NEWS

L6/10 Committee appointment

The Association of British Mining Companies (ABMEC) has recently appointed Colin Cameron as a representative on the UK national L6/10 committee. The Committee reports to the British Electrotechnical Committee (BEC), the UK Committee for IEC and Cenelec.
 
Managing Director of leading UK electronics design and manufacturing consultancy, Mutech Ltd, Colin Cameron is one of only two ABMEC representatives on the prestigious committee.

Colin Cameron explains: “As part of the IEC the L6/10 is responsible for issues relating to the safety of electrical and mechanical equipment used in hazardous areas (the IECEx scheme) across a wide range of industries, from oil and gas to mining and landfill.”

L6/10 is the sole route for UK input into the IECEx scheme. In addition it is a forum for interaction with BIS etc on European concerns on ATEX and similar issues.

Colin Cameron continues: “It comprises manufacturers, users, certification and government bodies, offering the UK perspective to the international committee.”

The nomination is an acknowledgement of Colin Cameron’s wealth of electronics expertise, particularly with intrinsic safety. He continues: “I want to take an active role, principally by looking after the interests of equipment manufacturers. My long term goal will be to contribute to the development of international standards and to work towards global harmonisation.”

L6/10 balances the needs of various vested interests. On the one hand it prevents dangerous products from entering the market, whilst recognising the legitimate needs of manufacturers and users to introduce new products and techniques.

Colin Cameron’s selection by ABMEC closely follows Mutech’s appointment of Mark Pitts as Design Manager at the Manchester based company. Mark also has extensive experience in participating in committees responsible for international standards for electronics.

This article also appears in Mining World on 27 Sept 2011 and with Chapelfield PR.