Hazardous industrial locations require specialized portable lighting to prevent explosions. Something as simple as flipping a hand lamp's switch to ON, or brushing its metal cage against a pipe can set off a chain of tragic events that costs countless lives and dollars in an industrial plant.
If you work with portable lighting in industrial locations here are a few things that can keep you safe.
1. What Is a Hazardous Location?
Basically, a hazardous industrial location is one that has the potential for an explosion due to a flammable atmosphere. For example, because of high levels of combustible fumes in a petrochemical plant, a small spark from a standard hand lamp can set off an explosion, as can the lamp's excessive heat.
2. Are There Codes For Explosionproof Hand Lamps?
Article 500 of the National Electric Code (NEC) designates the classifications that both fixed and portable explosionproof lights must meet, the principal difference being the proper use of flexible cords. OSHA Confined Space Portable Safety Lighting Systems (OSHA 29CFR1910.146) is also relevant to explosionproof portable lighting, as it applies to areas that contain a hazardous atmosphere. In confined space areas the user must also use low voltage (12 or less) or GFCI protected 120 V, per OSHA regulation 1926.405 (g).
3. What Makes Explosionproof Hand Lamps Unique?
Like standard versions, hazardous location hand lamps provide portable, high-lumen lighting for such applications as plant inspections and maintenance. However, they are engineered to satisfy the codes that apply to hazardous locations with exclusive features such as nonmetallic guards, nonsparking swivel hooks, watertight designs, and the ability to withstand extreme temperatures.
4. Who Should Use Explosionproof Hand Lamps?
The principal users of explosionproof hand lamps are facilities in the petrochemical, chemical, aerospace, military, marine, grain, and paint industries. Also, because of stronger OSHA requirements, municipalities frequently use them in sewers, vaults, hazardous waste cleanups, and power plant maintenance. Portable explosionproof lighting is used almost exclusively for inspections, maintenance, plant turnarounds, and tank cleanings/coatings.
New Lamp Solution
Electrical safety products supplier McGill has added an explosionproof, quad-tube fluorescent lamp with a 26 W rating and brightness of 1,800 lumens to its hand lamp family. Built to withstand corrosive, abusive environments, lamp has an impact-resistant, tempered glass globe and is completely watertight. Handle assembly protects the built-in 125 V ballast designed to operate on 50-60 Hz with recyclable thermal protection.
UL Listed (Class I, Groups C & D; Class II, Groups F & G), the lamp qualifies for use in oil refineries, chemical processing plants, waste treatment centers, and other hazardous locations, including inspection of railroad cars carrying potentially explosive materials.
