With increasing frequency, insect killers will be called upon to install fly control units in dangerous, even potentially explosive, areas.
So how can you be sure you’re using the right units for such critical areas? To meet the requirements of the ATEX directive, PestWest has specialized in the manufacture of two fly control units suitable for areas likely to present explosion hazards: the Chameleon® 4×4 EX and more recently the Chameleon® EXG X with Quantum® X LED technology.
These units operate on the principle that most flying insects are attracted to light, particularly the ultraviolet (UV) end of the light spectrum. This light is invisible to humans, however, the lamps emit a blue glow indicating they are working. Flying insects will be caught on a sticky board. For obvious reasons, the use of EFK (Electronic Fly Killer), which may be responsible for causing ignition sparks, is not permitted in potentially explosive areas.
Electrical equipment is potentially hazardous in areas where flammable gases, vapors or suspended dust particles come into contact with air, creating a potentially explosive atmosphere. An explosion will occur if these three elements combine:
- Oxygen (in the air)
- Flammable substance (gas, vapor or dust)
- Source of ignition (flame, spark, electric arc, high temperature)
There are various substances classified as potentially explosive, particularly in food manufacturing and the pharmaceutical industry. This includes gases or vapors from solvents, alcohol, powder or dust from corn flour, wheat flour, milk and sugar. Therefore, there is a potential explosion hazard in areas where these substances are produced, processed or stored.
Under normal circumstances, an explosion hazard area is not explosive, however, it can become explosive if there is, for example, a spark occurring or a (fly control) device overheating. Therefore, the use of electrical appliances can become dangerous. For this reason, it is vital that ALL electronic equipment that is going to be used in a potentially explosive environment complies with the ATEX directive.
ATEX is the name commonly given to the two European directives for controlling explosive atmospheres:
Directive 99/92/EC (also known as ATEX 137 or the ATEX Workplaces Directive) on minimum requirements to improve the protection of the health and safety of workers potentially exposed to explosive atmospheres .
Directive 94/9/EC (also known as ATEX 95 or the ATEX Equipment Directive) on the approximation of the laws of the EU Member States relating to protective equipment and systems intended for use in atmospheres potentially explosive.
Employers must classify areas where hazardous explosive atmospheres may occur into zones. The classification given to a particular zone, and its size and location, depends on the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere occurring and its persistence if it does:
Employers must classify areas where hazardous explosive atmospheres can occur as zones. The classification assigned to a particular area, as well as its size and location, depends on the probability of occurrence of an explosive atmosphere and its persistence if it occurs:
| Gas | Dust | Definition |
|---|---|---|
|
|
20
|
Areas in which an explosive atmosphere is present continuously or for long periods or frequently.
|
|
1
|
21
|
Areas in which an explosive atmosphere may occasionally occur during normal operation.
|
|
2
|
22
|
Areas in which an explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur during normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.
|
Before a workplace containing classified areas is put into use for the first time, the employer must ensure that the overall explosion safety measures are verified to be safe. Additionally, the employer’s risk assessment must ensure the following:
- Explosion risk assessment
- Guarantee of safety in the workplace
- Potentially explosive areas must be properly categorized
This must be done by a competent person or organization to consider these particular workplace hazards, and the adequacy of the explosion control and other measures put in place. Classification should not be performed by a pest control company unless a team member is specifically qualified to perform such an assessment.
Additionally, equipment and protective systems intended for use in classified areas should be selected to meet these requirements.
Electrical devices with ATEX certification can also be divided into categories in relation to their equipment group code:
| Gas | Vapour | Dust | Presence of explosive atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
1G
|
20
|
1 Probable
|
|
1
|
2G
|
21
|
2 D Occasionally
|
|
2
|
3G
|
22
|
3 D Barely/short term
|
The Chameleon® EXG flour mills. One of the main protective features of the Chameleon® EXG Additionally, the Chameleon® EXG
Currently, PestWest is the only reputable manufacturer offering a fly control unit certified to the above standard with more durable and energy efficient LED tube technology.
In conclusion, not all EX classifications are created equal. Therefore, it is vital to rely on independently certified quality units from trustworthy manufacturers like PestWest so that your customers are in safe hands!
