate complex international requirements with confidence and efficiency.”

UKAS-Accredited ISO 14001 Certification

The addition of ISO 14001 extends ExVeritas’ management systems certification portfolio, which already includes ISO 9001, ATEX QAN, UKCA QAN, IECEx QAR and IECEx FAR assessments.
ISO 14001 enables organisations to demonstrate effective environmental management, ensure legal compliance and embed sustainable practices across their operations.

As ExVeritas auditors are already skilled across ATEX, IECEx, and ISO pathways, customers can combine ISO 14001 with ISO 9001, QAN/QAR audits, or other assessments, reducing audit burden and improving system cohesion.

IECEE CBTL and NCB Recognition

Becoming an IECEE CB Testing Laboratory allows ExVeritas to test products to a wide range of IEC standards under the international CB Scheme. As a recognised National Certification Body (NCB), ExVeritas is authorised to both test and certify products in accordance with standards such as IEC 61010-1 and IEC 62368-1. This provides manufacturers with a streamlined route to market, with CB test reports and certificates accepted by certification bodies globally.

These expanded testing and certification capabilities complement ExVeritas’ established services, including ATEX and IECEx testing, CE/UKCA marking support, North American certification pathways, and accredited hazardous area training.

IECEx Conformity Mark Licensing Scheme

ExVeritas has also completed the IECEx assessment process to operate within the IECEx Conformity Mark Licensing Scheme, enabling the issuance of the IECEx Conformity Mark to manufacturers for use on their equipment, packaging, and promotional material.

ExVeritas is now one of only 13 organisations worldwide authorised to approve use of this globally recognised mark.

“The use of marks on equipment, packaging, and other material to demonstrate conformity is widespread. The IECEx conformity mark is a single global mark that is intended to negate the need for multiple, individual marks being used. The growing industry support and use of the IECEx System has fuelled the demand for an international mark in this field.”
— IECEx 04A, Guidance for Making Application for and Use of the IECEx Conformity Mark

Use of the IECEx mark not only demonstrates compliance with internationally accepted safety standards but also provides a visible assurance of quality and reliability—boosting both market visibility and end-user confidence.

Building on a Strong Technical Foundation

ExVeritas’ team comprises senior technical specialists with extensive experience in explosive atmospheres, electrical safety, and international certification. This depth of expertise helps manufacturers meet the evolving demands of global compliance, especially in high-risk sectors such as industrial, process, and energy.

As regulations and market expectations continue to evolve, these recent additions to ExVeritas’ capabilities—ISO 14001, IECEE CBTL/NCB recognition, and IECEx Conformity Mark licensing—offer manufacturers expanded options for integrated certification strategies and more efficient routes to global market access.

For further information, please visit:
www.exveritas.com

In April 2025, an explosion at a recycling plant in Kilwinning, Scotland, forced the evacuation of nearby homes. Investigators believe leaking batteries were the likely cause, raising serious concerns about thermal runaway and inadequate fire suppression in energy storage facilities (FIA UK).

Just weeks later, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) published formal guidance on evaluating explosion and toxic risks from battery energy storage systems, particularly those using lithium-ion chemistries. The goal: to help assess risks when batteries are deployed at scale near industrial or public areas (Energy Storage NL).

These incidents underscore a growing reality: batteries—so central to Europe’s energy transition—are now being used in environments where explosion risk is not hypothetical. From hydrogen facilities to Zone 2 analysers and skid-mounted UPS systems in chemical plants, batteries are everywhere. And with them comes the pressing need for manufacturers to align ATEX (Directive 2014/34/EU) and the new EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542).

Historically, these frameworks served different ends:

• ATEX/IEC 60079 focuses on equipment safety in explosive atmospheres
• The Battery Regulation governs batteries’ market access, safety, environmental impact, and lifecycle management

But today, they are deeply connected in practice. Most batteries used in hazardous areas are already assessed against technical standards such as IEC 62133-2 (portable lithium-ion), IEC 62619 (industrial lithium-ion), or IEC 62485-2 (stationary lead-acid). These standards offer data on venting, thermal rise, short-circuit response, and gassing—all critical inputs not only for ATEX compliance but also for Battery Regulation documentation.

IEC 60079 does not duplicate battery testing, but it does assess how batteries behave in explosive atmospheres. This includes operating limits, connection methods, and thermal behaviour under fault conditions. These same parameters can inform CE marking, safety reporting, and recyclability assessments under the Battery Regulation.

For example:

• Hydrogen evolution measured during Ex testing of a lead-acid system can inform environmental and ventilation safety under the Battery Regulation
• High thermal rise during short-circuit testing may trigger additional safety verification under both regulatory frameworks

With EU rules on battery labelling, recyclability, and carbon footprint now in force, and due diligence requirements now formally postponed, regulatory alignment is no longer optional; it’s essential.

For manufacturers and integrators, the message is clear: treating ATEX and Battery Regulation as separate silos risks costly delays, compliance gaps, or worse—safety failures. The energy transition demands batteries that are not just greener, but demonstrably safer.

Understanding the interplay now is a safeguard against future risk—and a smart step toward market readiness.

ExVeritas and NMi Certin are part of the NMi Group, offering complementary, accredited expertise. ExVeritas is an ATEX Notified Body and IECEx Certification Body, while NMi Certin is a European Notified Body, UK Approved

Body, and OIML Issuing Authority for battery testing and conformity assessment.
www.exveritas.com | www.nmi.nl

  The author of this article is Reza Bagherylooieh

The ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU) and the UK’s equivalent regulations remain central to ensuring equipment used in explosive atmospheres is safe and compliant. Over the past year, several important updates have been introduced that manufacturers, maintenance teams and hazardous-area operators should be aware of—especially as new standards come into force and the UK continues to refine its post-Brexit framework.

New ATEX Standard Introduced for 2025

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of EN 17348:2022, a new standard covering:

• Hand-held, portable and transportable vacuum cleaners

• Vacuum systems used for combustible or non-combustible dusts

• Equipment intended for flammable and non-flammable liquids in explosive atmospheres

This standard becomes fully effective from January 2025, and manufacturers must ensure their equipment aligns with the updated requirements. For end users, this means checking whether new or replacement vacuum systems carry compliance to EN 17348.

UK Designated Standards List Updated

Although the UK no longer follows EU law, it maintains its own list of “designated standards” for explosion-protected equipment under the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2016.

The list was most recently updated on 18 November 2025, with revisions to harmonised EN and IEC standards. Manufacturers selling into the UK market should review these changes immediately to ensure Declarations of Conformity reflect the latest designated standards.

CE/ATEX vs UKEX: What Companies Need to Know

Post-Brexit, CE and ATEX marking continue to be accepted in the UK under transitional arrangements. However:

• New equipment placed on the UK market may increasingly require UKCA/UKEX marking and updated technical files.

• Organisations should confirm with suppliers whether equipment meets the correct conformity route for their region.

For EU exports, traditional ATEX certification remains mandatory.

Impact on Hazardous Industry Operations

These regulatory shifts have practical implications for maintenance, reliability and safety teams working in hazardous areas across industries such as oil & gas, chemical, pharmaceutical and food manufacturing (dust explosion environments). Key actions include:

• Verifying that all new or replacement Ex-rated equipment complies with the latest standard updates.

• Requesting updated Declarations of Conformity and certification from suppliers.

• Ensuring procurement teams understand whether CE/ATEX, UKEX or both are required.

Opportunities for Manufacturers

With new standards now in effect and regulatory clarity improving, there is strong demand for:

• New product launches with updated ATEX or UKEX certification

• Case studies showing real-world performance in hazardous zones

• Innovative Ex-rated technologies supporting predictive maintenance, safety improvements and digitalisation

HES welcomes relevant product releases and technical articles for publication.

Moving casks is a routine part of whisky production, from filling through to maturation, disgorging and export. Each stage involves heavy, liquid-filled vessels that must be managed with precision to avoid product loss, damaged stock and safety risks. The right forklift attachment allows teams to move casks securely, reduce manual handling and keep operations running efficiently.

St Clare Engineering supplies drum, barrel and cask handling equipment across the world, including to famous whisky-producing and distribution companies in Scotland, Ireland and the USA. This guide sets out the key handling requirements at each stage of whisky production and explains how different attachments support safe, controlled movement.

You can also view our full range of drum and cask handling equipment for more detail.

Read the full article here 

Winners demonstrate how Nomex^® and Kevlar^® fabrics and fibers can advance sustainability, multi-hazard protection, and firefighter safety.

DuPont (NYSE: DD) recently announced the winners of its 2025 Innovation Awards for Thermal and Mechanical Protection, recognizing some of the most exciting developments in the personal protective equipment (PPE) and Emergency Response industries. This year marks the first global edition of the awards — open to new products made using either Nomex^® or Kevlar^® fabrics or fibers. The expanded scope of the awards, recently held at the A+A show in Düsseldorf, Germany, acknowledges the growing demand for multi-hazard protection in light of evolving risks.

Reducing the environmental footprint of PPE, advancing recyclability and helping protect workers against unprecedented electrical hazards were among the common themes from this year’s entries. Firefighter safety also took center stage, with multiple entries addressing the growing awareness of the particulate hazards firefighters are increasingly exposed to, including emerging risks from electric vehicle fires.

“DuPont is proud to recognize the winners of our Innovation Awards that bring together Nomex^® and Kevlar^® innovations from all regions for the first time,” said Stephanie Vrakas, Global Market Leader at DuPont Personal Protection. “These award recipients have developed innovative solutions for the Industrial PPE and Emergency Response industries through all-in-one, multi-hazard solutions that protect workers and firefighters more effectively while advancing sustainability.”

The awards’ judges evaluated each entry based on key aspects such as product performance, innovative design, quality of manufacturing, and environmental responsibility among others. Participants from all continents submitted entries across four categories: Nomex^® for Industrial PPE, Kevlar^® for Industrial PPE, Nomex^® Fabrics, and Nomex^® & Kevlar^® for Emergency Response.

Combining multi-hazard protection with sustainability was a source of inspiration for two of the winning products in the first category, Nomex^® for Industrial PPE. Phenix protective clothing from French company, Groupe Mulliez-Flory, is made using Nomex^® Comfort fabric with EcoForce™ finish. It protects workers across the oil and gas, chemical, and electrical sectors against multiple hazards while enhancing durability and sustainability. Spain’s Iturri SA has developed post-consumer Nomex^® Recycled garments for the oil and gas industry, using a fabric with 30 percent recycled materials. 

Another winner in the Nomex^® for Industrial PPE category was the Weldforce Welding Suit from Turkish company, İşmont Tekstil, which combines flame and heat resistance with enhanced mobility for demanding tasks. The fourth and final winner was the 40 Cal LAN Series Arc Flash Suit from USA-based SureWerx. This ultra-lightweight suit provides optimal worker comfort while meeting the highest arc flash protection requirements for workers across renewables, electrification, and other sectors.

Three of the winners in the second category, Kevlar^® for Industrial PPE, were protective gloves that provide both performance and comfort. Swedish company, Ejendals, developed the TEGERA^® welding gloves, combining heat and cut protection with optimal fit, comfort, and fingertip control. The Kevlar^® SoftShield 379 Level A9 Liner, designed by Escorts Advanced Textiles in Pakistan, combines the highest cut protection level (A9) with the softest Kevlar^®-based fabric with steel reinforcement. The ultra-light G-Tek^® Paradox™ 21 Gauge (09-K3511) Cut Resistant Gloves, from American manufacturer, PIP Global Safety, deliver outstanding dexterity, tactile sensitivity, and heat resistance. The fourth and final winner in the category was the Anti-laceration, Flame-Resistant, and Antistatic sleeve developed by France’s S.E.R.B. Regain Perform. This versatile PPE is ideal for law enforcement and security personnel as well as glass industry workers.

Firefighter protection was one of the driving forces behind most of the winners in the remaining two categories. Rambo Outershell Fabric for firefighter suits developed by Chinese company Ibena Shanghai features Nomex^® spun yarn interwoven with Kevlar^® filament, delivering tensile strength that’s 30 percent higher than conventional fabrics. Nomex^® Xtreme Max, developed by Kipas Mensucat Isletmeleri A.S., from Türkiye, provides firefighter suits with high mechanical performance. UK-based PGI Safety Ltd developed the BarriAire Carbon Laminate Nano Flex Particulate Hood with enhanced performance. Nomex^® Nano Flex LAM AIR hoods from France’s Alpex Protection Particulates feature an innovative air cushion between the different layers that increases breathability and thermal protection.

Another French winner was the 7158 Navy protective fire-resistant knit from Sofileta. This fabric can protect workers against electric arc hazards as well as chemical liquids according to the EN13034 standard. Elastic Premium fabric for all types of protective garments, designed by German company, Theodolf Fritsche GmbH, uses a unique elastic yarn that is much more durable than Elasthan.

For more information about the DuPont Innovation Awards, visit: https://www.dupont.com/personal-protection/nomex-kevlar-awards.html

In industries where a single spark can trigger a serious incident, safety and reliability are non-negotiable. Whether in chemical plants, oil and gas production, mining, or wastewater treatment, electrical equipment must operate flawlessly, even in the most demanding environments.

At STEGO, we understand these challenges. Our second-generation heaters and thermostats for Ex atmospheres and other hazardous environments are designed to protect both people and equipment. They prevent condensation, frost, and temperature fluctuations in enclosures, ensuring consistent, safe operation in even the toughest industrial conditions.

Why Temperature Ratings Matter

Every hazardous zone comes with its own risks, and temperature control plays a vital role in preventing ignition.

Ex devices are classified from T1 to T6, defining the maximum surface temperature they can safely reach without igniting surrounding gases or dusts:

• T1: up to 450°C
• T2: up to 300°C
• T3: up to 200°C
• T4: up to 135°C
• T5: up to 100°C
• T6: up to 85°C

Selecting the right protection type and temperature class depends on the specific atmosphere and potential ignition sources. With STEGO’s certified portfolio, engineers can select confidently, balancing performance, safety, and compliance.

 Certified Safety You Can Trust

STEGO products are developed and tested according to leading global certification standards:

• ATEX (EU): Directive for equipment in explosive atmospheres.
• IECEx (International): Certification scheme based on IEC standards.
• INMETRO (Brazil): National certification for local compliance.

This multi-certification approach ensures that STEGO solutions can be deployed globally with full compliance and reliability, from offshore platforms to underground mines.

 Sustainability Meets Safety

Safety and sustainability go hand in hand in modern industry. At STEGO, we are committed to developing Ex-rated products that not only protect people and assets but also minimize environmental impact.

• Our development principles focus on:
• Energy efficiency in heating and climate control systems.
• Compatibility with clean energy sources such as hydrogen, biomethane, and biofuels.
• Extended product lifetime, reducing replacement cycles and waste.

These values make STEGO solutions ideal for use in sustainable industrial facilities, supporting both operational safety and the global transition to cleaner energy.

Future-Ready Thermal Protection

From petrochemical refineries to renewable energy plants, STEGO’s Ex heaters and thermostats are built for performance, safety, and longevity. They represent our ongoing mission to support safe, efficient, and sustainable electrical infrastructure in hazardous environments.

Ready to future-proof your operations?

Talk to a STEGO expert today to learn how our certified, energy-efficient Ex solutions can help protect your people, your processes, and the planet.

https://www.stego-group.com/