Moving loads in ATEX applications

Explosive atmospheres in the workplace can be caused by flammable gases, mists or vapours or by combustible dusts. If there is enough of the substance present, mixed with air, then all it needs is source of ignition, such as an electrical spark, to cause an explosion.

Preventing the source of ignition is minimised by using the correct equipment in the hazardous area. Examples of hazardous areas in the workplace include vehicle paint spraying and handling fine organic dusts such as grain flour and wood.

What is ATEX, ATEX 137, ATEX 95?

ATEX is the name commonly given to the two European Directives for controlling explosive atmospheres:

1) Directive 99/92/EC (also known as ‘ATEX 137’ or the ‘ATEX Workplace Directive’) on minimum requirements for improving the health and safety protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.

2) Directive 94/9/EC (also known as ‘ATEX 95’ or ‘the ATEX Equipment Directive’) on the approximation of the laws of Members States concerning equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

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We offer all of our electric tugs independently modified and certified so they are safe for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, that is to say they are modified and certified according to the European ATEX standards and supplied with the necessary ATEX certification.

For our Oil and Gas Industry customers we can also facilitate that our electric tugs are painted to the Offshore O&G standard with independent NACE inspection, as well as being certified to ATEX II 2G IIB T3 standard.

The external design of our tugs often has to change, usually becoming slightly larger, as a consequence of the internal electrical components (such as the drive motor and motor controller) having to be enclosed in spark-proof housings.

As far as is possible, we minimise the changes to the external size and appearance of the machines, thereby ensuring that our range of application-specific attachments may be fitted to each machine.