While it is commonly known that danger exists almost everywhere, did you know that a danger classification exists? It is true that traffic is full of hazards and innocent games and sports can end up in serious injury. Water and fire present dangers as do gases and fumes. Weapons and ammunition, even those used in kids’ games, could turn out to be physically destructive. That is not all. Industries and chemical processes, manufacturing, and construction make use of potentially dangerous and flammable raw materials. Zone 1/Division 1 refers to some of those serious dangers and approved devices. ATEX certification indicates that the devices have tested in those harsh conditions and succeeded. A prize for the most effective security device would select CCTV. Though they are generally delicate, the sturdy Explosion proof camera tolerates extremes of weather. The exceptionally strong body made of steel perhaps prevents sparks from spreading and starting a fire that could lead to explosions. Zone 1 camera construction specifically caters to those dangerous environments where monitoring work processes is needed without the camera itself becoming a source of danger.
Basically, an explosion requires 3 conditions. Flammable gas or vapor, dust or mist in a concentrated form could ignite into flame. Sufficient oxygen must combine with flammable materials to produce an explosion. Further, a source of ignition like intense heat or a spark leads to the explosion. Explosions, especially in crowded areas, could cause extensive damage leading to loss of lives or serious injury. Working people and the public along with the environment are at risk. Machinery and property, money, and documents may be lost. A number of guidelines confirmed by certifications make efforts to mitigate the danger. The USA and the European Union have specified how the danger can be dealt with. While cameras carry out extensive monitoring even in remoteness where workers and transport will not reach, it is obvious that many devices and machinery need to be converted to explosion-proof configurations for safety.
A company in the UK carries out such safety conversions. Explosion-proof Lift trucks and reach trucks, pallet, and stacker trucks become so much safer for the work environment. Similarly, scissor lifts and cranes, access platforms, scrubber driers, and tractors undergo ATEX standard conversions for Zone 1, among others. ATEX is a globally recognized hallmark that distinguishes devices capable of withstanding extreme conditions.
While UL Class 1 refers to flammable gases, vapors, and liquids, Class 2 includes combustible dust. Class 3 refers to ignitable fibers. UL Divisions for Operating Conditions classify Division 1 where flammable substances are constantly present or likely to exist. Division 2 indicates that flammables may not be present under normal operating conditions. ATEX cites Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2 conditions. In Zone 0, an explosive environment consisting of gas, vapor, or mist constantly occurs or for long periods. Zone 1 refers to situations where the gas, vapor, or mist occurs sometimes. Zone 2 refers to areas where the gas, vapor, or mist probably do not occur in normal operations or appear for short durations only. Commonly, one hears of 3 kinds of hazards. They are Health Hazards, Physical Hazards, and Environmental Hazards.
• Specific Health Hazards refer to acute toxicity, skin and eye irritants, carcinogenicity, aspiration toxicity, and reproductive toxicity.
• Some severe examples of Physical Hazards are explosives, flammable gases, and flammable liquids. Pyrophoric solids and liquids, along with self-heating substances and organic peroxides, are among them.
• Environmental Hazards refer to acute and chronic aquatic toxicity, among others.
Digital wonders and the cloud infrastructure have provided immense relief through a variety of security cameras that monitor 24/7 numerous industries like oil and gas. The Explosion-proof camera fulfills an essential need. Install the Zone 1 camera in such sensitive environments.
• In the US, NEC (National Electric Code) and HAZLOC (Hazardous Locations), according to classes, divisions.
• In Europe, IEC (International Electro-technical Commission) classifies HAZLOC by zones.
• In North America, UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
• In the EU, ATEX classifies products
• Outside EU, it is IEC Ex (International Electro-technical Commission)
By exposing us to dangers all our lives, manufacturing and business processes cannot be left to chance, especially now amidst the pandemic and the aftermath. Isn’t it better to wake up to the dangers before it is too late? With prevention being the primary target, start the process of installing explosion-proof devices sooner rather than later. Perhaps upgrades are long overdue. While the Explosion-proof camera and the Zone 1 camera have so much to offer by monitoring environments from a distance, other equipment may also need the explosion-proof tag. A new organization has much research to do compared to older companies. Budgets required would become a wise investment rather than a luxury since bitter fiascos may be prevented. Working with a sense of safety improves confidence and productivity for brighter futures.
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