Many people work in harsh conditions that are naturally conducive to fires, or even explosions. In some professions, the need for intrinsically safe lights (explosion-proof) is obvious, but not always. Let's take a look at this kind of lighting and discover who can benefit from it.
What Does Intrinsically Safe Mean?
An intrinsically safe, or explosion-proof, light is specially designed for use in areas with fire or explosion hazards. For example, our fluorescent Explosion Proof lights can be used in Class 1, Division 1, and Class 2, Division 1 work environments. But what does this mean?
Class 1 Division 1
This includes an area where you transfer volatile liquids or gasses from container to container. It can include painting booths, fuel storage tanks, rail cars and many other areas.
Class 2 Division 1
This covers areas with flammable dusts that can be ignited by a spark. Class II, Division 1 areas include grain storage, saw mills, Ethanol plants and many other areas.
Who Needs Explosion-Proof Lighting?
If there is a possibility of a fire or explosion in your work area, you certainly want to remove as many risk variables as possible take chances. Safety lighting is one of the best investments you can make. Here are some jobs that should have explosion-proof lighting:
- Mechanics - automotive technicians work around gasoline and gasoline vapors. It's easy to spill gasoline on hot engine components.
- Painters - if you spray paint in a confined area, you increase your chances of fires and explosions.
- Clean rooms - especially important if chemicals are used in manufacturing, or experiments.
- Lumber/paper mills – wood dust can be explosive.
- Grain storage facilities - grain dust can be explosive.
- Other areas - if there is a remote possibility of exposure to flammable liquids, fumes, or dust, you should err on the side of caution and use Explosion Proof Lights.
To learn more about our lighting products contact us today: 260-824-3627.