Pyroban has put plant equipment on the explosion proof map, said MAP Plant, an equipment hire company.

All types of vehicles and equipment are required to operate within hazardous areas where explosive atmospheres exist, the company said in a statement.

Essex (UK)-based MAP Plant is one of nine specialist companies in the Anderson Group that supplies a range of plant equipment for industries including oil refineries and petrochemical sites where explosion risks may be present.

Map Plant’s equipment is specially adapted by Pyroban so that it is not a source of ignition and complies with ATEX safety legislation (Europe). It is then supplied to the customer with a full back up and support service including training and servicing.

“It is essential that our customers have the peace of mind that any equipment they hire from us will meet the operational and safety requirements of customers from a wide range of industry sectors,” said Map Plant spokesperson Ann Harding.

To modify and certify equipment for use in hazardous areas, Map Plant works with explosion protection specialist Pyroban. Every single component on the equipment is assessed to see if it could cause an ignition from a hot surface or energy such as sparks. 

Pyroban either replaces or modifies the components so that the complete unit cannot be the source of an ignition.

“Having looked at several alternative explosion protection companies, we opted for Pyroban.  For such a significant safety issue, it is essential to work with a qualified and experienced company,” said Ann Harding.

One UK oil refinery that Map Plant supplies, required modifications to their vehicles to ensure suitability to work on construction and maintenance operations in zone 1 areas. 

Recent projects at the site include dumpers, excavators and various JCB equipment.  According to Pyroban, virtually any industrial equipment can be converted to operate safely in zone 1, 2, 21 or 22 areas.

“Working with MAP Plant has provided a great opportunity for us to raise the awareness of the work we do across a range of equipment, not just forklift truck conversions,” said Customer Services Manager at Pyroban Darren Boiling.

To support equipment in operation, engineers have been trained and certified by Pyroban to ensure that equipment is maintained safely, the company said.

Equipment is delivered to site safe, but it must be maintained correctly to ensure it continues to be safe.  Pyroban also provides EX-Annual Safety Audits by CompEx trained technicians, it added. – TradeArabia News Service