Intrinsically Safe Forklifts
RICO DSD-EX-AC-60 sit-down counterbalanced explosion-proof forklift
$127,584.62In Stock
Your Global Authority In Hazardous Areas
Your Global Authority In Hazardous Areas
Certified equipment and hardware assemblies rated for Zone 1 & Zone 2 hazardous areas.
Operating in hazardous environments where flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dusts are present requires specialized material handling equipment. Standard forklifts are a significant ignition source, posing a severe risk of explosion. Our selection of intrinsically safe and explosion proof forklifts is engineered to mitigate these risks, ensuring safety and compliance in the most demanding industrial settings. These units are meticulously designed and certified to operate safely in locations classified under NEC, ATEX, and IECEx standards, providing a reliable solution for refineries, chemical plants, paint manufacturing, and other volatile environments.
An explosion proof forklift is built from the ground up to prevent the ignition of ambient flammable materials. This is achieved by enclosing or protecting all electrical components, eliminating potential sparks from motors, controllers, and switches, and ensuring all surface temperatures remain below the autoignition temperature of the hazardous substances present. Whether you require a solution for a Class I, Division 1 area or a Zone 1 atmosphere, our certified forklifts provide the highest level of protection for your personnel and facility.
Selecting the correct forklift depends entirely on the classification of your hazardous area. North American standards, primarily from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), define specific ratings such as EE and EX to denote the level of protection offered. Understanding these ratings is critical for ensuring compliance and operational safety.
EX rated forklifts are designed for the most hazardous locations, specifically Class I, Division 1 environments. In these areas, flammable gases or vapors are expected to be present under normal operating conditions. An EX rated forklift provides the ultimate level of protection by completely enclosing all electrical components in specialized casings that can contain an internal explosion without igniting the surrounding atmosphere. Key features include:
EE rated forklifts are suitable for areas where flammable materials are typically confined within closed containers or systems, such as Class I, Division 2 locations. While still offering significant protection, the requirements are less stringent than for EX models. EE rated units have all spark-producing components, like motors and contactors, fully enclosed. However, the enclosures are not required to contain an internal explosion. This rating ensures that in the event of an accidental release of flammable materials, the forklift will not be the source of ignition. These units provide a crucial safety layer for less consistently hazardous, but still potentially volatile, environments.
The process of selecting an explosion proof forklift goes beyond standard capacity and lift height considerations. The primary factor is a thorough risk assessment of your facility to determine the precise hazardous location classification (Class, Division, and Group). This dictates whether you need an EX or EE rated machine. Our team of experts can assist you in navigating these complex requirements to identify the appropriate certified forklift for your application. We consider all factors, including load requirements, operational footprint, and regulatory compliance, to provide a solution that enhances both safety and productivity. As a leading supplier, we offer a range of models and can provide guidance on pricing, which is influenced by the certification level, capacity, and specific features required for your operation.
The primary difference lies in the level of hazard they are designed for. EX rated forklifts are for Class I, Division 1 locations where flammable gases or vapors are continuously present. Their components are housed in enclosures that can contain an internal explosion. EE rated forklifts are for Class I, Division 2 locations, where hazardous materials are present only in abnormal conditions. They feature spark-proof enclosures but are not designed to contain an explosion.
While often used interchangeably, the terms have distinct technical meanings. “Explosion proof” typically refers to equipment that contains an explosion within an enclosure (containment method). “Intrinsically Safe” refers to equipment and wiring that are incapable of releasing sufficient electrical or thermal energy to cause ignition (energy limitation method). In material handling, most certified units are referred to as explosion proof forklifts, built to specific EX or EE standards.
An explosion proof forklift incorporates several key safety features to prevent ignition in hazardous atmospheres. These include sealed and enclosed electrical components (motors, wiring, switches), spark-resistant materials for forks and other external parts, static conductive tires to prevent static discharge, and controls to limit surface temperatures well below the ignition point of ambient substances.
The price of an explosion proof forklift is significantly higher than a standard model due to the specialized engineering, robust materials, and rigorous testing required for certification. Costs vary widely based on the rating (EX is more expensive than EE), load capacity, brand, and specific features. It is an investment in safety and compliance, and we can provide a detailed quote based on your specific operational requirements.
Yes. ATEX is the certification standard required for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres within the European Union. We can supply ATEX certified forklifts and other material handling equipment suitable for Zone 1, 2, 21, and 22 environments, ensuring your operations meet all regional safety directives.
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