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Pyroban gets active on LPG forklifts
Safety company Pyroban reports that it is providing active gas detection on an increasing number of LPG forklifts used in areas close to Zone 2.
“LPG remains a popular fuel choice for many forklift truck fleet managers,” says Darren Boiling, European Technical Sales Manager for Pyroban. “But we are finding that LPG trucks are used in many yards and storage areas on sites where flammable material is being processed or stored.”
These LPG trucks, and other LPG powered equipment, are often used in areas that are deemed “non-hazardous” within the meaning of the ATEX Directive, as they fall outside of formally classified Zone 1 or Zone 2 hazardous areas where a release of gas or vapour could occur in normal operation.
“These “non-hazardous” areas adjacent to Zone 2 may still present explosion risks, because a gas or vapour released under pressure does not recognise boundaries such as a line or warning sign,” says Darren. “LPG trucks and equipment are an obvious ignition source and it is possible for ignition to originate on vehicles in these unclassified areas.”
Pyroban offers a relatively low-cost ancillary gas detection solution that can be fitted to LPG trucks and equipment.
“Gascheka Zone 3 is an active gas detection system that can be installed onsite in less than half a day to any type and age of LPG equipment,” says Darren. “It provides a quick and cost-effective safety solution for daily operations, maintenance work or for short term special projects.”
“This is especially helpful at the moment where the supply chain is facing higher demands than ever and otherwise may be forced to risk using standard equipment,” he continues.
Easily fitted to any brand or type of diesel, electric or LPG equipment, Gascheka “Zone 3” monitors the area surrounding the equipment so it cannot operate when an explosive atmosphere could be present. The short-term use of LPG access platforms for maintenance work near Zone 2 areas is one example.
“Many fleet managers are insisting on pedestrian awareness systems, blue coloured spot-lights or similar across an entire fleet to enhance safety for their staff. Gascheka “Zone 3” is an extension of this principle to prevent explosions where full explosion protection is not viable.”
If Gascheka “Zone 3” detects a gas or vapour release, an audible and visual warning will alert the operator or driver so that the issue can be investigated and rectified. If the gas level increases to a higher level, Gascheka “Zone 3” will safely shut off the ignition electrical system.
“We are seeing a wider range of equipment power sources at work across all the industries we support such as waste, chemicals, refineries, food and drink and many more,” says Darren. “Gascheka Zone 3 provides a flexible safety solution actively protecting people, the supply chain and the environment in areas where explosive atmospheres may occur, but not in such quantities that full ATEX compliant Zone 2 or Zone 1 solutions are required.”
For sites that need equipment to operate with a Zone 2 or Zone 1 hazardous area, Pyroban provides full ATEX compliant conversions.
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