ATEX Tank Lighting Kit Supplied To Safely Illuminate Airbus Fleet During Maintenance & Inspection
Published 18 Oct 2023
Thorne & Derrick | Stockists & Key UK Distributor
Uploaded by Natalie Lundie | Supply Chain: Marketing Lead at Thorne & Derrick
Hazardous Area lighting
Application
Thorne & Derrick, the UK Specialist Distributor of Wolf Safety Lighting were approached by a major player in the global aviation industry. The company wanted to improve their shot blasting maintenance turnaround time of their fleet of Airbus’s that were located in Spain.
The client required a hands free, temporary ATEX lighting solution so staff could could carry out inspection, maintenance and repair safely inside the potentially explosive atmosphere of the aircrafts’ fuel tanks.
Shot Blasting In The Aviation Industry
Shot blasting is a vital step in aircraft maintenance and repair, as it helps to remove corrosion, paint, and other surface contaminants that can affect the performance and safety of aircraft components as well as prolonging the life of assets.
In addition, the lighting fixtures for the aviation industry are designed to be resistant to dust, vibration, and shock, ensuring that they can withstand the rigors of the shot blasting process.
In this instance a solution was needed which would supply much higher quality, brighter lighting within the fuel tanks and would leave operators’ hands free to concentrate on the maintenance and shot blasting work.
The light source must have the correct ATEX certification to counter the potential risk of explosion and take into account the physical challenges of the aircraft’s structure, including the narrow entrances and confined nature of the tanks themselves.
Wolf ATEX Lighting To Safely Illuminate The Interior Of Boeing 737 Fuel Tanks
ATEX Tank Lighting Kit
Solution
Thorne & Derrick quickly identified that the client required a powerful, safe and cost effective ATEX and IECEx certified lighting solution for the shot blasting and recommended the LinkEx™ Tank Lighting Kits by Wolf. These ATEX Tank Lighting Kits are designed for aircraft fuel tanks, ensuring safe and efficient refuelling operations.
The kits include four sealed LED lights and a linkable power supply, which is mounted outside the aircraft. They are rugged enough to handle the harsh conditions of aircraft refuelling while remaining lightweight and easy to install.
By providing this temporary ATEX lighting solution, Thorne & Derrick were able to help the client improve safety and efficiency during their aircraft maintenance activities, while also ensuring regulatory compliance in a potentially hazardous working environment.
How Did T&D Help?
T&D reacted quickly to the client’s original enquiry that came in via our website. Our technical sales team called the client to discuss their requirements in more detail. Within two hours of the initial enquiry we had received an order for one unit as a trial, they subsequently ordered another fitting the week after.
This demonstrates our commitment and ability to provide efficient and effective service to our customers. Our dedicated sales team are always ready to respond promptly to any queries and provide technical expert advice to ensure our customers get the best products and services.
At Thorne & Derrick, we understand that harsh industrial or hazardous environments demand reliable & correctly certified equipment. All of our Sales Engineers hold CompEx Certificates (Hazardous Awareness Course EX F) and undertake continuous learning and advanced Explosion Protection training with our supply chain to ensure their knowledge of the latest standards is regularly updated.
⚠ Did You Know? – Thorne & Derrick were voted Winners of the 2021 Award for ‘Best Customer Service’ and awarded the 2023 Delegates’ Award at the annual HazardEx Event
The Threat of Explosion in the Aviation Industry
The aviation sector plays a critical role in the economy by facilitating travel, trade, and commerce. The sector also has a significant impact on the environment, and efforts are being made to reduce emissions and minimise its carbon footprint. The aviation sector is constantly evolving, with advancements in technology and changes in regulations and global events influencing its direction and growth.
Some common areas where explosive atmospheres can be present in the aviation industry include fuel storage areas, fuel transfer areas, aircraft maintenance areas, and aircraft hangars. In these areas, any spark, flame, or electrical discharge can potentially ignite the flammable materials present, leading to a catastrophic explosion.
Managing the risk of explosion
To manage the risk of explosion, various safety measures can be implemented, including:
- Explosion-proof equipment: All ex electrical equipment used in hazardous zones must be designed to prevent sparks and electrical arcs that could ignite flammable materials
- Ventilation systems: Proper ventilation systems can help prevent the buildup of flammable gases and vapours in confined spaces
- Explosion barriers: Physical barriers can be installed to contain potential explosions and limit their impact
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): Workers in hazardous zones should be provided with appropriate PPE, including explosion-proof clothing and respirators
- Training and education: All workers in hazardous zones should be trained in the risks of explosion and the precautions needed to prevent them
- Regular inspections and maintenance of equipment can help identify and address potential hazards before they lead to an explosion
Specialist Distributors of Electrical Heating, Lighting, Power & Process Instrumentation Equipment to deliver significant safety and reliability improvements in the Industrial, Explosive Atmosphere & Energy sectors.
Your proactive problem solvers experienced in succession planning for the replacement of obsolete, non-conformant and legacy equipment in hazardous areas with ATEX & IECEx Certification & DSEAR Regulatory Compliance.
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