Product category:
Food Processing News
News Release from: Braby | Subject: Vacatex
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 06 December 2007
ATEX: the costs of not complying in the
bakery
A massive 36% of industry fires take place in bakeries: but nearly three and a half years after ATEX regulations were imposed nationwide, many manufacturers have been slow to comply
Based on two European Directives, the 'Atmospheres Explosibles' or ATEX regulation should have been fully complied with by July 2003 Enforced by the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities, the rules aim to protect workers from fires and explosions which may arise from the use of dangerous substances and fine powders
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 25 Feb 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Explosive atmospheres commonly occur from baking industry powders such as flour or sugar, as well as the more obvious hazardous chemicals.
Individual powders have their own explosive characteristics, which when mixed with air or exposed to different pressures, can form potentially dangerous combinations.
With this level of danger facing the manufacturing industry, the question is: why are so many companies failing to meet ATEX standards?.
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Complying with ATEX is a task which can be costly, with machinery modifications more difficult to achieve in older plants.
ATEX requires vigorous risk assessments of the workplace, equipment in hazardous areas to be inspected and regularly maintained, vessels, silos and bins built to ATEX standards and health and safety training for staff.
Braby, the UK's leading manufacturer of ATEX compliant aluminium and stainless steel silos, have now stepped in to help manufacturers by producing Vacatex, the first standard low cost, fully ATEX compliant bulk handling package for the food industry along with their usual bespoke tailored process systems.
The Vacatex system, due to be launched in January 2008, meets the European Directive regulations and is particularly aimed at the food production industry.
Sales and Marketing Director, Paul Mayer said: "Becoming ATEX compliant is a major concern for the food industry, but for many small to medium companies cost can be a big issue.
The Vacatex storage and handling system provides a cost effective solution and enables those companies to become ATEX compliant more easily".
ATEX standard vessels have to be strong enough to contain any explosion without rupturing.
An EC declaration must accompany the equipment, and any producer of new ATEX compliant machinery is required have in place an approved quality system.
Braby always ensures that whether you select the Vacatex system or the bespoke tailored packages it is always fully compliant to ATEX standards.
The company has its own registered quality system and provides documentation detailing full design calculations, maintenance requirements and a of course a certificate of ATEX conformity.
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