Explosion regs - bakers too slow

More than three years after the introduction of the European ATEX explosive atmospheres regulations, government statistics show that 37% of industry fires still take place in bakeries, according to Braby, the UK manufacturer of ATEX-compliant aluminium and stainless steel silos.

Many manufacturers have been slow to comply, it suggests.

The ATEX rules aim to protect workers from fires and explosions which can arise from the use of dangerous substances and fine powders. Companies should have been fully compliant with the ATEX regulations by July 2003, says Braby.

In the UK the regulations are enforced by the Health & Safety Executive and by local authorities.

Explosive atmospheres commonly arise from baking industry powders such as flour or sugar. Individual powders have their own explosive characteristics and when mixed with air or exposed to different pressures, they can form potentially dangerous combinations.

But complying with ATEX can be costly, especially in older plants, says Braby. So it has launched Vacatex, the first standard, low-cost, fully ATEX-compliant bulk handling package for the food industry. The Vacatex storage and handling system provides a cost effective solution and enables companies to become ATEX compliant more easily, says the company.

Contact: Braby; Tel: 0117 934 1300