Boulting Ltd, an engineering solutions provider, has launched new cloud-based inspection software that will enable plant engineers to ensure control equipment in hazardous areas is compliant with the latest technical standard, BS EN 60079:17
The company has worked in collaboration with an ATEX certifying body to design and implement the secure, paperless, cloud-based system for maintenance procedures in hazardous areas.
The user-friendly app provides clear visibility of hazardous area inspections and incorporates radio frequency identity tags that make it easy to recall information for each device. The system integrates documents required to form an Explosive Protection Document (EPD) for an unlimited number of items, including all area classification documents, risk assessments, equipment certificates and details of all equipment requiring inspection, a frequency of inspection and associated drawings. All this information is stored securely in the cloud, with client read-only access available.
By going paperless and installing the software on a tablet, engineers are able to navigate vital documents with ease. In addition, the software can help identify trends in any faults that may be common to a specific manufacturer or model.
When working in hazardous environments, which feature flammable gases, vapours or dust, the facility and all the equipment within it must meet BS EN 60079. This British standard is the equivalent of the international standard EN 60079, which sets clear guidelines around zone classification, electrical installation and equipment protection in explosive atmospheres.
Josh Groarke, deputy managing director at Boulting Ltd, said, “As greater demand is placed on industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and energy, manufacturing is inevitably put under more strain, meaning processes can often become more complex.”
“At Boulting we are continuously looking to develop new ways of supporting our clients that go beyond the traditional delivery of a project. The ATEX Hazardous Area Inspection software is one example of us using both our knowledge base and engineering skills to improve overall project delivery,” he added.
“Boulting provides a full suite of services, from design and installation right through to the inspection of electrical equipment and instrumentation. The health and safety of not only our staff but also that of the client, is at the heart of everything we do, as proven by our 24th consecutive gold Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) award, which we achieved earlier this year,” he concluded.
