R

reynard116

Does the lighting within an LPG filling station area have to be of a certain type? I have been told explosion proof but this sounds stupid to me as if there was an explosion in the area, lighting doesn't really matter. This is to be located next to an outside LPG pump for fillg fork lift trucks. Many thanks
 
It could be considered an explosive environment and fall under ATEX classification. I'd highly recommend contacting the HSE for further details on the following: Link
 
Does the lighting within an LPG filling station area have to be of a certain type? I have been told explosion proof but this sounds stupid to me as if there was an explosion in the area, lighting doesn't really matter. This is to be located next to an outside LPG pump for fillg fork lift trucks. Many thanks

When fittings are said to be explosive proof it does not mean that when 10 pounds of semtex goes up they will survive, it means that they are totally enclosed and should a spark occur within the fitting it will not CAUSE an explosion in the atmoshere in the local area around the fitting.
 
Last edited:
The job was given to one of the other lads and he was banging on about explosion proof etc. I said exactly the same thing to him as Giovannis point.

This is going to cost a stupid amount of money just for a little light.
 
It costs what it costs, if that's what the job needs, then they'll have to pay regardless who does it!

Failing that buy the workforce headtorches!
 
The switches are roughly about 40 notes each, and lights a couple of hundred, depending on spec, or there abouts, from what I remember...
 
They must be big mothers? I know I did a tube fitting, not the biggest granted, but that was a good couple of hundred I seem to recall, and I'm not that old, I didn't buy it in old money ! lol
 
Heres a wee sugestion WHY would it require EX Fittings ???
1 its in an EX Zone
2 its in the spec
If its 1 couldnt you design lighting so that it falls outwith the EX Zone? ( AS testy guy says consult HSE or local Trading standards as they issue liscence for filling stations for advice) dramaticaly reduce costings
if its 2 then your stuck and need to hope the client doesnt have a heart attack when you give them the price
the headlamps would need to be intrinsicaly safe EX btw
 
The job was given to one of the other lads and he was banging on about explosion proof etc. I said exactly the same thing to him as Giovannis point.

This is going to cost a stupid amount of money just for a little light.

I take it then, that you have no experience of ATEX or any other form of hazardous area's, otherwise you wouldn't be making light (not a pun) of what is required in such areas. As Giovanni stated, ''It costs what it costs'', and it's not a stupid amount of money!!!

LPG is a ''VERY'' volatile substance, with a very high explosive force when ignited. So it's not just a case of bunging a normal light fitting in at an LPG filling station. Just as well they gave the job to that other lad in the circumstances, he seemed to understand the hazards a little more than you do.
 
Not sure if you would class an lpg filling station as an EX enviroment really, Lpg is not as dangerous as petrol, Vehicles are filled closed loop so virtually no gas escapes at all. The tanks are pressurised and there is no requirements for EX wiring accessorys on LPG cars themselves?

Interesting question really, definately something I would check with HSE before going any further!
 
would mount maybe 2 Atex 150W Halogen light fitting(s ) onto the forecourt canopy pointing in the general direction of the LPG service area so that they are well out of the way of the gas filling area and the overground tanks that sit next to it..... you could power the fittings from the same supply as the overhead striplights built into the canopy...
These light fittings are about 70 pounds each providing you go to the right place to buy them, there can be no lights or electrical equipment at all apart from the dispenser equipment in that area, so no fittings bolted onto the metalwork around the LPG part of the petrol station...as the cables may become damaged in future etc..



you will need to write up a detailed risk assessment, a detailed method statement, write to the HSE to ask for permission and also may need to ask the local council for planning permission to make alterations to overhead lighting in what they deem to be a "public area" in that it might shine over a wall into somebodys house windows or onto a road and dazzle drivers...
There are special rules in place for petrol stations so all of this is needed or you could end up in bother, the HSE will want to appear during daylight hours when you are there to tell them of your planned alterations, they will also ask you if you have the insurance for that work (as you will have to top up your insurance and that could cost you 100pounds for a 1 day job in a flammable or dangerous environment, hence why only large consultancies go for refinery and gas works) before they sign off on their permission sheets and give you a copy.
They will want to know if you have a plan to close off an area to work in or if you will be working after closing time and also will expect you to have the use of a cherry picker and the relevant certificate to use it, in your risk assessment you will also have to mention dealing with the use of your electrical supply for your temporary lights and power tools and also how you will handle the issue of hot metal shavings from using a drill/holesaw etc...

you will need to price this at something like 900 pounds for the days work(factoring in 1 extra pair of hands for the day as well) and the hire of a small cherry picker + the light fittings and other items, if they dont like that they can get in one of the supplier/Franchises preferred forecourt contractors to do it and it will probably end up costing them 3k plus the vat.....its just one of those things , you will need to rent access equipment for a day due to the nature of the job and will need to jump through hoops, and dont forget you will need to inform the insurers a few days in advance to get cover for that days work in a high risk area as well, or you wont be insured, if the HSE find that out they treat it the same as having no public liability insurance and the court costs and fines can take your house, your car, your wifes car, your kids car and your business down the plughole...
 
first people to ask are the insurance company, then the HSE and Local council, then on to the tool hire for a price for a cherry picker 1 day hire plus drop off/pick up, dont forget they will expect you to have gloves, decent hard hats, hi vis etc for yourself and anybody working alongside you...
 
Not sure if you would class an lpg filling station as an EX enviroment really, Lpg is not as dangerous as petrol, Vehicles are filled closed loop so virtually no gas escapes at all. The tanks are pressurised and there is no requirements for EX wiring accessorys on LPG cars themselves?

Interesting question really, definately something I would check with HSE before going any further!

Your quite right, ....while everything is functioning as it should be!!!! The EX and other safety regulations are there in place, for when things aren't functioning as they should be!!!

Why do you think that LPG is a closed loop fill?? LPG has a lower flash point than petrol and a higher
and more expansive explosive force. LPG storage and filling areas ARE subject to EX conditions... ALL volatile gases are subject to EX conditions. LPG has a very good safety record, unfortunately that has lead to complacency, and it's that complacency that can get you into some real sticky water....

Unlike Petrol and diesel storage tanks, they are Not allowed to be buried.

I've seen an LPG storage tank go up, believe me, it gives you a whole new respect with regards to being around one. A guy that was fairly close by, and in all probability the cause of the accident lived. But the poor guy was so badly burned, i'd of probably not wished to live it it had been me!!! That tank went up in the air a good 30 meters or more and traveled half a kilometer leaving a trail of continuously burning/exploding gas. The 25mm welded threaded hub pipe connection become a 10'' hole, in a tank that was fabricated from rolled and welded 20mm thick steel.... Not as dangerous as petrol....Think again!! lol!!!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
inside the station office there should be a hazardous zone drawing (this might be found in the company health and safety file)this will indicate what zones are on site ie 0,1,2 when you know the zone you are to work in then the right equipment can be installed, when work is finished it should be inspected by a compex trained spark. price of compex course about £1000
 

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Electrician Courses Green Electrical Goods PCB Way Green 2 Go Pushfit Wire Connectors Electric Underfloor Heating Electrician Courses Heating 2 Go Electrician Workwear Supplier
These Official Forum Sponsors May Provide Discounts to Regular Forum Members - If you would like to sponsor us then CLICK HERE and post a thread with who you are, and we'll send you some stats etc

Advert

Daily, weekly or monthly email

Thread Information

Title
L.P.G filling station
Prefix
N/A
Forum
Australia
Start date
Last reply date
Replies
21
Unsolved
--

Advert

Thread statistics

Created
reynard116,
Last reply from
topman,
Replies
21
Views
4,803

Advert

Back
Top