A forklift converted by Pyroban used in a zone 1 potentially explosive atmosphere.

Explosion-proof specialist Pyroban Ltd has won its largest single explosion-proof forklift order from a European company in the food and flavours industry.

Details of the contract were confidential but a Pyroban statement said the company would convert 90 forklifts that would be used in a warehouse and manufacturing and processing areas.

The forklifts for warehouse applications will be protected with Pyroban's System 5000E gas protection. The system gives visual and audible warnings, followed by a shutdown of equipment operations before an explosive atmosphere develops. The system won the UK Fork Lift Truck Association's safety award in 2002.

Forklifts operating in manufacturing and processing areas will be supplied with Pyroban's passive gas/vapour and powder/dust protection.

Malcolm Davis, Pyroban sales & marketing director, said many Pyroban customers had fleets of more than 100 forklifts but seldom ordered simultaneous conversions.

"This is the largest single explosion-proof order Pyroban has been involved in," he said.

The contract included an option for Pyroban to conduct annual audits of the forklifts' explosion-proof systems to manage the risk of the systems being compromised.

All converted forklifts comply with the EU ATEX 94/9/EC equipment directive. The conversion ensures the forklifts will not be a source of ignition when working in storage and processing areas with flammable material.

Pyroban Ltd has been involved in the materials handling market since 1972. Its manufacturing plants are in the UK and the Netherlands and its main markets are Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Toyota, BT, Jungheinrich, Yale, Mitsubishi and Caterpillar are among forklift manufacturers that have approved Pyroban's explosion-proof systems.