PDQIE - PDQ Industrial Electric
Explosion-Proof and Toxic Environments
Explosive Atmospheres in
Industries
A wide range of industries are at risk
from flammable gas, vapours, powders and dusts; petrochemical, chemical,
pharmaceutical, gas cylinder and aerosol filling and storage, manufacture
and storage of solvents, paints, adhesives, explosives, varnishes, alcohols, perfumes,
cosmetics, foods, flavours, grain elevators, laboratories, paint spray booths, etc. This type of companies should all be aware that there is a risk of an explosive atmosphere being generated during a normal working day.
Diesel and electric industrial vehicles are required to work in these
areas but are a potential source of ignition. The consequences of
ignition may be disastrous, resulting in loss of life and the destruction of a site. This means that employers have a number of obligations based on an assessment of the risks involved.
Potential
source of ignition from battery electric vehicles:
● Arcing and sparking of unprotected electrical components.
● Hot
surfaces on motor and brakes.
● Sparks from static build up or friction.
● Leakage currents.
● Mechanically generated sparks from forks or brakes.
Potential
source of ignition from diesel powered vehicles:
● Flames or sparks from the exhaust system.
● Flames from the air inlet system.
● Surface temperature of the exhaust system and other components (including
brakes).
● Arcs and sparks from unprotected electrical equipment.
● Sparks from a discharge of static energy or from friction.
Employer’s Obligations
Due to the potential dangers, European
Law, ATEX 1999/92/EC1), sets out the
minimum requirements for the safety and Health Protection of workers
potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.
This means that employers have a number of
obligations and in order to comply with them the truck user
need to carry out a risk assessment and classify
hazardous areas into zones.
(1) Also known as ATEX 137, or the
Worker Protection Directives.
Employer’s
obligations (overview)
● Prevent the formation of explosive atmospheres in
the workplace or avoid the ignition of explosive atmospheres.
● Conduct a risk assessment including the likelihood of explosive amospheres and a source of ignition.
● Classify the workplaces into zones depending on the frequency and time that an explosive atmosphere is present.
● Mark areas with signs at points of entry (see sign below).
● Create and maintain an explosive protection document.
● Select ATEX 94/9/EC complaint equipment according to the intended zones.
Explosive Environment
Working areas at risk are
classified into different zones.
Zone 1 and 2 are for
Gas / Vapor Environments
Zone
21 and 22 are for Dust / Powder
Environments
● Zone 1 (21), for a place where an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.
● Zone 2 (22) where an explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.
Call PDQIE to Add Electrochemical Sensors to Your Monitoring
System (877) PDQ-4-FIX
Carbon
Monoxide, Toxic Fumes and Acidic Vapors
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Electrochemical Sensors
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pH
Air Monitors
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Passive Dosimeter Badges
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Fresh Air Supply
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Chemical Leaks-Spills
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Chemical
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Aka
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Vapor Refernce
Guide Safety Profile
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| Acetic Acid |
Vinegar Acid,
Ethannoic Acid, Methanecarboxylic Acid |
Moderately toxic by various routes. Severe eye and skin irritant. Can cause burns,
lachrymation, and conjunctivitis.Human systemic effects by ingestion: changes in the esophagus,
ulceration, bleeding from the small and large intestine and Mucous membrane irritant.Mutation data
reported |
| Acetone |
Dimethyl ketone,
2-propanone,
pyroacetic ether |
Irritant to the eyes and mucous membranes. At very high concentrations it is a central
nervous system depressant. Has been found to potentiate the toxicity of other solvents. |
| Benzene |
Benzol,
cyclohexatriene |
Acute exposure can cause central nervous system depression. Chronic exposure results
in depression of hematopoietic system and is associated with the incidence of leukemia and myeloma.
Aplastic anemia, thrombocythemia, bone-marrow hyperplasia and lymphoid tumors are also associated
with chronic exposure. |
| Butyl Acetate |
Butyl ethanoate,
butyl ester |
Irritation of mucous membranes and the eyes. At high concentrations causes narcosis.
Severe nose and throat irritation |
| Chloroform |
Trichloromethane |
A central nervous system depressant and hepatotoxin. Renal and cardiac damage also may
occur. Symptoms include progressive weakness, prolonged vomiting, delirium, coma, and death.
Increased serum bilirubin, ketosis, lowered blood prothrombin, and fibrinogen are reported. |
| Cidex OPA |
Cidex OPA |
Poison by ingestion, intravenous, and intraperitoneal routes. Moderately toxic by
inhalation, skin contact, and subcutaneous routes. Experimental tertogenic and reproductive
effects. Mutation data reported. A severe eye and human skin irritant. When heated to
decomposition, it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. |
| Cyclohexane |
Hexahydrobenzene, benzene hexahydride, hexamethylene |
Irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes. Causes narcosis at high concentrations.
May cause dizziness, nausea, and unconciousness. Defats the skin on repeated contact |
| Ethyl Acetate |
Acetic ether,
ethyl ester,
ethyl ethanoate |
Causes respiratory tract irritation. Produces narcosis at very high concentrations.
Nose and throat irritation. Inflammation of the mucous membranes and in eczematous eruptions. |
| Ethyl Alcohol |
Ethanol,
algrain,
anhydrol,
ethyl hydrate,
ethyl hydroxide |
Chronic exposure to vapor may result in irritation of eyes and mucous membranes,
headache, and symptoms of central nervous system depression. Chronic pulmonary edema or congestion
may result. Some fetotoxicity has been observed, as well as, liver tumors and degeneration. |
| Ethylene Oxide |
12/88,
100% ET0,
Amprolene,
Nproline,
Dihydroaxirene, Dimethylene oxide, Epoxyethane,
Ethene Oxide,
Oxacyclopropane,
Oxane,
Oxidoethane,
Oxidoethane,
Oxirane,
Oxyfume,
T-Gas
|
Confirmed human carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic, tumorigenic and
neoplastigenic date. Poison by ingestion, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intravenous, and possibly
other routes. Moderately toxic by inhalation. Human systemic effects by inhalation: convulsions,
nausea, vomiting, olfactory and pulmonary changes. Experimental teratogenic and reproductive
effects. Mutation data reported. A skin and eye irritant. An irritant to mucous membranes of
respiratory tract. High concentrations can cause pulmonary edema |
| Formaldehyde |
Formalin 40,
Formalith,
Formic Aldehyde,
Formol,
Fyde,
HOCH,
Ivalon,
Karsan,
Lysoform,
Methanal, Methylaldehyde Methylene Glycol, Formalin,
Methylene Oxide, Morbocid, Oxymethene,
Paraform, Polyoxmethylene Gylcols, Superlysoform |
Confirmed human carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic, tumorigenic and teratogenic
data. Human poison by ingestion. Experimental poison by ingestion, skin contact, inhalation,
intravenous, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous routes. Human systemic effects by inhalation:
lacrimation, olfactory changes, aggression, and pulmonary changes. Experimental reproductive
effects. Human mutation data reported. Most common cause of occupational skin disease. An air
concentration of 10ppm is quickly irritating to eyes. Between 10 ppm to 20 ppm it becomes difficult
to take a normal breath. Repeated exposure to 2 ppm to 3 ppm may allow some tolerance to
occur. |
| Glutaraldehyde |
Cidex, Procide, Sonacide,
Wavacide,
Omnicide,
Glut, Glutaral |
Poison by ingestion, intravenous, and intraperitoneal routes. Moderately toxic by
inhalation, skin contact, and subcutaneous routes. Experimental teratogenic and reproductive
effects. Mutation data reported. A severe eye and human skin irritant. When heated to
decomposition, it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes |
| Halogenated Agents |
Enflurane-Ethrane, Isoflurane-Forane, Desflurane-Suprane, Halothane-Fluothane,
Sevoflurane-Ultane |
Exposure to Enflurane, Isoflurane and Desflurane can cause irritation of the eyes,
nose, mouth, and throat. Overexposure can cause headaches, drowsiness, unconsciousness and death.
Contact may irritate the skin, cause itching or scratching, drying or cracking. Enflurane and
Isoflurane are potent respiratory depressants and can impair cardiac performance. Oral ingestion or
inhalation of Halothane can cause systematic toxicity. Clinical signs include excitement initially
followed later by unconsciousness and death from respiratory paralysis. Renal, cardiac and
hepatoxicity have been reported. |
| Hydrogen Peroxide |
n/a |
Irritant to eyes, mucous membranes, and skin. Severe systematic poisoning may cause
headache, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, numbness, convulsions, pulmonary edema,
unconscious and shock |
| Isopropyl Alcohol |
Isopropanol,
2-Propanol, Diamethylcarbinol |
Moderately toxic to humans by unspecified route. Moderately toxic experimentally by
intravenous and intraperitoneal routes. Mildly toxic by skin contact. Human systemic effects by
ingestion or inhalation: flushing. pulse rate decrease, blood pressure lowering, anesthesia,
narcosis, headache, dizziness, mental depression, hallucinations, distorted perceptions, dyspnea,
respiratory depression, nausea or vomiting, coma. Experimental teratogenic and reproductive
effects. Mutation data reported. An eye and skin irritant. Questionable carcinogen |
| Methyl Alcohol |
Methanol,
wood spirit,
carbinol,
wood alcohol,
wood naptha,
methylol |
Optic neuropathy, metabolic acidosis, and respiratory depression can result. Will
cause lesions of the cornea dermatitis, erythema, and scaling. Gastrointestinal disturbances may
cause convulsions. Specific developmental abnormalities in central nervous system and
musculoskeletal system. |
| Methyl Ethyl Ketone |
2-Butanone,
ethyl methyl ketone, methyl acetone,
MEK |
Irritant to the eyes, mucous membranes, and skin. Can result in narcosis and
bronchopneumonia. Incidence of minor skeletal variation and delay in ossification of fetal bones.
May potentate substances known to cause neuropathy. |
| Methyl Methacrylate |
Diakon,
Methyl-2-Methl-2-Propenoate,
2-Methyl-2-
Propenoic Acid,
Methyl Ester |
Moderately toxic by inhalation and intraperitoneal routes. Mildly toxic by ingestion.
Human systemic effects by inhalation: sleep effects, excitement, anorexia, and blood pressure
decrease. Experimental teratogenic and reproductive effects. Mutation data reported. A skin and eye
irritant. Questionable carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic data. A common air
contaminant. |
| Methylene Chloride |
DCM, Dichloromethane, Freone 30,
Methane Dichloride, Methylene Bichloride, Methylene Dichloride |
Confirmed carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic and tumorigenic data. Poison by
intravenous route. Moderately toxic by ingestion, subcutaneous, and intraperitoneal routes. Mildly
toxic by inhalation. Human systemic effects by ingestion and inhalation: parathesia, somnolence,
altered sleep time, convulsions, euphoria, and change in cardiac rate. An experimental teratogen.
Experimental reproductive effects. An eye and severe skin irritant. Human mutation data reported.
It is flammable in the range of 12-19% in air but ignition is difficult. |
| Nitrous Oxide |
N2O, Nitrous |
Current scientific evidence suggests that chronic exposure to low concentrations of
anesthetic agents increase the risk of spontaneous abortion in female workers and congenial
abnormalities in offspring of female workers and wives of male workers. Risks of hepatic and renal
diseases are also increased among exposed personnel. Physiological functions may be impaired. A few
studies suggest an increased risk of cancer. Effects on the central nervous system due to acute
exposure of anesthetic gases have been associated with headaches, nausea, fatigue, and
irritability. |
| Perchloroethlyene |
Tetrachloroethylene, Perc |
Confirmed carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic, neoplastigenic, and teratogenic
data. Experimental poison by intravenous route. Moderately toxic to humans by inhalation, with the
following effects: local anesthetic, conjunctiva irritation, general anesthesia, hallucinations,
distorted perceptions, coma and pulmonary changes. Moderately experimentally toxic by ingestion,
inhalation, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous routes. An experimental teratogen. Experimental
reproductive effects. Human mutation data reported. An eye and severe skin irritant. The liquid can
cause injuries to the eyes; however, with proper precautions it can be handles safely. The symptoms
of acute intoxication from this material are the result of its effects upon the nervous system. Can
cause dermatitis, particularly after repeated or prolonged contact with the skin. Irritates
gastrointestinal tract upon ingestion. |
| Phenol |
Benzenol,
Phenol Alcohol, Hydroxybenzene, Phenyl Hydroxide |
Experimental poison by ingestion, subcutaneous, intravenous, parenteral, and
intraperitoneal routes. Moderately toxic by skin contact. Questionable carinogen with experimental
carcinogenic and neoplastigenic data. Experimental teratogenic and reproductive effects. Mutation
data reported. A severe eye and human skin irritant. When heated to decomposition, it emits acrid
smoke and irritating fumes. |
| Toluene |
Methyl Benzene, Methacide,
Toluol |
Poison by intraperitoneal route. Moderately toxic by intravenous, subcutaneous, and
possibly other routes. Mildly toxic by inhalation. Human systemic effects by inhalation. CNS
recording changes, hallucinations or distorted perceptions, motor activity changes, antipsychotic,
psychophysical test changes and bone marrow changes. Experimental teratogenic and reproductive
effects. Mutation data reported. A human eye irritant An experimental skin and severe eye irritant
At 200-500ppm, headache, nausea, eye irritation, loss of appetite, a bad taste, lassitude,
impaimlent of coordination and reaction time are reported, but are not usually accompanied by any
laboratory or physical finds of significance. With higher concentrations, the above complaints are
increased and in addition, anemia, leukopenia and enlarged liver may be found in rare cases. A
common air contaminant. |
| Trichloroethylene |
TCE,
acetylene trichloride, ethylene trichloride |
Primarily a central nervous depressant. Ventricular arrhythmias and death from cardiac
arrest have occurred. Dizziness, light-headedness, lethargy, and impairment of visual motor
response. |
| Xylene |
Xylol, Dimethylbenzene, Xylenen,
Methyl Toluene,
Xylole |
Moderately toxic by intraperitoneal and subcutaneous route. Mildly toxic by ingestion
and inhalation. Human systemic effects by inhalation: olfactory changes, conjunctiva irritation and
pulmonary changes. Experimental teratogenic and reproductive effects. Mutation data reported. A
human eye irritant. An experimental skin and severe eye irritant. Some temporary corneal effects
are noted, as well as some conjunctival irritation by instillation (adding drops to the eye one at
a time). Irritation can start at 200ppm. A very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or
flame. |
In case of an Event, Immediately contact Your Local
Hazardous-Medical Authority
Call PDQIE for Your Facility Safety Review (877)
PDQ-4-FIX
|
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