Software helps cuts costs of Ex inspections

Aglobal chemicals business has achieved an 85% reduction in time spent on hazardous area inspections and repairs after adopting data capture software from Terrington Data Management.

Innospec Inc has cut the annual cost of its Ex Inspections through use of mobile computing and IndEx software.

Innospec has around 7000 items, such as lights, motors, valves and transmitters to inspect on a threeyear cycle at its plant at Ellesmere Port. A 10% detailed 'strip down' inspection is carried out annually. The IndEx software, coupled with the use of intrinsically safe handheld devices pre-loaded with details of the items to be inspected, offers a faster, more accurate and cost-effective approach than a paper based method previously in use.

Site electrical engineer, Paul Mills, says: "Controls within IndEx safeguard data integrity and provide a full audit trail. Process improvement efficiencies gained from using IndEx have enabled us to streamline our Ex inspection regime, resulting in an 85% reduction in inspection and repair hours."