Detection of gas leaks in industrial facilities can not only be dangerous and time-consuming, it is also susceptible to human error and interpretation. In order to provide a safer, more efficient and more reliable detection solution, RoboGasInspector was conceived. The innovative robot system for remote detection and localisation of gas leaks was developed by a range of German companies and institutes, and uses a FLIR GF320 optical gas imaging camera. [ + ]

The Green Monster pad eye testers - which perform load testing of pad eyes, eyebolts, D rings and other lift points of plant being lifted or lowered - incorporate Enerpac RCH hollow pull cylinders actuated by P142 hand pump and gauge combinations for durability, simplicity and safety in challenging environments. [ + ]

The combined financial loss from the 100 largest accidents in the hydrocarbon industry has been estimated at over US$34 billion in a new publication by insurance provider Marsh. [ + ]

Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s "biggest bonfire of regulation in our country's history" will allow some organisations to opt out of state compensation schemes and instead operate under the Commonwealth's scheme, Comcare. [ + ]

The University of Wollongong (UOW) was recently looking to centralise its contractor Work Health & Safety information and provide an automated way to monitor contractor insurances and licences over its nine different campus locations. e3Learning was selected to implement the online contractor management solution.

Creating efficient maintenance processes for conveyor belts is a necessity in the mining industry. Incorrect practice in material discharge and the overall housekeeping of the belt resulting in premature failing conveyor components, tracking issues, excessive belt wear and spillage - all result in a decrease in productivity. This troubleshooting article addresses these issues. [ + ]

AMBOS Stockfeeds recently installed an automatic animal feed packaging system as part of a major upgrade to its facilities in Young, New South Wales.

The commercial arena is now starting to benefit from Android-enabled smartphones and tablets which offer PDA-like functionality. [ + ]

Q H & M Birt was contracted to work on the Queensland Curtis LNG Project (QCLNG). Vehicle safety and driver awareness were key considerations for the client on this job and Future Fleet recommended the MiX Telematics In-Vehicle Monitoring System (IVMS).

3M Vending Solutions provides users with an effective method to dispense essential products on-site, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This form of controlled vending can also provide cost savings, increased productivity and process improvements. [ + ]

Functional Safety is a complex topic frequently pigeon-holed within the domain of safety experts and complex engineering processes. It’s a sad fact that many plant operators view Functional Safety as just another regulatory hurdle that costs money without direct gains in production. However, if Functional Safety is ignored, it has the potential to seriously impact, or even ruin a company. Conversely, if implemented well, it can result in significant productivity gains according to Schneider Electric Critical Controls Solutions Executive Sven Gröne. [ + ]

A high percentage of businesses across the industry spectrum - including food, manufacturing, primary sector - continues to hand wrap palletised and skid-loaded goods, not realising the cost disadvantages it brings to the company. [ + ]

The Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) at the University of Newcastle will launch tomorrow a new Centre for Resources Health and Safety, a research centre aimed at saving lives in the high-risk resources sector. The new centre has been established through a new research partnership, worth $1 million over four years, between NIER and global healthcare provider Aspen Medical. [ + ]

In a workplace incident in Victoria, a young butcher had his hand partially amputated after it was caught in a mincer while he was cleaning it. Amputations are an all-too-common type of injury that can result from unguarded, unsafe machines in the workplace, and nobody wants a workplace accident to happen under their watch. [ + ]

Flame retardants can save lives by preventing or at least slowing down the combustion of plastics, construction materials and textiles. A report by market research institute Ceresana finds that more than 2 million tonnes of flame retardants were consumed in 2013. [ + ]