DOWDING & MILLS JOINS FORCES WITH ABB TO HELP COMPANIES MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ATEX DIRECTIVES AND DSEAR
20th November, 2002

Dowding & Mills, the UK’s largest independent engineering and electronics services organisation, has joined forces with ABB in the UK to provide a one-stop-shop consultancy and inspection service to help companies meet the requirements of the ATEX directives and DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations).

The ATEX directiveis EEC legislation covering potentially explosive atmospheres in industry. The new regulations now include dust-laden atmospheres as well as gas and vapour covered in previous legislation. They cover mechanical as well as electrical equipment as potential sources of ignition.

ABB’s projects and consultancy area formerly ABB Eutech based in Billingham, already provides a consultancy service in this area and has developed its HAZAIR software for managing equipment within the scope of the regulations. Dowding & Mills has experienced and Comp’Ex’ qualified engineers who specialise in the inspection and repair of electric equipment and associated mechanical machinery operating in hazardous areas. By joining forces, the two companies can now collectively provide the complete ATEX service, from consultancy, ATEX awareness training, classification, zoning and setting up computer software, through to providing signage, inspection, and repair of any mechanical or electrical equipment encompassed within the directive.

In addition, both companies have a number of related training courses available to customers –including legislation orientated courses on ATEX, COMAH, IEC 61508, various risk assessment programmes and courses on safety and best practice.