ATEX Certified IR thermography cameras

With the release of the ATEX Certified IR thermography cameras from Hawk continuous infrared operation within the Explosive Atmosphere without permits or supplementary safety kit is possible.

The primary legislation applying to the control of substances that can cause fires and explosions in the workplace is the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) (SI 2002 No.2776).

DSEAR requires employers to assess the risks of fires and explosions that may be caused by dangerous substances in the workplace.

These risks must then be eliminated or reduced as far as is reasonably practicable.

The aim is to protect employees and other people who may be put at risk, such as visitors to the workplace and members of the public.

In locations where explosive atmospheres may occur (ATEX requirements), DSEAR places additional duties on employers, including: identifying and classifying (zoning) areas where potentially explosive atmospheres may occur and avoiding ignition sources in zoned areas, in particular those from electrical and mechanical equipment.

Traditionally electrical equipment utilised within Explosive Atmospheres employed technology to either; (a) limit the available fault energy to a level less than that required for ignition (Instrinsic Safety) or (b) contain an explosion within an enclosure, designed such that the initial explosion was contained and hence could not propagate (flameproof).

In addition the surface temperature "rating" of equipment used within the hazardous area, know as the T-Rating, was specified and checked as being lower than the auto ignition point of the corresponding Explosive Atmosphere.

In order to comply with DSEAR and ATEX requirements employers have an obligation to avoid the ignition of explosive atmospheres.

This obligation includes routine verification of "in-service" equipment operating within the designated T-Class and involved hundreds if not thousands of point measurements of mechanical and electrical equipment as part of the verification process.

IR thermography can accomplish this goal simply and easily by providing real time imagery of both electrical and mechanical equipment whilst live and on-load in a normal operating condition providing instant indication of problem areas for further investigation, efficiently over large areas......

So what's the catch? Until recently IR cameras were not available as ATEX Certified equipment and hence lengthy hot-work permits along with gas-detection equipment were required for brief periods of operation within the Explosive Atmosphere, making the adoption of this technology unattractive.

With the release of the Ex|CAM range continuous infrared operation within the Explosive Atmosphere without the need for permits or supplementary safety equipment is now possible.

Specifically designed onboard features immediately indicate potential problem areas such as bearings, pumps, motors and electrical equipment as operating with a surface temperature above that designated by the operator as maximum for that area.

The availability of tough, ATEX approved IR cameras mean that it is no longer acceptable to utilise a delicate safe area IR cameras to perform tasks within an explosive atmosphere.

Using IR thermography within an Explosive Atmosphere heralds a new era for both predictive maintenance and safety, helping employers to comply with legal requirements whilst increasing productivity.

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