A total of 30 nominees have been shortlisted across five categories for the Hazardex Awards 2026, designed to recognise excellence in the hazardous area sector. The winners of the industry’s most prestigious awards will be announced during a Gala Dinner at Hazardex Live 2026 on 25 February in Harrogate. Here, you can find the nominees for Technical Innovation – Sponsored by C&P Engineering Services. Submit your votes now!
Below, you can find the details of the six nominees for
Category 2: Technical Innovation – Sponsored by C&P Engineering Services An innovative product or system for use in hazardous area environments.
Voting closes on
1 February. Voting rules:
* 1. The competition is open to all Hazardex journal, eNewsletter, social media, and website readers and users
* 2. Voters register their votes by fully completing all fields and
use an email from a business address only * 3. Voters are limited to
one vote per category * 4. Nominees are
not permitted to vote for their own company/organisation * 5. All votes will remain confidential
The nominees for the Technical Innovation Award are: a.
Arnlea Systems –
Nexar - Ex inspection software
Arnlea’s Ex inspection software, Nexar, is a pioneering cloud-based solution launched in 2023 that transforms Ex inspections by enhancing safety, compliance, and efficiency while reducing costs. Available on tablets, phones, and computers, Nexar works both online and offline and includes features such as a digital Ex register, analytics dashboard, and Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) tools. Arnlea’s clients have reported 150% more inspections, 10% less production downtime, and 5% fewer carbon emissions using Nexar, demonstrating its tangible impact on operational performance and sustainability.
Website: https://arnlea.com/nexar --
b.
Beckhoff –
EPX Box modules With the IP67-protected EtherCAT Box modules in the EPX series, Beckhoff offers a compact acquisition option for intrinsically safe signals up to zone 0/20. The fully encapsulated modules in an industrial housing can be installed directly and decentrally in machines and systems, even in wet, dirty, or dusty environments, and can accommodate the connection of up to eight field devices. This facilitates reliable data acquisition in hazardous areas where control cabinets and terminal boxes cannot – and should not – be installed. Further advantages include the previously required safety barriers no longer being necessary, which not only saves on space but also reduces costs. Connecting pre-assembled cables to the EtherCAT Box cuts down on installation and commissioning time and prevents wiring errors caused by incorrect contact assignments.
Website: https://www.beckhoff.com/en-en/products/i-o/ethercat-box/epxxxx-industrial-housing/epxxxxx-explosion-protection-ex-i/ --
c.
iCorDEX –
23DMx – ATEX-certified, app-controlled digital multimeter for Ex mobile devices
The 23DMx uses Bluetooth BLE technology to seamlessly integrate with a tablet or smartphone using the iCorDEX NEXUS app bringing test and measurement to any mobile device and removing the need to have separate Test & Measurement tools that perform only one function. The 23DMx can be configured to capturing Voltage, Current, Resistance or Temperature either in real time when connected to a mobile device or configured as a standalone datalogger. Stored data can be linked to a location using NFC, Barcode, QR Code, GPS or simple test along with a description of the data collected. All data can be analysed on your mobile device using the NEXUS app or transferred via .CSV file for integration into high level analysis software for Condition Based Monitoring.
Website: https://hi.icordex.com/23dmx3 --
d.
i.safe MOBILE –
Mobile Operator Panel - ATEX/IECEx-certified tablet & connectivity system
The mobile operator panel acts as an edge node in your infrastructure, connecting to legacy control systems via RDP/VNC, process automation via OPC-UA or MQTT, business processes via HTTPS/JSON/XML, and contextual process automation via AI overlays. Low footprint, high clarity. It extends your current systems' capabilities. The system comprises the ATEX/IECEx certified tablets (AndroidTM Tablet IS940.x or Windows Tablet IS945.x) and the Connectivity System (IS-CS1A.1). The connectivity system provides a secure synchronisation, powering and integration infrastructure that seamlessly connects field staff with corporate systems without compromising security certification. Each element is designed to match the environment where it works, offering uninterrupted availability even under unstable grid conditions or emergency situations.
Website: https://www.isafe-mobile.com/en/operations/automation --
e.
Mettler Toledo –
IND500X Weighing Indicator The IND500X Weighing Indicator by Mettler Toledo is approved for use in Zone 1/21 and Division 1 hazardous area classifications, making it suitable for demanding industrial environments. It offers a standardized global solution that can be used across different regions and industries. The device supports versatile applications, functioning effectively in manual, semi-automatic, and automatic processes. Additionally, the IND500X enables accurate, repeatable, and traceable operations, helping to ensure process integrity and safety, while reducing material waste and rework.
Website: https://www.mt.com/gb/en/home/products/Industrial_Weighing_Solutions/Hazardous_Area_Weighing/hazardous-scale-indicators/ind500x.html --
f.
Xshielder – ATEX/IECEx Zone 1/21 certified iPhone 16 Pro Max
Xshielder is an ATEX/IECEx Zone 1/21 certified iPhone 16 Pro Max. Remarkably compact and with a lightweight design, Xshielder retains all iPhone features, functionality and performance. It enables workforce to safely operate in any area while maintaining full communications and access to digital systems to improve reporting and safety.
Website: https://xshielder.com/ --
Details of those nominated for the remaining awards can be found by clicking on the category titles below:
Category 1: Contribution to Safety – Sponsored by CEF
A product, system or service which has made a significant contribution to safety in hazardous area environments.
Category 3: Net Zero, Environment & Sustainability - Sponsored by Mutech An innovation for hazardous environments that helps lower emissions and carbon footprints.
Category 4: Customer Service – Sponsored by DNV
A company or corporate division that has provided excellent customer service in the sector over the last two years.
Category 5: Plant Upgrade & Innovation – Sponsored by C&P Engineering Services
An operator that has successfully implemented projects or equipment to enhance safety, efficiency, and technological innovation in their hazardous areas.
Play your part in raising awareness and standards across the sector by clicking here to enter your vote and encouraging your colleagues to do likewise!
Contact us on +44 (0) 1732 778544 or hazardex@imlgroup.co.uk for further details on attendance, exhibiting or sponsoring this must-attend event.Hazardex Awards 2026 are sponsored by:
