Confined space working - Making light work
August 1st 2004 Safe & Effective Lighting for Confined Space Working. By Mike Shimwell, director of portable lighting company S A Equipment
Correct lighting is critical to the safety and efficiency of workers operating in confined working spaces, where the presence of potentially explosive gases, vapours and mists can also pose a risk.
Too often lighting is not high enough on the workers checklist of essential equipment. Good lighting is just as important as gas detection equipment, breathing apparatus and emergency escape sets. People also underestimate the correct amount of light that they will require and too often make do with too little. When working inside a storage vessel or fuel tank, for example, the natural light from a small opening will be nowhere near sufficient; yet many people make do without adequate additional artificial light.
Making adequate lighting a much higher priority helps to substantially reduce the risk of accidents. Better visibility will enable potential hazards to be spotted long before they become dangerous. Improved lighting also makes it easier for users to do their jobs and can significantly reduce the likelihood of project delays.
The best lighting systems for confined space working should provide the highest levels of brightness, while offering the widest possible spread of light. SA Equipment has developed portable lighting systems specifically for these applications. Its popular 24V Vessel Entry Lighting Kit provides a good example. It consists of a Zone 1, 110V-24V portable transformer and four SLAM Hornet Ex worklights that combine to emit a powerful total light output of 23 200 lumens, creating a 360-degree spread of light, to totally transform working areas with even illumination.
The ability to work hands-free is also important and can help workers cope better with already restricted working conditions. The SLAM Hornet range offers a perfect example. They are available with hanging straps, magnetic brackets and scaffold brackets, that enable the worklights to be lowered and suspended into a confined space without hindrance to the worker.
Battery powered lights that warn users in advance of low battery power, ensure they are not left stranded in darkness. SA Equipments IL80 EEx rechargeable handlamp for example, offers up to 19 hours continuous operation between charges. It also includes a dual power electronic switch offering a choice of higher power for increased light output, or lower power to conserve battery life. The low charge warning device blinks the light beam every fifteen seconds for the last 30 minutes of charge, ensuring users have sufficient time to take appropriate action before they are left in the dark.
When selecting worklights, handlamps and torches it is important that they provide the highest levels of safety possible. As many confined working areas contain potentially explosive gases, particularly within offshore and onshore petrochemical applications. Only products bearing the Ex and CE markings should be selected, as they demonstrate compliance with ATEX as well as other CE criteria. The European ATEX directive this refers to is the (94/9/EC) directive. This was introduced last year to minimise the possibility of an explosion from equipment used in hazardous environments, by maintaining the highest standards of performance.
Under this directive, hazardous areas are defined as: (i) mining and (ii) surface non-mining and offshore installations; Zones 0, 1 and 2 for gases vapours and mists; and Zones 20, 21 and 22 for dusts.
Users need to be aware that the X letter denoted on products bearing the Ex markings have special conditions for their safe use attached, as any incorrect usage could easily result in a dangerous situation occurring.
SAs straight ATEX EX250 and the right-angled ATEX EX200R torches are suited for use in ATEX zone 1,2,21 and 22 areas. Both feature a self-locking lamp module for safe replacement of lamps and batteries, when working within a hazardous area. In addition, the EX200R includes a strong clip and carrying ring at the back, which allows it to be fastened to the belt or pocket of the user leaving both hands free.
It is critical that all safety precautions are in place before venturing into the confined spaces of a restricted ATEX area. Lighting needs to be given the same high priority as other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) items carried for the users safety. Get this right and not only will it improve the working conditions and productivity of users it can even save lives. More articles from S A Equipment: | 
