ATEX EQUIPMENT & EXPLOSION SAFETY


2) Maintain existing Pyroban forklifts on contract


“Some operations may decide to wait until lead times return to normal levels and extend the contract on their existing fleet. Of course, this depends on the state of the forklift trucks after years of operation, for example. “If this is your strategy, it’s a good


time to consult with Pyroban and explain your plans. Ex-ASAs (Annual Safety Audits) are key to assuring the trucks are still safe for use in zoned areas, but you may also benefit from additional maintenance to help extend the working life and reliability of the trucks. We see many good quality trucks leave site at the end of a contract with many years’ left in them. “Note that Pyroban conversions


and components are built to last for the most arduous conditions, but the truck needs to have the quality and stamina required too. Be sure to check the brand and quality of the original truck to help assess whether rolling on the contract is the right solution. In support, we have field service


technicians and parts held in stock to help maintain uptime. “And if you wanted new safety


systems on a potential new forklift fleet, at this point it may be possible to add items such as Blue Ex Spot lights, Red Ex Line perimeter lighting or telemetry to help further improve operational efficiency and safety on your existing trucks.


3) Used exPlosion Proof forklift trUcks May be the answer


“The delays in manufacturing new forklifts are driving growth in the used forklift truck market across industry. Some pre-owned forklift trucks for sale or hire may already have been Pyroban converted to operate safely in potentially explosive atmospheres, but there are certain steps to be taken to ensure they are safe and ready to use. “Firstly, it is important to establish


the operation risk and identify whether the area is Zone 1, 2, 21 or 22 under ATEX 1999/92/EC or DSEAR in the UK. Factors such as temperature class of the hazard, operation intensity and ambient temperatures need to be considered to establish if the truck is a match. “They should also check that


the trucks are clean and uncontaminated by chemicals or hazardous materials, as well as looking at the service and inspection history to ensure the correct maintenance schedule has been adhered to and the correct parts have been used. Understanding the quality of the original truck build is also important. “Pyroban recommends that all


explosion protected forklifts, including used trucks, undergo an annual Ex-ASA, a thorough inspection of all safety critical components and systems. This is even more crucial when buying a used explosion protected truck. Talk to us if this is your strategy as we may know of any used truck fleets available and can undertake Ex based inspections of short-listed trucks before you commit.


4) converting “standard” Used forklift trUcks


“Pyroban can also convert pre- owned trucks for use in hazardous areas, depending on the condition of the used equipment. “First check the specification and


truck history to ensure suitability for your application. Pyroban can then conduct a full pre-assessment. The used truck should also be clean and uncontaminated by chemicals or hazardous materials.


5) consider gascheka installed on an existing trUck as an interiM solUtion


“If options 1-4 aren’t viable and yet you have identified that there is a hazard to address and ceasing the operation isn’t an option, under an ATEX 1999/92/EC or DSEAR (in the UK) risk assessment you may consider installing the Pyroban Gascheka system on existing standard trucks is an acceptable interim solution. “Gascheka will provide alarm and


shutdown in the event of a gas release; albeit not addressing all ignition sources required for full ATEX compliance, but may reduce the risk to be As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) in the circumstances. You can rent the Gascheka system for the interim period, Pyroban installs it and removes it when your longer-term solution is ready.”


Pyroban www.pyroban.com


EX rEMotE CaMEra for Monitoring hazardous arEas


M


eteor Communications, the specialist provider of low-power, remote cameras has launched the MCE-MRC-EX camera, which is ATEX approved for use in Zone 1 and 2 hazardous areas. “Hundreds of our cameras are currently in operation all over the UK; helping to monitor


and protect remote assets such as grilles, screens, channels, culverts and drains,” explains Meteor MD Matt Dibbs. “However, many of our customers in the water, waste, construction, rail and aviation sectors need to also monitor hazardous areas, so the MCE-MRC-EX camera was developed specifically to meet that requirement.” Zone 1 and 2 hazardous areas are those in which there is a


risk from the accumulation of an explosive gas. Typical locations therefore include confined spaces where there is a source of gases such as methane or petrochemicals, so the main applications for the MCE-MRC-EX camera will be in sewage and wastewater infrastructure, as well as in underground assets such as drains, culverts and pumping stations. Remote cameras can now be deployed in these locations to provide remote visibility of threats such as flooding. The new camera is housed in an IP66 Ex-rated enclosure and an


inbuilt IR or white light illuminator provides excellent low-light performance for clear, crisp images in any conditions. Images are transferred in real time via 4G with 3G/GPRS fallback, providing robust image transfer even from areas with poor mobile coverage. Images are sent to the ‘Meteor Cloud’ for secure viewing and analysis online, and there are options for those users wishing to integrate the images with their own applications. The main advantage of these cameras is that users are able to


view sites remotely before deciding whether a visit is necessary, and also to determine what resources would be necessary for that visit. This means that less site visits are necessary, and wireless connectivity also means that operations such as camera configuration and firmware updates can be conducted remotely. Importantly, all Meteor cameras allow direct connection of local


sensors such as level switches and PIR sensors. Images can be delivered at scheduled intervals and be configured to trigger automatically from local sensors; providing additional images and alerts to users and entering enhanced polling modes. Summarising, Dibbs says: “The MCE-MRC-EX remote


camera has a very low power requirement, whilst delivering high-quality, real-time images from remote assets within Zone 1 and 2 hazardous areas where data and mains power connections may not be available.” .


Meteor Communications www.meteorcommunications.co.uk


industrial CoMPlianCE | wintEr 2021 23


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