The ATEX conversion of vehicle is carried out in accordance with the latest requirements as specified in Standard EN1755:2015.
In addition to the inspections required by the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, ATEX industrial trucks must maintain over time the safety requirements as required by the European Directive 1999/92/EC which include, among other things, the responsibility of the employer for prevention and protection against explosions to ensure the safety and health of employees.
The preparation and ongoing training of personnel for the use of the forklift and its routine maintenance must be carried out by trained and skilled technicians (through regular refresher courses of the specific application) and under the responsibility of the end-user.
The employer, normally through the “safety Manager”, must issue the "Explosion Protection Document" in which are listed the assessments of the implications that the use and maintenance of industrial trucks in ATEX execution may have on the safety of employees, also considering the indications provided by the manufacturer.
The Standard does not stipulate the frequency and manner of inspection/maintenance, but it does unequivocally place the responsibility on the employer in the event of personal injury caused by a lack of safety.
In the context of inspection and maintenance of electrical installations intended for hazardous areas, the reference standard is EN 60079-17. This standard governs the protocols for the inspection and maintenance of electrical installations specially designed to operate in environments where the risk is from explosive atmospheres.
According to EN 60079-17, inspection routine should be categorised into three levels: 'visual', 'close' and 'detailed'.
Visual inspection consists of identifying any anomalies by observation of electrical equipment, cables and mechanical components.
Close inspection involves the use of instruments for a more in-depth evaluation of the specific features of the safety devices and it can be carried-out on site.
The detailed inspection involves a thorough examination of the equipment by disassembly and verification of all components involved in safety. Typically, it is carried out at facilities authorised by the manufacturer of the ATEX vehicle, who has full knowledge of the construction details.
All inspection activities must be documented, including any non-conformities found and corrective actions taken. This documentation must be integrated into the Explosion Protection Document to certify the safety status of the vehicle.
Any periodic safety inspection of ATEX vehicles must be carried out by personnel with documented experience, whose training, conducted by highly qualified trainers, has included instruction on the various modes of protection, installation methods, National laws and the general principles of hazardous location classification, as well as on the characteristics of the various explosion protection equipment provided by the manufacturer.
EXCEN has at disposal certified technicians to carry out any kind of periodic inspection on your ATEX machines.
Comments