When working at height, you are exposed to a large number of potential dangers; it’s a work environment that’s fraught with risk, and it’s incredibly important to pay close attention to personal safety. In some work environments there are other danger factors to take into consideration above and beyond the risks of working at height, for example, when working in an environment with an explosive atmosphere.
Working in environments with explosive atmospheres offer their own risks and dangers which, combined with working at height, makes them an even more high-risk work environment.
What Makes an Atmosphere Explosive?
An explosive atmosphere can be caused by the presence of flammable gases, mists, vapours, or combustible dusts; if there is enough of any of these in the air, any source of ignition could cause a potentially fatal explosion. When possible, the release of dangerous substances should always be controlled and prevented.
In some instances it’s not possible to prevent their presence, so in these situations, it's vital that the correct equipment be used – even a small amount of static from a harness could cause electrostatic discharge, igniting an explosion. Some examples of explosive atmospheres include some mines, or areas that utilise paint spraying.
What is ATEX?
The ATEX directive is a name often used to refer to two EU directives. These directives outline the minimum safety requirements for working in explosive environments, like those exampled above. To work in areas considered explosive, there are a number of regulations you must adhere to, and that includes the quality of your work equipment.
To find our more information about the health and safety regulations regarding ATEX and explosive atmospheres, you can check out the page on the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) page.
HSE & ATEX
ATEX Height Safety Equipment
When it comes to working at height in explosive atmospheres, there’s no room for compromise when it comes to safety. Having equipment, you can trust is non-negotiable, which is why here at Safety Harness Direct, we stock ATEX approved height safety equipment.
ATEX Height Safety Equipment
ATEX 2 Point Full Body Harness | FA 10 109 00
The ATEX Full Body Harness is designed to offer protection when working at height, whilst also being suitable for use in explosive atmospheres.
Features:
- 1 dorsal attachment D-ring
- 2 chest attachment textile loops
- Extension strap on dorsal D-ring and large back D-ring
- Adjustable shoulder & thigh straps.
- Fitted with combination stainless-steel buckles
- Antistatic webbing (prevents electrostatic discharge)
- Max user weight – 140kg
- Conforms to ATEX 2014/34/EU, EN1149-1, EN13463-1, EN14363-5.
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1.5m ATEX Shock Absorbing Webbing Lanyard | FA 30 403 15
The ATEX Shock Absorbing Webbing Lanyard is made from unique anti-static webbing which makes it safe for use when working at height in explosive atmospheres.
Features:
- 1.5-meter length
- 45mm webbing width
- 45mm shock absorber width
- Max weight – 100kg
- Conforms
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Read More: How Often Should a Safety Harness Be Inspected?
