Health and Safety Feature Library

Operations Engineer's library catalogues editorial features going back five years.

Access to all archive material is free to all, including non-members of IPlantE (the Institution of Operations Engineers) or BES (Bureau of Engineer Surveyors), under the umbrella of SOE (Society of Operations Engineers). However, to discover the many benefits of becoming an SOE member, please click here.

07/11/2024 Take the time to transition Solving critical infrastructure challenges to meet the ever-changing industrial landscape requires a great deal of effort. However, the payoff of all of the hard work is an operation that ensures longevity, availability and reliability ... » Read More

31/08/2023 Analysing gas Gas analysers are used to measure the chemical composition or some other property of a gas. Typically gas analysers are configured to detect specific chemical elements or compounds in a gas flow. This is most commonly achieved using ... » Read More

31/05/2023 ION sensors for hazardous vapours Businesses that handle hazardous vapours have a duty of care to protect workers from overexposure to harmful gases. ION Science contends that its sensors serve as an alternative to the unproven and low-cost alternatives that could increase ... » Read More

17/05/2023 Hydrogen in the gas network Natural gas consists of about 90-95% methane (CH4), with small amounts of nitrogen, ethane and several other gases – and by law, no more than 0.1% of hydrogen. But methane is itself a potent greenhouse gas, and when burned it produces ... » Read More

23/09/2022 Visualising the invisible Umicore shines a light on gas sensors at work » Read More

23/09/2022 Making the grade Calibrating and maintaining a gas analyser is a critical business, with the potential of fines and even plant shutdowns for any companies reporting incorrect readings. By Steed Webzell » Read More

18/11/2021 Missed opportunity in gas detection? Data not only has a role to play in driving automation and improving efficiency but critically has the ability to make positive changes to a range of strategic workplace issues. One of the most compelling of which is the potential to ... » Read More

14/10/2021 Drone detection Drone technology is being utilised to detect leaks in gas pipelines and storage facilities; it is quicker and more accurate than manual methods » Read More

11/02/2021 Thermal imaging to pinpoint methane leaks Methane is roughly 30 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide – which has made detecting and tackling the massive leakages across the oil & gas industry ever more urgent, reports Brian Wall » Read More

10/03/2020 Safe cleaning with gas A series of vehicle explosions has prompted the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to issue guidance for mobile oven cleaning businesses that use LPG to heat dip tanks. While much of the advisory may be considered common sense, raising ... » Read More

05/02/2019 Low-cost VOC sensors Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) perform many vital roles as fuels, solvents, feedstock and sterilants, to name a few. Monitoring their concentration is essential because of the potential health and safety risk that they pose. Alternative ... » Read More

21/08/2018 Improving safety through connectivity in gas detection Honeywell explains how introducing a greater level of connectivity into gas detection can help optimise safety and improve productivity » Read More

06/02/2012 DSEAR hazards Although DSEAR (Dangerous Systems and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) was enacted back in 2003, its implications for hazardous plant are still misunderstood. Barrie Church explains » Read More

08/08/2011 Health and Safety North Health and Safety North, the third in the regional series this year, claims to offers plant engineers a valuable learning and networking experience. Brian Wall reports » Read More

07/04/2011 Fail to danger Most toxic and flammable gas detectors feature the fundamental flaw of failing to danger. Dr Tom Shelley looks at the problem and some useful solutions » Read More

06/10/2010 Deepwater Horizon Last month's report by BP into the causes of its Gulf rig explosion and fire, and the lessons to be learned, point to a chilling sequence of failures. Brian Tinham reports » Read More

01/10/2009 It’s a (dangerous) gas Gas detection is critical on a wide range of plants, in a wide range of industries. Brian Tinham looks at the issues with installation and particularly maintenance » Read More

01/06/2009 Hidden hazards Did you know that if dry wire wool - think of discarded Brillo pads - comes into contact with a dead nine-volt battery, it can spontaneously combust? Or that dust - for that matter, even sugar or custard powder - can ignite and unleash a ... » Read More

01/12/2007 Fire hazard Fire in an engineering environment is likely to have far more serious consequences than in almost any other industrial premises. » Read More