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Used Lpg Gas Forklifts Ignite Pyroban Concerns

As an increasing number of businesses turn to the second hand forklift truck market, safety specialist Pyroban is warning of the dangers of buying used explosion proof equipment and emphasising the importance of EX-ASA safety inspections.

Darren Boiling, customer services manager for Pyroban, said: “There is nothing more dangerous than buying and using a poorly maintained explosion proof forklift in a hazardous area. Unfortunately, buyers are faced with increasing numbers through auction websites or through dealers and traders.”

Pyroban provides explosion proof modifications for lpg forklift trucks so that equipment can be used in potentially explosive atmospheres. This involves assessing every component on a forklift and re-engineering it to prevent sources of ignition, such as sparks or heat. “When Pyroban converts a truck, it undergoes stringent tests, which it must pass in order to be certified as ATEX compliant,” said Darren. “As soon as it leaves our factory, it is then the user’s ultimate responsibility to ensure it is properly maintained.

“Despite an attractive price, some Pyroban trucks in the second hand market are so old they are not even ATEX compliant. But with most forklift contracts lasting five to seven years, we are now seeing increasing numbers built after 2000 that are ATEX compliant in the second hand market.

“This is where it could become dangerous, as some dealers don’t understand what they are selling. What may appear to be an explosion proof truck may be completely unsafe and cause an explosion. Even if it is safe, how does the dealer know if it meets the specification? What Zone, T class or Gas Group is it built for?”

Whether a company owns, leases or hires lp gas forklift trucks, there is an obligation across Europe to ensure that they hold a valid annual report of thorough examination. If the truck is explosion proof, a competent person should also carry out a series of safety system checks. Pyroban offers annual safety audits to ensure that explosion proof safety systems are still safe. Known as an EX-ASA and carried out onsite, Pyroban’s inspectors examine all safety critical components, checking there are no sources of ignition, such as heat, sparks or other forms of energy.

A Pyroban certificate is awarded if the truck is deemed safe and passes all checks. After three years of operation, an EX-ASA+ inspection may also be required. Pyroban advises that an EX-ASA is carried out each year from new, and that buyers and sellers of used Pyroban equipment should insist that an EX-ASA or EX-ASA+ is carried out before it is redeployed in an explosive atmosphere.

Darren said: “If there is an explosion resulting from the use of a second hand explosion proof truck, an investigation will look at the history, service regimes, parts used, if the engineer was trained and when it was last audited by an independent inspector. Despite any business loss, insurance may be invalidated and it could lead to prosecution.”

Contact Pyroban on 01273 466200 www.pyroban.com

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