Electric shock
Electrical standards governing design, build, installation, commissioning, testing and maintenance of electrical and electronic systems are changing - and the changes do impact engineering choices, methods and responsibilities. They also reach out into safety equipment involving hydraulic and pneumatic controls. So we need to be aware, and right now - because the period of grace ends next year, when the new standards will be adopted under the Machinery Directive.
Field of dreams
Ever thought about EMFs - electromagnetic fields caused by everything from power lines to mobile phones and arc welding gear? If not, you should, because a little-reported European directive that seeks to restrict exposure of workers to EMFs came within a whisker of coming into force this April - and may yet in April 2012.