Premium Industrial Group is a partner of Stahl Crane Systems, a manufacturer recognized worldwide for its expertise in explosion-proof equipment. For this reason, I personally believe that you’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for a hoist for a hazardous environment. In fact, Premium Industrial Group often receives requests for hoists to be installed in paint rooms, as these areas present risks of self-ignition. But when I’m asked which hoist would be ideal for installation in a paint room, my answer is usually : NONE! Curious to know why?
We’re not specialists in industrial painting, but we do know a thing or two about lifting in flammable areas. Thanks to this, I’ve been able to get in touch with many suppliers of solutions for paint chambers. This has enabled me to discover several options for lifting in these environments. Since our mission is to inform our readers and not simply sell our products, we want to share the most suitable solutions for paint rooms.
In this article, you’ll discover solutions for moving heavy pieces in a paint chamber. You’ll also learn the steps involved in choosing the best option. This will help you move forward with confidence, with all the information you need to make the right decision.
But first, why is a hoist inside a paint room often not ideal?
What’s wrong with installing a hoist in a paint room?
When it comes to handling heavy parts for painting, you might think that all you need to do is install explosion-proof equipment inside the paint chamber. But unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
For your hoisting system supplier to select the most suitable equipment for your situation, your paint room must first have been classified by an expert according to the type of hazard. That said, it’s important to note that the cost of an electric hoist for a paint room is considerably higher than for a non-flammable environment. In fact, you’ll need a budget around three to four times higher than for a standard electric hoist!
Explosion-proof electrical chain hoist
At this point, you might consider choosing an air hoist, assuming it’s explosion-proof because it contains no electrical parts. But let’s see if it’s really the case.
Wouldn’t an air hoist be the ideal solution, since it has no electrical components?
Our page dedicated to explosion-proof overhead cranes explains that even the components of a pneumatic hoist must be at least rated spark-proof to prevent any risk of deflagration. So even an air hoist needs to be designed for environments where there is a danger of explosion.
In addition, air hoists use a lubricated air system, and it’s not uncommon for fine droplets to escape from the filtration system. This type of lubricant could settle on surfaces and affect the paint finish.
Given the complexity of such a project, what would be the ideal solution for handling heavy parts in a paint room? Let’s take a look at your options.
Explosion-proof air chain hoist
What are the recommended solutions for handling heavy parts in a paint room?
In fact, a hoist in a paint room is not the only solution available on the market. Other options exist for moving and handling heavy loads to be painted. Often, a combination of different equipment can be used, depending on the specific needs of your production process.
For example, in some cases, parts can be lifted outside of the paint chamber. Products can be moved using a hoist, then placed on a cart which will take them to the area where they will be painted. There are also systems such as overhead conveyors to bring heavy parts into the paint chamber.
Other options are directly linked to the design of the paint chamber. For example, some chambers have an opening in the ceiling to allow a hoist to introduce the parts to be painted. Other chambers are retractable, allowing the part to be positioned outside, then the chamber to be closed around it.
Obviously, before choosing the right lifting solution for a paint room, it’s important to assess your needs. With all the constraints and options available, how can you be sure to find the solution best suited to your company?
Selecting a lifting solution for your paint room in two easy steps
To simplify things, here are the 2 steps you need to take to ensure you get the right solution :
Step 1 – Contact a specialist to assess the type of hazard in the area
This first step is essential to identify the type of hazardous area your painting chamber represents. According to the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec (RBQ), “it is a chemist or other professional involved in the case who has the necessary expertise to properly classify a hazardous area. It’s not easy to improvise a specialist or expert at this level. (Article: 18-004 of Chapter V, Electricity, of the 2010 Quebec Construction Code).
To find out more about classification criteria, see the box entitled “Elements required to classify a hazardous area”.
Only once this work has been done should your lifting specialist come into play!
Step 2 – Contact a specialist in lifting in hazardous areas
Once the hazardous area has been classified, a lifting specialist can analyze the available solutions with you. He or she will also be able to refer you to other specialists if necessary, in order to offer you a complete solution tailored to your specific environment and requirements.
By following these 2 simple steps, you can undertake your project with confidence, knowing that you are being guided along the right lines.
Ready to implement your own lifting solution for your paint chamber!
We’ve seen that, contrary to popular belief, the best solution is not necessarily to install an electric or air hoist inside your paint room. Although there may be exceptions, the complexity of installation and the high cost of this type of solution mean that other, more optimal options should be explored. These may include, for example, the use of a hoist outside the chamber, the use of carts, overhead conveyors, a retractable paint chamber or a chamber with an opening in the ceiling.
But the right solution will always involve two fundamental steps: first, the classification of the hazardous area, followed by the development of a suitable solution by your lifting specialist.
It is entirely possible to improve your lifting operations in a paint room while keeping costs under control. The key is to surround yourself with specialists in their field. We encourage you to consult experts in paint room solutions. For example, Smak Handling offers overhead conveyors for handling parts in these specific environments.
Premium Industrial Group can also help you find the best solution. Don’t hesitate to contact us by filling in the form at the bottom of this page to be directed to the right expert and the right equipment for your needs. If, after studying all the options, you opt for an explosion-proof hoist, we’ll be delighted to help you choose the right equipment for your hazardous area classification.
