FLAMEPROOFING GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Flameproofing of material handling equipment reduces the risk of an explosion or fire by means of specialised principles and technologies. The risk occurs whenever a flammable or combustible material is handled. It is there in mining, pharmaceutical and petrochemical plants, oil platforms, paint manufacturing, grain handling and the food industry to name a few.

It is essential that all equipment used in these areas comply with the appropriate government rules and relevant standards.

There are three components that are needed in order to generate an explosion or fire.

1. A flammable or combustible material such as liquid, gas or dust
2. Oxygen which is present in the atmosphere
3. An ignition source which could be an electrical or mechanical spark, a hot surface or a static electricity discharge.

These three factors make up the “fire triangle” shown below

In other words

Recognised explosion protection techniques are used to eliminate or control one or more of these components.  Removal or isolation of any one component eliminates the risk of fire or explosion.

Flamepoofing of mobile materials handling equipment

Materials handling equipment such as forklift trucks, tow tractors, sweepers, scissor lifts and boom lifts for use in hazardous areas are designed and manufactured in such a way as to remove or reduce the risk of the equipment becoming the source of ignition. Sources of ignition include flames and sparks from exhaust systems, arcs and sparks from electrical equipment, hot surfaces and static build up.
Modifications are required to the basic equipment to ensure it complies with the relevant requirements for the specified hazardous zone in which the machine will operate. 

Both diesel and battery electric powered forklifts can be flameproofed. Remember, spark ignition engines such as. LPG and petrol are prohibited in hazardous areas.
The modifications to these trucks may also include accessories such as lights, sounders and beacons which must also be engineered to meet the strict hazardous area requirements.

Chess Engineering provides tailored solutions to achieve total compliance with Australian Standards and statutory authorities’ requirements as well as engineering a safe and reliable product.