MHW Magazine News and stories from the Materials Handling Industry
Explosion protection specialist Pyroban has reported an increase in the level of explosion proof forklift enquires from resin manufacturers and industries that use Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), also known as fibreglass, in their manufacturing process.
GRP is used in the production of a wide range of products including boats and super yachts, automotive bodyshells and parts, kayaks, building products, wind turbine blades and storage tanks.
Industries that handle flammable material, in this case resin in the production and curing process, should complete a full risk assessment under, for example, the ATEX Directive in Europe. Companies such as Ex-Solutions Consulting can support businesses with hazardous area risk assessments and help to minimise the release of flammable vapour wherever possible. The consulting process from hazardous area specialists will also help to define the area classification of certain areas.
"If an area is considered to have a potentially explosive atmosphere, equipment such as a forklift truck should normally be explosion proof to minimise the risk to the staff and the operation, particularly if the operation manufactures high value products such as a luxury boat." Darren Boiling, customer services manager for Pyroban in the UK says.
Pyroban converts all types of equipment such as forklift trucks and mobile plant so that they are safe for operation within a hazardous area.
