Clearly see danger
August 1st 2005 It is essential for the safety and efficiency of those operating within confined working spaces to have the correct portable lighting equipment, especially in areas where potentially explosive gasses, vapours and mists may be present.
Many people underestimate the importance of lighting and are unaware of the correct levels required for safe working, frequently making do with too little.
For those operating within the confined spaces of a storage vessel or fuel tank, for example, the natural light from a small opening will be nowhere near sufficient; putting them at greater risk of having an accident.
With enhanced illumination the improved visibility allows potential hazards to be spotted long before they become dangerous. Improved lighting also makes it easier for users to do their jobs and can significantly reduce downtime.
If operating in a hostile environment it is imperative to ensure your equipment is compliant with the ATEX (94/9/EC) directive, which governs the safe use of equipment in hazardous environments. Without this users run the risk of operating incorrect equipment, where a single spark could easily cause an explosion. To identify ATEX certified products look for those bearing the EX and CE markings.
The ATEX directives were implemented for the prevention of incident and protection of workers operating in hazardous areas and to ensure all equipment used in dangerous atmospheres operated safely. They also set out to provide an accurate assessment of the explosion risks present by identifying and classifying places where explosive atmospheres may occur. Under the ATEX 94/9/EC directive explosive atmospheres are defined as consisting of groups (i) mining and (ii) surface non-mining and offshore installations; Zones 0, 1 and 2 for gases vapours and mists; and Zones 20, 21 and 22 for dusts.
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) also required employers to assess the risk of fires and explosions occurring, but as a result of dangerous substances in the workplace. DSEAR’s work was instrumental in the creation of the ATEX (1999/92/EC) directive set up to cover the working practices of individuals in these areas. It required employers to provide prevention and protection against explosions. Currently those whose sites were in operation before 30th June 2003 now have until 30th June 2006 to fully comply with this directive. SA Equipment has specifically developed a range of ATEX compliant worklights, handlamps and torches for these conditions. These products are manufactured using the latest hi-tech polymers and anti-static coatings, to prevent the possibility of sparks and ensure that the equipment can be operated safely without comprising effectiveness. For hostile confined space working SA’s SLAM Hornet Vessel Entry Kit and SLAM Zero 3X3 LED worklight systems are ideal.
Featuring four SLAM Hornet Ex-rated worklights and a lightweight yet rugged transformer the SLAM Hornet Vessel Entry Kit produces a light output of 23,200 lumens in a 360-degree spread to totally transform working areas with even illumination. Highly robust with replaceable anti-static protective films to protect the lamps, its worklights have even continued working under several feet of water. Hanging straps and magnetic and scaffold brackets are also available, to allow the worklights to be lowered and suspended into a confined space for minimal interference to the worker.
In the highest risk Zone O areas, products must provide the highest levels of safety and reliability possible. SA’s SLAM Zero 3X3 LED worklight was specifically developed for these conditions. Its highly robust, slim and lightweight worklight contains three ultra high power LEDs in its lamp unit, to provide powerful all-round lighting. In addition, by utilising LED technology the SLAM Zero worklight offers an almost limitless lamp lifespan for increased reliability.
Handlamps with strong beams, which can be fastened to a users’ clothing are also invaluable for confined space working. The ultra-lightweight ML800ATEX safety handlamp from SA Equipment is perfect. It offers one of the brightest beams available from a compact handlamp and an extremely slim profile for effective attachment to a belt or clothing, leaving users’ hands free.
A final area of consideration for confined space working is a product’s in-built safety features, which can help to ensure users are not left stranded. The ML800 incorporates four LED indicators on its lamp, which provide invaluable battery charge status information over four 25% stages, while a low charge warning device and last chance indicator blinks the light beam every fifteen seconds to warn users before the battery charge is exhausted.
SA’s EX250 and EX200R safety torches also include a range of safety features. Firstly, a self-locking lamp module within each torch enables the lamp to be replaced safely while working within a hazardous area.
In addition, each torch holds two spare bulbs in the base cap for added peace of mind. More articles from S A Equipment: | 
