The new QL and GL mechanical valve interlocks from Smith Flow Control ensure potentially hazardous valve operations are performed in the correct sequence, eliminating the possibility of operator error or deliberate sabotage. They can be integrated with any size of ball, plug, gate, butterfly and globe valve.

Wincanton, the UK’s second-largest logistics company, has demonstrated its increasing faith in Castell’s Salvo by installing the drive-away prevention system across all 11 loading bays of its West Thurrock site.  This is now the fourth Wincanton distribution centre to be protected by Salvo.

Safety specialist Fortress Interlocks has introduced an option pod with keyswitch for the company’s amGard range of modular safety gate switches.  The option pod ensures an operative can only enter a potentially hazardous area when it is safe.  It prevents inadvertent restart of the machinery while they are in there, and a second pod inside the area can be used to initiate safe robot programming using the key.

Introduction

As a general principle it can be said that pipeline operations which are safe when performed correctly can have catastrophic consequences when performed incorrectly.

The oil, gas and chemical pro­cessing industries generally have a disciplined approach to pipeline design and operating practice, governed largely by recognised interna­tional standards and enforced by regulators and cer­tification authorities. While good practice begins with good design, both are inevitably hostage to the ‘human factor’.

The following often-quoted but unattributed statistic is an interesting illustration of this point: "70% of reported incidents in the oil and gas industry worldwide are attributable to human error and account for in excess of 90% of the financial loss to the industry."

The Flexi-Drive from Smith Flow Control is a cable-driven remote operator for valves in inaccessible or hazardous locations. It can transmit drive to valves as far as 60m (200ft) away, accommodating 540 degrees of bends in the cable run.

Castell Iso-lok has introduced a range of miniature circuit breaker lockout devices that require no tools to install and will provide a safe and effective method for locking out most types of European circuit breakers. 

Castell Iso-lok has introduced what is believed to be the world’s first 100% stainless steel padlock.  Designed specifically for use in hostile environments where there is a high possibility of corrosion, such as in chemical and pharmaceutical applications and marine environments, the padlock is also ideal for use in applications such as food processing, where a high level of hygiene is required.

Fortress Interlocks’ new eGard system for machinery access and control includes an ergonomic, easy-fit handle and actuator unit.  Designed for both hinged and sliding doors, like the rest of eGard system it can be installed on machinery guarding in minutes without the need for additional brackets.  The handle can also be used with an eGard head unit as a simple and easy-fit latching door handle.

Trapped-key interlocks from Castell are guaranteeing the safety of maintenance workers at the UK’s first underground liquid hydrogen bus refuelling station.  Located near Hornchurch, Essex, the depot is used by three fuel cell buses serving London’s RV1 route, which runs between Covent Garden and Tower Gateway.

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© 2006 HALMA SAFETY DIVISION