MAINTEC 2012 will now house a new specialist hazardous area event called ‘HAZEX’, in association with Hazardous Engineering Solutions. The new area is being introduced at the show for the first time next February to reflect the growing responsibilities of engineering professionals and the growing concerns and tighter legislation over the health and safety of industrial, commercial and government sites and facilities.
Commenting on the new element of the show, Matt Benyon, Managing Director at easyFairs UK & Ireland , says: “HAZEX will offer visitors the opportunity to discover the latest products, legislation, case studies and latest techniques applicable to engineers working within hazardous areas and handling hazardous materials.”
He continues: “One of the new minefields for engineering and operations professionals is the mandatory European Community directive ATEX 94/9/EC. ATEX stands for atmosphere explosive and it is the law in the EU. HAZEX will offer ATEX-approved companies the ideal platform in which to showcase their products and services. Additionally, it provides a forum for companies supplying products to those working in hazardous environments.”
Indeed, but it’s not just ATEX that has prompted easyFairs to host the new hazardous area. Health and safety has always been a key theme within MAINTEC, and an important issue that is covered by the exhibition.
Earlier in the year a recent report by the Health & Safety Executive found that around 8,000 people die each year from occupational cancers and around 14,000 new cases are reported each year. Many of these tragedies are caused by hazardous substances at work and, therefore, are entirely preventable.
Matt Benyon continues: “The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 provide legislation that must be complied with by all companies throughout the EU. However, to really deal with the problem often means taking action over and above legal requirements. As organisers of MAINTEC that is where we can help, by bringing together the leading hazard prevention experts under one roof, so that visitors can witness first-hand the very latest in hazard prevention training services and products.”
Michael Dominguez, Publisher at Hazardous Engineering Solutions, adds: “HAZEX will be a one stop shop for engineers looking to comply with the latest health & safety legislation. Over recent months there have been a few high profiled incidents that have resulted in deaths within the industrial workplace. It is our intention to help engineers and health & safety professionals alike implement the best safety practices available and minimise the risks associated with working within hazardous areas.”
Michael continues: “HAZEX will be the ideal platform in which to give engineers the knowledge to all the current tools, services and best practice associated with hazardous engineering. With the extensive combined knowledge of the MAINTEC team and Hazardous Engineering Solutions magazine we are confident that we can deliver a well prepared and needed event that not only enables equipment suppliers to showcase their latest products but also offers engineers the latest legislative and legal trends.”
As well as a strong line-up of exhibitors, accompanying the exhibition will be a comprehensive seminar programme covering a variety of topics relating to working with and within hazardous areas.
MAINTEC 2012 takes place from Tuesday 28 February to Thursday 1 March 2012 at the NEC, Birmingham. To find out more information about HAZEX or the main show visit www.easyFairs.com/MAINTECUK, and for stand bookings and exhibiting enquiries contact Jerry Dawson on +44 (0)20 8843 8823 or email jerry.dawson@easyFairs.com.
