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WRAPPING IT UP EXPLOSION PROTECTION • ALL MANNER OF EQUIPMENT USED IN A POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE PRESENTS A HAZARD. DON’T FORGET SHRINK WRAPPERS, PYROBAN SAYS THE RISKS POSED by forklift trucks operating in potentially explosive atmosphere are becoming more widely known, with firms increasingly taking steps to ensure that their equipment complies with the requirements of the ATEX Directive. Yet, according to Matt Booth, sales manager for Pyroban in the UK and Ireland, one of the leading suppliers of explosion-proof equipment, the dangers posed by shrink wrappers are often overlooked. Shrink wrap machines are often present in potentially explosive atmospheres, such as operations handling paints, coatings, chemicals or other flammable substances. They may be used within a production or warehouse area to apply shrink film or stretch wrap to individual products or batches of products before onward transport. Often, these areas are designated as Zone 2 within the definition of the ATEX Directive, where an explosive atmosphere is possible but not expected, and generally would be the result of an accidental release of gas or vapour. “The risk with shrink wrappers is that just one spark from its electrical systems, or even from friction or static, could be
SHRINK WRAPPERS PRESENT A PARTICULAR HAZARD IN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERES BUT EQUIPMENT IS READILY AVAILABLE TO REDUCE THE RISK OF EXPLOSION
enough to cause ignition if an explosive atmosphere is present,” Booth explains. “This could have catastrophic consequences, so it’s vital to apply explosion protection measures to these machines, just as you would for a forklift working in the same area.”
says Booth. “Gases aren’t limited by a hazard sign and can easily cross from a Zone 2 warehouse to a ‘safe’ loading area where your shrink wrapping takes place.” Pyroban Ltd, founded in 1972, provides explosion protection solutions for industries around the world. It offers explosion protection conversions for materials handling equipment, as well as explosion protected diesel engine packages and kits for well service applications. The company also offers a range of explosion protected components, Ex-solutions and support services for all its products. www.pyroban.com
WHAT’S THE SOLUTION Pyroban’s system6000 explosion protection conversion is popular for forklifts and other handling equipment but can equally be applied to shrink wrap machines, and any other powered equipment that may be used in Zone 2 areas. It combines various explosion protection methods with active gas detection systems, which audibly and visibly alert the user of the machine to the presence of an explosive atmosphere so that the source of the release can be identified and rectified. Should a high level of gas or vapour be detected in the atmosphere, system6000 can also safely stop the machine from operating, preventing explosion and protecting people. Similarly, the Gascheka Zone 3™ active gas detection system can be fitted to shrink wrappers in areas just outside of, or adjacent to, Zone 2, where standard equipment without explosion protection systems in place could also present a risk. “In operations handling flammable materials, explosive atmospheres are still possible in areas deemed ‘non-hazardous’ within the meaning of the ATEX Directive,”
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