Preparing for the EN1755 update – are you ready?
The EU standard to which explosion protected forklifts are designed is changing. Steve Noakes from Pyroban says that EN1755:2015 will have a significant impact on equipment intended for use in Zone 2 hazardous areas where static is now considered a “normal” occurrence.
“The new EN1755:2015 standard for explosion protected forklifts will be mandatory from November 2017,” confirms Steve Noakes from leading explosion protection conversion company Pyroban. “Forklift suppliers and OEMs need to be aware of the changes well in advance.”
EN1755:2015 is the standard by which conversion companies, like Pyroban, convert forklift trucks, so that they are safe for operation in hazardous areas. A spark from unprotected electrical equipment on a forklift, excess heat from the engine, motors, brakes and other components, and even a spark from static build up can create enough energy to cause ignition.
“It is the responsibility of the conversion company to follow the correct standards in order to comply with the ATEX 2014/34/EU Directive* and enable the equipment to be placed safely and legally into the market for use in a hazardous area,” he says. “Explosion protected forklifts are used throughout the chemical, defence, food and drink supply chains and in various manufacturing and logistics businesses.”
The update to EN1755:2015 titled “Safety of industrial trucks. Operation in potentially explosive atmospheres. Use in flammable gas, vapour, mist and dust”, brings together the latest market knowledge and solutions and references the latest standards which were not available when first issued in May 2000.
“EN1755:2015 clarifies and standardises the level of safety required for products on the market,” confirms Steve. “Requirements concerning static electricity will have a significant impact on trucks built or converted for Zone 2 operation (3G) from an end user and maintenance perspective.”
Static electricity will now be considered an ignition risk during “normal” operation, therefore seats, arm rests, roll up cabin sides and other externally accessible plastics need to be antistatic as a minimum. All tyres (where travel speeds are >6km/h) on 3G trucks should now also be antistatic and there must be conductivity to earth either with two straps from the chassis to ground or by using conductive tyres. The location and quantity of conductive tyres or earthing straps should also be marked on the chassis.
For Zone 2 applications, the new EN1755:2015 requirements have maintained the core principles of the current standard and brought them into line with relevant latest standards. Gas detection is still included, but performance requirements are strengthened to achieve Performance Level PLc (EN13849) or SIL 1. Testing has also been redefined for Ex nR restricted breathing enclosures which require stronger leak performance. Truck labelling has also been re-defined and the handbook requirements are more detailed.
Changes that affect all categories of equipment (2G, 3G, 2D and 3D**) include more detailed assessment of non-electrical components such as pumps and transmissions in line with EN13463***. Safety control systems should also meet EN13849**** or SIL 1.
For load handling devices such as forks or clamps, the areas requiring cladding are redefined and brass, not stainless steel, should be used where the flammable material is in the IIC gas group.
“Pyroban’s solutions already meet many of the new safety requirements, however we are implementing the full programme in phases during this transition,” says Steve. “We encourage forklift OEMs and dealers to engage with Pyroban early to ensure they are fully aware of their responsibilities and how these changes will affect them directly.”
EN1755:2015 is introduced in the wake of an update to the ATEX Directive and ISO 3691-1:2011 which clearly states that with regards to safety, unauthorised truck modification is not permitted and that no alterations should be made without the prior written approval of the original truck manufacturer.
“Explosion protection is a highly regulated market due to the nature of risks and the complexity of the technologies involved,” he says. “Pyroban’s strategy is to make the process of placing an explosion protected forklift into operation as easy and confident as possible for all brands of materials handling equipment.”
Visit www.pyroban.com.
