FLAMEPROOFING GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Flameproofing of material handling equipment is the science of reducing the risk of an explosion or fire by means of specialised principles and technologies. The risk occurs wherever a flammable or combustible material is handled. This is not only confined to the mining but also petrochemical, oil platforms, paint, grain handling and 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 (3) components that are needed in order to generate an explosion or fire.

1. A flammable or combustible material i.e. liquid, gas or dust
2. Oxygen i.e. air
3. Ignition source i.e. electrical sparks, mechanical sparks, hot surface and static discharges

These three components 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.

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, arc 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 that it will be operating in.

Both diesel and battery electric powered forklifts can be flameproofed. Remember, spark ignition engines i.e. LPG and Petrol are not permitted in any hazardous areas.

The modifications to these trucks may also include accessories such as lights, sounders, beacons etc, which must also be engineered to meet the strict hazardous area requirements.

Chess Engineering provides tailored solutions to achieve total compliance with the Australian Standards, statutory authorities as well as engineer a safe and reliable product.