Industries at risk
A wide range of industries are at risk from flammable gas, vapours, powders, dusts and chemicals.
These companies should all be aware that there is a risk of an explosive atmosphere being generated during a normal working day.
Diesel and electric industrial vehicles are required to work in these areas but are a potential source of ignition. The consequences of ignition may be disastrous, resulting in loss of life and the destruction of a site. This means that employers have a number of obligations based on an assessment of the risks involved.
But, sources of ignition may be eliminated by effective Explosion Protection.
ATEX - a user's obligation
ATEX is a term used to describe two European Directives concerning this industry.
- ATEX 1999/92/EC Directive - Concerns the truck user
- ATEX 94/9/EC - Concerns the supplier
Due to the potential dangers, European Law, ATEX 1999/92/EC also known as ATEX 137, sets out the minimum requirements for the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.
This means that employers have a number of obligations and in order to comply with them the truck user needs to carry out a risk assessment and classify hazardous areas into Zones.
Zones
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Zone 0 - A place where an explosive atmosphere is present continuously or for long periods
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Zone 1 - A place where an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally
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Zone 2 - A place where an explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only
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Zone 21 / 22 - For hazards associated with powders or dust particles, areas are categorised by similar definitions.
ATEX 1999/92/EC stipulates that all products intended for use within these areas must meet the requirements of the ATEX 94/9/EC Directive, also known as ATEX 100a or 95. This Directive categorises equipment according to the level of protection. The user must specify ATEX 94/9/EC compliant equipment if it is to be used within Zoned hazardous areas. This includes forklift trucks but also relates to lighting, switches, process equipment etc.
Toyota is cooperating with the company Pyroban and can therefore offer explosion protection systems on almost all diesel and electric vehicles ensuring that the truck is compliant with ATEX 94/9/EC for zone 1, 2, 21 and 22 areas. Toyota also has a network of specialist engineers trained on the Pyroban system to offer full support.
