Electricity + Control August 2019

round up

ELECTRICAL PROTECTION + SAFETY

New safety footwear

through a handful of manufacturers around the world and, until now, has not been used on the African continent. This meant imported boots with an expensive price tag,” Gerbrands says. DCR soling technology offers a number of benefits, including 300 °C direct and radiant heat resistance, a 100% waterproof sole, resistance to acids, oils and chemicals, and improved slip resistance, penetration resistance, abrasion resistance and shock absorbency. Enquiries: Predahni Naidoo at Bova. Tel. +27 (0)31 710 0400, email: predahni.naidoo@bbfsafety.com

compromised the product’s durability in extreme environments. Gerbrands explains, “The challenge was to find a way to bring together the benefits offered by both these soling technologies while eliminating their shortcomings.” This led to the development of a new range of safety footwear that demonstrates Bova’s leadership in continual improvement and technological advances. DCR is an innovative soling technology that uses two layers of rubber where the soles are injected directly onto the uppers to achieve a superior bond, increasing the longevity of the product. “By removing polyurethane from the PU/rubber product and replacing it with a lightweight rubber, we have eliminated the destructive effects of hydrolysis in environments of fluctuating temperatures and damp, harsh conditions. This increases the product’s durability to the level of nitrile rubber sole footwear while maintaining the comfort that dual density soling products offer. “Due to the complexity of the sole injection, this technology is only available

Leading safety footwear manufacturer Bova recently introduced its latest safety footwear, featuring dual compound rubber (DCR) soling technology which addresses the specific safety needs relating to the extreme environments where the footwear is intended for use. Peter Gerbrands, Group Marketing Manager at BBF Safety Group, which manufactures and distributes the Bova brand, says, “Bova has earned a reputation for manufacturing safety footwear that is engineered for purpose, rather than applying a one-size-fits all approach.” Until now, those working in extreme and hazardous conditions have relied on footwear comprising a single density vulcanised rubber sole, or a nitrile rubber sole, or a dual density polyurethane/ rubber (PU/rubber) sole. While single density rubber soles provide the wearer with the necessary protection in harsh conditions, they can cause discomfort because they are heavy and do not have a midsole. PU/rubber soles have answered the need for a lighter boot with improved comfort by including polyurethane in the midsole, but this has

Peter Gerbrands, Group Marketing Manager, BBF Safety Group.

Element achieves SABS accreditation for EMC testing

The group’s EMC laboratories in the USA and UK hold a range of accreditations and approvals including ISO/IEC 17025:2005 from NVLAP, A2LA or UKAS, approval to ISO 9001:2008, and are a Notified Body against the RED & EMC Directive. Element is one of the world’s leading independent providers of materials and product qualification testing, inspection and certification services to the global aerospace, transport & industrials, fire protection & building products, oil & gas and infrastructure sectors, where failure in service is simply not an option. Enquiries: BoraTrimcev at Element, email: bora.trimcev@element.com

Element Materials Technology (Element) has been accredited by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) to perform EMC testing for a range of products targeted at the South African market. The group’s laboratories in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Irvine, California and Hillsboro, Oregon, have successfully completed the technical competence and management system requirements, including on-site assessments, and are now officially part of the SABS A-Lab Program. This accreditation enables these three facilities to conduct testing and certify commercial electrical devices to meet regulatory and contractual requirements for a diverse range of products, including information technology equipment as well as household products and medical devices. Rick Sluiters, Executive Vice President, commented: “We are delighted to have been awarded SABS accreditation. Two years ago, the scheme became a de facto requirement for manufacturers wanting to export their electronic and electrical equipment to South Africa, so having this accreditation provides a strategic gateway for our customers to enter this market.” Element has over 30 years of experience helping companies meet EMC standards and satisfy the regulations of nearly 200 countries around the world, enabling its clients to export and sell their electrical products globally, access new markets and drive growth.

Element is one of the world’s leading independent providers of materials and product qualification testing, in- spection and certification services.

34 Electricity + Control

AUGUST 2019