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News Release from: HazardEx UK & International | Subject: HazardEx February 2005
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 21 December 2004
HazardEx Event in February 2005
The annual HazardEx Conference and Exhibition takes place in Coventry on 23-24 February 2005: some of the major presentations of potential interest to the processing industry are reviewed below
The annual HazardEx Conference and Exhibition takes place in Coventry on 23-24 February 2005: some of the major presentations of potential interest to the processing industry are reviewed below THE IMPACT OF ATEX: HSE VIEWPOINT
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 21 Sep 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
HazardEx in the UK regions with vital information
For those involved in the safe and efficient operation of hazardous area plant and equipment, HazardEx conferences are coming to locations throughout the UK, at these unique educational days
Have you booked your place for ATEX compliance?
HazardEx The Event is still the only UK national networking and educational conference and exhibition for buyers, users and manufacturers of hazardous area plant and equipment
Presentation by Ron Bell, Head of Electrical and Control Systems Group - Health and Safety Executive.
Previous UK legislation was generally adequate to ensure electrical equipment and installations were to a satisfactory level of safety.
In particular the Management of Health and Safety Regulations (Regulation 3) required a risk assessment, including an area classification exercise, to be carried out and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (Regulation 6) required equipment to be suitable for use in zoned hazardous areas.
Further reading
HazardEx Exhibition and Conference 2006
Underwriters Laboratories is a sponsor of the HazardEx Exhibition and Conference 2006 due to be held at the Royal Court Hotel in Coventry, United Kingdom on 22-23 February
HazardEx presentation schedules for 2006
Following the very successful series of regional UK conferences staged in 2005 by HazardEx, the next UK series will run from April - June 2006, and an International schedule is being developed
HazardEx UK February 2006 - Final booking reminder
HazardEx - The UK Conference will take place on February 22nd and 23rd in Coventry and covers all areas of safety in hazardous areas: the final booking date for delegates is 14 February
The ATEX Product Directive was principally aimed at removing barriers to trade throughout Europe rather than introducing higher safety standards.
HSE is the enforcing authority in the UK.
DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) implemented both the CAD and ATEX Workplace Directives in a single set of Regulations.
HSE is also the enforcing authority for DSEAR.
In the context of these recent legislative changes, this presentation will provide an overview of the overall HSE enforcement policy relating to electrical and mechanical equipment.
In particular, it will address accident and incident records to date; current and future product standards and installation guidelines; legacy installations; management of equipment in hazardous areas; competence of those involved with electrical or mechanical equipment; and what HSE expects of those who have responsibilities for electrical and mechanical equipment.
STATIC ELECTRICITY AND IBCs IN INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTS.
Presentation by Graham Ackroyd, Operational Hazard Assessor - Syngenta.
The use of intermediate bulk containers, both flexible (FIBC) and rigid (RIBC), has increased greatly in recent years because of their easy handling, good chemical resistance and relatively low costs.
However, as they are generally made of insulating plastic materials, there is a potential for electrostatic charging, which can lead to an ignition risk for flammable atmospheres.
There are various approaches to avoid this risk, depending on the situation, but the current absence of a definitive standard can lead to confusion - which this paper will attempt to clarify.
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT AND ATEX; RESEARCH, STANDARDS, AND CLARIFYING THE REQUIREMENTS.
Presentation by Alan Tyldesley, Principal Specialist Inspector - Health and Safety Executive.
This paper looks at topical issues from meetings with the EU Commission and how this forum operates, work on revising the ATEX guide, the draft standard for fans, and discussions on mechanical seals.
It also provides an update of the mechex research project, which should allow us to assess the ignition risks from mechanical equipment more precisely.
HAZARDOUS AREA FIELDBUS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY.
Presentation by Michael O'Neill BSc MinstMC, Director, Fieldbus Division - Hawke International.
This paper describes how intrinsic safety is being displaced as the protection technology of choice for process instrumentation, particularly where fieldbus devices are being used instead of conventional 4/20mA instruments.
The consequences of using non-incendive and flameproof technology with multiple devices on single segments is discussed with reference to a wide variety of practical applications, demonstrating significant cost savings over traditional approaches.
PLANT SAFETY UNDER CONTROL? A REVIEW OF MAJOR ACCIDENTS WHERE ELECTRICAL OR CONTROL SYSTEMS FAILURES WERE A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR.
Presentation by Jeff Pearson, HM Principal Specialist Inspector - Hazardous Industries Directorate, Health and Safety Executive.
Process plants both on and offshore tend to rely increasingly on control systems to meet the need for better information, automation or protection by high integrity systems.
The safety contribution (i.e risk reduction) provided by such systems may be critical to meet company risk targets and hence there is a corresponding need to give greater attention to systems integrity levels.
Electrical power supply availability and quality is also a critical element in some installations particularly offshore and in some continuous processes.
This paper gives examples of major accidents where electrical or control systems failures were a significant cause and the findings of recent HSE inspections and investigations.
DSEAR - PUTTING EQUIPMENT SELECTION INTO PERSPECTIVE AND EXPLODING THE MYTHS.
Presentation by Andrew Dickens, Director - Phoenix Loss Prevention.
Since the implementation of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) in July 2003, there has been a considerable amount of confusion about the requirements for the selection of equipment and protective systems, for use in hazardous areas.
This paper discusses some of the myths that have arisen and puts the selection of equipment into perspective relative to other explosion risk reduction measures.
NEW LEGISLATION - NEW TECHNOLOGIES.
Presentation by Peter Heyse, Director - ph Xconsultancy.
The implementation of ATEX caused manufacturers to design future, and re-certify existing, hazardous area products, in line with the new legislation.
Forward thinking companies combined the cost and effort involved in this time consuming exercise with the introduction of advanced technologies that provide product enhancements to the benefit of the customer.
This paper demonstrates how, by selecting the right product, end-users can take advantage of not only increased product performance, but also make cost-savings in terms of installation and maintenance without compromising safety, and still comply with DSEAR.
For full information on the Event and exhibiting companies please consult the website, or see the HazardEx journal.
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