People who work in extreme conditions need all the help they can get in order to complete their job fully – whether this be a tight cramped mine or oil rig confined in small hot space or a rescue worker providing assistance after a natural disaster, it is essential to be prepared with the right tools. Different hazardous zones can require different equipment as some items may not be safe to use in certain areas due to the conditions. In our latest post we have teamed up with SA Equipment to see the type of equipment available for those in hazardous industry in order to assist people working in extreme circumstances.
Extreme Mining Conditions
2014 sees the four year anniversary of when 33 Chilean miners were rescued after being trapped underground for 69 days. Many workers in the mining community around the world face tough and challenging working conditions which can unfortunately lead to the loss of life. While the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 176 has improved worker’s rights in the mining world there are still unavoidable extreme working conditions such as low lighting levels and soaring temperatures. Mining environments require lighting equipment which is ATEX approved, as well as safe for use in hazardous zones 0, 1, 2, 20, 21, 22 and group 1 mining. The best type of handheld lamps which are approved should offer a high power LED beam and boast a long-term usage after charging. Convenient options also allow you to attach them to your belt clip for hands free application.
Equipment for Aid Workers
With natural disasters occurring during any time of the year it is important for aid workers to be prepared to face any eventuality from earthquakes to tsunamis. While Britain basks in the sunny weather other areas such as the Caribbean and southern American states brace themselves for hurricanes ripping through their towns and cities.
An article that appeared in the Harvard Gazette suggests that one of the most difficult challenges aid workers find is the loss of communication. Having a constant power source can be vital in order to keep these lines of communication open so relief workers can help the most severely affected areas. The recommended Atex products that are available can be transported by two people and are approved for use in many gas and dust zones (1, 2, 21 and 22). Always ensure that power supplies have full MCB protection and are durable – waterproof and dustproof are essential qualities.
Hot Working Conditions
Working in a hot and humid area can be uncomfortable for any employee although currently there are no specific temperatures that define an environment too hot work in. There are many places where the heat and humidity can affect a person’s ability to work such as on oil rigs where, depending on where you are in the world, temperatures can soar over 40 degrees and that’s without being near any machinery. Keeping yourself cool can prove difficult in such conditions although using an Atex portable fan means that you can provide a constant cooling source that is moveable and safe for use in these areas. They are ideal for use in adverse or explosive locations and as such are extremely durable and tough. The fans are not restricted just for use on oil rigs and can be used in a variety of different places such as underground, chemicals plants and vessels and tanks.
This guest post was written by Simon Jones – industrial blogger and writer for SA Equipment, who provide a range of Atex products suitable for hazardous working environments.
