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Report promotes audits of explosion proof forklifts
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March 2008
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The risk of a defective explosion proof forklift truck operated within a potentially flammable atmosphere is a risk without parallel in the materials handling industry. A recent report from explosion proof specialist Pyroban raises concerns that safety is not being maintained correctly on some industrial sites, highlighting the need for independent annual audits.
Over 30,000 new forklift trucks are put into operation each year in the UK alone, a percentage of which are required to operate within potentially explosive areas. Such hazardous areas exist where flammable material is produced or stored, for example in the chemical or pharmaceutical industries.
Law, known as DSEAR in the UK, is in place to make sure these companies operate responsibly and one of their many duties includes preventing an ignition source, such as a hot surface or spark, from entering a hazardous area.
Pyroban, a specialist engineering company, modifies equipment such as forklift trucks so that they are explosion proof and ATEX compliant, by eliminating all sources of ignition found on the equipment. The conversion process is strictly regulated and can take months of skilled engineering, rigorous testing and certification, but the results allow companies to keep their operation running safely and legally.
Darren Boiling, customer service manager for Pyroban in the South of England says: “Equipment leaving the Pyroban factory is safe for operation in an explosive atmosphere, however, daily use in demanding applications can result in wear and driver damage. It is therefore imperative that equipment is maintained correctly throughout its life in order to prevent an explosion.”
Pyroban reports that although most converted forklift trucks are maintained by service engineers trained specifically on the explosion proof equipment, there are instances where this isn’t the case, and it is up to the end user to check the engineer’s capabilities and certification.
Boiling adds: “There are three simple steps to ensure good practice and maintain compliance under DSEAR*. Firstly, use engineers who are trained on the Pyroban system, then, follow the recommended service schedules and lastly carry out an EX-ASA which is an independent annual inspection, like an MOT, in line with GN28, the fork truck annual inspection and EN60079-17. The EX-ASA is carried out by CompEx accredited Pyroban engineers.”
Pyroban recommends that explosion proof equipment users speak to their service provider to check that safety is maintained correctly. Alternatively, users can make direct contact with Pyroban for further information and advice.
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Author
Chris Rowlands
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