Demand for annual safety audits on explosion protected lift trucks is on the rise, according to Pyroban. The safety company has reported an increase in the checks for 2016, with users of ATEX forklifts not equipment dealers understood to be driving the growth.
ATEX is the legal framework for controlling explosive atmospheres and standards of equipment and protective systems used in them.
Pyroban group after sales manager Darren Boiling said, “Converting a forklift so that it is ATEX compliant ensures a truck has the safety of explosion protection at first use. Whether it remains safe depends on many factors.
“Extreme wear and tear, late or incorrect maintenance, and other factors such as high impact operations may compromise an explosion protection safety system over the life of the equipment.”
In many countries, legislation dictates that any type of forklift must undergo a thorough examination, an inspection that is focused on the lift truck itself. This is usually controlled and initiated by the forklift supplier as part of a contract.
Last year, the company launched an initiative aimed at forklift users explaining the need for annual inspection of the explosion protection system in addition to a thorough examination.
All safety critical components of Pyroban’s explosion protection system are inspected and recorded, including Exd enclosures, cables and glands, shutdown devices, conductivity and fork cladding. If no irregularities are found, the truck will be declared safe for use and a certificate will be issued to support the Explosion Protection Document (EPD). Irregularities need to be repaired immediately, followed by re-inspection.
Pyroban converts all types and brands of forklifts and delivers a growing number of inspections across varied industries, such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, waste management, food and drink, general manufacturing and logistics.
April 7, 2017
