At Thorne & Derrick, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s the foundation of everything we do. That’s why we were privileged to participate in the pilot delivery of the groundbreaking CompEX Level 1 Ex Awareness Course, hosted by Roxby Training Solutions at their Stockton training centre.
As trusted industry experts, we were invited to provide critical feedback on the course’s structure and delivery. Two of our team members—Terry McDonald (Safety Champion) and Regan Redpath (Apprentice Sales Engineer)—took part, achieving outstanding results:
Delegate Testimonial: Regan’s Experience“The course provided a clear and straightforward overview of hazardous areas—what they are, why they exist, and the potential dangers they pose. The content was well-structured and easy to follow, perfectly outlining essential safety measures to follow in such environments. This training is incredibly valuable and will benefit anyone who works in or accesses hazardous areas, ensuring they stay safe and informed.”
— Regan Apprentice Sales Engineer, First to Pass CompEx Level 1 Ex Awareness Course
The CompEX Level 1 Ex Awareness Course provides essential training for professionals who:
This training goes beyond basic compliance to deliver real-world benefits:
Thorne & Derrick can be safely trusted to specify and supply electrical, mechanical, process, and instrumentation equipment for use in hazardous areas zones and explosive atmospheres.
The Critical Need for Hazardous Area AwarenessIn industries where a single spark can be catastrophic, standardised safety training isn’t optional— The CompEX Level 1 Ex Awareness Course addresses:
This course is a major step forward in bridging the knowledge gap for newcomers to the industry, offering a course demonstrating the risks, hazards, and essential safety protocols for working in explosive atmospheres (Zone 0/1/2). |
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“Thank you to Roxby and CompEX for the invite to participate in and provide feedback on the very first Ex Awareness (Ex A) Level 1 course. Having worked in the industry for almost 2 decades, one thing that no longer shocks me is the difference in levels of competency from company to company and industry to industry. Any course that can help improve knowledge and awareness can only be a big positive.
The course provides a very basic introduction to hazardous areas, highlights the hazards/risks and demonstrates the severe consequences if we don’t all take our responsibilities seriously. I believe the course bridges the knowledge gap for those people entering the industry and also for people working in office based roles for those organisations who operate in this high hazard industry. I should also congratulate our very own Regan Redpath for being the very first person to pass the course.”
– Terry McDonald, Sales & Business Development Manager at T&D
COMPEXCompEX is a recognised certification scheme for validating the competency of staff working in all industries with potentially hazardous and explosive atmospheres.
Roxby Training Solutions is a provider of specialised industrial training, offering accredited courses in hazardous areas (ATEX/CompEX), electrical safety, and technical competency.
Thorne & Derrick International are your single-source supplier of Electrical, Mechanical, Process & Instrumentation Equipment for use in industrial, hazardous area zones and explosive atmospheres.
T&D provide an outstanding service to UK and international customers – we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.
A critical safety alert has been issued by the EU Safety Gate (Alert A12/01977/24) regarding the CHERUBIM BCFT-300 industrial fans falsely marketed as ATEX-certified for use in explosive atmospheres. These fans, sold via atex-supplies.com, lack essential safety features and could trigger catastrophic explosions in environments with flammable gases or dust.
If your company relies on ATEX, UKEX, or IECEx equipment, this guide could save lives—and prove why cutting corners on compliance is a deadly mistake.
For full details, see the EU Safety Gate Report.
The CHERUBIM BCFT-300 (Batch 11.2024) is a 110VAC explosion-proof fan sold on atex-supplies.com. Despite being marketed for Zones 1/2/21/22, its unsafe design risks causing fatal explosions in flammable atmospheres.
| Specification | Details | Compliance Status | Risk Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Name | CHERUBIM BCFT-300 Portable Explosion Proof Fan | Fully Non-Compliant | Extreme Hazard |
| Batch Number | 11.2024 | Recalled 18/03/2025 | Active recall in progress |
| Technical Specs | 110VAC, 190mm blade, 2800r/min, 3300m³/h | Untested full assembly | Unverified mechanical safety |
| Certification Claims | ATEX Zones 1,2,21,22 | Failed Directive 2014/34/EU | Fraudulent certification |
| Sales Channel | atex-supplies.com | Website under investigation | Unauthorised distributor |
| Country of Origin | China | No valid EU type-examination | Unapproved manufacturing standards |
| Hazard Type | Ignition source in explosive atmospheres | Confirmed by EU authorities | Can cause fatal explosions |
| Regulatory Actions | • EU-wide ban • Mandatory recall • Market withdrawal |
Effective since 18/03/2025 | Criminal penalties for non-compliance |
The CHERUBIM BCFT-300 fan was sold online via atex-supplies.com, claiming to be safe for Zones 1, 2, 21, and 22—yet it lacked genuine certification and could trigger explosions. This is part of a growing trend:
Falsified ATEX/IECEx certificates are being used to sell unsafe equipment.
Unregulated online marketplaces are flooded with hazardous products.
Cost-driven procurement leads to deadly compromises in safety.
Industry Warning: Rise of Counterfeit ATEX EquipmentRecent reports highlight a surge in fraudulent ATEX-certified products entering the market, including fake fans, lighting, and sensors. These products often
Demand Full Certification
Verify both electrical AND mechanical compliance
Check for BS EN 14986 on fans
Confirm ISO 80079 standards are met
Validate Through Official Channels
Cross-check certificates in EU NANDO database
Contact notified bodies directly
Beware of Red Flags
Prices significantly below market
Vague or incomplete documentation
Sellers avoiding technical questions
Report Suspicious Products
EU Safety Gate for European alerts
UK Trading Standards for British market
A concerning number of ATEX-certified products currently available do not meet essential safety standards. While some components within these products may carry individual certifications, the complete assemblies often lack proper testing and compliance.
Key Concerns:
Products marketed as ATEX-certified without meeting BS EN 14986:2017 requirements for mechanical safety
Incomplete compliance with ISO 80079-36 and -37 standards
Certificates that only validate electrical components, not full assemblies
Genuine risk of ignition when used in explosive atmospheres
The lower cost of non-compliant equipment represents a false economy, as these products may fail dangerously in hazardous environments. Responsible procurement requires thorough verification of all relevant certifications before purchase and use.
Specialist Distributors of Electrical Heating, Lighting, Power & Process Instrumentation Equipment with ATEX IECEx Certification and DSEAR Regulatory Compliance to deliver significant safety and reliability improvements in the Industrial, Explosive Atmosphere & Energy sectors. Based in the UK, we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.
Since 1985, we have provided expert technical support and express delivery from extensive UK stocks to worldwide destinations.
Hazardous Area Explosive Atmospheres
In environments where explosive atmospheres are a real risk, the use of compliant, genuine ATEX-certified equipment is critical—not only for operational safety but also for regulatory adherence. Unfortunately, fake ATEX products are increasingly entering global markets, putting lives, assets, and reputations at serious risk.
Below are five practical and experience-based checks you can carry out to verify the authenticity of ATEX-labelled equipment.
Start with the most accessible detail: the equipment label.
Ask yourself:
Does the text look professionally formatted?
Is all the expected information present and clearly spaced?
Is the ATEX coding (e.g., II 2 G Ex d IIC T6 Gb) accurate and legible?
Does the CE or UKCA marking look legitimate and correctly placed?
Poor-quality printing, missing details, and odd spacing are early warning signs. Falsely certified manufacturers often neglect small but crucial formatting standards.
Always verify the ATEX certification against the product details. A genuine certificate should:
Clearly match the model and product type
Be issued by a recognised Notified Body (EU) or UK Approved Body
Include verifiable certificate numbers
Use public databases or reach out directly to the issuing body to cross-check certifications. Any mismatch could indicate a forgery.
Many reputable manufacturers obtain dual certification—both ATEX and IECEx—to support global market access. While not mandatory, this adds credibility.
If a product claims both certifications:
Verify each independently
Ensure consistency across all certification numbers and product details
Absence of dual certification doesn’t necessarily mean a product is fake, but its presence, when valid, often reinforces authenticity.
Poor craftsmanship is often a hallmark of fake equipment.
Ask:
Does the build quality reflect its stated rating?
Are the materials and finishes consistent with hazardous area requirements?
Are there visible defects or signs of substandard manufacturing?
Inconsistent quality or a “cheap” feel should prompt further due diligence. If the physical product raises concerns, do not install it without rigorous verification.
Conduct a background check on the manufacturer:
Visit the company’s website. Does it reflect a legitimate operation that manufactures ATEX-compliant products?
Is there sufficient technical documentation, product data, or contact information?
Are there press releases, case studies, or recognisable industry affiliations?
Have they been referenced by trusted suppliers?
A lack of transparency or absence from trusted directories should raise suspicion. Always use multiple sources to confirm legitimacy.
The threat of fake ATEX equipment is real and growing. However, by applying these five practical checks, ranging from label scrutiny to manufacturer due diligence, you can mitigate the risks and maintain full compliance in explosive atmospheres.
Stay vigilant, stay compliant, and always verify.
Thorne & Derrick International are UK based and are the leading specialist distributors of LV, MV and HV cable accessories and tooling from 600V to 132kV complemented by an extensive range of hazardous area certified electrical equipment (ATEX and IECEx) to provide compliant, safe and optimised power, heating and lighting. Thorne and Derrick International supports critical infrastructure projects across power, utilities, rail, construction, oil & gas, marine, and process industries. With over 40 years of industry expertise, Thorne & Derrick International delivers trusted products, technical support, and tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of the energy and industrial process markets. Thorne & Derrick is committed to building future-ready capabilities through apprenticeship programmes that nurture talent, drive performance, and close the skills gap in our industry.
Thorne & Derrick are leading distributors and stockists of the Eltherm range of electrical heat tracing systems and components, engineered for industrial, commercial, and hazardous area applications.
Eltherm is a globally recognised manufacturer of innovative heating solutions, specialising in ATEX-certified heat tracing technology designed to:
Maintain process temperatures
Prevent freezing
Provide thermal protection in mission-critical environments
Our team of trained sales engineers is available to support your heat tracing needs — from designing complex, multi-kilometre systems for major projects to supplying custom heating cable kits for plant winterisation and factory applications.
We supply Eltherm’s extensive range of ATEX, IECEx, and UKEX-certified heat tracing products & Hazardous Area Electrical Heating Solutions, suitable for installation in:
Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas
UL/CSA Class I Division 1 & 2 (C1D1/C1D2) classifications
We serve industries such as oil & gas, chemicals, food & beverage, and water treatment, offering tailored, compliant, and energy-efficient solutions.
Uncontrolled heat loss can lead to:
A heat loss calculation determines the rate at which heat escapes from a system to its surrounding environment. Key factors include:
✅ Material composition
✅ Surface area exposure
✅ Ambient and internal temperatures
✅ Insulation properties
✅ Environmental conditions (e.g., wind, humidity, altitude)
Our heat loss calculation services include: IBC & Drum Heating
Maintain optimal temperatures for viscous fluids such as bitumen, oils, and chemicals — preventing crystallisation or degradation.
Pipework & Valve Trace Heating
Protect pipelines from freezing and maintain flow during cold conditions.
Tank & Vessel Heating
Ensure critical storage tank temperatures in sectors like food processing, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals.
Hazardous Area Heating
ATEX/IECEx certified heat tracing for safe operation in explosive gas and dust environments.
What sets Thorne & Derrick apart?
✔️ Decades of experience
✔️ In-house technical support
✔️ Certified ATEX/IECEx solutions
✔️ Fast, responsive design-to-delivery service
With over 35 years of experience, Thorne & Derrick are trusted specialists in electrical, mechanical, and process safety equipment for explosive and industrial environments. We offer:
Innovative heating, lighting, and power systems
Expertise in hazardous area compliance
Support for global clients across oil & gas, petrochemicals, water treatment, and manufacturing
(L To R) – Jessica Williams (CEO of Just Williams Ltd), Dylan White (Sales Engineer), Regan Redpath (Apprentice Sales Engineer), Chloe Johnston (Apprentice Sales Engineer), Charlie Baines (Apprentice Sales Engineer), Aiden Dawson (SEO Specialist), Laurence Taylor (Sales Engineer), Ella Bradley (Apprentice Sales Engineer), Mia Lynn (Administrative Assistant Apprentice), Millie Temple (Content Creator Apprentice).
Yesterday, the team at Thorne & Derrick International had the pleasure of hosting JWSA Sales Academy for an intensive and engaging sales and marketing training session. Led by Jessica Williams, founder and CEO of Just Williams Ltd, the session brought fresh insights, practical tools, and strategies to strengthen Thorne & Derrick’s position as a leader in hazardous areas and industrial equipment distribution.
The training session centred around building a solutions-driven mindset—one that addresses customer pain points with tailored approaches. The session kicked off with an engaging presentation by Jessica, who encouraged the team to think beyond traditional sales & marketing tactics and focus on crafting customer-centric solutions.
Topics covered included:
The team actively participated in discussions, sharing their experiences while absorbing Jessica’s expert advice. It was a collaborative and motivating environment that combined Thorne & Derrick’s expertise with Jessica’s fresh perspective. The exercises and tailored examples resonated with everyone, making the session not just theoretical but highly practical.
The highlight of the day was the hands-on application of key principles, with the team brainstorming real-world scenarios to practice their new skills. This tangible approach ensured everyone left the session feeling confident and empowered to implement what they’d learned.
Jessica also got hands-on with Thorne & Derrick’s ShoveIt manufactured by Hand Safety Tool, showcasing her enthusiasm for the company’s innovative products.
Thorne & Derrick’s team expressed their appreciation for the session, describing it as an invigorating experience. One team member noted, “The tools and strategies we learned today will have an immediate impact on the way we approach clients and marketing efforts. Jessica’s insight was invaluable.”
As the team applies their newfound skills, customers can expect an even higher standard of service and solutions from Thorne & Derrick. Yesterday’s training is a clear step forward in their journey to deliver excellence and innovation at every turn.
Feel free to contact us today to discuss any of your upcoming projects or enquiries!
Aiden Dawson (SEO Specialist) – “Jess’ sales academy was executed brilliantly, being straight-up, insightful and perfect for building on team unity. Jess as a person, is a breath of fresh air and offers a multitude of skill sets that allowed her to dissect the ins and outs of T&D’s sales and marketing structure in no time at all, providing the opportunity to uncover the chinks in our armour and delivering crucial insights on how we can improve, both as a team and individually. It’s clear why the Just Williams Sales Academy is an ideal solution to business growth and I’d personally recommend the academy to any business, regardless of industry or niche.”
Chloe Johnston – (Apprentice Sales Engineer) – “The Just Williams Sales Academy was valuable and insightful in providing practical, hands-on training in key sales skills. It offered a structured approach to improving communication, client engagement, and relationship-building techniques. The academy enabled us to understand the sales process, from prospecting to closing deals. It also provided valuable insights into overcoming objections and tailoring sales strategies to meet individual client needs. Jess expressed the value of Linked In and how we can interact with our customers and connections.”
Charlie Baines (Apprentice Sales Engineer) – “Jess’ sales academy was masterfully conducted, providing direct, insightful training that strengthened team cohesion. Jess brings a refreshing presence and a wide range of skills, allowing her to swiftly evaluate T&D’s sales and marketing framework, pinpoint areas for improvement, and offer essential guidance for both team and individual growth. I would recommend the sales academy to any business, as I am sure the other participants would also.”
Ella Bradley (Apprentice Sales Engineer) – “Yesterday’s training not only emphasized personal growth and self-improvement but also fostered a strong sense of camaraderie within our sales team. It was inspiring to experience the collective support and encouragement from everyone, which reinforced the collaborative culture we strive to cultivate. The session provided valuable insights into both individual and team development, leaving us feeling more motivated and united as we continue to pursue our goals together.”
Laurence Taylor (Sales Engineer) – “Jess Williams’ sales training was truly exceptional. The sessions were engaging and packed with practical strategies and tips that can be applied immediately. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to boost their sales skills and achieve better results.”
Specialist Distributors of Electrical Heating, Lighting, Power & Process Instrumentation Equipment with ATEX IECEx Certification and DSEAR Regulatory Compliance to deliver significant safety and reliability improvements in the Industrial, Explosive Atmosphere & Energy sectors. Based in the UK, we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.
Since 1985, we have provided expert technical support and express delivery from extensive UK stocks to world-wide destinations.
Published 13 Mar 2020
Press Release Date: 02.04.2020 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager) World’s First Fully Certified ATEX Doors Thorne & Derrick International, the Experts in Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres, today announce the signing of a Commercial Distribution Agreement...
Published 04 Jul 2019
Press Release Date: 04.07.2019 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager) Category: Stockist Distributor Agreement Announcement Thorne & Derrick International announce that they have signed a Preferred Distributor Agreement with Raytec, the world leading manufacturer of LED...
