UKCA Certification Changes: T4 and Gas-Pro

UKCA and UKCA MED (AKA Red Ensign) has been introduced as a result of Britain’s withdrawal from the European Economic Area (EEA), commonly referred to as Brexit. Due to Crowcon product label size and logo size for UKCA and CE, products for UK and European markets will have separate labels and therefore, part numbers.

What is UKCA Marking?

“UKCA” stands for “UK Conformity Assessed” marking is a new UK product marking that is used for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). It covers most goods that previously required the CE marking. The UKCA marking came into effect on 1st January 2021, where goods placed on the market in Great Britain for the first time must be UKCA marked. However, to allow businesses time to adjust to the new requirements, business have still been able to use the CE marking but this is only until 31st December 2024.

Due to the ongoing economic negotiations that surround the Northern Ireland Protocol, the UKCA mark may not be used on its own for marking of products for sale. The existing CE mark will continue to be accepted in NI and there is no requirement for Crowcon to use a UKNI marking.  The UKNI mark is only required for certain situations for example if using a 3rd party UK notified body to carry out a mandatory conformity assessment.

What do I need to know today?

A result of Brexit, from 1st January 2023, MED approved products to be used on UK flagged ships must have the UKCA MED marking, Red Ensign (however any product manufactured with a CE mark before the 31st December 2022 can still be placed onboard a vessel with a UK registered flag). The affected products and new part numbers are below:

Product

EU

UKCA MED

T4

T4-HOCA-MD

T4-ZOCA-MD

T4-HOZA-MD

T4-ZOZA-MD

T4-HOCA-MD-CRD

T4-ZOCA-MD-CRD

T4-HOZA-MD-CRD

T4-ZOZA-MD-CRD

T4-HOCA-UM

T4-ZOCA-UM

T4-HOZA-UM

T4-ZOZA-UM

T4-HOCA-UM-CRD

T4-ZOCA-UM-CRD

T4-HOZA-UM-CRD

T4-ZOZA-UM-CRD

Gas-Pro

GPPE8ABC-DADBZZFDOC
GPPE8ABC-ACZZFDOCZZ
GPPE8ABC-ALZZFDOCZZ
GPPE8ABC-ZZZZFDOCZZ

GPPE8ABA-DADBZZFDOC
GPPE8ABA-ACZZFDOCZZ
GPPE8ABA-ALZZFDOCZZ
GPPE8ABA-ZZZZFDOCZZ

GPPU0ABC-DADBZZFDOC

GPPU0ABC-ACZZFDOCZZ

GPPU0ABC-ALZZFDOCZZ

GPPU0ABC-ZZZZFDOCZZ

GPPU0ABA-DADBZZFDOC

GPPU0ABA-ACZZFDOCZZ

GPPU0ABA-ALZZFDOCZZ

GPPU0ABA-ZZZZFDOCZZ

Gas-Pro TK

GTPE8AAC-ZZDADBRGOC
GTPE8AAC-ACZZRGOCZZ
GTPE8AAC-ALZZRGOCZZ
GTPE8AAC-ZZZZRGOCZZ

GTPE8AAA-ZZDADBRGOC
GTPE8AAA-ACZZRGOCZZ
GTPE8AAA-ALZZRGOCZZ
GTPE8AAA-ZZZZRGOCZZ

GTPU0AAC-ZZDADBRGOC
GTPU0AAC-ACZZRGOCZZ
GTPU0AAC-ALZZRGOCZZ
GTPU0AAC-ZZZZRGOCZZ

GTPU0AAA-ZZDADBRGOC
GTPU0AAA-ACZZRGOCZZ

GTPU0AAA-ALZZRGOCZZ
GTPU0AAA-ZZZZRGOCZZ

Products used on European ships will continue to be certified with the MED wheel marking and existing product codes.

From 1st January 2024, products sold within the UK (exports are unaffected) which carried the CE mark, will now carry a UKCA mark. This has been amended in November 2022 by the UK government, as it was originally supposed to come into effect in January 2023. As in the past with the CE mark, this guarantees to the consumer that all relevant health and safety regulations and applicable standards for the product have been met by the manufacturer and that it’s safe and legal to use. The UKCA mark covers much the same range of products that were previously marked with the CE mark, such as electrical items, radio equipment, PPE and toys, plus the new addition to the list of aerosol products.

The previous but still applicable initials CE stand for the French Conformité Européenne, or “European Conformity” and indicate that any product carrying this mark conforms with all applicable EU Directives.

Any product sold in the UK which formerly carried a CE mark will carry a UKCA mark from 1st January 2024.

What about the CE Marking?

The “CE” marking will continue to be acceptable in the EU and UK until the end of 2024 (with the exception for marine approved products). However, from 1st January 2024, products will require the UKCA marking, while where the rules for the UK and EU stay the same, the CE marking will still be valid until then. Although, if the EU chooses to alter its rules for CE marking, there may still be a change to products with based on those new rules, this will disqualify you from selling them in the UK.

Summary

The UKCA marking system is a revision of the system we used when we were part of the European Economic Area and now will follow UK legislation rather than that issued by the European Union. The products that require the conformity assessment are almost the same as previously but now with the inclusion of aerosol products.

Manufacturers will still have the same responsibilities for assessing and declaring their products’ conformity. The main difference in the new legislation is that it doesn’t currently cover Northern Ireland, and there will be some cross-over between CE marking and UKCA marking until this situation is resolved.

For more information about UKCA certification changes, read our white paper here.

International Women in Engineering Day 2023

According to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) (BESA), the proportion of women entering engineering professions is rising, bringing essential skills to address significant challenges. Currently, women comprise 16.5% of the UK’s engineering workforce, a notable increase from 10.5% in 2010. Research by EngineeringUK reveals that the number of women in engineering roles has surged from 562,000 to 936,000. Globally, women account for merely 28% of all engineering graduates.

For International Women in Engineering Day this year we have asked a member of our Manufacturing Team, Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Charlotte Handscombe-Buckley from our team UK team to tell us about her role here at Crowcon and her views on the importance of encouraging more women to get into engineering.

When did you realise you wanted to get into engineering?

I idolised my Grandad growing up, and he was an engineer who’d undertaken all sorts of engineering roles in his career but spent most of it installing and repairing diesel engines on trains. I was fortunate that he always encouraged me to be creative, test out ideas and to have a go at building / fixing things from a young age. I used to help him with DIY jobs and I remember him letting me loose with a nail gun felting a shed roof when I was only around 8 years old… my Gran got a bit of a shock when she came out into the garden and promptly told Grandad off!

I was torn between taking up engineering or becoming a paramedic but I then realised with engineering I could still help people by solving problems and making their lives better so that gave me the best of both worlds!

Tell us about what you do. What does your day-to-day look like?

My day-to-day varies hugely, but a typical day could start with our production start up meeting where we discuss what the days’ priorities are, then I could be running a GEMBA walk where a small team go into a production cell and ask lots of questions about the process and garner ideas and process improvements from the operators, this could be followed by a couple of project meetings with our development team, then finally I could be conducting a pilot run for a new PCB or new software release provided by development. Phew!

What’s the most difficult part of your job?

The most difficult part is learning about how our products and processes work but that’s also the most interesting part! By pulling apart the processes and asking lots of questions, I can boost my knowledge and apply this to future problems solving or making process improvements.

What do you like most about your job?

The best part of my job is the people interaction side. It’s great working in Manufacturing Engineering as the team and I get involved in so many different projects and activities. It keeps the days interesting (they do go quickly though!) and I’m learning new things all the time. I always like to say that I’ve had a great day at work if I’ve fixed something and learned something new!

Was it difficult for you, (especially as a woman), to get into engineering?

No, I was fortunate to have a supportive family and a great form teacher in college who told me to go for it and stop doubting myself! The route I took was A-Levels then university for a Batchelor’s degree but it’s great to see many more vocational options these days such as Degree Apprenticeships. It was daunting walking into a university hall for my first lecture which was made up of 90% male students but I had to remember I had just as much right to be there as any of them!

Women now make up 16.5% of the UK’s engineering workforce compared to just 10.5% in 2010. On a global scale, women make up only 28% of all engineering graduates. Why is it important for women to pursue careers in engineering?

We all know the benefits of a diverse workforce, and by increasing the number of women in engineering teams you see these positives such as faster problem solving, different perspectives and higher quality innovation. Also, girls looking to go into engineering need positive role models and by pursuing this career path, you can be positive influence on others who may be less confident taking that next step!

What advice do you have for women students who are considering the profession or women currently working in engineering?

Research the different disciplines. Engineering isn’t just hands on, mechanical work (although that is a great option!) your skill set and interests might be more suited to aerospace, chemical, electrical, software, product design or civil engineering etc There’s more than one way to smash that glass ceiling!

International Women’s Day 2023

For 2023 the theme of International Women’s Day is to Embrace Equity. This theme recognises that equal is not enough. To be fully included and be their best selves at work women (same as anyone) need equitable approach that accounts for their individual needs. This International Women’s Day we are celebrating the wonderful women in Crowcon who play an integral role in the operation and success of Crowcon.  

Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Debbie Murphy, I am one of our Team Leaders within production at Crowcon. I have been at Crowcon for 20 years, beginning at their previous site and now at HQ in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. I started working for Crowcon in 1990 as a production operative, working my way to team leader. I then moved into export sales, and then became a production controller. I left this role to have a baby and did part time jobs that worked around being a mum. When my son turned 12 years old, I returned to Crowcon where I started as a team leader. 

 My name is Chuxin Wang, I am a Marketing Specialist for Crowcon China. I joined Crowcon China in July 2021 and have been instrumental in enhancing our brand awareness in China across social media channels and through email campaigns.  

 My name is Louise Laing I am a native of Scotland, United Kingdom, but have lived in Michigan, United States, since 2012. I joined Crowcon in April 2020 as the Vice President of Sales, responsible for developing and enacting strategies for business development at Crowcon Detection Instruments Ltd, North America division. 

What is your proudest achievement whilst working at Crowcon? 

DM: My proudest moment at Crowcon was winning the manufacturing Champions award 2018 through the work I did within a team of all men. This work was part of a course we did for Lean manufacturing of which I gained a level 3 qualification. 

CW: It must be rebuilding Crowcon China online platforms, like: WeChat, TikTok, website, Jingdong and so on. 

LL: My proudest achievement was launching the go to market strategy in the HVAC and Plumbing market in North America with the unknown combustion analyzer brand “Crowcon”. Focusing on the northeast of America. F.W. Webb the biggest distributor awarded Crowcon as the first company ever to sell enough to their branches in four months to be able to supply to their Washington, D.C warehouse. 

How do you influence your colleagues around you and the wider business? 

DM: I encourage my team by being approachable and supportive.  I am known for speaking my mind and fighting for what I think is right, doesn’t always make a difference but I fight anyway. 

 CW: My personal personality. I like smiling and I treat everything in a positive way. 

 LL: I work closely with my team by creating a can-do environment and let’s make it happen attitude. I enjoy working with my colleagues in the UK who I have great respect for. 

Is there anyone that inspires you in your career? 

DM: The person that inspires me at work is a man, my boss but he treats me as an equal and encourages me to be the best I can. 

 CW: Yes, My superior Mike Liu. He helps me a lot.  

 LL: I was inspired by Alex Ferguson who managed Manchester United and Aberdeen football teams with great success. I took away the work ethic expectations and make it happen environment. No excuses. 

Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important? 

DM: Diversity in the workplace is important because we need to continue to break down the barriers of how we perceive people. We all have our different strengths, and this should be encouraged no matter what. 

 CW: It will help people enhance work motivation and job satisfaction, improve their work efficiency. 

LL: I feel it is important to have a diverse team with different views and perspectives which ensures a thorough thought process in making decisions and makes a better creative and innovative team. 

Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day? 

DM: It is important to celebrate women’s day because we have come a long way and fought hard to prove our worth and continue to do so. 

CW: Yes, I do think it is so important. Not only women’s contribution to world development, but also for the women’s labour rights. 

 LL: My grandmother was a suffragette, who sacrificed a lot as a single mother with 12 children to fight for women’s rights, therefore, it is important for me to celebrate International Women’s Day.  

If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why? 

DM: Sharon Stone, I recently read her book and she has been through so much and experienced a lot of bad things in her life, but every time she came out fighting. She never let anything beat her even though at times she felt broken, she always managed to find a way to cope and fight. My second would be Amelia Earhart, she was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic along with much more, she proved people wrong.  She lived life to the full and defied all opinions of what a woman couldn’t do. The third inspirational woman would be Harriet Tubman, she was born into slavery and managed to escape but instead of settling in her new life she returned to rescue her family. She also led a further 13 missions and rescued around 70 more slaves, she didn’t stop there though. During the civil war she took part in armed expeditions and helped liberate around 700 slaves.   

CW: Iris Chang was a Chinese American journalist, author of historical books and political activist. Her latest, widely acclaimed book focuses on Chinese immigrants and their descendants in the United States; their sacrifices, their achievements and their contributions to the fabric of American culture, an epic journey spanning more than 150 years. 

LL: My grandmother who I never met but know a lot about, she owned all the paper stands on Princess Street in Edinburgh. She fought for women’s rights and lectured on the mound in Edinburgh on the true meaning of Marxism; she was inspiring to many women in Edinburgh over many years. My second would Malala Yousafzai as her courage to advocate for girls education despite serious risk to her life, I would love to ask her loads of questions. Finally Maya Angelou is inspirational with her poems and facts. A favourite of mine is “I love to see young girls go out and grab the world by the lapels.” 

International Women in Engineering Day  

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has announced that the number of women moving into engineering professions is increasing and with it bringing ‘crucial’ skills needed to tackle major challenges. Women now make up 16.5% of the UK’s engineering workforce compared to just 10.5% in 2010. The number of women working in engineering roles has risen to 936,000 from 562,000, according to research carried out by EngineeringUK. On a global scale, women make up only 28% of all engineering graduates. 

For International Women in Engineering Day this year we have asked a member of our Research and Development (R&D), Trainee Software Engineer, Neha Singh from our team in India to tell us about her role here at Crowcon and her views on the importance of encouraging more women to get into engineering. 

When did you realise you wanted to get into engineering? 

In my childhood, I used to read in newspapers about people clearing engineering exams and getting into it, and that inspired me a lot, and became my dream. Since then, I have always wanted to be an engineer. 

Tell us about what you do. What does your day-to-day look like? 

I am a software engineer at Crowcon, and I have been working at the company for more than 3 years. I work on software development. A typical day at work involves solving problems, developing new features, and learning new technologies. 

What’s the most difficult part of your job? 

There’s no “difficult” part as such, solving complicated tasks has both ups and downs. If we solve it, we learn, and even if can’t solve, we learn, and that’s the best thing. 

What do you like most about your job? 

The best part is being able to solve the many challenges that come in the way of a project that I’m working on. This is through the digitalisation of our portable products. 

Was it difficult for you, (especially as a woman), to get into engineering? 

No, it wasn’t. I was fortunate to being supported by my wonderful parents, who always stood by me and helped me in achieving what I wanted to become. 

Women now make up 16.5% of the UK’s engineering workforce compared to just 10.5% in 2010. On a global scale, women make up only 28% of all engineering graduates. Why is it important for women to pursue careers in engineering? 

Women are doing good in all aspects of life, and it’s good to see more and more women joining science and engineering, and I am confident that this number is going to increase a lot in years to come. 

What advice do you have for women students who are considering the profession or women currently working in engineering? 

You are awesome, keep rising and keep up the good work! 

Where do Flue Gas Analysers Fit into the UK Government’s Decarbonisation Plans?

When the UK government announced, in March 2021, that £1 billion of already-allocated funds would be redirected to projects designed to reduce greenhouse gases, the energy sector sat up and listened. And with good reason – as it turned out, £171 million will be allocated to an industrial decarbonisation plan that focuses on hydrogen gas generation and carbon capture and storage technologies.  

However, the news extended beyond green energy production and is relevant to domestic and industrial HVAC applications. In a gesture that reflects the role HVAC engineers and manufacturers can play in sustainability, more than £900 million will be spent upgrading public buildings, like schools and hospitals, with greener fittings such as heat pumps, solar panels and insulation, which will reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

But where does this leave the individual households and business units that many HVAC staff visit daily? That is a question that several commentators have asked, and it seems that – for now at least – the main drive to reduce the environmental impact of privately-owned heating and plumbing systems will continue to come from the manufacturers, engineers and installers working in the HVAC sector. 

And that’s quite a responsibility. According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2020, there were approximately 27.8 million households in the UK; government statistics from 2019 indicate that around 15% of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK (specifically of carbon dioxide, along with methane, F gases and nitrous oxide) came from those residential settings. That’s a lot of excess CO2 to clean up. 

So, what can HVAC people do to help decarbonisation? 

If they have decent equipment, heating engineers and plumbers can help to reduce that figure by 15%. For example, they are well placed to measure CO2 and other greenhouse gases: while most flue gas analysers will measure CO2, some can also measure NO/NOx (for example, the Sprint Pro 5 and Sprint Pro 6) well.  

A flue gas analyser that gives a wide range of easy-to-read and interprets measurements allows engineers to see when appliances are not working correctly and whether an upgrade (for example, to a government-subsidised heat pump) might be in order. 

This is a pressing need: many households hang onto appliances for as long as possible, even though older appliances tend to be much less environmentally friendly than their modern counterparts. This is bad enough for the environment, but using a malfunctioning older appliance is the worst of all possible outcomes. 

A good flue gas analyser will provide the readings required to convince many customers to decarbonise their homes or businesses more effectively. It will also allow the engineer to fix many problems in more modern and efficient appliances, bringing them back to their original operating standards and protecting the planet once more. 

Helping to reach net zero 

In late 2021, the UK government set out its plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and every heating engineer in the country has a part to play in that project. While checking flue gases may be an everyday event for many HVAC engineers, the fact remains that household and business emissions account for a substantial proportion of CO2 output and emissions of other dangerous gases. While persuading a single household to operate with lower carbon emissions may not seem like a big deal, the impact can be very substantial when this is scaled up across the country. 

National Mental Health Awareness Week 2022

In the UK we are marking Mental Health Awareness Week as well as the month-long observance in the US, we’re reminded that with society changing at a fast pace new norms arise, such as working from home. Many of us try to adapt to both home and hybrid working while building and maintaining both work and personal connections. However, 1 in 5 people are experiencing loneliness. We all get affected by loneliness at one time or another. It can be a driver for and/or a product of poor mental health. Although Mental health problems can affect anyone, any day of the year, this week aims to promote reaching out to a friend, family member or colleague and reflecting on your own wellbeing too.

At Crowcon, we are focused on looking after our people, and have put in place programmes and resources to help them feel safe, healthy, and fulfilled. This includes our company employee assistance programme, which provides a range of methods of support and advice.

Crowcon is playing a part in providing an environment that supports and nurtures our people. From mental health first aiders to walking challenges, we try to ensure that our people are supported and feel connected where they work.

There are lots of advice and support to help you on your way:

10 practical ways of looking after your mental health

https://www.samaritans.org/

https://unitedgmh.org/

https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/later-years-around-50-years-and-over/menopause-and-post-menopause-health/menopause-and-your-mental-wellbeing/

 Our Partnership with Point Safety 

Background

Point safety Ltd is one of the UK’s leading gas safety consultants with 20 years of experience, knowledge and background in the instrumentation industry. Founded in 2011, it specialises in sectors such as oil and gas, pharmaceutical, utilities and telecommunication, providing a range of industries, supplying, installing and maintaining bespoke solutions and the service and supply of test equipment. Point Safety provide constancy to their customers as they believe that there is no such thing as ‘one size fits all’ nor does one solution have to be ‘fit for purpose.

Views on Gas Detection

Portable gas detection is an essential piece of equipment when detecting toxic or explosive gasses and measuring gas concentration. Point Safety puts customers at the forefront of gas detection; they believe that it protects their customers’ plants and processes and, more importantly, helps prevent injury, thereby helping to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of its workers. 

Through the supply and support of Crowcon, our portable instruments allow Point Safety’s customers to have the freedom to have reliable, efficient service with the confidence and knowledge that the equipment being provided allows for the protection of workers and their employees. Therefore, turnaround is important to Point Safety; ensuring a quick and effective service turnaround for all units is essential, ensuring minimal downtime and increased customer satisfaction.

As Point Safety provide the supply, installation and maintenance of the bespoke solutions, the implementation and servicing of their fixed systems that are provided nationwide are vital to their customers. Point Safety are confident that the continuous monitoring of these systems ensures that our customers’ and their employees’ lives are safe and that of their surroundings.

Working with Crowcon

Through continuous communication of knowledge and expertise with Point Safety, our partnership will allow for the supply of gas detection instruments to ensure the safety of those working within the oil and gas, pharmaceutical, utilities and telecommunication industries. Additionally, as an approved service centre, Point Safety ensures the highest standards in the maintenance and calibration of Crowcon products.

“We have a long-standing relationship with Point Safety, now a trusted partner in the North. Point Safety offers outstanding service to our end-users and is extremely knowledgeable on Crowcon products” – Katherine Winter, Northern Account Manager. Our partnership, Point Safety, allows for the distributors of Crowcon products throughout the UK in portable and fixed gas detectors/systems. Our partnership has also enabled Point Safety to become a Crowcon calibration site, with all its engineers fully trained and certified to Crowcon standards. “Point Safety Ltd are extremely proud to be associated with Crowcon, the leaders in gas detection systems, not only in the UK but worldwide. Their expertise, knowledge, first-class product range, and total support is second to none.” – Dawn Beever, Head of Sales and Marketing.

International Women’s Day

March 2022 has already started with a historic moment, with world leaders, environment ministers and other representatives from 173 countries agreeing to develop a legally binding treaty to tackle plastic. In which this treaty has been described as the most important multilateral environmental deal since the Paris climate in 2015, in which this treaty intends to include the full lifecycle of plastic for production to disposal. The UN describe the advancing of gender equality in the context of the current climate crisis as one of the greatest challenges being faced in the 21st century.

Celebrating women in Crowcon

In an industry that has historically been male dominated, here at Crowcon, we are fortunate to have women in key positions throughout the organisation ranging in all levels of the organisation’s hierarchy. These are just some of the women who play an integral role in the success of Crowcon and help to tackle the effects of climate change.

Debbie Airey – Sales Manager Europe

Debbie is our UK Sales and Service Manager, providing a key role in building strategies for the European sales team. Beginning her career with Crowcon three and a half years ago she has enjoyed every single moment. Prior to that her main career path was held mainly within the industrial and liquid gas sector for Linde Gas UK where a ran the customer service team for UK and export gases, progressing to managing the Helium product. She believes that honesty and integrity are paramount when working with people and clients. Offering a solution in the face of a challenge is her daily objective and her advice is always “Never be afraid to ask why” and always challenge to strive for best practice. Within her time at Crowcon the team has grown considerably and continues to develop. She likes to have the right people on the bus, then figure out where the bus is going.

Debbie’s team, clients and colleagues provide her with new learnings every day so Job satisfaction is completely in abundance and working for a HALMA company means that she has a clear and achievable career path. Not only has she progressed within Crowcon, but she has had opportunities to be part of some amazing initiatives and projects including a global initiative for Diversity and Inclusivity.

Her private life is just as busy and you’ll often find her in the gym, in the pool, on the bike or completing a parkrun. Debbie is also the 1st woman in the world to complete the parkrun Alphabet challenge 3 times and is well on the way to the 4th and 5th. Debbie describes sport as a great way to help with her relaxation and mental health, but also loves the competition that it brings. Debbie volunteers at the junior parkrun on a Sunday morning which allows children the opportunity to join a running and social event. When there is any spare time left, she also supports the local “Waste Water Shepherds” and “Yate Clean up charity” where she helps investigate the water ways for debris, rubbish and contaminants entering the water.

“Working within a progressive business allows me the room to grow, working at Crowcon and specifically within HALMA offers me the environment to succeed and working with my team offers me a place to bring my true self to work every single day. It is with confidence that I can honestly say that we all save lives each day and I am proud to be part of this group.”

Anna Pulisciano – Operations Director

Anna is our Operations Director, who deals with global operations, strategic supplier relationships (key partners), manufacturing operations, transformation programmes and supply chain functions. Anna is key in contributing to the corporate strategy in the areas of production, purchase, distribution and supply chain to ensure that the company achieves its short and long-term objectives but plays a crucial role in directly overseeing operations staff to ensure that they are motivated and trained to carry out their responsibilities to the required standard.

Karen Zhao – Finance Controller

Karen joined Crowcon last April as Finance Controller with our team in China. Karen provides a key role in the finance of our Crowcon team in China. Allowing for the establishment of preparing financial reports, including balance sheets and income statements allowing for effective accounting function in the region. Karen also ensures that there is compliance with both regional and parent company policies and procedures. Another key role Karen is responsible for is that of providing business support to management and as well as other functions of the organisation.

Giovanna Trevizan Rocha – Test and Verification Technician

Giovanna joined us over 3 years ago as a Test and Verification Technician at Crowcon. Her responsibilities within this role include the performance of testing procedures to investigate issues and assure the functionality, integrity and robustness of new and existing Crowcon software and hardware products. Key tests include inspect, measure, analyse, audit, calibrate and test the instrumentation, equipment, machines, and procedures. As our instruments are key to ensuring the safety of workers and the environment around them are safe, these rigorous test and pre-tests are vital to our equipment.

“Working on engineering solutions that save people’s lives in a great work environment that promotes necessary values such as respect, diversity, and equal opportunities has been a great source of professional and personal fulfilment.”

Our Partnership with Frontline Safety

The Safety Distribution Industry has transformed a great deal in the last few years, as companies rely more on the use of the Internet to gather information about products, applications and pricing.

Background 

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Glasgow, Frontline Safety is a global supplier of gas detection, environmental monitoring and occupational safety equipment. Frontline has over 30 years of experience in the service of gas detection systems, providing tailored support  working with individuals and organisations of varying degrees and sizes across various sectors, including oil and gas, energy, general process, chemical, pharmaceutical, and environmental.

Views on Gas Detection

Due to industrial environments having the possibility to house a range of gases for commercial production purposes, a variety of gas detectors may be required, including both portable, multi-gas detectors and fixed detectors, both being an essential part of health and safety requirements. Therefore, providing the most appropriate equipment and service that will meet both the needs of the customer and HSE requirements. 

Working with Crowcon

“As Gas detectors are at the forefront of Frontline Safety’s product offering, our partnership allows Frontline to provide the highest quality possible. Our Partnership with Crowcon allows us to give our customers access to a well-recognised brand. Their extensive gas detection range complements our existing product range and enables us to produce the required equipment to reduce injury to workers within the oil and gas, energy, general process, chemical, pharmaceutical, and environmental industries as well as helping the environment.” As a Crowcon partner, Frontline Safety UK is fully trained and authorised in the use, calibration, servicing, and repair of Crowcon equipment.

Our Partnership with Bence Plumbing & Heating

Established in February 2021 Bence Plumbing & Heating dedicated to Bathroom, Plumbing and Heating is part of the Bence Group, Gloucestershire’s leading Independent Builders Merchant, established in Cheltenham in 1854. Bence Plumbing & Heating serves all customers plumbing and heating needs, with daily deliveries in Gloucestershire and access to a huge range of products from our main depot in Cheltenham. Bence provide a personal touch, bespoke service with a vast knowledge of the bathroom, plumbing and heating sector.

Partnership with Crowcon

We are delighted to be working with Bence Plumbing & Heating to provide Anton by Crowcon. This partnership will work hand in hand with Bence’s current customer database already present from over 160 years business trading. Bence Plumbing & Heating will also become a drop-in centre for servicing. Allowing local customers to Drop their devices into Bence Plumbing & Heating at a time convenient to them and they will work with us to facilitate the annual calibration.

Bence is a new partner for our gas analysers, our Sprint Pro stops you from having to store, charge, carry, calibrate and transport multiple devices. Our device allows you to conduct all critical test measurements with just one high performance, innovative solution.