The Only Bright Spark You Need

For the next instalment of his series of blogs, our Technical Manager Andy introduces to something we’ve talked a lot about on social media of late: ATEX.

Of all of the projects and developments we have been working on over the course of the last few years, one of the projects I’ve personally found very satisfying has been developing a version of our cleaning system suitable for use in enclosed areas that are designated as “ATEX Zones”.

What is ATEX?

ATEX is actually an acronym that essentially designates an area within a building as an explosive atmosphere. These atmospheres can be caused when flammable gases, mists, vapours or combustible dusts build up in confined spaces. If there is enough of the substance, mixed with air, then all that is needed is a source of ignition to cause an explosion.

There have been many examples of these ATEX explosions over the last few years – including notably at Formosa Water Park last year when more than 200 people were injured – and with the introduction of new ATEX regulations across Europe and the rest of the world, we set to work devising a completely conductive version of our high-level cleaning system that was still safe for use within these atmospheres.

So how is SpaceVac different?

To make the SpaceVac system safe for use in these specialist areas we had to redesign the system from top to bottom. We started with a new vacuum – clearly needing a unit that was guaranteed to remove the risk of sparks from static discharge or conventional vacuum motors, we worked with our partners at Nilfisk and Karcher to source a vacuum unit that was safe for use.

From here we then moved to the poles themselves – developing a new version of our super lightweight and strong high-level pole in 100% pure Carbon Fibre – ensuring full electrical conductivity and all featuring our unique “Safety Release” mechanism. This range of poles is then complemented with a complete range of newly designed ATEX anti-static brushes and hoses.

The system was finally designated as safe for use in ATEX Gas and Dust environments earlier this year – the only system of its kind to be certified for this kind of use – and we have already seen some fantastic feedback from our customers. Clients working in particular within the food and drink sector – where large storage silos and production facilities are often home to these ATEX designated areas – have been quick to adopt the SpaceVac system as the new standard for safely cleaning these tricky high-level areas.

I will be covering ATEX, its applications and some of the dangers associated it with it in much more detail over the coming few weeks but for now, don’t gamble with the safety of your employees; if you are unsure about ATEX then get in touch with us today and talk to one of the team about your requirements.

For now – happy cleaning!

Andy