ATEX lifting hoists are for use in potentially explosive environments. Leading UK suppliers, Lifting Gear Direct have a selection of ATEX hoists to choose from including manual chain blocks, lever hoists and air powered hoists, all according to the ATEX directive GB.
There are two main varieties of ATEX lifting hoists, manual or powered. The manual variety are more commonly used in this kind of hazardous environment as they do not require any source of power.
The majority of ATEX lifting hoists have a standard hoist counterpart and most technical details are the same, however there are a number of components that are switched out in order to comply with the ATEX directive to prevent sparking and therefore a potential source of ignition.
Hand chain, hooks and other moving components are commonly changed to a non conductive material. Stainless steel, copper plating and bronze are typically used along with other special coatings.
By removing these potential sources of ignition, areas with potentially explosive atmospheres will be much safer.
Within this category there are two types of lifting hoists. Firstly there are the manual chain block or block & tackle as they are often called. Lifting Gear Direct can offer a couple of models from Yale with a great choice of safe working loads up to 20000kg and with some incorporating a spark resistant trolley. Other branded options include the Hacketts C4 and the Tiger spark resistant chain block.
Like the Chain blocks the ATEX rated lever hoists also have specific components switched out for spark resistant material types. Yale, Tiger and Hacketts are the branded Atex lever hoists we are able to supply. Safe working loads go up to 6000kg for the Yale model.
Air powered lifting hoists are the only powered hoist available with an ATEX rating. Obviously a pneumatic air power supply will be required to operate these hoists. Lifting Gear Direct can supply two models from the Yale air hoist range which comply with UK ATEX directive requirements. The Yale CPA can lift loads up to 980kg whilst the Yale CPA-HD Atex air hoist has a top SWL of 10 tonne.
Alongside these Atex lifting hoists we also have a collection of ATEX spring balancers and ATEX beam trolleys. A choice of ATEX height safety equipment is also available from Lifting Gear Direct, including harnesses, lanyards and connectors.
Remember to check all product specifications and ATEX legislation to ensure you are using the appropriate piece of equipment for the environmental conditions. All the basics can be found on the main ATEX lifting equipment page with more detail available on the HSE website.
When a lifting hoist is marked ATEX rated it means that is is safe to use in certain potentially explosive areas. They are made with different materials in order to prevent sparks which could potentially ignite flammable gasses etc
Chain blocks / block and tackle, lever hoists and air hoists are the common types of ATEX rated lifting hoists.