Torching news
Published: 01 January, 2007
The new L1 Zone 0 has been designed especially for use in hazardous atmospheres. This flashlight is said to be an extremely safe tool to work in high-risk areas. “We combined these hightech features with the design of one of our most recent Lights, the L1,” says Estefania Fenoy, marketing manager for Peli Products.
With similar features to the L1, the new L1 Zone 0 uses the new white LED technology, providing 10.000 hours of usage, 130 hours of burn time and using four replaceable LR44 alkaline coin cells,” comments Estefania. Being an L1 means that it contains a convenient end switch for momentary blink or continuous light that can be used with only one hand. Also it is very comfortable to use because the design has been adapted to the shape of fingers when switching it on or off. It is supplied with a break-away safety neck lanyard for better handling.
“The Zone 0 classification means that this flashlight can be used in areas where flammable material such as gases are always present or for long,” she continues. “Its ATEX Code is as it follows: Under the new European Directive (1999/92EC published in January 2000) about worker protection in hazardous atmospheres, the European law makes mandatory to asses for an explosion risk and classify an area according to its potential risk of explosion. This Directive is compulsory from 28th January 2000 in European Union countries.” Once one area has been classified as hazardous, a risk analysis will dictate that only electrical or mechanical equipment that is suitably certified can be installed or used there. This new ATEX Directive (94/9/EC) forces manufacturers to gain certification of electrical and/or mechanical equipment that can be used in a potentially explosive atmosphere. Therefore, under European law from 1st July 2003, products without the necessary certification will not be allowed to enter the European market. For further information, visit our website: www.peli.com
Wolf introduces range of Zone 0 lights:
Wolf Safety of Sheffield in the UK announces that the company now has a range of five Zone 0 Hazardous Area products. “This is more than any other manufacturer in the world,” MD, Alex Jackson told F&R. “We were the first to manufacture a Hazard Warning Lamp and Personal Visual Indicator (LiteTracker) for Zone 0 Hazardous areas. Now we are filling in the remaining gaps in our product line, with a Zone 0 Head torch, Mini and Micro Torches and the R-55 Rechargeable Torch with an output of 80 lumens, twice the light output of Xenon or halogen bulbs of the same wattage.” He explains that Zone 0 Explosive Atmospheres are amongst the most dangerous environments encountered by firefighters. Torch manufacturers were faced with the challenge that filament bulbs were just too dangerous to be certified for a Zone 0 environment, but now thanks to the rapid development of light-emitting diodes, it is possible to manufacture torches which are compliant with ATEX in its most stringent requirements. “The pure white light generated by the latest Nichia and Luxeon LEDs are more easily focussed than conventional bulbs and with the right design they create beams without distortion, shading and any of the defects normally associated with incandescent filaments.” Each model incorporates an integral pocket clip, recessed push button switch and a high quality, impact resistant; thermo plastic moulded casing which is oil, chemical and solvent resistant. The ATEX Explained poster is free and can be ordered from www.wolf-safety.co.uk
