Do you really want to find out?

Currently we are involved in various applications involving Exproof equipment and have a real concern about the aparant ignorance of some people on legal obligations under ATEX and duty of care. this isn't only on the operators and customer side- but seems to be in general within the industry.

Other than a select few specialists - and the obvious beneficiaries (manufacturers of Exproof equipment) who are trying to 'spread the word' - the indication i am getting is that ignorance is bliss.

Having seen the testing process on some of the approved suppliers of Exproof equipment - you can only deduce that there is an added protection level to standard equipment which will have the effect of preventing or containing any explosion occuring PROVIDING it has been properly operated and properly maintained.

It is majorly important to understand WHAT the risk is - what the flash points and ignition temperatures are of the items stored, aswell as the likelyhood of an explosive atmosphere being present.

Absolutely no benefit to putting a Zone 2 truck into a Zone 1 area- and thinking you are protected. Similarly if the T class is insufficient the truck is STILL an ignition point and probably more dangerous than an unprotected truck as you have lulled the operator into believing he is safe.

We are still seing customers trying to find a 'cheap solution' at the risky expense of being non compliant to ATEX/DSEAR and unscrupulous dealers providing non-Atex compliant rental equipment on short term hire.

In answer to the question - I believe that Exprrof trucks are safe when properly specified, operated and maintained