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Some work environments contain flammable gases such as gasoline vapors or natural gas. Others, such as paint chambers, contain unstable particles in the air. Where there is a risk of explosion, companies must opt for equipment that will ensure safety in this area. That's why we offer explosion-proof lifting equipment featuring components from STAHL, the world leader in this field. All our systems are certified to the highest standards, including the Canadian CSA standard.
Hazardous locations are classified according to the type of danger involved: Class I locations (Zone 0,1,2) involve flammable gases or vapors in sufficient quantities to form explosive atmospheres, while Class II locations (Zone 20,21,22) are characterized by the presence of combustible or electrically conductive dusts. The classification indicates the type of substance and the environment.
Canada/US: Class I,II division 1,2
Canada/other countries: Zone 0,1,2 or 20,21,22
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In principle, zone and division methods of site distribution offer equivalent levels of safety. However, the Canadian Electrical Code (CE) gives preference to zoning. As indicated in Section 18, new installations in Class I hazardous locations will henceforth be classified according to the zoning system.
For existing installations, the decision to reclassify them under the zoning system is left to the owner. Lifting equipment approved for Class 1 or Class 1, Division 1 is accepted in Zones 1 and 2, while Class 1, Division 2 lifting equipment is only accepted in Zone 2. Refer to articles 18-100 and 18-150 and the table in Appendix J, section J1.2.
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The classification of hazardous locations is a complex process requiring in-depth expertise. It is strongly recommended to call on an experienced professional, such as a chemist, to carry out this assessment, rather than to improvise as an expert in this field. So, caution and the involvement of a specialist are essential to guarantee safety and avoid potentially serious consequences. A well-documented hazardous environment analysis process will enable the crane manufacturer to design the most suitable equipment.
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In some cases, equipment or components may appear safe because they are not electrified. Take, for example, an air-powered hoist. At first glance, this equipment presents no spark hazard. However, the friction of certain materials or impacts could generate sparks. In Canada, there are no recognized national standards, or certification programs, for evaluating non-electrical equipment used in flammable environments, although some industries or jurisdictions may impose their own requirements. That said, the expert involved in the case may recommend specific spark-resistant non-electrical components, such as brass wheels, a bronze-coated hook or a stainless steel electrification system.
The interval between each frequent and periodic inspection may vary depending on its duty class. To determine the frequency of these two types of inspections, you must identify the duty class of the lifting equipment (Class A to F) and refer to the CSA B167-16 standard (section 6.4.1 for frequent inspections and section 6.5.1.1 for periodic inspections).
Additionally, the inspection frequency should also take into account the actual duty class of the lifting device, which may differ from the class for which it was originally designed.
For more information on the topic, see our article: classifications
Yes, it’s sometimes possible, but it’s not guaranteed.
Increasing the capacity of an overhead crane involves more than just replacing the hoist. The entire system must be evaluated to ensure that every component can handle the increased load. Here are the main elements to check:
In some cases, a well-planned modification can eliminate the need to purchase a new crane. In others, the costs or risks associated with the upgrade may be too high. An inspection can sometimes help determine whether an upgrade is feasible or if replacement is the better option.
Our recommendation: Before making any decisions, have your system (crane and runway) evaluated by a qualified engineer.
Whether you're an expert or know nothing about cranes, you'll find everything you need to know HERE.