New rules for explosion protected forklifts
Following a number of recent changes to directives and standards regarding explosion protection, Pyroban has developed an infographic to easily explain the changes to those buying or supplying a forklift truck.
“There are three areas that forklift suppliers and users should be aware of when specifying an explosion proof forklift truck,” Steve Noakes, group engineering manager for Pyroban said. “Explosion protected forklifts are used in a number of different industries, from chemicals and waste through to the food and drink supply chain, and these rules apply to all such operations with potentially explosive atmospheres.”
Introduced in April 2016, ATEX 2014/34/EU replaced existing ATEX Directive 94/9/EC and concerns equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Its rules affect manufacturers, suppliers and importers – those producing or bringing a product to the market when new.
ISO 3691-1:2011, the international standard for safety requirements and verification of industrial trucks such as forklifts, guides best practice for modifying forklifts with safety in mind, which includes explosion protection conversions.
Finally, the EN1755:2015 standard governs companies like Pyroban on the manufacture or conversion of forklift trucks to enable safe and compliant use in hazardous areas. A recent update took place to clarify and standardise the required safety measures which equip a truck for use in a potentially explosive environment.
